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Dancing With Nature
The
tiny landlocked state in the northeast dates back to the days of the epic
Mahabharata and has been a valley of enchantment for centuries. Today it
has all the promises of becoming a great tourist attraction. An
oval-shaped valley nestling among the verdant hills, it is home to diverse
and colourful tribes whose repository of folklore and culture, myths and
legends, dances and martial arts is a source of unending wonders.
The graceful Manipuri dance with its lilting songs are considered to be
one of India's best classical dance forms; the energetic folk dances where
men with their Dholaks, cymbals and other musical instruments exhibit
their physical prowess are now one of the mainstays of any cultural
programme. And most people consider Manipur to be the place from where the
game of polo originated.
Sadly, despite their wealth of natural and historical attractions, the
northeastern states- also known as the 'seven sisters' - have largely
remained off the tourist circuit partly because everybody feels these are
very disturbed areas. So the traveller has to limit himself to the major
attractions in and around the capital cities.
Phubala Resort
Those who want to spend some time in the lap of nature can hole up at the
resort at Phubala, on the western fringe of the Loktak Lake. Linked to the
mainland by a causeway, the resort is run by the tourism department and
has boating facilities.
Places Of Interest In Imphal
From the airport, we drive into Imphal town by car. The people in Manipur
are mostly Vaishnavites and wear the traditional Chandan Tika (sandalwood
mark on forehead); the women have a colourful cotton wrap thrown round
their shoulders.
Ima Market
The town itself is a picturesque place with a profusion of green all
around. A network of narrow, shoplined streets marks the centre of the
town. It is here that one will come across the only market in the country
wholly owned and run by women. Called the 'Ima Market' or Mothers' Market,
it is a very interesting place to have a look around. Also do not forget
to buy the colourful cotton wraps used by the women.
Bir Tikendrajit Park 
One
of the major attractions of Imphal is the Bir Tikendrajit Park with its
commemorative monument honouring the Maitai and other tribal warriors who
sacrificed their lives fighting the British in 1891. Nearby is the war
cemetery where soldiers of the allied army fighting in the Second World
War lie buried. The commonwealth war graves commission looks after the
place.
The Polo Ground is also a picture of green and holds various events. The
state museum showcases aspects of the local lifestyle and handicrafts.
Adjoining the near crumbling royal palace is the much-revered Govindajee
Temple. The high point of Manipuri culture, this temple with its twin gold
plated domes, holds Manipuri dance programmes in the evening. It is
believed that the dance form originated here.
Flora & Fauna
Manipur is also proud of its floral and faunal beauty. Located on NH 39
and 12-km from Imphal is the Central Orchidarium. Sprawling over 200 acres
of land, it contains 120 rare varieties of orchids. The place wears a very
colourful look in April-May when most of them bloom.
On
the way to Kangchup, to the west of Imphal, is the Zoological Garden, 6-km
from the town. Located at the foot of the Iroisemba Hill. It is a
picturesque place and contains many rare species of local fauna. It is
here that one can take a look at the rare Sangai or the brow antlered
Deer.
In the wild this special kind of Deer is now only limited to the
40-square-kilometre Keibul Lamjao National Park, in a corner of the Loktak
Lake, 48-km from Imphal. This unique wetland ecosystem supports 17 species
of rare mammals. It is here that you will find the floating islands called
"Phumdi". Made of a tangle of watery weeds and other plants,
they are strong enough to support the weight of man and animal. Earlier.
These were the few places in the open where one could see the brow
antlered Deer.
Lakes
Between November and March, the Loktak Lake is also visited by a large
number of migratory birds. The forest department has built a watchtower
and two rest houses here.
Those who want to spend some time in the lap of nature, can hole up at
the resort at Phubala, on the western fringe of the Loktak Lake. Linked to
the mainland by a causeway, the resort is run by the tourism department
and has boating facilities.
Sendra Island Resort
Another
picturesque resort run by the tourism department is the Sendra Island
resort in a corner of the lake. It has a tourist lodge and an adjoining
cafeteria. However, it is better to check with the local tourist office at
Imphal before proceeding to these areas, and a local guide is a must for
visiting outside a package tour.
Moirang
On the way to Loktak Lake and just 3-km ahead is Moirang - the centre of
Maitai culture and an erstwhile princely state. Woven into the history of
Moirang is the brief but glorious chapter of India's flight for
independence.
It was at the Moirang Kangla Palace that the advancing forces of Netaji
Subhash Chandra Bose's Azad Hind Fauz raised the Indian soil. A small
museum now holds the memorabilia of that historic event.
The People & Their Livelihood
The characteristics of the Manipuri people vary according to geographical
divisions. The Meitees who speak Manipuri, inhabit the plains; the Kukis
and Nagas of the hills, speak Tibeto - Burmese dialects. Early Manipuris
were followers of Hinduism. The advent of Christianity resulted in the
conversion of the people residing in the hills, while the majority of men
from the plains continue to be Hindus. Agriculture, the single largest
source of livelihood, for a majority of the rural masses, is also the
mainstay of the state economy.
Imphal is connected by regular domestic flights link with
Delhi via Guwahati. Additional flights link Imphal with Dimapur (In
Nagaland). Dimapur, 215-km, away is also the nearest railhead. NH 39 links
Imphal with Guwahati and NH 53 links it
with Silchar , both in neighbouring
Assam . But for the tourist, it is best to fly in.
Domestic tourists do not need any permit but if one is travelling or
transiting through Nagaland, an inner line permit is necessary.
Subdivisional officer, Dimapur will issue permits for in bound travellers
while deputy commissioner, Imphal, will issue the same for out bound
travellers. Valid identity cards with a picture are necessary for
obtaining permits. There are both private hotels and government run
tourist lodges in Manipur. For more details, contact: Tourist Officer,
Directorate of tourism, Imphal, Manipur.
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