Strike over civilian deaths cripples Imphal Valley
A strike in Imphal Valley, following the death of three Meitei civilians, has led to a Kuki man being killed and life being crippled.
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Manipur · India
Imphal
The valley capital of Manipur, ringed by hills — home to the historic Kangla Fort, the all-women Ima Keithel market, the floating phumdis of Loktak Lake and the world's only floating national park.
Imphal is Meitei-valley Manipur: the royal Kangla Fort, the women-run Ima Keithel, Loktak Lake's floating islands and the Sangai deer, Vaishnavite temples, phanek weaves, and Meitei food.
Plan your trip
Imphal Tour Itineraries
Timed, walkable day plans — plus the best season to go.
Where to shoot
Imphal Photo Spots
High crowdEntry Free
Ima Keithel
- Best timeMorning, when the stalls are full and the soft light in the halls is kind to faces and colourful textiles.
- ColorsMaroonCreamGreen
Medium crowdEntry Nominal
Kangla Fort
- Best timeMorning, when the soft light shows the detail on the white Kangla-Sha and the lawns are quiet.
- ColorsCreamMaroonGold
Low crowdEntry Permit & boat
Keibul Lamjao National Park
- Best timeEarly morning or late afternoon, when the light is soft and the sangai are most likely to come out to feed.
- ColorsOliveCreamForest green
Medium crowdEntry Boat/viewpoint fee
Loktak Lake
- Best timeEarly morning, when the water is often calm and the phumdis are reflected in the lake; late afternoon for warm light over the hills.
- ColorsTealCreamForest green
Medium crowdEntry Free
Shree Govindajee Temple
- Best timeMorning for soft light on the gold domes; late afternoon for a warm glow before the evening prayers.
- ColorsSaffronCreamGold
For the feed
Trending Wear in Imphal
Modern, Instagram-friendly looks
Rooted in the city
Imphal Traditional Wear
Local, cultural, handcrafted outfits
Taste the city
Food to Eat in Imphal
Trusted tables
Where to Eat in Imphal
About Imphal
Imphal is the capital of Manipur, a flat, green valley at about 780 m, ringed on every side by forested hills. For centuries it was the seat of the Meitei kings, and the walled grounds of Kangla Fort on the Imphal River still sit at the centre of the city. A short walk away is Ima Keithel, the market run entirely by women, and the gold domes of the Shree Govindajee Temple, home of the Manipuri Raas dance.
Most visitors split their time between the city and Loktak Lake, about 48 km to the south. There you can see the phumdis, floating islands of grass and soil, and Keibul Lamjao, the floating national park where the sangai deer lives. Manipur has seen serious unrest since May 2023, and Indian visitors from outside the state need an Inner Line Permit, so check the current situation and the permit rules before you plan. Leave time for Meitei food too: eromba, singju and a bowl of purple chak hao kheer.
Questions
Imphal — FAQ
What is Imphal famous for?
Imphal is famous for Kangla Fort, the old seat of the Meitei kings, Ima Keithel, one of the largest markets in Asia run only by women, and the Shree Govindajee Temple. It is also the base for visiting Loktak Lake and its floating islands, and Keibul Lamjao, the floating national park that is home to the sangai deer.
How many days are enough for Imphal?
2–3 days works well. Spend one day in the city at Kangla Fort, Ima Keithel and the Govindajee Temple, and a full day at Loktak Lake and Keibul Lamjao. Add a spare day in case roads or local conditions change your plans.
What is the best time to visit Imphal?
October to March is the most comfortable time, with dry, clear days and cool nights. April to June gets warmer and wetter, and the monsoon from roughly June to September brings heavy rain. See the best time to visit Imphal for a month-by-month guide.
How do I reach Imphal?
Most visitors fly into Bir Tikendrajit International Airport, about 8 km from the city centre, which has direct flights from cities such as Guwahati, Kolkata and Delhi. Imphal has no passenger railway yet. The nearest large railway station is Dimapur in Nagaland, about 200 km away by road.
Is it safe to visit Imphal right now?
Manipur has seen ethnic conflict since May 2023, with curfews, road blockades and internet shutdowns at times. Conditions change, so check current advisories from the Government of India, the Manipur government and, if you are a foreign visitor, your own government before booking. Follow local news and your hotel's advice once you are there.