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Spread over an area of 22,327 Sq. Km., and a population of 23.88 lakh, Manipur is a State with a glorious history and rich and varied culture. The scenic beauty, large natural fresh water lake, surrounded by hills, refreshing waterfalls and exotic orchids make Manipur a place of prime tourist attraction. Adorned with salubrious climate, green landscapes and superb natural beauty, it beckons the tourist.
Potential
A little paradise on earth, Manipur is the home of a host of rare species of Flora and Fauna with exotic scenery of fertile plains surrounded by green hills. One who makes an overture at tourist adventures in this State will be greeted with virgin forests, cascading rivers, breathtaking hill landscape, green clad vales and meandering streams. State capital Imphal’s busy Paona road will remind one of Singapore's Orchard road. Rows of open stalls in concrete sheds manned by womenfolk in the backlanes of the main market, all hawking their fare.
Manipur has a rich tradition of art and culture and is an emerging sports power. The tradition of games and sports date back to the history of small kingdoms which were in keen competition with one another. The "Sagol Kangjei"(Polo), an indigenous game of Manipur is now played worldwide. There are a number of indigenous games in the State namely; Yubi Lakpi (Manipuri Rugby), Khong Kangjei ( Manipuri Hockey), Kang, Hiyang Tannaba( Boat race), Thang-Ta, etc. There are various places of tourist attraction in the State preferred by both foreign and domestic tourists. The State’s enchanting landscape along with the various tourist attractions offers fairly excellent opportunity for developing different types of tourism. A visit to the State is always a rewarding experience for everyone. There are some 29 tourist spots in the State. During 2000-01, almost 1.04 lakh tourists including 409 foreigners visited the State.
Tourism Infrastructure
Imphal Airport, the second only largest airport in the region is only 7 km. from the heart of the Imphal city. Daily air services are available for Imphal - Kolkata and Imphal – Guwahati. Dimapur in Nagaland, 215 Km from Imphal, is the nearest rail-head. Another rail-head is at Jiribam, a small town of Manipur, 225 Km from Imphal. All district HQs. And almost all villages of the State are connected by all-weather roads. A government owned two-star hotel is available at Imphal along with a number of comfortable private hotels. Good accommodation are also available in all the districts HQs. There are also Government run tourist home at Moirang, Sendra, Phubala, Khongjom, Tamenglong, Churachandpur, etc.
Ongoing Infrastructure Projects
- Tourist Complex at Moreh.
- Tourist Complext at Thongam Mondum
- Wayside Amenities at Khonghampat
- Wayside Amenities at Kangpokpi
- Tourist Complext at Singda
- Health Resort near Hotel Imphal.
Tourist attractions
The tourist attractions of the State include breath taking lakes, beautiful landscapes, historic monuments and display of arts and ethnic traditions. Some major tourist centres are
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| 1. War Cemetry |
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This cemetry for the British and the Indian Army who sacrificed their lives during the World War II is serene and well maintained with little markers and bronze plaques recording brief accounts of their sacrifice. These graves are maintained by the Commonwealth War Graves Commission. |
| 2. Loktak lake, Sendra Island and Keibul Lamjao National Park |
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Loktak lake is the largest fresh water lake in the North-East Region with the only floating National Park of its kind. The lake is located at the distance of 45
kms. from Imphal and the National Park is on an island inside the lake. Sendra is an island hillock and visitors can get a complete view of the unique lake and floating masses of water hyacinth. The fisherman and their families who live in small huts on its surroundings make full use of the aquatic environment. The National Park is the only floating park in the world and this is the last habitat of the marsh--friendly brow antlered deer of Manipur. |
| 3. INA Memorial at
Moirang |
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It is a place where India's tri-coloured flag was hoisted by Netaji during World War II. There is a Netaji Memorial Museum in this complex displaying letters, photographs, badges of ranks and other memorabilia reminding the noble sacrifices made by the INA under the leadership of Netaji Subhash Chandra
Bose. |
Other Tourist Centres
Shri Shri Govindajee Temple, Sahid Minar, Manipur State Museum, Langthabal, Khonghampat Orchidarium, Manipur Zoological Garden in Imphal district . Khongjom War Memorial Complex at Khongjom, Waithou, Kaina in Thoubal district, Red Hill (India Peace Memorial, Loukoi Pat, Phubala at Bishenpur district, Moreh, Tengnoupal in Chandel, Ukhrul, Tamenglong and Mao are other attractive tourist centres of the State
Tourism Circuits for Investment
| 1. Loktak Tourism/Wildlife Circuit |
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Envisages a major water-sports and recreation facility at the unique Loktak lake which nurtures Keibul Lamjao, the World’s only floating National Park and the lost natural habitat of “Sangai” – the dancing deer |
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Estimated capital cost :
Rs. 650.00 lakh |
| 2. Ethnic/ Adventure Circuit |
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Envisages a mix of ethnic tourism and adventure sports in the hilly districts of Ukhrul, Senapati and Tamenglong inhabited by various Naga tribes. |
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Estimated capital cost : Rs. 500.00 lakh |
Promoting Deptt: Tourism, Government of Manipur
State Tourism Policy – Some highlights
Objectives
- To create self sustainable employment and self employment opportunities for the local youths of the State.
- To create a business climate which will attract outside investments.
- To project an image of care and hospitality to the world at large and make the State one of the best tourist destinations of the country.
- To encourage traditional artisans, weavers and handicrafts sector.
The Government’s role
- Providing support facilities and facilitation services to private enterprises along with appropriate incentives.
- Planning tourism development as a part of the other overall and development strategy.
- Providing efficient transport and communication services.
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