Of Rare Shirui Lily, Sangai, Phumdis and Dances

Manipur

 India

 

MANIPUR

A land that exists between the past and the present, Manipur is a microcosm within the macrocosm of India. Vibrant in its culture and rich in natural bounties, it is a state with diverse cultural makeup. The three main ethnic communities namely the Meiteis, the Nagas and the Kuki-Chins along with other groups from the rest of India constitute the people of Manipur.

Manipur is a vibrant state and its myriad of colours can be seen in its music, dances, form of worship, in sports, in the excellence of the people in martial arts, and the beautiful motifs in their weaving styles. The vivaciousness of a composite culture is reflected in the way Manipur celebrates so many festivals throughout the year.

Trips to treasure

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<h3><<span style=" color: white; line-height: 150%; padding: 5px; text-align: justify">Imphal the oval shaped valley, surrounded by mountains it is the gateway to the state and has a rich history.Connected to Assam and Nagaland by railways and roads and can be reached in nine hours.</span></h3>
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<h3><<span style=" color: white; line-height: 150%; padding: 5px; text-align: justify">The ancient capital of the Manipur kingdom, the Kangla fort and palace within lies at the heart of Imphal. It unfolds the proud history of the kingdom dating back to 33AD. It was taken over by the British in 1891.The Fort has a palimpsest of construction spread over the centuries. British made structures along with older temples are but a few examples among many others. Today, Kangla is an archeological and heritage park. </span></h3>
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<h3><<span style=" color: white; line-height: 150%; padding: 5px; text-align: justify"> A must see on any tourist list, the sheer variety of artefacts awes visitors. The museum is adjacent to the Polo ground and among the collection is an original manuscript in a forgotten Manipuri script. </span></h3>
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Imphal

Kangla Fort

The Manipur State Museum

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<h3><<span style=" color: white; line-height: 150%; padding: 5px; text-align: justify">Meities are ardent Vaishnavites and it is believed that the temple was constructed by Maharaja Jai Singh, who was instructed to do so by Lord Krishna in a dream. The elegant temple has gold plated domes, while the idols of Radha and Krishna are of wood. The Raas Lila and Janmashtami and the Rathyatra is celebrated here. </span></h3>
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<h3><<span style=" color: white; line-height: 150%; padding: 5px; text-align: justify">The Mother’s Market is the one and only market in the world which is run by women. This 100- year- old market retails nearly everything from fresh produce to clothes and utility items. While in Imphal you may like to take the Battle of Imphal tours that takes you to the World War Second battle sites in Imphal. The tour includes Koirengei airfield, Nungshigum and the War Cemetery the last resting place of the soldiers killed in war. </span></h3>
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Shree Govindajee Temple

Ima Market

Natural attraction

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<h3><<span style=" color: white; line-height: 150%; padding: 5px; text-align: justify">Located at a distance of 29 kms from Imphal , Bishnupur can be reached in less than an hour by road. The jewel of the place is a shimmering blue lake broken up into small lakelets by clumps of weeds called phumdis.This is Loktak Lake, a most picturesque ecosystem, the lake is inhabited by villagers who live in thatched homes on these floating phumdi islands. The only means of transport in and out are dugout canoes. Peculiar and perfectly circular fishing ponds amidst the weeds are highly attractive. A night out or a stay in the eco stays here is an experience not to be missed. The best time to be here is Nov to May.</span></h3>
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<h3><<span style=" color: white; line-height: 150%; padding: 5px; text-align: justify">Welcome to Sangai homeland, the only place which shelters the brow-antlered deer or the Sangai, a sacred animal for the Manipuris.  The park is also the only floating park in the world and is constantly shifting its position. The Park gives camping opportunities and overnight stays if you have prior permission from forest department officials.</span></h3>
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<h3><<span style=" color: white; line-height: 150%; padding: 5px; text-align: justify">Take a detour to the edge of civilization to Thanga, an island which can be reached by a boat ride. Life in the island shows us what and how much we take for granted. </span></h3>
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The Loktak

