Search
Home » Destinations» Imphal

Imphal – Lush Green Hills Guarding The City

44

Imphal, the capital of Manipur is a tucked-away small town in Northeast India. Imphal came to prominence during the Second World War when the Japanese entered India and waged war over the area.

The Battle of Imphal and the Battle of Kohima are significantly mentioned in the history of the Second World War as this was the first time the fierce Japanese troop was defeated in Asian soil. Many thought that the war would badly affect Imphal, but surprisingly the city rose up with new vigour and rebuilt itself from scratch.

Tourist Places In And Around Imphal

There are several places to visit in Imphal. One of the most visited spots in Imphal is the Kangla Palace, which was under the control of the Assam Rifles till 2004. Later the prime minister of India, Dr. Manmohan Singh, formally handed over the land to the state government. ‘Kangla’ is a Meitei word meaning ‘dry land' which lies on the banks of the Imphal river.

While exploring Imphal, tourists should also pay a visit to the Khwairamband Bazar, precisely known as Ima Keithel, the unique bazaar entirely run by women. Ima Keithel literally translates to “Mother Market”.

The Polo Ground is also among the must-visit places in Imphal as it is the oldest existing Polo Ground in the world. For those interested in Manipuri artefacts and history, the Manipur State Museum is the storehouse of information on the state. There are several places to visit in the outskirts of Imphal, such as the Keibul Lamjao National Park, Moirang, Andro, Sekta, etc.

Here Goes The History . . .

Before gaining prominence during the Second World War, Imphal served as the capital of the Emperor of Manipur since 1826. But it should be mentioned that much before the war, during the Anglo-Manipuri war in 1891, Imphal came to the notice of the British.

The British defeated the local king and till the time of Indian Independence in 1947, was under the rule of the English. Once the British started settling in Imphal, they started valuing the strategic location of the city and were adequately treated with importance throughout the British rule.

When the Japanese attacked Imphal, it was only because the British had equipped the city for war operations that the British Indian Army could defeat the fiery troop.

The name Imphal is derived from the Yumphal meaning ‘land of many villages’. The unending horizons seem to mix the hills to the plains giving a mystifying effect. This is how beautiful Imphal looks on any bright day.

Imphal is surrounded by lush green hills that guard the city as a fort. There are several rivers criss-crossing the hills surrounding the capital city, such as Imphal, Sekmai, Iril, Thoubal and Khuga. The jackfruit trees and the pine trees dot the city enhancing its beauty manifold. It is for its sylvan beauty that Imphal is so renowned.

Imphal is filled with ancient relics, temples and monuments, attracting tourists and historians alike. The war monuments are a major tourist attraction of Imphal.

Meiteis are the main settlers of the Imphal Valley while there are other tribal groups also, who have lived here for several generations. Bamons or the Manipuri Brahmins, Pangans and the Manipuri Muslims are also prime settlers of the city.

The hill tribes of Kabuis, Tangkhuls and Paite are also settled here. Due to large scale migration from other parts of the country, Imphal has a sizeable Marwari, Punjabi, Bihari and Bengali population, though their numbers are fast dwindling.

Meiteilon or Manipuri is the primary language of the place while English, Hindi, Tibetan and Burmese are also spoken.

How To Reach Imphal

Though Imphal does not possess a railway station of its own, it has an airport which is 8 km south to the city. Dimapur in Nagaland is the nearest railway station. Roadways also have proper network throughout Imphal.

Imphal Weather

Summer is the best time to explore the beauty of Imphal. Winters are chilly but adventurous.

Imphal is Famous for

Imphal Weather

Best Season / Best Time to Visit Imphal

  • Jan
  • Feb
  • Mar
  • Apr
  • May
  • Jun
  • July
  • Aug
  • Sep
  • Oct
  • Nov
  • Dec

How to Reach Imphal

  • By Road
    You can reach Imphal by road from all major towns and cities in North East. It is 479 kilometres from Guwahati connected by NH-39 and NH-150. You can also reach this city via Dimapur which is located at a distance of 208 kilometres. You will experience some of the most adventurous road journey on the way.
    Search Direction
  • By Train
    There are no railway stations in and around Imphal. Dimapur is the nearest major railway station and located 208 kilometres from the town. It has direct trains to and from New Delhi, Guwahati, Kolkata and many other places in the country. Cabs for Imphal are easily available at the Dimapur Railway Station.
    Search Direction
  • By Air
    Imphal Airport is located about 8 kilometres from the city and well connected by shuttle cabs and other means of public transport. There are direct flights from New Delhi, Kolkata, Guawahati, Aizwal, Bangalore and Silchar. Airlies such as Air India Regional, JetKonnect and IndiGo operate from this airport.
    Search Direction