Best months
Per-day budget
₹1,200–1,900/day
Getting there
Imphal is the capital of Manipur in Northeast India, set in a valley surrounded by hills. The city is known for the Loktak Lake (the largest freshwater lake in Northeast India), the Keibul Lamjao National Park (the only floating national park in the world, home to the endangered Sangai deer), and the Kangla Fort (the historic seat of the Manipur kingdom). Imphal has a distinct culture — the Manipuri dance, the polo (polo originated here), and the Ima Keithel (Women's Market — a market run entirely by women). The city has memorials from the WWII Battle of Imphal. It is a great destination for student backpackers looking for an affordable trip. The area is well-connected to major Indian cities by road, rail and air.
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Why go
Loktak Lake is 40 km from Imphal — the lake has floating islands called phumdis. The Keibul Lamjao National Park (a floating park on Loktak) is the only home of the Sangai (brow-antlered deer) — the dancing deer of Manipur. The Sendra Island in the lake has a tourist bungalow. The lake is best visited by boat (₹500-800 per trip). The Thanga Island has a fishing village.
The Ima Keithel (Women's Market) in Imphal is the largest all-women market in Asia — 4,000+ women selling everything from vegetables to fabric. The Kangla Fort has a museum and the remains of the old palace. The Manipur State Museum has tribal artifacts, costumes and a WWII gallery. The War Cemetery (WWII) has the graves of Japanese and Indian soldiers. The Shri Govindajee Temple is the main Krishna temple.
How to reach
Imphal has an airport with direct flights from Delhi (2.5 hours), Kolkata (1.5 hours) and Guwahati. The railway station connects Dimapur (6 hours by road). Buses from Guwahati (12 hours) and Kohima (6 hours). Local transport is by auto and bus.
What a day costs
| Budget hotel | ₹500–800 |
| Food (Manipuri thali) | ₹150–200 |
| Loktak boat ride | ₹500–800 |
| Park entry fee | ₹50–100 |
When to go
October to March is best. November-February is pleasant (5-20°C). July-September is monsoon — Loktak Lake swells. April-June is warm. The Manipuri dance festivals (November-December) are a cultural highlight.
Suggested itinerary
Day 1: Imphal City
Visit the Kangla Fort. Walk through the Ima Keithel market. Visit the Manipur State Museum. Evening at the Shri Govindajee Temple.
Day 2: Loktak Lake
Travel to Loktak Lake (40 km, 1 hour). Take a boat ride through the lake. Visit Keibul Lamjao National Park. Visit the Sendra Island. Return to Imphal.
Student hacks
- ▸The Ima Keithel market is free to explore — no entry fee for the Women's Market.
- ▸Keibul Lamjao entry is ₹50 — a unique floating national park.
- ▸Share a boat to Loktak Lake with other travellers (₹500-800 per boat for 4).
- ▸Stay in the MG Avenue area (₹500-700) — central and walkable.
- ▸Bus from Imphal to Loktak costs ₹50-100 — the cheapest way to reach.
- ▸Eat at the local Manipuri restaurants near the market — ₹150 for a thali with eromba and nga (fish).
Safety & permits
Indian visitors no longer require an Inner Line Permit (ILP) for Manipur — check the latest rules. Foreigners need a Protected Area Permit (PAP). The Keibul Lamjao park is open November to May. ATMs are available in Imphal city. Some areas of Manipur have travel advisories — check conditions before visiting remote areas.
FAQs
How do I reach Imphal from Delhi?
Direct flight (2.5 hours, ₹4,000-7,000) or flight to Guwahati then bus (12 hours).
What is Imphal known for?
Loktak Lake, Sangai deer, Ima Keithel, Kangla Fort and Manipuri dance.
How many days do I need?
2-3 days — one for the city, one for Loktak Lake.