Photo spot in Imphal
Keibul Lamjao National Park
Imphal, Manipur
The world's only floating national park, a phumdi expanse on Loktak Lake that is the last refuge of the endangered Sangai — Manipur's dancing brow-antlered deer.
Best time
Early morning or late afternoon, when the light is soft and the sangai are most likely to come out to feed.
Best angle
Climb the watchtower and use a zoom lens to photograph the floating grassland, with the lake and the hills in the background.
Entry fee
Permit & boat
Opening hours
Park hours (boat/watchtower)
Crowd level
Low
Best outfit colors
Overview
Best time to visit Keibul Lamjao National Park
Early morning or late afternoon, when the light is soft and the sangai are most likely to come out to feed. Crowds here are typically low. Arrive a little early to claim your angle and catch the softest light before the day tips over.
Poses & angles
Photo tips for Keibul Lamjao National Park
Climb the watchtower and use a zoom lens to photograph the floating grassland, with the lake and the hills in the background. Work a few of the pose ideas below, shoot wide for context and tight for detail, and give yourself a couple of extra minutes to get the frame right.
At the watchtower
By the floating meadows
Outfit guide
What to wear at Keibul Lamjao National Park
For photos at Keibul Lamjao National Park, olive, cream and forest green work beautifully — they stand out against the setting without fighting it. Pick one hero colour and keep the rest of the look calm so you stay the subject of the frame.
Best outfit colors for photos
Trending wear for this spot
Popular modern looks travellers are wearing across Imphal.
Traditional wear for this spot
Timeless, cultural outfits worn across Imphal.
Eat nearby
Food near Keibul Lamjao National Park
Round out the visit with something to eat. Look for nga thongba nearby.
Special dishes to try
Search food by craving
Good to know
Local tips
Arrive early in the morning or come in the late afternoon, when the sangai are most likely to feed.
Bring binoculars and a zoom lens, as the deer stay far out on the grassland.
Ask the rangers at the watchtower for help spotting the deer.
Visit between October and March for the best chance of a sighting.
Wear muted colours and keep your voice low.
Carry water and snacks, as there are few facilities.
Combine your visit with Sendra and Loktak Lake, which are close by.
About Keibul Lamjao National Park
Keibul Lamjao, on the southern side of Loktak Lake, is the only floating national park in the world. About 40 sq km of it is made up of phumdis, thick mats of grass, roots and soil that float on the water and rise and fall with the lake. It lies about 50 km south of Imphal.
The park is the last natural home of the sangai, the brow-antlered deer that is Manipur's state animal. The deer seem to dance as they step across the soft, floating ground, which is why they are often called the dancing deer. They are shy and hard to see, so most visitors watch from the watchtower or go out by boat with a guide, looking for them in the tall grass.
Questions
Keibul Lamjao National Park — FAQ
What is the best time to visit Keibul Lamjao National Park?
Early morning or late afternoon, when the light is soft and the sangai are most likely to come out to feed. Climb the watchtower and use a zoom lens to photograph the floating grassland, with the lake and the hills in the background.
Is there an entry fee at Keibul Lamjao National Park?
Entry to Keibul Lamjao National Park is by permit & boat.
What are the opening hours of Keibul Lamjao National Park?
Keibul Lamjao National Park keeps park hours (boat/watchtower).
What should I wear at Keibul Lamjao National Park?
Olive, cream and forest green photograph especially well here. Explore the trending and traditional outfit ideas on this page for full looks.
How crowded does Keibul Lamjao National Park get?
Crowd levels are typically low. To miss the busiest window: early morning or late afternoon, when the light is soft and the sangai are most likely to come out to feed.
What food should I try near Keibul Lamjao National Park?
Try nga thongba at spots close by.
What is Keibul Lamjao famous for?
Keibul Lamjao is famous as the only floating national park in the world and the last natural home of the endangered sangai, Manipur's brow-antlered dancing deer.
How do I reach Keibul Lamjao from Imphal?
The park is about 50 km south of Imphal. Most visitors go by car or taxi, often in a day trip that also includes Loktak Lake and Sendra.
Will I see the sangai deer?
Sightings are not guaranteed. Your best chance is early in the morning or in the late afternoon in the drier months, from the watchtower with binoculars or with a local guide.
How much time do I need at Keibul Lamjao?
Allow 2–3 hours at the park, including time at the watchtower. Add travel time from Imphal and a stop at Loktak Lake to make a full day.