Manipur meaning “A jeweled land” nuzzle deep within an elaborate green corner of North East India. It seems much like an excellent work of art executed by excellent hands of Nature and is indeed a state of beautiful natural beauty and brightness, the beauty of which once inspired Mrs. St. Clair Grimwood explained it as “A Pretty Place more beautiful than many show places of the world” Late Pandit Jawaharlal Nehru gave a fitting recognition by describing it as “Jewel of India”. Beset by blue mountains with an oval-shaped valley at the center, deep in art and culture and surcharged by natural glory. Manipur sprawls on a melting pot of culture. It is the birthplace of Polo. This is the place where Rajashree Bhagyachandra built the famous Ras Lila, the classical dance of Manipur, out of his enchanting dream by the form of Lord Krishna.
Her folk dances unveil the mythological idea of the creation of Manipur.
Manipur is a state which is famous for excellence and natural views not only in India but also over the world. When your flight will reach near Manipur you’ll feel like taking off the plane observing the beauty of the state. The green velvety hills and natural views of Manipur can establish their place in everybody’s heart. 76 percent of the state in Manipur is covered with forest, you can clear an idea of greenery by seeing this. If you are interested in eco-tourism, then this is the best beautiful place for you. The first thing is that Imphal, the capital is the most wonderful place here. Today we are going to explain to you about such places in Manipur which will take you to visit Manipur at least once.
1) Ima Keithel – translates to Mothers Market, the largest women run market in Asia. This market has been run by women for the last 500 years and currently, approximately 3000 women are involved in the operations of this historical market. The market not only sells household items but local textile and handloom products and provides a boost to the local economy. The market is managed by a union of women, and the custom is that – only married women are allowed to trade and run the stands here, and this tradition is passed on from one generation to another. The market stands as a symbol of gender equality and women empowerment long before the feminist movement came in vogue.
2) A visit to Indian National Army Martyrs’ Memorial Complex at Moirang in Bishnupur district, which stands as a testament to those men who fought in World War II to gain independence for India from British Colonial rule, is sure to inspire respect and awe in the hearts of all visitors.
The museum has a collection of letters, photographs, badges of ranks, and other war memorabilia that reminds the visitors of the noble sacrifices made by the INA soldiers under the charismatic leadership of Netaji Subhas Chandra Bose.INA War Memorial at Moirang – visit to this war memorial is bound to inspire patriotism in the most jaded of people. It was at Moirang that the Indian national flag was unfurled for the first time on 14th April 1944.
3)Sighting the Sangai deer or the Brow Antlered Deer, the state animal of Manipur in the Keibul Lamjao National Park – the world’s only floating National Park in the world. In addition to Sangai, the Park houses several aquatic plants, about 400 types of other species like Indian python, barking deer, Sambar; and numerous birds.
4) The Loktak lake is the largest freshwater lake in NorthEast India and is home to the only floating National Park in the world. The floating mass of soil, organic matter, and vegetation have formed small floating islands locally known as phumdis. The best way to explore the lake is by boat in long fishing boats in the early hours of the morning.