Places To Visit In Imphal: Traversing Manipur’s Capital

The tourist attractions in Imphal make it one of the best destinations for your ideal getaway

The capital city of Manipur, Imphal, has a lot of exciting attractions to visit. Places to visit in Imphal include the serene Loktak Lake, which is well-known for its crystal water, and the venerable Kangla Fort, which showcases the area’s rich cultural legacy, are two of the main draws. Several must-visit sites in Imphal give travellers a memorable experience. The world’s largest women-run market, the busy Ima Keithel, offers a distinctive shopping experience. Imphal is one of the most travelled destinations in the beautiful city of Assam.

Top 10 Places To Visit In Imphal

From the largest freshwater lake to the biggest women run market in the world, here is a list of the top 10 places to visit in Imphal.

1. Loktak Lake

This lake, the largest in the area, offers many picturesque views for tourists to enjoy and capture

Photo: ch_15march / Wikimedia Commons

Loktak Lake is the largest freshwater lake in the area of Imphal. It is well-known for its phumdis, which are peculiar to this lake, and floating islands formed of decomposing plant matter and soil. Supporting a variety of plants and animals, including the endangered Sangai deer located in the Keibul Lamjao National Park, which is perched atop a phumdis, the lake is an essential component of the ecosystem. It is one of the best places to visit in Imphal, as Loktak Lake offers tourism and is enjoyable for people.

Top Experiences: Strolling and Photography
Nearest Airport: Bir Tikendrajit International Airport

Suggested Read: Things To Do In Manipur For Nature Lovers And History Enthusiasts

2. Kangla Fort

Kangla fort is one of the culturally and historically rich places to visit in Imphal

Photo: Yash Raina / Wikimedia Commons

Kangla Fort is situated in the centre of Imphal and is a rich and cultural site with a long history that dates back to antiquity. It was the political and military hub of the area when it was the Manipur Kingdom’s royal palace. People can enjoy exploring the sacred shrines, historic temples, and legendary dragon deities known as Kangla Sha. Kangla Fort is one of the most admired on the list of Imphal tourist places, as it provides insight into the cultural legacy of Manipur.

Tp Experiences: Exploring and Photography
Nearest Airport: Bir Tikendrajit International Airport

3. Imphal Valley

This enchanting valley is an ideal place for tourist to plan a escapade away from city life

Photo: Jakfoto Productions / Wikimedia Commons / Image For Representation Only

Imphal Valley is tucked away in the hilly northeastern province of Manipur and is gorgeous and bountiful. The valley is well-known for its serene surroundings, and the Imphal River is one of the many rivers that intersect it, adding to its natural beauty. Imphal Valley is one of the most liked places for a Imphal trip as it serves as a hospitable retreat for locals and travellers. Tourists can enjoy trekking through the lush green trails and can bask in the warmth.

Top Experiences: Hiking and Photography
Nearest Airport: Bir Tikendrajit International Airport

Suggested Read: Top Things To Do In Imphal

4. ISKCON Temple

This temple is the place for devotees to immerse into, pray to the deities and meditate

Photo: Tarunsamanta / Wikimedia Commons / Image For Representation Only

ISKCON Temple in Imphal is dedicated to Lord Krishna, and it is a calm and quiet escape for people travelling from various parts of the country. The International Society for Krishna Consciousness runs the temple with gorgeous murals, elaborate construction, and exquisitely decorated deities. This place is a hub for worship, meditation, and cultural events. People can enjoy colourful celebrations, especially on Janmashtami when people can gather to commemorate the birth of Lord Krishna.

Top Experiences: Praying and Exploring
Nearest Airport: Bir Tikendrajit International Airport

5. INA Museum

INA Museum is a perfect placeto visit in Imphal for tourists to learn the colonial history of the city

Photo: PP Yoonus / Wikimedia Commons

An essential historical location honouring the Indian National Army and its part in India’s Independence movement is the INA Museum in Imphal, Manipur. The museum, housed in a structure from the colonial era, features artefacts, pictures, and records about the actions of the Indian National Army (INA) during World War II, especially those undertaken under Subhas Chandra Bose’s direction. This place describes the conflicts waged in the area, notably the crucial battle of Imphal.

