MANIPUR
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Fast Facts
Climate
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Manipur, which literally means "the land of jewels", has been described by Lord Irwin as "the Switzerland of India". The tranquil green state has all the fine tints of a watercolour. Faiths, traditions and life styles seem to flow into each other so seamlessly that it is impossible to know where one ends and the other begins. |
This
little corner is a paradise on Earth where Mother Nature has bestowed her bounty
extra generously. Manipur`s exotic scenery, mystic atmosphere and salubrious
climate are all that fascinate tourists. Abounded with festivals, Manipuris are
best introduced by their world famous "Manipuri Dance"- one of the major dance
forms of India.South of Nagaland, Manipur borders Myanmar. The state is
inhabited by over two dozens tribes. Manipur claims to have invented the game
Polo, the main sport of Manipur. Loktak Lake with floating- Weed- Island and
dancing deer Sangai is of tourist interest.Nestling deep within a lush green
corner of North East India, is the wondrously beautiful little Shangrila called
Manipur. Literally meaning - "a jewelled land", this little corner is a
veritable, paradise on earth.
Untouched and undiscovered, Manipur promises to be the great tourist discovery
of the 21st century. An oval shaped valley surrounded by blue green hills, rich
in art and tradition has inspired descriptions such as the "Switzerland of the
East" with cascading rapids, tripping rivers, carpets of flowers and exotic
blooms. It lies to the south of Nagaland & north of Mizoram. It shares the
international boundary with Myanmar on the western and southern side.
Climate
The state of Manipur experiences a maximum temperature of 32 degree celsius and
a minimum temperature as low as 0 degree celsius. The annual rainfall here is
1467.5 mm and the rainy season is from May to October. The winter stretches from
November to March.
Flora
& Fauna
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Blessed with an amazing variety of flora & fauna, 67% of the geographical area of Manipur is hill tract covered forests. Depending on the altitude of the hill ranges, the forests range from tropical to sub-alpine. The wet forests, the temperate forests and the pine forests together sustain a host of rare and endemic plant and animal life.Orchids in Manipur, abound in their natural habitat growing in soil or on trees and shrubs. 48 kms from Imphal is Loktak-Lake & Sendra Island. |
This is a saucer shaped fresh water lake that attracts many species of birds. Part of it forms a rare ecosystem. This huge and beautiful stretch of water is like a miniature inland sea. The islands of Loktak are unique as they 'float' and comprise of marsh & grass and root of solid earth. Situated on the fringes of the Loktak Lake is the Keibul Lamjao National Park. Habitat of the endangered dancing deer, the brow-antlered-deer of Manipur, it is the only floating National Park of the World. The Hoolock Gibbon, the Slow Loris, the Clouded Leopard, the Spotted Linshang, Mrs Hume's Barbacked Pheasant, Blyths Tragopan, Burmese Pea-Fowl, four different species of Hornbills etc. form a part of the rich natural heritage of Manipur.
Wildlife:
1. Wildlife - a rich natural heritage of Manipur:
Even though Manipur is a tiny state in the North Eastern Fringes of India, she is exceedingly rich in natural resources with a vast and varied fauna heritage. This region is included in the same Zoological province as the forest region of the Himalayas with the same gradation from tropical to temperate vegetation. The distribution and character of animal life is also similar, but in addition distinctly Malayan type fauna is traceable all through the province with an intermingling of peculiar forms. This results in the diversity and peculiarity of the Wildlife found in Manipur.
2. Mammalian Fauna:
Many of the species of animals found in Manipur are endemic, foremost among them being the Sangai or the Brow Antlered Deer, Cervus Eldi, which in its unique Wetland ecosystem is restricted to Manipur only. The other two related species have been reported from Myanmar and Thailand.
