Imphal Tourist Places Or Places to Visit in Imphal
Imphal, the tiny capital city of the northeastern state of Manipur, is an ideal location off the beaten track. Imphal in Manipur with the landscape of green-blue hills, lush fields and low clouds is like an exquisite painting. Imphal is one of the few places in India where nothing seems to have changed. Imphal is a tiny valley tucked away in the northeastern state of Manipur. Relics of an old, historical palace, well-planned temples and ceremonial houses in their entire splendor amidst the tall pine and jackfruit trees, speak of Imphal's ancient past.
Imphal City
The Imphal district is spread over an area of 1228 sq.km lying in the central part of Manipur state. It is bounded on the north, west and east (except lower small portion) by the Senapati district, the lower small eastern portion by Ukhrul district, and on the south, partly by the Bishnupur district and partly by the Thoubal district. The district derives it name from its principal town Imphal, which is the capital of the state as well as the district headquarters.
Imphal Climate
The summer temperature of Imphal ranges between 35°C to 17°C. In winter, the temperature varies between 18°C and 0°C.
Imphal History
In 1826, Manipur was brought into India by the 'Treaty of Yandavo' by Raja Jai Singh with the British at the end of the Indo-Burmese war. This followed a dispute in accession to the throne. With the intervention of the British, the dispute was settled. In 1891, Churachand was nominated the Raja andit came under the British rule as a princely state. During World War II, the Japanese occupied Imphal. After the Indian independence, Manipur became a union territory and subsequently, achieved statehood in January 21, 1972.
Imphal Tourist Places Or Places to Visit in Imphal
Temple of Shree Shree Govindaji
The temple of Shree Shree Govindaji was originally built in 1846AD during the reign of Maharaja Nara Singh. It was severely damaged in the earthquake of 1868 AD and again reconstructed during the period of Maharaja Chandrakiriti. The temple measures 16.95m in length and 18.63m in breadth. The whole structure stands on a 1.34m high plinth.
Temple of Shri Krishna
The temple of Shri Krishna at Brahmapur Guru Aribam Leikai, Imphal is attributed to Maharaj Garibniwaza (1709-48 AD), and is belevied to have been built in 1722AD. The temple is built in a typical Bengal hut type architecture, common in Bengal during the 18th century. It is indicative of the influence from Bengal, covering an area of about 124.2 sq. m.
Thangal General
The temple is attributed to Kangabam Chitananda Singh, popular as Thangal General in Manipur history. He is the son of Kangabam Kshtri Singh of Wangkhei angom Leikai. Thangal General was a prominent figure in the court of Maharaja Kulachandra (1890-91 AD), and he was hanged to death by the British for raising arms up against the crown, as the follow up action after the defeat of Manipur in the historic Anglo Manipur War of 1891. The protected area is about 650 sq. m.
Shahid Minar
Right in the heart of the city is the tall Shahid Minar at the Bir Tirkendrajit Park. It was built in memory of Manipuri martyrs who sacrificed their lives for India's independence.
Sacred Jackfruit Tree Site, Kaina
Kaina is located in Thoubal district and is around 35km to the east of Imphal on the Imphal Yairipok road. During the reign of Bagyachandra Maharaja (1763-98AD), the sacred idol of Shree Govindaji was sculptured from the parts of a jackfruit tree cut from Kaina in complying to a dream in which the king saw the image of e lord, being sacred for the ardent Vaishavites. Kaina, therefore, assumed importance as the place where the image of the Lord originated, and consequently become an important religious and historical place for Meitei Hindus.
Sekta Kei Mound
The site is located in village Sekta and is around 18km north-east of Imphal on the bank of the Iril River which is about 4km north of Lamlai on the Imphal Uhkrul road. There are reportedly six well-marked burial areas in village Sekta. However, only one burial mound was located, excavated and protected by the State Archaeology. The total area under protection is 0.35 acre. The excavation at the Sekta burial site revealed important information of the burial customs of the Sekta people and their social and economic life. This has helped archaeologist and historians to reassess the historial process of the people of Manipur.
Manipur Zoological Gardens
Eight kilometers from Imphal, at the foot of the pine-covered hillocks, one can find a wealth of rare birds, animals and reptiles at the Manipur Zoological Gardens. In the zoo's sylvan surroundings, you will even get a glimpse of one of the rarest species of deer in the world, the graceful brow-antlered thamin deer.
Manipur State Museum
The Manipur State Museum is another place that is worth a visit. The museum has rich collection of Manpuri costumes; war implements, historical documents and relics, and gives you a sample of the state's complex history.
Imphal Festivals
Gang-ngai
It is festival of the Kabui Naga community and it is celebrated in the month of December-January for five days. The festival starts with a religious ceremony on the first day, and the remaining days are associated with common feasts, dances and presentation of gifts, etc.
Lui-ngai-ni
This is a festival of sowing which the Naga community celebrates on February 15, every year. Social gatherings, songs, dances and rejoicing highlight the festivity.