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The largest freshwater lake in Northeast India and the only floating lake in the world, Loktak Lake is internationally distinctive due to its floating phumdis, heterogeneous aggregations of vegetation, soil, and organic matter that form small islands. It is also a critical ecosystem that supports biodiversity and local economies, located in the state of Manipur. The lake also houses Keibul Lamjao National Park (KNP), the only floating national park in the world, which protects the endangered Sangai deer. More than just an ecological treasure trove, Loktak is also a cultural and economic lifeline, giving you a personal experience of Northeast India.
Quick Details About Loktak Lake
Location: Manipur
Type: Freshwater Lake
Surface area: 250 to 500 km2
Average Depth: 2.7 m
Average Depth: 768.5 m (2,521 ft)
Best Time To Visit: October to March
Location
Photo: Haoreima / Wikimedia Commons
Famous for its floating phumdis, Loktak Lake is located near Bishnupur in the Manipur state and about 55 km from Imphal. It is located close to Moirang, a town with historical significance in World War II. The lake is reachable by NH-2 (Imphal-Dimapur Road) and NH-37 (Imphal-Jiribam Road). Sendra Island close by offers a bird’s-eye view of the lake, while Thanga and Karang Islands are local settlements that are well known for their fishing communities. The nearest big town, Imphal, has the necessary services and a base while you explore the wonders of Loktak.
How To Reach
Photo: Artturi Jalli / Unsplash / Image For Representation Only
By Air: The closest airport is Imphal International Airport (IMF) (55 km from Loktak), which is well-connected to major cities in India. Taxis and rental vehicles offer the same trip.
By Rail: Jiribam is the closest railway station (215 km) but the rail connectivity is better connected by the Dimapur Railway Station (Nagaland) (approx. 230 km). From there, Imphal can be reached by buses or private cabs.
By Road: Loktak Lake is easily accessible from Imphal via NH-2 and NH-37. Direct state transport as well as private buses ply from Imphal to Moirang and local cabs take the travellers further to the lake.
Things To Do At The Floating Lake In The World
There are many things to do in this floating lake in the world. Enjoy activities from canoeing to staying in cosy floating stays.
1. Explore Keibul Lamjao National Park
Photo: Boris Smokrovic / Unsplash / Image For Representation Only
This floating national park is found nowhere else in the world and is home to the rare Sangai deer. It can be explored by wooden pathways and boat rides, giving the surreal feeling of walking on floating land. The park also abounds with migratory birds and aquatic wildlife. For a more immersive experience, hire a local guide who can take you through hidden trails of the phumdis and explain their ecological significance. The best wildlife can be found early in the morning, with mist rising from the lake and giving an ethereal landscape perfect for lovers of nature and photography.
2. Stay An A Floating Homestay
Photo: Sharada Prasad CS / Wikimedia Commons
For a truly memorable experience, stay with local fishermen on floating homestays set up on the phumdis. These sustainable homes provide a glimpse into the daily life of Loktak’s indigenous communities. You can do hand-net fishing, sample local Manipuri cuisine and listen to folklore about the lake. See the moonlight reflecting on the lake at night and the mesmerising sunrise in the early morning. Unlike standard hotels, these homestays are fully sustainable, combining modern comfort with nature’s unspoiled beauty. It is peaceful and a chance to see Loktak’s fragile ecosystem from a floating vantage point while supporting local livelihoods.
3. Traditional Canoeing And Phumdi Trekking
Photo: Brady Stoeltzing / Unsplash / Image For Representation Only
The best way to explore Loktak is to canoe traditionally, paddling through narrow waterways between the phumdis. Locals skim across the water in these wooden boats, bringing you to the lake’s most secluded alcoves. Some floating islands are big enough for phumdi trekking, in which you walk on these spongy, shifting land masses. This rare adventure gives you a sense of the lake’s kinetic character beneath your feet. Other rides at sunrise and sunset are sublime, with colourful sky mirrors on the surface of the lake. You can also gain a glimpse into traditional fishing techniques and daily life among Loktak’s fishing communities
5 Places To Visit Near Loktak Lake
Following are some of the places to visit near the floating lake in the world, and make your experience more fruitful in Manipur.
1. Imphal War Cemetery
Photo: Pixabay / Pexels / Image For Representation Only
The Imphal War Cemetery in Imphal is a memorial for British and Indian soldiers who died during the Battle of Imphal in 1944 as part of the Burma Campaign. The cemetery contains some 1,600 graves of soldiers from other Commonwealth countries, including Indians, Britons, Australians, Canadians and East Africans. Inside the cemetery, each grave has a headstone, with manicured lawns and flowerbeds for each grave. It is managed by the Commonwealth War Graves Commission and is widely regarded as a must-see for military and history enthusiasts with an interest in World War II.
Timings: 9 AM to 4:30 PM
Nearby Attractions: Kangla Fort, Shri Govindajee Temple
2. Sendra Island
Photo: ch_15march / Wikimedia Commons / Image For Representation Only
From Sendra Island, the stunning panoramic view of Loktak Lake offers a remarkable bird’s-eye perspective. Here, you can observe fishers on their canoes navigating the floating Phumdis across the expansive lake. It is home to migratory birds, hog deer, bout and panther, and is a floating island made of organic waste. The island has a beautiful tourist bungalow from where you can witness the charm of the lake towards three sides. A tourist lodge on the island accommodates travellers who seek out its peaceful environment. The site also provides you with boating and kayaking experiences to closely view the lake.
