10 Wildlife Sanctuaries In Manipur For Every Nature Lover To Explore

A mesmerising view of a majestic elephant looking away from the camera during the day.
Updated on
774

Manipur, located in the northeastern portion of India, is one of the best off-beat places in the entire country filled with an insane amount of beauty. This beautiful state boasts rich scenes, rolling slopes, and peaceful water bodies that enhance its charm. Manipur is also home to various wildlife havens that ensure and protect its rich vegetation and fauna. The wildlife sanctuaries in Manipur offer a view into the unique and diverse ecosystems that thrive in this region. Here are seven well-known wildlife havens in Manipur that nature enthusiasts and wildlife lovers must visit.

10 Popular Wildlife Sanctuaries in Manipur

Discover the natural beauty of Manipur through its diverse wildlife sanctuaries, home to rare species, lush forests, and scenic landscapes. This guide highlights 10 popular sanctuaries that offer unforgettable experiences for nature and adventure lovers alike.

1. Keibul Lamjao National Park

Keibul Lamjao National Park is one of the best wildlife sanctuaries in Manipur for all.

Photo: Vladimir Kudinov / Unsplash / Image For Representation Only

This National Park is said to be the only floating national park in the world. It is renowned for being the common living space of the imperilled Sangai deer, also tenderly known as the Moving Deer due to its agile development. The park’s one-of-a-kind floating vegetation, called phumdis, comprises an arrangement of heterogeneous masses of vegetation, soil, and natural matter at different stages of deterioration. You can experience the peaceful magnificence of these living islands while watching the rare and excellent Sangai deer in their normal environment.

Location: Keibul Lamjao Rd, Manipur 795133
Best Time To Visit: October to March

Suggested Read: Keibul Lamjao National Park

2. Yangoupokpi-Lokchao Wildlife Sanctuary

A view of a big black bear in the middle of lush greenery with grass in its mouth.

Photo: Pete Nuij / Unsplash / Image For Representation Only

In the Chandel locale of Manipur, India, the Yangoupokpi-Lokchao Natural Life Sanctuary ranges an amazing region of 185 square kilometres. Among the numerous occupants, you can discover grand elephants, stealthy panthers, and the elusive Himalayan black bear, each contributing to the wealthy biodiversity of the locale. Moreover, the peaceful and unspoiled environment offers guests a culminating opportunity to submerge themselves in nature and witness the magnificence of natural life in its normal environment.

Location: Chandel, Manipur 795127
Best Time To Visit: November to March

3. Jiri-Makru Wildlife Sanctuary

Jiri-Makru Wildlife Sanctuary is one of the most stunning wildlife sanctuaries in Manipur.

Photo:Eli Prater / Unsplash / Image For Representation Only

This Wildlife Sanctuary is in the Jiribam locale of India and has an endless range of around 198 square kilometres. This sanctuary is famous for its thick and rich timberlands, giving a wealthy environment for creatures, including magnificent tigers, elusive panthers, and vigorous wild boars. The sanctuary’s normal magnificence and biodiversity make it a critical goal for nature devotees and natural life picture-takers, advertising various openings to investigate and appreciate the wonders of the normal world.

Location: Manipur 795147
Best Time To Visit: October to April

Suggested Read: Yangoupokpi Lokchao Wildlife Sanctuary

4. Zeilad Lake Sanctuary

A view of a sparkling lake in the middle of a lush green forest during the daytime.

Photo: Kate H / Unsplash / Image For Representation Only

Zeilad Lake Sanctuary, located in the Tamenglong area, is a pleasant sanctuary centred around the lovely and serene Zeilad Lake. The quiet environment, coupled with the perfect and crystal-clear waters of the lake, makes it an ideal spot for nature, significant others, bird watchers, and anybody looking for a quiet retreat. Guests can appreciate the calming climate while watching the assorted natural life, making it a perfect goal for relaxation and investigation.

Location: Tamenglong, Manipur 795141
Best Time To Visit: October to March

5. Shiroi Hill National Park

Shiroi Hill National Park is one of the best wildlife sanctuaries in Manipur for all.