Top Experiences: Exploring and Photography
Nearest Airport: Bir Tikendrajit International Airport

Suggested Read: Yangoupokpi Lokchao Wildlife Sanctuary

6. Three Mothers Art Gallery

 This gallery is for the history buffs curious to learn the culture of the area by exploring paintings and sculptures

Photo: Three Mothers Art Gallery / Wikimedia Commons

Three Mothers Art Gallery in Imphal is a remarkable cultural establishment honouring the abundant creative legacy of the area. The three moms in Meitei culture- land, language, and mother- are the inspiration behind the gallery’s name, founded by the well-known artist Oja Rajkumar. It shows an electrical assortment of paintings, sculptures, and handicrafts that capture Manipur’s rich past and lively culture. The gallery encourages the appreciation and preservation of Manipuri art and is undoubtedly one of the renowned tourist places in Imphal.

Top Experiences: Exploring and Photography
Nearest Airport: Bir Tikendrajit International Airport

7. Kombirei Garden

Take a stroll down this garden and witness the diversity of vibrant flowers and vegetation all around

Photo: Adam Jones Adam63 / Wikimedia Commons / Image For Representation Only

Kombirei Garden in Imphal is a calm, well-kept public garden renowned for abundant vegetation and peaceful ambience. The garden next to the ancient Kangla Fort provides a relaxing refuge from the hustle and bustle of the city. People can enjoy taking strolls and relaxing in between the vivid flowerbeds. Additionally, Kombirei Garden holds various cultural events and neighbourhood activities, strengthening its reputation as a leisure and social interaction hub. Kombirei Garden is undoubtedly one of the best tourist attractions in Imphal.

Top Experiences: Strolling and Photography
Nearest Airport: Bir Tikendrajit International Airport

Suggested Read: Shri Govind Ji Temple In Manipur

8. Ima Keithel Market

This market, biggest women run market, is a must-visit amongst all the places to visit in Imphal

Photo: PP Yoonus / Wikimedia Commons

The lively Ima Keithel Market in Imphal is well-known for being the biggest women-run market in the world. The market is a vibrant centre where regional women’s vendors offer a wide range of products, including home goods, fresh vegetables, traditional crafts, and textiles. People can enjoy exploring various regional and other products in the marketplace. This market is a must visit destination on your Imphal tourist places list because of its vibrant ambience and the array of customs that revolve around the market.

Top Experiences: Shopping and Exploring
Nearest Airport: Bir Tikendrajit International Airport

9. RKCS Museum

An ideal blend of art and aesthetic, this museum is one of the most popular destinations of the city

Photo: PP Yoonus / Wikimedia Commons / Image For Representation Only

R.K. Sharma was a highly regarded artist, and his life and legacy are celebrated in the RKCS Museum in Imphal, Manipur. Sharma’s paintings, sculptures, and other artworks are displayed in the museum, showcasing his significant contributions to modern Indian art. People can enjoy viewing the displays, which provide an understanding of his distinct aesthetic and subject focus, covering aspects of Manipuri customs and culture. This place is undoubtedly one of the best places to visit in Imphal as it honours Manipur’s artistic legacy.

Top Experiences: Exploring and Photography
Nearest Airport: Bir Tikendrajit International Airport

Suggested Read: Wildlife Sanctuaries In Manipur For Every Nature Lover To Explore

10. Lord Sanamahi Temple

 Lord Sanamahi temple is the place to visit in Imphal for pilgrims to seek blessings

Photo: Kayia N / Wikimedia Commons

Sanamahi, the local god of the Meitei community, is the subject of the famed Hindu shrine known as Lord Sanamahi Temple, which is situated in Imphal. The temple is renowned for its unique construction and draws devotion from worldwide. Devotees can pray and explore the temple architecture. They can also be a part of the festivals and ceremonies which reflect the region’s rich cultural legacy. This temple is undoubtedly an essential spiritual hub and one of the best places to visit in Imphal to connect with their spiritual sides.

Top Experiences: Praying and Exploring
Nearest Airport: Bir Tikendrajit International Airport

These places to visit in Imphal make it an enthralling destination. Imphal is home to serene and ancient destinations that can be enjoyed by historians and people looking for an escape from city life. The city provides many experiences to cherish throughout. Plan your next trip to these places in Imphal with TripXL and bask in the warmth of these places.

Cover Photo: DeepanjanGhosh / Wikimedia Commons

Frequently Asked Questions

Paknaam and Eromba are famous Haflong dishes that tourists and locals cherish.
Dimapur Railway Station is the nearest railway station to Imphal. You can hire a taxi or board a bus from here to the central city.
Chavang Kut Festival is the most famous festival in Imphal.
Imphal is 490 km away from the central Guwahati city.
The best time to visit Imphal is from October to March.

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