Best time to visit : October to March
Dubbed as ‘The Jewel of the East,’ Imphal is a picture-perfect city festooned with beautiful landscapes, flawless surrounding, serene environment, sprawling lakes and crystal clear streams. The city is snuggled amidst the streams and hills. The picturesque fusion of natural and man-made marvels in Imphal makes it one of the must-visit tourist places in India. The view of several small rivers seemingly originating from gorgeous hills is breathtaking. The history of the city is marked by its numerous ancient monuments, historical landmarks and religious sites. Museums, bazaars, fort and natural attractions of the city make Imphal one of the finest holiday destinations in the country. For interesting tourist information, dive into the below sections.
Facts
Imphal is the capital of the Indian state of Manipur. Its rich culture and tradition also made it the cultural capital of Manipur. The city acquires its name from Yumphal, which means the ‘land of many villages.’ The most interesting fact about this city, ‘Ima Keithel’ at Khwairamband Bazar is the only market in the world where all the shops and stalls are owned and run by women. Another appealing factor is the city’s Polo Ground, which is the oldest polo ground in the world. Manipuri is the official language of Imphal, although Hindi and English are spoken and understood at a large here. The temperature is moderate in the city during summer and monsoon season.
The local delicacies of Imphal are sure to amuse your taste buds. The city serves scrumptious fish items. Don’t forget to savour the combination of Iromba fish chutney, bamboo shoots and vegetables in the city. Chinese and Indian cuisines are served at the restaurants in Imphal. Hotel Prince (in Thangal Bazar), Excellency Hotel (Airport Road) and Hotel Nirmala (M.G. Road) are the popular restaurants of the city. For authentic momos and chow chow, visit Rendezvous Restaurant. If you want to taste a traditional Manipuri meal, eat at Shree Govindajee Temple. Buy a city guide map to locate these restaurants in Imphal.
A shopper’s paradise, Imphal is famous for its decorative ivory, dolls, handicrafts, handlooms and attractive shawls. You can buy the shawls and traditional jewellery from Imphal as a memento of your trip. For a great shopping experience, visit Khwairamband Bazar. Handlooms and handicrafts are best sold at the Manipur Handlooms and Handicrafts Development Corporation Ltd. in Paona Bazaar.
Nearby Places:
- Moirang (about 45 km.) – A historically significant place, Moirang was the first place liberated by Indian National Army. The place has a grand INA museum, which houses old pictures, badges of ranking, and other related items.
- Bishnupur (about 28 km.) – The cultural and religious capital of Manipur, Bishnupur is believed to be an abode of Lord Vishnu. The popular dancing deer ‘Sangai’ was said to have resided here.
- Thoubal (about 33 km.) – A well-developed city with modern outlook, Thoubal is popular for trekking and hiking. The city presents a perfect fusion of traditional and modern Manipur.
- Tamenglong (about 140 km.) – Decorated with hills, valleys and ranges, the place is dubbed as the bio-diversity hub of Manipur. October to March is the ideal time to visit Tamenglong.