Photo: G Devadarshan Sharma / Wikimedia Commons

Shiroi Hill National Park, found in the Ukhrul area of the northeastern state of Manipur, is famous for the rare and lovely Shiroi Lily that blossoms as it were in this locale. The park’s interesting environment, rich green woodlands and rolling slopes, support a wide run of greenery and fauna, making it a noteworthy biodiversity hotspot. Furthermore, the peaceful and beautiful scene of Shiroi Hill National Stop makes it a perfect goal for trekking and nature strolls, advertising a peaceful elude for nature devotees and experience searchers alike.

Location: Imphal-Jessami Rd, Shirui, Manipur 795142
Best Time To Visit: April to June and October to November

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

6. Khongjaingamba Ching Wildlife Sanctuary

View of a small bird perched on a tree branch in Khongjaingamba Ching Wildlife Sanctuary.

Photo: Vincent van Zalinge / Unsplash / Image For Representation Only

Khongjaingamba Ching Wildlife Sanctuary is a lesser-known but captivating place in Manipur. This sanctuary is home to different wildlife species, offering a chance to witness nature in its most untainted shape. The sanctuary is renowned for its rich green scenes, which give a refreshing and quiet escape from urban life. The peaceful environment of Khongjaingamba Ching is a culmination for nature devotees, bird watchers, and those looking for a quiet withdrawal amid the ponders of nature.

Location: Manipur 795142
Best Time To Visit: October to March

7. Ango Ching Sanctuary

Side view of an adult African elephant standing in a grassy savanna setting.

Photo: Charles J. Sharp / Wikimedia Commons / Image For Representation Only

Ango Ching Sanctuary, tucked away in the hills of Ukhrul, is one of the must-visit places to visit in Manipur for nature lovers. Spanning around 150 square kilometres, it features dense forests, streams, and waterfalls that create a serene backdrop. The sanctuary shelters wildlife including leopards, elephants, tigers, and a variety of birds such as hornbills and peacocks. October to April is ideal for trekking and wildlife spotting. Visitors can also connect with the local indigenous culture while exploring this peaceful haven.

Location: Ukhrul District, Manipur 795142, India
Best Time To Visit: October to April

Suggested Read: Singphan Wildlife Sanctuary

8. Thinungei Bird Sanctuary

Male Australian Shelduck standing, dark head with white neck ring and chestnut breast.

Photo: JJ Harrison / Wikimedia Commons / Image For Representation Only

Thinungei Bird Sanctuary, Manipur’s first dedicated bird reserve, lies in Bishnupur district around 40 km south of Imphal. Spanning 103 hectares of swampy wetlands with floating phumdi and open water, it borders Loktak Lake and forms part of the Irrawaddy basin ecosystem. The sanctuary attracts a wide range of birds, including migratory species like ruddy shelduck and bar-headed goose, and even the critically endangered yellow-breasted bunting. Its rich wetlands support aquatic plants that feed the birds, making it a key Manipur wildlife sanctuary.

Location: Thinungei Village, Bishnupur District, Manipur 795147
Best Time To Visit: October to April

9. Bunning Wildlife Sanctuary

Grey peacock-pheasant with spotted grey-brown plumage and iridescent eye-spots

Photo: วิศักดิ์ / Wikimedia Commons / Image For Representation Only

Bunning Wildlife Sanctuary, tucked away in Manipur’s Tamenglong district, is a peaceful retreat surrounded by tropical forests, rolling grasslands, and colourful wildflowers. Recognised as an Important Bird Area, it shelters rare birds such as the Rufous-necked Hornbill and Grey Peacock-pheasant, along with tigers, elephants, and primates. Local communities play a vital role in protecting its biodiversity, adding meaning to a visit. For travellers exploring things to do in Manipur, this hidden gem is counted among the top wildlife sanctuaries in Manipur.