Keibul Lamjao National Park

Thanga Island

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<h3><<span style=" color: white; line-height: 150%; padding: 5px; text-align: justify">It was here in Moirang on 14 April 1944, the Indian National Army hoisted the Tricolor for the very first time. The War Museum here shows the history of INA and Subhas Chandra Bose and artefacts of war. A short walk leads to the house in which Subhas Chandra Bose took shelter.</span></h3>
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<h3><<span style=" color: white; line-height: 150%; padding: 5px; text-align: justify">This hill is the closest the Japanese could come to Imphal and was the site of a fierce battle in May 1944.At the foot of the Hill is the Japanese War Memorial which is the only Japanese War Memorial in the Country. Located 17 km from Imphal and 12 km from Bishnupur, it is open whole week.</span></h3>
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<h3><<span style=" color: white; line-height: 150%; padding: 5px; text-align: justify">The home of the Shirui lily, the Shirui Kashong or  Shirui Peak is located 15 km from Ukhrul. The range of beautiful hills painted in colors of jade and topped with white fluffy clouds is a sight too beautiful to be limited in words.The best time to be here is the lily season between April to June. Trekkers are welcome to stay at the homestays in nearby Shirui village.</span></h3>
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The INA Memorial and Museum

Red Hill and Japanese War Memorial

Shirui hills

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<h3><<span style=" color: white; line-height: 150%; padding: 5px; text-align: justify">A beautiful hill district Ukhrul is situated at a distance of 80 km from Imphal, it is the home of the Tangkhul Nagas and the cradle of the state flower the rare Shirui lily.Alive with busy bazaars, curiosity shops and churches everywhere, Ukhrul is very different from Imphal. The place is a melting pot of various Tangkhul village cultures and traditions all rolled into one. Short trips to the outskirts the town offers breathtaking views of the hills and countryside.</span></h3>
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<h3><<span style=" color: white; line-height: 150%; padding: 5px; text-align: justify">70 Km from Imphal is the Chandel district the passageway to Myanmar. Moreh is a border town and the last piece of Indian soil. If not for anything else the town is a shopaholic’s paradise. There is a constant inflow of a variety of products from the Myanmarese side.The best time to be here is during the winter months. </span></h3>
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Ukhrul

Chandel

Adventure attractions in Manipur

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<h3><<span style=" color: white; line-height: 150%; padding: 5px; text-align: justify">While at Bishnupur do not miss out at wind surfing. The Manipur Mountaineering and Trekking Association (MMTA) offers beginner’s classes.</span></h3>
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<h3><<span style=" color: white; line-height: 150%; padding: 5px; text-align: justify">Motor boats as well as row boats are an enchanting way to explore the Loktak, the phumdis and houses on the floating phumdis</span></h3>
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<h3><<span style=" color: white; line-height: 150%; padding: 5px; text-align: justify">The MMTA organizes both long and short rafting trips from Lamdan adventure leadership park. Adventure lovers benefit from parsailingrock climbing, mountain biking and other classes conducted here.</span></h3>
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Wind surfing at Loktak

Boating on the Loktak

Rafting at Leimatak River

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<h3><<span style=" color: white; line-height: 150%; padding: 5px; text-align: justify">Adventure enthusiasts are encouraged to make the most of treks to the Tharon cave system, the Barak waterfalls and Zilliad lake. Caving experiences are also interesting inside the Khankui caves in Ukhrul . While treks to the Mount Isu And Dzoukou valley although challenging is also very rewarding</span></h3>
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Trekking and caving thrills

