General Information
Area: 22,327 sq.km
Capital: Imphal
Principal Language: Manipuri
Districts: 8
State Emblem: Kangla Sha
State Bird: Nongin
State Animal: Sangai
Population: 1,827,714 (1991 census)
Males: 913,511
Females: 895,203
Sex Ratio (females per 1000 males): 961
Density (persons per sq. km.): 82
Literacy: 60.96%
Per Capita Income: Rs. 3502
Introduction
Manipur literally meaning "A jeweled land" nestle deep within a lush green corner of North East India. It seems much like an exquisite work of art executed by superb hands of Nature and is indeed a state of exquisite natural beauty and splendors, the beauty of which once inspired Mrs. St. Clair Grimwood described it as " A Pretty Place more beautiful than many show places of the world" Late Pandit Jawaharlal Nehru paid a fitting tribute by describing it as "Jewel of India".
Surrounded by blue hills with an oval shaped valley at the centre, rich in art and tradition and surcharged with nature's pristine glory. Manipur lies on a melting pot of culture. It is birth place of Polo. This is the place where Rajashree Bhagyachandra created the famous Ras Lila, the classical dance of Manipur, out of his enchanting dream by the grace of Lord Krishna
Her folk dances reveal the mythological concept of creation of Manipur.
Having a varied and proud history from the earliest times, Manipur came under the British Rule as a Princely State after the defeat in the Anglo-Manipuri War of 1891. After independence of India in 1947, the Princely State of Manipur was merged in the Indian Union on October 15,1949 and became a full-fledged State of India on the 21th January, 1972 with a Legislative Assembly of 60 seats of which 20 are reserved for Scheduled Tribe and 1 reserved for Scheduled Caste. The State is represented in the Lok Sabha by two members and by one member in the Rajya Sabha.
Main Attractions in Manipur
Manipur also called land of jewels is famous for its rich culture, rare wild life, flowers and sportsmanship. The unpolluted and unexploited greenery of the region is also a solace for the holiday seekers. Imphal (the capital city of Manipur ) which has markets like Paona Bazar and Khwairanbam Bazar, Keibul Lamjao (the sanctuary for the Brow Antlered Deer) and the fresh water lake, Loktak is worth visiting.
Manipuri Dance
The world famous Manipur Dance enthralls its viewers throughout the show. The fine movement of the Ras Lila (Manipuri Dance), the extravagance of Thang-ta (martial arts) can make it an all-together different experience. Ras Lila is among the five most acclaimed classical dance of India . The gentle motion of the dance coupled with the elegance of the hand-embroidered dress can impress all the audience.
Fairs and Festivals
Due to the mixed race of people, all festivities are observed in Manipur. The Hindus celebrate Holi and Ningol Chakouba, the Muslims celebrate Ramjan ID and Christians observe Christmas. All these festivals makes Manipur a more vibrant and cheerful place. Nowadays many of these festivals are observed by the different communities irrespective of their own race.
Adventure in Manipur
Manipur is stocking stimulus to growth and development of adventure sports in the state. Nodal agencies have been set up to assist diverse adventure-sports and also to impart training.
Manipur Mountaineering and Trekking Association-facilitates trekking to Lamdan ( Sudarshan Peak ), near Loktak hydroelectric power project.
The Adventure Academy of Manipur - offers courses and assistance in whitewater rafting in the state.
Shopping in Manipur
Imported goods from the smallest of sun-flower seeds to the big home theaters are all available at the markets but the best one is situated at the India-Myanmar border by the name of Naphalong(Moreh). If people are interested in the local product then they can buy at the Paona Bazar or Khwairambam market. Shoppers can buy the exotic shawl(Hauphee), the Tangkhul scarf, the various wood craft items and the most popular Moirangphee(a thin cloth) for their own. In Imphal, buying is quite easy as the markets are placed together but people have to travel three hours for Moreh market. What makes Moreh stand out is the picturesque journey and the cheap imported goods available.
Excursions
Bishnupur Temple
A temple dedicated to Lord Vishnu which is 27 kms away from the capital. The architecture of the temple is unique and resembles Chinese design. It was built in 1467 during the reign of King Kiyamba.
Moirang This town is 45 kms away from Imphal and this is where the birth of Manipuri folk culture was born. During the month of May, men and women dance in the honor of the Lord. Lai Harouba is celebrated every year and many people from all over the state flock and watch this spectacle.
There is the famous Netaji Subhas Chandra Bose's(a national hero) statue at Moirang which commemorates the struggle of our freedom fighters. This statue is the reminder of the INA(Indian National Army) that Netaji brought along with Japanese armies to defeat the British in 1944.
Permit to Visit
Foreign tourists require Restricted Area Permit which is issued by the Ministry of Home Affairs, South Block, New Delhi . The Indian comission abroad also issue this permit. Imphal City, Loktak Lake, INA Memorial(Moirang), Sendra, Waithou Lake, Keibul Lamjao National Park and Khongjom War Memorial are areas that can be visited.
Domestic tourist travelling by road from Dimapur to pass through Nagaland require an Inner Line Permit . This permit can be obtained from liaison officers of the Govt. of Nagaland at New Delhi/Kolkata/Guwahati/Shillong and the Sub-divisional officer (civil) at Dimapur. Permit is not required for tourist bound by flight.
Accessibilty to Manipur
By Air
Imphal airport can be reached by daily flights from New Delhi (app.3 hrs.), Kolkata (one hr.), Guwahati(app.50 minutes) and Aiwal(30 min.). There is also a direct flight from New Delhi on Sundays and Wednesdays. The airport is just 7 kms from downtown and tourist taxis and auto-rickshaws are provided for transfer to the city.
By Rail
The nearest railhead to Manipur is Dimapur on the North East Frontier in Nagaland (215 kms from Imphal) and Jiribam(225 kms from Imphal).
Bus services are available from Dimapur and it takes around 9 hours to reach Manipur.
By Bus
National highway no. 39 connects Imphal with Guwahati ( Assam ) and National Highway no. 53 connects Imphal with Silchar ( Assam ). The journey from Silchar (250 kms) to Imphal takes around 10 hours.
Local Transport
For travelling locally, un-metered taxis and auto-rickshaws are available at the bus stand of Mahatma Gandhi Road and airport. Rates are negotiable.
