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Imphal Valley
Imphal valley arouses from the drainage of several small size rivers including Imphal River, Thoubal River, Iril River, Sekmai River, and Khuga River. These rivers originate from various hills around the Imphal valley. The Imphal valley stretches up to an area of about 1,843 sq km, which is almost one tenth of the total land area present in Manipur. Obviously, Imphal valley acts as home town for about 70 percent of the total population of Manipur.
Tourism
Artifacts of an old, ancient historical palace, well-planned and constructed temples, and ceremonial houses in their entire splendor among the tall pine and jack fruit trees are enough to describe Imphal Valley. Located at the center of the Manipur valley, Imphal is one among the most ancient towns of the Indian subcontinent that possesses many interesting spots for the adventurous tourists. The southern region of the Imphal valley carries several lakes, marshes and swamps. The most famous lake among them is the Loktak Lake. This valley possesses number of attractive tourism places including the Palace of Kangla, Polo ground, Manipur State Museum. There are many interesting festivals to celebrate in Imphal valley including the Meities, Ramzan, Kuki-Chin-Mizo, Kabui Nagas, Gang-Ngai, Tangkhul Nagas, the Chumpha festival and New year.
Because of the presence of beautiful and hilly areas, Manipur tourism also encourages adventure spots in the state. Manipur Zoological gardens is about 8 km from Imphal. At the base of pine-covered hills, there are rare birds, animals and reptiles at the Manipur Zoological Gardens. Driving down the Indo-Myanmar road (8 km) there is a group of old palaces and shrines that are well settled at the center of well-laid out orchards. Located on the top of a small hill, the place delivers wonderful sight of the Manipur University and also the valleys beyond.
Manipur state museum is another best place with a rich collection of Manipuri costumes, war implements, historical documents and relics which deliver a sample of state’s complex history. Ukhrul which is about 83 km is the highest hill station of the state. Moreh, the commercial center is about 100 km and is situated close to the Burma border. Tengnoupal is located at about 69 km and one can view the entire valley of Manipur from here.
Khonghampat Orchidarium is also one of the tourist spot containing more than hundred rare varieties of orchids. The best period to visit this orchidarium is during the months of April and May when the orchids are in full blooming position.
Loktak Lake also known as Floating Lake’ is the largest freshwater lake in northeastern India. There are lots of floating Phundies on it. It is situated near Moirang in Manipur state. Waithou Lake is another oval shaped natural lake in Manipur with the total surface area of about 0.992 km.
Shri Govindajee temple acts as a core of Imphal’s traditions with a simple twin-domed structure, which joins the eminent palace of the earlier rulers of Manipur. Shahid Minar is located in the heart of the city at the Bir Tirkendrajit Park which was constructed in the memory of Manipur martyrs who sacrificed their lives at the time of Indian independence. Also present are the War Cemeteries, a reminder of how to treat the dead especially those who die at war.
Rainwear is compulsory all round the year. It is also essential to carry light woolens clothes for the evening, as it tends to get chilly in the night. Winter seasons are quite cold and damp, so warm clothes are highly required. It is a good idea to carry all the medical supplies or an updated prescription as it is difficult task to obtain specific drugs over the medical counter.
Imphal valley is best place to visit during the months of October and February. The weather allows the tourists to have few sights -seeing including the migratory birds which are seasonal specific.
How to Reach
Air Transport
Imphal Tulihal Airport is well connected to Kolkata and Guwahati by various domestic flights. There are services from leading airlines including Indian Air lines, Air Deccan, Kingfisher, Indigo and Jet Air Services.
Railways
Dimapur is just 215 km from Imphal. This is the nearest railway station for Manipur.
Road Transport
Imphal is well connected by road with Dimapur by National Highway 39 and Silchar by National Highway 53.
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