Tourism of Manipur

Nestled on a plateau far above the sea level, Manipur is the wondrously beautiful little Shangri-La. Literally meaning a jewelled land, legendary belief has it that Manipur was discovered as a result of the delight the Gods took in dancing. Today Manipur’s mythological concept of creation is revealed in her famous folk- dances.
 

The richness of nature has inspired descriptions such as the Switzerland of the East with its tripping rivers, carpet of flowers, exotic blooms and lazy lakes. It’s also a mosaic of traditions and distinctive cultural patterns. (Picture on right: Siroi lily

LIFE STYLE:

Colours and Moods:

People: Living together since time immemorial sharing turbulent inroads of war, amalgamation, assimilation and unity and hence possessing dynamism and resiliency resulting from experience and destiny, the Manipuris are an ideal society. The Meiteis who constitute the largest population generally reside in the plains and the tribes including Naga, Kuki- Chin- Mizo groups inhabit mostly the hills. People here have a long tradition of martial arts and indigenous games. The Sagol Kangjei (or Polo) originated in Manipur. It is still a popular game. International players participate in the Polo tournaments at Imphal. (Picture on right: Sagol Kangjei : Polo in Pana-style)
 

There are many places of tourist interest in Manipur. The richness of nature of the State had once inspired its descriptions as the ‘Switzerland of the East’. The State is blessed with a salubrious climate, famous for its distinctive cultural pattern and evergreen scenic beauties.
 

But the State fails to attract reasonable number of tourists due to the threats of insurgency. The inflow of tourists, both foreign and domestic is decreasing gradually. In 2001-02, total number of tourists visiting Manipur was only 73,973 (131 foreigners, and 73,842 domestic) as against 1,04,263 (409 foreigners, and 1,03,854 domestic) in 2000-01. The tourism infrastructure is inadequate in the entire State. The overall scenario of tourism sector is very bleak in Manipur.
 

There are a number of places, which has the potentiality of attracting tourists in Imphal and other districts. These are:

Shree Shree Govindajee temple:

This temple located in Imphal, adjoining the palace of the former rulers of Manipur, is a sacred center for Vaisnavites.

Khwairamband Bazar:

This is a large crowded market at the heart of the city. The market is very special in the sense that all the stalls are run by women. Beautiful cane baskets and cane-bamboo products are also sold in this bazaar.

Saheed Minar:

This tall Minar of Bir Tikendrajit Park at the heart of the Capital commemorates the indomitable spirit of Manipur martyrs who sacrificed their lives while fighting against the British in 1891.

Manipur State Museum:

This museum near the Imphal Polo ground has a fairly good display of Manipur’s heritage and a collection of portraits of Manipur’s former rulers.

War Cemeteries:

The British and the Indian Army Cemeteries commemorating those who died in the Second World War are serenely and well-maintained and with little stone markers and bronze plaques recording their anguish and sacrifice.

Bishnupur:

Bishnupur is 27 kms from Imphal in the South. Here stands the conical temple of Lord Vishnu.

Loukhoipat:

It is a beautiful tourist spot in Bishnupur district about 27 km away from Imphal. A tiny lake surrounded by hillocks is the main attraction of this spot. In this lake, boating facility is provided to the tourists.

Moirang:

Moirang is 45 kms from Imphal in the south. The ancient temple of the pre-Hindu deity. Lord Thanjing is located here. It was in Moirang that the flag of the Indian National Army was first hoisted on Indian soil on April 14, 1944. There is an INA museum exhibiting letters, photographs, badges of ranks and other articles associated with INA. There is also a bronze statue of Netaji in uniform.

Loktak Lake and Sendra Island:

Beautiful Loktak Lake is like a miniature island sea. It is 48 kms from Imphal in the south. Sendra island is located in this lake. From the tourist bungalow, set stop Sendra island visitors can get a bird’s eye view of the lake and the life in and around it. The fishermen and their families who live in small huts on its shore make full use of their watery environment. Their main occupation is fishing. They even build their houses on thick floating weeds.

Churachandpur:

It is on the Tiddim road, 60 km from Imphal in the south and is one of the most beautiful places for sight seeing and holidaying. Inhabited by hill tribes, it is an advanced tribal town where products of arts and crafts of the area are available.

Moreh:

This border town is located on the Indo-Myanmar road, 110 kms from Imphal. Being a commercial town it attracts a large number of people from neighboring places. Moreh is only 5 km away from Tamu town, its Myanmar counterpart. Opening of the border has trade turned Moreh into an important commercial center in North-East India.

Ukhrul:

It is 83 kms away from Imphal in the east. This is the highest hill station of the State. Ukhrul is famous for a peculiar type of terrestrial-lily, the Siroi lily grown on the Siroi hills. Siroi Hills and Khangkhui Lime cave are interesting place for excursion. Ukhrul bears a gay and festive appearance during Christmas.

Mao:

Mao is one of the oldest Hill stations of Manipur bordering Nagaland, located midway between Dimapur and Imphal on the National Highway 39 at an altitude of 5762.02 feet above sea level. The Mao inspection bungalow built by the Royal Military Engineers in 1897 is more than hundred years old. The cultural mosaic of Manipur is not complete without the colorful Mao Naga dance.

Sports Tourism:

Sagol Kangjei (Polo):

The Manipuri Sagol Kangjei has been adopted by the International Community as Polo and is now being played worldwide. Today, the world has accepted that the game of polo which originated from Manipur.

There are two State level organizations viz. Manipur Horse Riding and Polo Association and Manipur Equestrians Association. The Government of Manipur in collaboration with the above two associations organizes international polo tournament.

But this heritage sports is facing several problems mainly due to dearth of funds. The number of trained ponies has also come down. The cost of maintenance is also very high. At present there are 15-16 polo clubs. The Manipur Horse Riding and Polo Association wants to set up a pony breeding farm which would help in development of this game.
 

In order to improve the tourism scenario, support from all quarters is required. Adequate and quality infrastructure in the form of good accommodation and other facilities along-with a conducive and peaceful environment can improve the present appalling scenario.