Even after the ethnic conflict that began in May 2023, Manipur remains one of India’s most stunning and culturally rich states. While tourism has been affected, several areas are now peaceful and gradually reopening in 2025. Always check the latest travel advisories for Manipur before planning your trip.
Safe & Open Tourist Areas in Manipur
- Imphal Valley: Imphal East, Imphal West, Bishnupur, Thoubal, Kakching districts
- Northern Hills: Parts of Ukhrul & Kamjong (Tangkhul Naga regions)
- Senapati & Mao Gate area
- Tamenglong headquarters & selected Zeliangrong villages
- Loktak Lake region: Moirang, Sendra, Keibul Lamjao National Park
- Cultural villages: Andro Village, Jiribam pineapple belt
Restricted / High-Risk Areas (Avoid for Now)
- Churachandpur, Pherzawl, Kangpokpi, parts of Chandel & Tengnoupal
- Moreh town & India-Myanmar border areas
- Most Kuki-Zo dominated southern hills
- Valley-hill foothill buffer zones
Top Tourist Spots & Experiences in Manipur
Imphal City & Central Valley
- Kangla Fort: Ancient palace of Manipuri kings, restored moat, temples, and museums. A must-visit for history lovers.
- Shri Shri Govindajee Temple: 18th-century twin-domed Vaishnavite temple with magical evening aarti.
- Ima Keithel (Khawairaband Bazaar): World’s only all-women market, 500+ years old. Best time: 7–11 am.
- Manipur State Museum: Royal costumes, Thang-Ta weapons, tribal jewelry, and ancient manuscripts.
- Polo Ground (Hapta Kangjeibung): Oldest polo ground in the world. Catch evening matches.
- Bir Tikendrajit Park & Shaheed Minar: Memorial for heroes of the 1891 Anglo-Manipuri War.
- War Cemeteries (Imphal & Kohima Road): Beautifully maintained WWII graves.
- INA Memorial Complex, Moirang: Site where Netaji’s Indian National Army first hoisted the tricolour in 1944.
- Women’s Market Night Bazaar: Street food heaven at Imphal Paona & Thangal Bazaar.
Loktak Lake & Southern Valley
- Loktak Lake: Largest freshwater lake in Northeast India.
- Sendra Tourist Home: Hillock island with panoramic lake and sunset views.
- Keibul Lamjao National Park: World’s only floating national park and home of the rare sangai deer (best November–March).
- Phubala & Thanga Islands: Boat rides and traditional fishing villages.
- Loukoipat Ecological Park: Lakeside park with walking trails and birdwatching.
Bishnupur & Southern Valley
- Bishnupur Temple: 15th-century brick Vishnu temple built by King Kyamba in 1467.
- Vishnu Temple, Lamangdong: Scenic hilltop temple, 500+ years old.
- Shri Shri Bijoy Govindajee Temple, Ningthoukhong
Cultural & Tribal Villages of Manipur
- Andro Village: Living museum of Meitei culture, pottery workshops, traditional houses.
- Khonghampat Orchidarium: Over 120 orchid species; best season: March–May.
- Leimatak River Valley: Scenic drives and picnic spots.
Northern Hills (Ukhrul & Kamjong)
- Shirui Kashong Peak: Home of rare Shirui Lily (blooms 15–31 May). 4–5 hour trek from Shirui village.
- Shirui Village: Tangkhul Naga homestays, traditional morungs, local rice beer.
- Kachouphung Lake: Heart-shaped lake near Shirui.
- Phangrei Picnic Spot: Pine forests, ideal for camping.
- Khayang Peak: Highest peak in Ukhrul (2,920 m) with stunning sunrise views.
- Longpi Village: Famous for traditional black pottery (Longpi Ham).
Western & North-Western Hills
- Tamenglong Orange Festival: December–January, one of India’s best orange festivals.
- Tharon Cave: 655 m limestone cave with ancient Khoibu tribe inscriptions.
- Zeilad Lake: Serene forest-surrounded lake.
- Barak Waterfall: Seven-tiered waterfall in Tamenglong, perfect for trekking.
Best Time to Visit Manipur
- November–February: Cool and dry, Sangai Festival, sangai deer visible.
- March–May: Rhododendrons and Shirui Lily bloom.
- Avoid June–September: Heavy monsoon rains.
Unique Manipuri Experiences
- Watch a full-moon Ras Leela performance at temple mandaps
- Spend a night at a Tangkhul or Zeliangrong homestay
- Learn Thang-Ta martial art in Imphal
- Try local dishes: Eromba, Iromba, Ngari
- Watch a traditional polo match with drumbeats and war cries
- Sunrise boat ride on Loktak Lake among phumdis
How to Reach Manipur
- By Air: Imphal International Airport – daily flights from Delhi, Kolkata, Guwahati, Aizawl, Silchar
- By Train: Jiribam station (connected to Guwahati), nearest major station Dimapur (215 km)
- By Road: NH-2 (via Nagaland), NH-37 (via Assam)
Accommodation (Safe & Recommended)
- Imphal: Classic Grande, Classic Hotel, Sangai Continental, Imphal Hotel
- Moirang/Sendra: Loktak Lake View Resort, Sendra Tourist Home
- Ukhrul: Hillbird Resort, Shirui Lily Resort
- Andro Village: Andro Cultural Homestays
Manipur tourism is slowly bouncing back. The sangai still dances on Loktak’s floating islands, women still sell their wares at dawn in Ima Keithel, and Ras dancers perform under the full moon. Visit with respect and curiosity, and Manipur will reward you with unforgettable memories.
Plan your Manipur trip to explore its lakes, hills, vibrant tribal culture, and rich history – a jewel of Northeast India.
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