The only ape found in India, the Hoolock Gibbon locally known as Yongmu, commonly occurs in all the five hill districts of Manipur. Similarly, the Slow Loris, the Stump Tailed Macaque, the Pig-Tailed Macaque are the other rare primates that occur in the forests of Manipur. Amongst the carnivores the Clouded Leopard and the Golden Cat are the rare, nocturnal animals found in Manipur. Spectacular big cats, the tiger and the leopard, still make a quiet living in the remote parts of the state. Of the two, the leopards are more common, whereas tigers are seldom reported now. The gigantic land animal, the elephant, makes seasonal migration into the State in the Indo-Myanmar border areas, along the Taret river course and also the western parts from Assam.
The Himalayan Black Bear (Selenarctos thibetanus) is another schedule I animal that commonly occurs all over the hills of Manipur. The rare and elusive Malayan Sun Bear (Helarctos Malyanus) is restricted to the unique forests in the Indo-Myanmar border areas and inhabits the Yangoupokpi Lokchao Wildlife Sanctuary of Manipur. This animal is rarely found in India and a recent report in India Today magazine describes on such sighting in Arunachal Pradesh. Though the Malayan Sun bear resembles a Black Bear, it is smaller in size and can climb trees with the agility of a monkey.
If one were to take a tour of New Samtal, a small town in the Indo-Myanmar border areas, especially during the night, once can see herds of Bison, as well as of Sambhar, along the road. The Barking Deer, the commonest Cervus in Manipur prefers the hilly areas while the Hog Deer, another deer found the North-East India can be sighted at Keibul Lamjao National Park in Manipur. Serow (Capricornis sumatraensis) is another rarity in the wilderness of Manipur. The animal chooses to live in the most inhospitable area for man, but finds itself at ease on the steep slopes of rocky mountains in Tamenglong and Senapati Districts and Keilam hill ranges of Churachandpur District.
The true badgers are not found in
Asia. However, the Hog badgers and Ferret Badgers are the rarest South East
Asian representatives. They are widely distributed in the hills of Manipur. Of
the two, the Hog Badgers known as Nungok are more common in Manipur. The elusive
lesser carnivore - the Ferret Badgers - are seldom sighted owing to its
nocturnal mode of life, as well as its small population in the hills. The
Pangolins, Bear Cats, Spotted Linsangs are the lesser schedule-I animals of
Manipur,
lesser when it comes to size alone. The Spotted Linsang found in the Barak
watershed is very agile and quite beautiful to look at. And so is the Himalayan
Yellow Throated Marten. The Pangolins are less commonly encountered in the
Indo-Myanmar border areas and the Binturongs or Bear Cats though seldom sighted
would be found in the forests of Senapati District.
3. Avi-Fauna:
Birds, by their very being, take our imagination of a flight. Manipur should be proud of her rich avi-Fauna. All the members of phasinidae are colorful but Mrs. Hume's barred back Pheasant (Syrmaticus humiae) and Blyth's Tragopan found in Manipur are spectacular and stand out from the rest of the group. The Khaleej Pheasant found in Manipur is a rich mixture of steely black and white and is definitely quite elegant. The Burmese peafowls and jungle fowls are the other long feathered pheasants found in Manipur.
National Parks and Sanctuaries:
5. Wildlife Sanctuaries:
A. Protected Area network in Manipur:
1. Keibul Lamjao
National Park 40 sq. km.
2. Yangoupokpi Lakchao Wildlife Sanctuary 184.8 sq. km.
3. Orchid Preservation Plot 0.5 sq. km.
4. Second home of Sangai (Iroisenba) 0.6 sq. km.
B. Protected Areas initially declared as Wildlife Sanctuary:
1. Keilam Wildlife
Sanctuary 187.5 sq. km.
2. Zeliad Wildlife Sanctuary 21.0 sq. km.
Keibul
Lamjao National Park
State: Manipur, in the north east of
India.
Best time to Travel: November to April.
Weather Conditions: Temperatures range from a maximum of 34.4ºC to a minimum of
1.7ºC. The annual rainfall is 1220 mm. The area is most humid in August, with
daily humidity measuring as much as 81 per cent. March is the least humid at 49
per cent.
Location: Keibul Lamjao National Park is about 53 km from
Imphal
in Manipur.
