Manipur
The Jeweled Land: Floating National Parks, Polo Roots, and Classical Dance.
Culture & Heritage
Described as the 'Jewel of India', Manipur is a deeply insular, breathtakingly beautiful state situated in a lush, oval-shaped valley completely surrounded by nine ranges of blue mountains. The culture is famously refined and highly artistic. It is the birthplace of the classical Manipuri dance (Raas Leela), characterized by incredibly graceful, flowing movements and spectacular barrel-like skirts. Uniquely, Manipur is also the undisputed birthplace of modern Polo (locally called Sagol Kangjei), traditionally played on highly aggressive, indigenous Manipuri ponies. The society is heavily matriarchal in its commerce, perfectly exemplified by the 'Ima Keithel'—a massive, 500-year-old market run entirely and exclusively by over 5,000 women.
Hidden Gems
Loktak Lake
The largest freshwater lake in Northeast India, globally famous for its 'Phumdis'—massive, perfectly circular, floating islands of decomposing vegetation that are so thick, local fishermen actually build houses on them.
Keibul Lamjao National Park
The only floating national park on the planet. It is an unbroken expanse of floating Phumdis and serves as the absolute last remaining natural habitat of the highly endangered, dancing Sangai deer.
Dzukou Valley
Shared with Nagaland, this valley is arguably the most beautiful trekking destination in the Northeast. It is famous for its completely smooth, rolling green hillocks and the incredibly rare Dzukou lily.
Andro Village
An incredibly well-preserved ancient village that still practices the pre-Hindu Sanamahi religion. It is famous for its massive, constantly burning sacred fire that has supposedly not been extinguished for centuries.
Moreh
A massive, chaotic, and fascinating border town right on the edge of Myanmar. It is the commercial gateway to Southeast Asia, where you can literally walk across the border bridge to shop in a Burmese market.
Must-Try Local Food
Eromba
The defining dish of Manipur. It is a violently fiery, mashed dish made from boiled vegetables, copious amounts of the world-famous Raja Mircha (ghost pepper), and heavily fermented fish (Ngari).
Singju
A highly complex, intensely flavorful Manipuri salad. It is made with lotus stems, banana flowers, chickpeas, and herbs, tossed aggressively with roasted chickpea powder and fermented fish.
Chak-Hao Kheer
A visually stunning, deep purple pudding. It is made using Chak-Hao (indigenous black sticky rice) which turns a brilliant violet color when slow-cooked with milk and cardamom.
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Famous Temples
Govindajee Temple
Located right next to the royal palace in Imphal, this massive, twin-domed temple is the absolute epicenter of Vaishnavite culture in Manipur and the primary venue for classical Raas Leela dances.
Sanamahi Temple
A deeply significant temple dedicated to Lord Sanamahi, the supreme deity of the ancient, pre-Hindu indigenous Meitei religion, which is still heavily practiced alongside Hinduism.
Kaina Hill
A highly sacred, peaceful hillock. According to legend, Lord Krishna appeared in a dream to Maharaja Bhagyachandra here, instructing him to carve a massive idol of Govindajee from a specific jackfruit tree on this hill.
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