Historical Background:
Manipur is often referred to as the ‘Land of Jewels’ and is one of the seven North-Eastern states of India and it is a culmination of several cultures. Imphal is the capital city of Manipur and it was a Princely State during the British rule in India. When Myanmar (then Burma) was separated from India, Manipur expressed her desire to side with India and later in 1947 the Instrument of Accession was signed by the Maharaja of the State. The State remained plagued with violence with the insurgent groups until recently but for now, it is peaceful in this part of India.
Language and Culture:
The local language named Meitei is the official language of this State and Manipuri is spoken as well and it is also called Meithei or Meiteilon. The population comprises of majorly the Meitei ethnic group which is almost 53% of the population. The Naga and Kuzi-Zo tribes are also important communities in the State. Hinduism and Christianity are the two major religions followed in the State.
Popular Attractions in the State:
The rich forestry and some spectacular landscapes make Manipur a beautiful destination. There is peace and serenity amidst the calm blue lakes and green lakes. The valleys and the forests together with the famous Keibul Lamjao National Park make Manipur heaven for the nature-lover. The INA Memorial is a major attraction for those passionate about history as the place holds the memories of the first Indian army fighting under Netaji Subhas Chandra Bose. The shoppers can pick from a rich array of handicrafts, handloom, jewelry, and other such indigenous products from the local markets. The Khwairamband Bazar is famous among the shopping destinations in Manipur. The Loktak Lake is a must-visit among the tourist spots and presents a bounty of natural beauty at its best. You must also not miss out on attractions such as Sendra Island, Kangla Fort, Shaheed Minar, Zeiland Lake, Ikop, and Tharon Cave.
Many tourists who are visiting Manipur try to arrive during the famous Yaosang festival which is celebrated widely in the State for five days. It is usually during the months of February and March. Overall, since the tourism here has not been commercialized, the footfall is less and you can enjoy a calm and peaceful vacation in the heart of nature in this beautiful State of Manipur.
Transportation:
Manipur is connected by air through the Imphal airport and this is only 8km away from the city. Imphal airport is connected with major Indian cities such as Delhi, Kolkata, etc. The Dimapur Railway Station is the rail connectivity that the State has and it is 215km from the city. Due to proper road conditions, buses ply between neighboring towns and also from Nagaland.
Best Time to Visit:
The advice to tourists would be to visit this beautiful State between the months of October to March which is during the winter till the onset of the summer months. The weather is pleasant during most of the year and Manipur will be a pleasant experience in terms of temperatures.