Know the
Keibul Lamjao National Park in Manipur
Spread in an area of 40 sq km,
Keibul Lamjao National Park in Manipur was established in the year 1966 as a
Sanctuary and in the year 1977 as a National Park. Keibul Lamjao National Park
Manipur is probably the worlds only 'floating sanctuary' that comprises 40 sq km
of wetland overgrown with 1.5 m. deep floating vegetation (called phumdi). The
park has several distinguishing features. Besides the vegetation and terrain, an
important highlight of the park is the Loktak Lake (6,475 ha), the largest
freshwater lake in India; a large portion of which falls within the park.
State:
Manipur, in the north east of India.
Best time to Travel: November to April.
Weather Conditions: Temperate climate.
Location: Manipur Zoological Garden is located at a distance of about 6 km from
Imphal
in Manipur.
Know the
Manipur Zoological Garden
About 6 km. from Imphal,
towards the west, in Manipur Zoological Garden at Iroishemba lying on the Imphal
Kangchup Road. You will find some rare to be found species in this zoological
garden. A trip to the Manipur Zoological Garden, at the foot of the pine-growing
hillocks in the westernmost corner of Lamphelpat is really enjoyable.
You will have an opportunity to see the graceful brow antlered deer (Sangai),
one of the rarest species in the world, in sylvan surroundings of the Garden.
Faith
& Culture
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The people & tribes
of Manipur include Meiteis, Naga and Kuki-Chin-Mizo groups and other
colourful communities, which have lived in complete harmony for centuries.
These are the people whose folklore, myths and legends, dances,
indigenous-games and martial-arts, exotic handlooms and handicrafts are
infested with the mystique of nature. In the field of art and culture, the
state is best represented by its classical and folk dance forms. Ras-Leela
songs and dances depict the Leelas (Sports) of Lord Krishna as a child with
the Gopis (milkmaids) of Brindavan, and express their yearning for communion
with the Lord. |
Handicrafts
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It is said that goddess "Panthoibi" drew her inspiration for weaving, from a spider making cobwebs in a corner. While almost every household in Manipur owns a loom-women folk alone are weavers. Intricate designs are woven on sarees, sarongs, shawls and bedspreads. The handloom industry is the largest cottage industry in Manipur, with the finished items often being exported. Manipur-Pottery is made without a potter's wheel. It is a rare experience to witness the potters of Andro, Thongjao and Nungbi, deftly moulding an unbelievable range of earthenware. Beautiful pieces of art made out of cane and bamboo form an important part of handicrafts. Tourists can take home a Lifan, Phak (weed mats), Phiruk, Manipuri Dolls & host of other beautiful carvings from rare and exotic varieties of Timber. |
PLACES
OF INTEREST:
A historic Vaishnavite centre, adjoining the Royal Palace of Manipur's former
Maharajas, the Govindajee Temple is a simple yet beautiful structure. Twin
domes, a paved courtyard and a raised large congregation hall form a perfect
backdrop for priests who descend the steps, to accept offerings from devotees in
the courtyard. The shrines of Krishna and Balaram and Jagannath flank the two
sides of the presiding deity.
A unique all women's market, having 3000 "Imas" or mothers who run the stalls,
it is split into two sections on either side of the road. Vegetables, fruits,
fish and household groceries are sold on one side and exquisite handlooms and
household tools, on the other.
The indomitable spirit of the Meitei and tribal martyrs who sacrificed their
life while fighting the British in 1891 is commemorated by this tall Minar at
Bir Tikendrajit Park in the heart of Imphal.
Commemorating the memories of the British and Indian soldiers who died during
the Second World War, these cemeteries are managed by the Common Wealth War
Graves Commission. Serene and well maintained, the graves carry little stone
markers and bronze plaques, recording the sacrifice of those gallant soldiers.
7 kms from Imphal, on Highway No. 39 is the Central Orchidarium, which covers
200 acres and houses over 110 rare varieties of orchids, which include almost a
dozen endemic species. The peak blooming season is March - April.