Location: Tamenglong district, Tamei subdivision, Barail Range, Manipur, India
Best Time To Visit: October to March

Suggested Read: Wildlifе Sanctuariеs In Nagaland

10. Kailam Wildlife Sanctuary

Clouded leopard poised in forest undergrowth, displaying cloud-like coat patterns

Photo: Rushenb / Wikimedia Commons / Image For Representation Only

Kailam Wildlife Sanctuary, set in the lush Kailam-Tipaimukh Hills of Churachandpur, spans nearly 188 sq km of tropical forests and bamboo groves. The area is a haven for hornbills, with five different species making it a birdwatcher’s delight. Travellers may also spot rare animals such as the clouded leopard, hoolock gibbon, and marbled cat in its misty terrain. Counted among the best wildlife sanctuaries in Manipur, Kailam is especially inviting between October and April, offering a peaceful, offbeat escape for nature lovers.

Location: Churachandpur District, Kailam–Tipaimukh Hills, Manipur, India
Best Time To Visit: October to April

The wildlife sanctuaries in Manipur offer a one-of-a-kind and unparalleled opportunity to involve the state’s wealthy biodiversity and breathtaking normal excellence. Each haven has its unmistakable charm, advertising a quiet and secure safe house for natural life species. You can immerse yourself in the rich scenes, differing biological systems, and the agreeable coexistence of greenery and fauna. Connect with TripXL today for the best package.

Cover Photo: sutirta budiman / Unsplash / Image For Representation Only

Frequently Asked Questions

October to March is ideal for visiting most wildlife sanctuaries in Manipur due to the pleasant weather. Siroi National Park is best in April-June and October-November for Shiroi Lily blooms.
Most sanctuaries are accessible by road. The nearest railway stations are Imphal and Jiribam. From there, hire taxis or take buses. For example, Keibul Lamjao National Park is 50 km from Imphal, and Yangoupokpi-Lokchao Wildlife Sanctuary is 110 km from Jiribam.
Tourists can indulge in spotting wildlife, watching birds, trekking and nature walks. Other than that, you can also enjoy wildlife photography and boating.
Sanctuaries in Manipur host rare species like the Sangai deer (Keibul Lamjao) and Shiroi Lily (Siroi National Park). Others include hoolock gibbons, Himalayan black bears, and migratory birds.
For visiting wildlife sanctuaries in Manipur consider packing sturdy trekking shoes, light, neutral-coloured clothing, binoculars and a camera with a zoom lens, water, snacks, and a first-aid kit.
Manipur has several wildlife sanctuaries and national parks that safeguard diverse species, unique landscapes, and rare habitats, making it a fascinating destination for nature and wildlife lovers.
Popular wildlife sanctuaries near Manipur include Kaziranga National Park in Assam, Balpakram National Park in Meghalaya, and Dibru-Saikhowa National Park, all offering rich biodiversity and scenic landscapes.
Connectivity can be patchy. Many of Manipur’s hill-district sanctuaries have spotty mobile coverage, and the internet may be unreliable or slow. Download maps or guides before you go.
Bhumika Chitkara

Bhumika Chitkara

A passionate storyteller at heart, Bhumika Chitkara discovered her love for writing while pursuing journalism and mass communication, an experience that opened doors to meaningful opportunities in content creation. She believes in the art of crafting narratives that engage, inform, and resonate with readers. Her writing blends insight with authenticity, offering practical tips and relatable experiences. When she isn’t immersed in words, Bhumika loves exploring new destinations with friends, soaking in local culture and trying diverse cuisines. Whether it's the thrill of travel or the quiet joy of discovery, her experiences fuel the stories she tells.

Top Travel Highlights:

Focusing on real, relatable travel, Bhumika highlights the joy of shared laughter, cultural flavours and the little moments that often go unnoticed.

Wild Escape to Jim Corbett:
Immersed in the wilderness of Jim Corbett, where the thrill of spotting wildlife met the serenity of nature’s untouched beauty.

Cultural Vibes in Jaipur:
Explored the vibrant streets and royal history of Jaipur, where every corner told a story and every meal was a celebration of Rajasthani heritage.

Recommended Articles

Leave a Reply

Top-selling Packages

View All

Top Travel Destinations by Month