|
Advertise Here
Manipur
Nestled in a deep corner Of
north-eastern India, Manipur has been thoroughly blessed by nature. The name
Manipur literally translates into "A jeweled land" which is an apt description
of the state. Blue lakes, verdant valleys of green, gently sloping hills and
dense forests make the state a prominent attraction of nort-eastern India.
Manipur shares the international border with Myanmar and is surrounded by the
states of Nagaland, Assam and Mizoram. The prominent rivers flowing through the
state of Manipur are Imphal, Iril, Thoubal, Irang and Barak, all of which flow
from north to south. Originally a princely state, the freedom of Manipur was
surrendered to the British after the Anglo-Manipuri war in 1891.
The
plains of Manipur are inhabited by the Meities, who speak Manipuri whereas the
hills are dominated by Kukis and Nagas who speak Tibeto-Burmese dialects.
Majority of the Manipuris are Hindus.
Important festivals of Manipur are
the Dol Yatra (Holi) in March, Rath Yatra (Car fesival) in June-July and Durga
Puja in September-October. Like traditional Hindus, Manipuris celebrate New
Year Day in the second week of April. The major profession in Manipur is
agriculture.
Kaina Situated at a distance
of 29 Kms from Imphal, Kaina is considered a very sacred place by Hindus. The
place is surrounded by some beautiful hill shrubs and enchanting natural
wonders which gives it a very saintly flavour. It can be reached by bus via
Thoubal.
Khwairamband Bazaar This is a
large and important market divided into two sections by the Khwairamband Road.
All the vendors here are women and tourists can find all the things they need
at this market.
Manipur Zoological Garden
Located at a distance of about 6 km. from Imphal, this Zoological Garden at
Iroishemba on the Imphal Kangchup Road houses "Sangai", a brow-antlered deer in
sylvan surroundings. The zoo is situated at the foothills of the pine tree
hillock.
Loktak Lake and Sendra Island The
Loktak Lake can be likened to a mini inland sea. The hugeness of the lake is
over imposing. Situated at a distance of 48 kms. from Imphal, the Tourist
resort atop the Sendra island offers a bird's eye view of the lake and the
lives of the people who depend on it for existence. Buses an rickshaws are
available to reach Sendra from the lake.
Langthabal This small hillock is situated at a distance
of 8 kms. from Imphal on the Indo-Burma Road. It houses an old historic palace
and neatly planned temples. These structures are beautifully placed between
pine and jackfruit trees.
Moirang The
ancient Hindu temple at Moirang is a very sacred place for the Manipuri people.
Situated at a distance of 45 kms. from Imphal, the temple is supposedly the
abode of the pre-Hindu deity, Lord Thangjing. All the locals dressed in
traditional costumes sing and dance here to honour their deity at festivals.
The flag of the Indian National Army was first hoisted on Indian soil on April
14, 1944 at Moirang. There is an Indian National Army Museum here depicting
their struggle for India's independence. The museum is open from 8am to
6pm.
Moreh The border town of Moreh is
located around 110 kms. from Imphal. This town attracts visitors from all the
neighbouring places.
Singda Just 16 Kms
from Imphal, the hill resort at Singda overlooks the Manipur valley. The
picturesque here is further enhanced by the presence of an artificial lake. The
Singda Dam, built on this lake is now a multi-purpose project.
Khongjom Khongjom holds great historic significance for
the Manipuris as Major General Paona Brajabashi, one of the great warriors of
Manipur, laid his life fighting against the British. A war memorial has been
constructed atop the scenic hillock. It is situated at a distance of 36 kms.
from Imphal. Khongjom day is celebrated aas a Stae Holiday every year on April
the 23rd.
Shaheed Minar This monument was
constucted to commemorate the spirit of the valiant Manipuris who sacrificed
their lives fighting the British in the Anglo-Manipuri war of
1891.
Manipur State Museum The Manipur
State Museum is the best place to get a glimpse of the Manipur history and
culture. It is open from 10 am to 4.30 pm on all days except Sundays and
Holidays.
Khonghampat Orchidarium This
orchidarium has around 110 different varieties of orchids, including several
rare ones, and is situated around 7 Kms from Imphal on National
Highway-39.
Andro Situated at a distance
of 27 kms towards eastern side of Imphal, the ancient Scheduled Caste village
of Andro consists of a Cultural Complex set up by the Mutua Museum at Imphal.
Dolls of the 29 recognised tribes of Manipur are on display here apart from
potteries of the North-Eastern region.
Sekta The Sekta mound is an archaeologically protected
site. It is located at Sekta village, about 16 Kms from Imphal. The site
witnessed the practice of secondary burial and was discovered by the
Archaeological Survey of India together with State Archaeology, Manipur. It has
been preserved as a living museum.
|
