While In Imphal

While you are in Imphal, make sure you don't miss these must see places...

Imphal War Cemetery : 

This peaceful, well-kept memorial contains the graves of more than 1600 British and Commonwealth soldiers killed in WWII battles that raged around Imphal in 1944. You’ll find the cemetery across a shaded park at the end of a bylane off Imphal Rd.

Khwairamband Bazaar – a Market run by Mothers

A spectacular photo-op for shutterbugs, this vast all-women’s market is run by some 3000 ima (mothers). Divided by a road, one side sells vegetables, fruit, fish and groceries while the other deals in household items, fabrics and pottery.

Manipur State Museum

This government-run museum has a curious collection of tribal costumes, royal clothing, historical polo equipment and stuffed carnivores in action. Outside by the lawns, you’ll find an ornate and spectacular 78ft royal boat. Fronting the museum is the Polo Ground , where polo is said to have been invented.

Shri Govindajee Mandir

The 1776-built Shri Govindajee Mandir, with two rather pronounced domes, is a neo-Vaishnavite temple with Radha and Govinda as the presiding deities. Adjacent to the temple is the Royal Palace, where, however, visitors are not allowed.

TRIP TO MOREH AND MYANMAAR

A hundred and ten kilometres away from Manipur's capital of Imphal, on the border between India and Myanmar, stands Moreh. The road to the border town cuts through wide, windy fields of the Imphal valley, climbing up into the moist clouds that shroud the hills of Manipur's Chandel district only to descend into the oppressively hot plains of Moreh.

The town may be small but it is cosmopolitan, more than even Imphal with Manipuri Meiteis, Kuki tribals, Tamils, Punjabis and even Burmese nationals making it a true mix of diversity. (with their trademark sarongs and conical cane hats walk the streets with their wares.) And unlike Imphal, which shuts at six in the evening, Moreh stays awake till late night. Liquor vends dot the main road that passes through the town. The beer brands that line the glass cases in an otherwise dry state testify to this plurality—Burmese beer, the cheap Dali from China, and German and Dutch beer.

The entry from Moreh to Namphalong, the market that's a few steps into the Burmese border, is free

Driving past the rolling hills and changing landscapes & several community habitats ( Kukis,nagas, Muslim and Christians) we reach Moreh (India’sgateway to SE Asia) - The dusty little town close to Myanmaar border. Journey was never easy as we had to face some stringent checks by the Indian army along the Indo Burma Road – “Where are you from”? “Is Goa in India” ? – we were asked. But in spite of harsh conditions & job the guys have to perform they still have retained their sense of humour!

We checked into a Govt guest house at Moreh and quickly prepared ourselves for a quick trip to Myanmaar. We crossed the border to realise Mynamar is an hour ahead of India. Border closes at 5 PM Burma time. Walking to the bazaar twon of Napluphula was such a joy.  Typical Burmese market. People selling with a smile.

We met Lily – a young enterprising girl selling cutlery and glass items. We were welcomed by all. Further we travelled to Tamu about 10 km inside Burma. One has to drive right hand drive. Beautiful pagodas, clean markets and roads. We were indeed impressed. Did not find any security checks around. A meal at a local restaurant was a delight. We experienced the legendry beer “ Myanmaa smooth”. The Quale egg salad, fish with bamboo shoots..ummm...the taste still haunts us.

We crossed the friendship  bridge and were welcomed warmly by the Burmese officials.

Temple Visit, Food and a Glimpse to their Culture

Sharing our memories from our visit to Manipur last year: Visited Narsimha Temple and were invited to attend a sit down temple lunch. Our host gifted us with traditional Kurta Pyjama (for men) and Serong (long skirt – for women).

 Food or the Prasad was delicious... traditional Manipur cuisine prepared for the Meitei community . This was served post the rituals and puja.

We all sat in queues and enthusiastic temple volunteers served us rice, vegetable curries, sweets and chutney.

It was such a fantastic experience to sit with the locals and observe from  close quarters the daily ritual that is funded purely by donations. 

Want to Experience this for yourself? Write to us here or email us at contact@makeithappen.co.in

Did You know that World's Only Floating Wildlife Park is in Manipur?

Loktak, as this lake is called, offers a unique tourism destination, offering visitors excellent opportunity to enjoy the beauty of the lake and its several islands of floating “phumdis” of different geometrical shapes. 

Phumdis are a mass of vegetation, soil and other organic matter that accumulate over a period of time that resemble a landmass that float freely in the lake. The largest floating island covers an area of 40 sq. km. and constitutes the world’s only floating park, Keibul Lamjao National Park - which is also the home of the Shanghai deer.

The Sendra Tourist Home itself is located on a large Phumdi in Loktak Lake.

Lengsinbirak_oo.

That's "Welcome" in Manipuri...

Manipur is calling, and a whole new world is waiting to be discovered.

Come with us and witness it unfold layer after layer before you.

We promise we shall keep you mesmerised.