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| The traditional house of the Poumai |
I often want to remember when I traveled across Manipur it’s always and adventure. Every time I and my friends go out we always have incredible time. I have been planning to have my trips and vacations in Manipur. I can imagine all those great experiences when I’m sitting in somewhere dreaming of another trip to Manipur.
Manipur is a little corner of paradise on earth situated in the North-eastern part of India where nature has bestowed generously. Manipur`s exciting and unusual scenery, pleasant atmosphere, climate and landscapes are all that fascinate me the most.
Manipur is rich in natural beauty and splendor. A home for rare species of deer (Sangai) and Siroy Lily, the only terrestrial lily grown on the hill tops of Siroi hill. St. Clair Grimwood described Manipur as “A Pretty Place more beautiful than many show places of the world.” Late Pandit Jawaharlal Nehru describes it as “Jewel of India”. An oval shaped valley surrounded by green hills, rich in art and tradition has inspired descriptions such as the “Switzerland of the East” and the “Golden Bowl”. It is bounded by Nagaland in the north, Mizoram in the south. It shares the international boundary with Myanmar on the western and southern side.
Manipur is well connected by airways and roads. Though there is no direct train service to Manipur. But can travel up to Guwahati or Dimapur nearest rail station from Manipur and then rest by bus or by air. NH 39 is connected from Guwahati via Dimapur and Komiha, From Dimapur NH 39 via Komiha from Silchar NH 52 via Jiribam by Manipur State Road Transport Corporation (MSRTC) and many other private buses and taxi available. But out of excitement to reach at the earliest I prefer flight because it would take you only 3hrs 30 minute and by train it would take you 32hrs to 50 hrs depending on one train to another. You can always find the fair at the reasonable price ranging from Rs. 7000-23000 by flight and Rs. 500-4000 by train.
The State has hotels of star and non star category catering to the needs of the tourists visiting Manipur. Besides it has resorts, restaurants and cafés which cater to the needs of all segments of travelers.
Though, you cannot find commercial complexes while shopping in Manipur. But it’s a trill taking a stroll in the local market. The people of Manipur are traditional craftsmen. The skilled Manipuri hands make handicrafts and handlooms, which make shopping in Manipur a pleasant experience. Be it in the hills or in the valley. The rich culture and tradition of the Manipuris are also depicted in their handloom clothes and handicrafts. Cane and bamboo work and wood carving Mats made of water reed Shawls and blankets Hand-woven and embroidered textiles are
Some important place in Manipur a must to visit are: Shree Govindajee temple, Khwairamband Bazaar (Ima Keithel), War cemeteries, Shaheed Minar, Nupi Lan (Women's War) Memorial Complex, Khonghampat Orchidarium, INA Memorial (Moirang), Loktak Lake, Keibul Lamjao National Park, Bishnu Temple at Bishnupur, Sendra, Moreh, Siroy Hills, Dzuko Valley, State Museum, Kaina, Khongjom War Memorial Complex, etc.
Manipur has a few unique sights. Loktak Lake is the largest fresh water in India In the lake there are small islands of floating weed on which the dancing deer live (Sangai). The sanctuary is inhabited by the hog deer, wild cats, boar, panthers and an interesting population of migratory birds that arrive in November and December.
Untouched and undiscovered by most of the people, ‘the beauty of Manipur’. Manipur remain the most attractive and fascinating place for me.