Tamenglong,offbeat trails, treks

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<h3><<span style=" color: white; line-height: 150%; padding: 5px; text-align: justify">Blessed with curtains of waterfalls the Barak River is a hub of water sports like rafting. Among the seven waterfalls that pour into the river, the jade colored waters of the Khoudong is worth observing.As also the sight of the impressive Barak Bridge connecting Assam and Highway 37.  From the last motorable point it is a long  walk , at least 10 km trek to the waterfalls.</span></h3>
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<h3><<span style=" color: white; line-height: 150%; padding: 5px; text-align: justify">Explore the 650 metre long cave system where excavations have revealed connections with hobinian culture of North Vietnam.</span></h3>
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<h3><<span style=" color: white; line-height: 150%; padding: 5px; text-align: justify">Just 12 kms from the Ukhrul town are the Khangkhui Mangsor limestone caves. According to local legend , the caves were built by an ancient king for his wives. Villagers also believe that the caves have connective passages to Thoubal River AND Loktak Lake.</span></h3>
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The Beauty of Barak River

Tharon cave

Khangkhui Caves

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<h3><<span style=" color: white; line-height: 150%; padding: 5px; text-align: justify">Enter the offbeat virginal zone and leave your travel footprints in the scenic hills,deep subtropical and bamboo forests, exotic orchids,rock faces, lakes and Naga tribes.Located at a distance of 163m from Imphal it takes 3.5 hours to reach the place by road. Blessed with unexplored beauty, five rivers, exciting caves and trekking for adventurists it is a nature lover’s paradise. This biodiversity hotspot fed by the Barak,Irang,Makhru Iring, Ijei and Apah rivers is home to sambar deer,hog,slow loris, serow,hornbills and exotic orchids. For first timers it is better to take a guided tour. The best time to visit this beautiful place would be April to June or November to January.</span></h3>
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<h3><<span style=" color: white; line-height: 150%; padding: 5px; text-align: justify">Situated at a height of 754 feet, this is the highest waterfall in Manipur and almost at the border of Manipur and Myanmar. Trekking trips are arduous and connectivity here is poor.</span></h3>
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<h3><<span style=" color: white; line-height: 150%; padding: 5px; text-align: justify">A popular picnic spot about 40km from Ukhrul. The best time to be here is between April and June to enjoy the red and white covered vista of the hills. The colors are of a variety of rhododendrons which bloom and cover the place at the time.</span></h3>
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Tamenglong

The Khayang falls

Sihai Phangrei

Longpi village, indulge in craft charms

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<h3><<span style=" color: white; line-height: 150%; padding: 5px; text-align: justify">The textiles of Manipur mirror the vibrant folklore and natural beauty of the state. The bright colors, patterns and motifs are specific to certain tribes and regions and specific techniques are used to produce distinct styles. The Phanek or sarong style garment is a good piece to pick up as an example of excellent weaving. </span></h3>
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<h3><<span style=" color: white; line-height: 150%; padding: 5px; text-align: justify">The original Burma bazaar where everything is sold on wholesale prices and you can get just about anything here from Tvs to the most fashionable clothing items</span></h3>
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<h3><<span style=" color: white; line-height: 150%; padding: 5px; text-align: justify">You can simply walk across the Indo-Myanmar Friendship Gate if you are holding an Indian passport. This allows access to the border towns on the other side.</span></h3>
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For Traditional textiles

Namphalong Market

Indo-Myanmar Friendship Gate

Manipuri dances

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<h3><<span style=" color: white; line-height: 150%; padding: 5px; text-align: justify">The Pung Cholam or Mridanga Kirtan is one of the most vigorous drum dances or mridanga dances of Manipur.</span></h3>
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<h3><<span style=" color: white; line-height: 150%; padding: 5px; text-align: justify">Dhol Cholam is another invigorating dance with a drum and is performed during Holi festival.</span></h3>
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<h3><<span style=" color: white; line-height: 150%; padding: 5px; text-align: justify"> Manipuri Raas Lila This performance depicts the eternal love between Radha and Krishna.</span></h3>
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Pung Cholam

Dhol Cholam

Manipuri Raas Lila

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