Imphal And The Beautiful Manipur

I am somewhere near Imphal but never really got a chance to see the city. So its great when you have guests come over and my in laws coming from Jaipur- a city where you just don't see the lush green mountains like you see in Manipur. And this was great option for a quick get away. And since we had a home here, it adds to the pleasure of having a grandson to play as well. 

We started to explore the beautiful Manipur and though it's not a hot tourist place in India, we did end up having loads of fun. 

Khuga Dam

Started as to provide electricity and water to the villages around, Khuga dam has a beautiful picturesque location with tiny villages occupying the hills around. The locals catch fish here and you can see a solitary gondolas sometimes making tours around the lake. We went for boating here and it was fun to have a little picnic too.

A View from the boat

The Lone Fisherman

Kangla Fort

Kangla fort was earlier the palace of Imphal. There is Imphal river surrounding the palace, beautifying the remains of this fort. As you go inside, the premises spread really wide and you can visit the Govindji temple inside.

Govindji Temple

World War II Cemetery

The moment you enter the cemetery, you are awed by how well-kept the memorial has been maintained and a sense of peace prevails as you go around the grave and read the heartfelt epigrams. And when you notice how young they must have to give up their lives, it's really heartbreaking. Visitors, relatives come all over the world to pay their respects to their ancestors and you get quiet a crowd them they hold a formal ceremony once in a year. 

The cemetery looks calm

Loktak Lake

Floating islands

The lake is the most beautiful sight you would come across and it's known for the floating islands all over it. There is also a tiny house on the floating island that moves with the wind. It has commercial boating facilities where one could go and have a great experience on this lake. If you want to get a bite then "Classic" has come up with a resort and a restaurant on the hill that gives you an amazing view. 

The view of loktak late in the evening

Shopping

The best part about going to Imphal was getting my shopping done. I had a difficult choice in choosing what I wanted because you see a spread of colors in front of you. The handloom is really popular and there are choices from Manipur silk and cotton sarees, Mekhlas (wrap-arounds), House- gowns, Suit pieces in cotton and silks, Bedsheets, ties. 

The manipuri embriodary that actually costs you an arm and a leg 

Ngaloi Water Falls- A Hidden Gem In Manipur

Churachapur is a small town, a little an hour away from Imphal. And just an half an hour away is Ngaloi Water Falls. The beautiful town that you come across while you drive towards this little hideaway, is worthwhile. The weather in Manipur is always good. Summer lasts for a few days with nights being a bit chilly, so you don't really need a ceiling fan either. The village is sort after by tourists and during the holidays and festivals, the locals often come here to relax. You can find a lot of young crowd coming in. Though not a very crowded place despite of that. You can get your family and friends and enjoy some time away from smartphones. Watching the falls is one of the best thing you could do. The sound of water hushing away all that crowds your mind.

The cafe that's just a stone throw away from the falls, will cater beer, maggie, tea and chips for those who like to just walk in. Its a pretty little hut with pink curtains. The simplicity of this place is unimaginable.

The Ngaloi village was earlier the main town of churachanpur district. But due to the Kuki- Pathai riots, the entire village was burnt and people had to find another place to live. The village still exists and has come up very well in a few years. Its greener in this part of the town and water is no problem here at all as compared to other parts of Manipur.

So if you are visiting Imphal, do make a trip here. It's very different from all those tourist-y places that you have ever been.

Some picturesque Spots

The View of Ngaloi Falls

A View From Above

Coming down to see the Falls

The cafe