Location: Near Phubala, around 7 km from Moirang
Best Time To Visit: November to February
3. INA Memorial Complex
Photo: PP Yoonus / Wikimedia Commons
The INA (Indian National Army) Memorial Complex in Moirang is a historical monument dedicated to Netaji Subhas Chandra Bose and his army’s contribution to the freedom struggle of India. It was at Moirang where the last vestiges of the Indian flag were raised on Indian soil by the INA in the year 1944. The complex has a museum containing artefacts, photographs and documents related to the INA’s role in the Indian independence movement. It’s an essential visit for those interested in history and India’s struggle for freedom.
Location: Moirang, 10 km from Loktak Lake
Attractions: Museum, INA statue, historical exhibits
4. Thanga Village
Photo: Harish Bharti / Unsplash / Image For Representation Only
Thanga is a small, picturesque village on the western side of Loktak Lake. It is home to a fishing community that relies on the lake for its livelihood. You can enjoy the traditional way of living among locals, eat a variety of delicious fish, and discover the unique traditions of the area. The village has homestays that give a good opportunity to immerse in Manipur’s culture. Thanga is an ideal locale for those wishing to experience real Manipuri village life. You can also explore the villages close to Thanga, like Kwakta, Kumbi or Ithai.
Location: Western side of Loktak Lake
Best Time To Visit: October to March
5. Ebudhou Thangjing Temple
Photo: বাক্যবাগীশ / Wikimedia Commons / Image For Representation Only
This is Ebudhou Thangjing Temple, which is a sacred temple at Moirang for the local Meiti people. Thangjing is a powerful deity in Manipuri mythology and is considered to be the most important traditional deity to Manipuris. It is thought to be an ancient worship site with deep historical and spiritual significance. The Lai Haraoba festival, which is celebrated here annually, draws in devotees from the whole of Manipur. With its quiet atmosphere and backdrop of scenic hills, the temple is ideally suited to those looking for spiritual solace.
Location: Moirang, around 8 km from Loktak Lake
Best Time To Visit: During Lai Haraoba (April-May)
Where To Stay
Photo: Lucas Tran / Pexels / Image For Representation Only
You can find cheap guest houses and 5-star resorts around Loktak Lake, a floating lake in the world. The Sendra Park and Resort, situated on Sendra Island, gives a wonderful view of the lake. For a more immersive experience, homestays in Thanga village offer glimpses into local life. For those who prefer city living, there’s the Classic Hotel in Imphal. Keibul Lamjao Tourist Home is a budget stay near the national park. For adventure starters, camping near the lake is also yet another option.
Where To Eat
Photo: Eaksit Sangdee / Pexels / Image For Representation Only
The nearest restaurant at Loktak Lake offers local Manipuri cuisines such as fish items, bamboo shoot curry, rice, and others. Near Sendra Island, the Loktak Aquamarine Restaurant serves fresh seafood platters and traditional Manipuri thalis. People’s Restaurant in Moirang serves spicy Eromba and smoked fish dishes. Imoinu Kitchen (a family-run eatery) serves organic home-cooked food. You can also have mouthwatering snacks such as singju (spicy salad) and pakoras at local roadside stalls.
Other Factors To Consider
Photo: Anete Lūsiņa / Unsplash / Image For Representation Only
Average Cost Of The Trip
A trip to Loktak Lake depends on the kind of food, stay, and activities you choose. The average cost of a three-day trip is ₹8,000 to ₹15,000 per person. Budget travellers living in homestays and taking public transport spend around ₹5,000 to ₹7,000, while those who book luxury resorts and take private cabs end up paying ₹18,000 and above. Budget for transportation costs ₹3,000 to ₹7,000, accommodation ₹1,000 to ₹5,000/night, and food costs ₹500 to ₹1,500 per day.
Tips For Travellers
- Plan your visit to the city from October to March, which is the best time as the weather is pleasant and migratory birds can be spotted.
- If you are visiting Keibul Lamjao National Park, it is a good idea to wear comfortable clothing and comfortable footwear.
- A power bank can be necessary, as electricity in far-flung places can be erratic.
- Prior bookings of accommodations and transport also help to avoid last-minute hassles, especially in peak tourist seasons.
- Many villages have cultural traditions, so make sure you honour local customs.
- Carrying mosquito repellent and sunscreen is necessary for those spending extended time outdoors. Avoid littering and use reusable bottles to minimise plastic waste.
A visit to Loktak Lake, the floating lake in the world, is a mesmerising experience with the right combination of nature, culture, and history. Explore the floating phumdis and experience the warm hospitality of the local community. Whether it’s birdwatching, boating or just soaking in the beauty of nature, Loktak Lake has something for all kinds of travellers. So plan your trip with TripXL and explore Manipur the right way.
Cover Photo: Sudiptorana / Wikimedia Commons