6 kms to the west of Imphal, at the foot of the pine growing hillocks at
Iroisemba on the Imphal-Kangchup Road are the Zoological Gardens. Not to be
missed is an opportunity to see the graceful brow antlered deer (Sangai) one of
the rarest species in the world, in sylvan surroundings.
45 kms, from Imphal, the town is one of the main centres of early Meitei folk
culture with the ancient temple of the pre-Hindu deity Lord Thangjing, situated
here. In the month of May, men and women, dressed in colourful traditional
costumes, sing and dance in honour of the Lord at the Moirang "Lai Haraoba"
which is a ritual dance festival held each year. The town also has a special
place in the history of the Indian freedom struggle. It was at Moirang that the
flag of the Indian National Army was first unfurled on April 14, 1944.
48 kms from Imphal, is the largest fresh water lake in the North East region, a
veritable miniature inland sea. From the Tourist Bungalow set atop Sendra
Island, visitors get a bird's eye view of life on the Lake-small islands that
are actually floating weed on which live the Lake people, the shimmering blue
waters of the Lake, labyrinthine boat routes and colourful water plants. The
Sendra Tourist Home with an attached cafeteria in the middle of the lake is an
ideal tourist spot.
27 kms from Imphal on the Tiddim Road, is a picturesque town situated at the
foot hill that rolls down the valley. The 15th century Bishnu Temple, built of
peculiar small bricks believed to be of Chinese influence, made during the reign
of King Kiyamba is of historical importance. Bishnupur is also famous for its
chiseled stoneware.
It is a hillock about 921 metres above sea level and a sacred place of the
Hindus. So goes the story that one night, Shri Govindajee appeared in the dream
of his devotee, Shri Jai Singh Maharaja and asked the saintly king to install in
a temple, an image of Shri Govindajee. It was to be carved out of a jack fruit
tree, which was then growing at Kaina. The scenery in this place is charming and
the hill shrubs and natural surroundings give the place a religious atmosphere.
It is only 29 kms from Imphal.
36 kms on the Indo-Myanmar road, a war broke out between Manipur and British
India in 1891. It is here that Major General Paona Brajabashi, one of the great
warriors of Manipur proved his valor against the superior force of the invading
British Army in 1891. A War Memorial has been constructed on the top of the
Kheba Hill.
69 kms from Imphal. The highest point on the Indo-Myanmar Road, from here, you
can have a full view of the valley of Myanmar.
83 kms to the east of Imphal, this district headquarters of Manipur East is the
highest hill station of the state. A centre of the colourful warrior tribe
Tangkhul Nagas, it is well developed and famous for its peculiar type of
land-lily, the Siroi, grown in the Siroi hills. Siroi Hills and Khangkhui Lime
Caves are interesting places for excursions.
The interesting museum near the Polo Ground has a fairly good display of
Manipur's Tribal heritage and a collection of portraits of Manipur's former
rulers.
Red Hill is a hillock about 16 kms from Imphal on Tiddim Road. It is a thrilling
spot where a fierce battle took place between the British and the Japanese force
in World War II and regarded as a holy place. There is also a monument in memory
of the Japanese Martyrs who sacrificed their lives in this fierce battle.
FESTIVALS OF MANIPUR:
The state is best
represented by its classical and folk dance forms. The Ras Leelas or dances are
essentially lyrical and have extremely graceful movements. A spring festival,
the 'Lai-Haraoba' held in April and May is symbolised by a traditional, stylised
and ritualistic dance performed for peace and prosperity.
The tradition of sports dates back to the political history of Manipur - a
history of a small kingdom, which were in keen competition with one another.
Wars between Manipur & Burma resulted in martial tradition, which in turn gave
due impetus to the promotion of sports. “Sagol-Kangjei “(Polo) originated in
Manipur. The game flourished during the reign of a long dynasty of kings. The
Manipuri Pony is the most versatile, swift and agile Polo Pony in the world. It
is still a popular game - international players participate in tournaments in
Imphal. "Mukna Kangjei" (Wrestling-Hockey) is also a very popular game in
Manipur