Manipur  is a state in northeastern India making its capital in the city of Imphal. Manipur is bounded by the Indian states of Nagaland in the north, Mizoram in the south and Manipur in the west; it also borders the country of Myanmar to the east.

The Meiteis, who live primarily in the state's valley region, is one of the primary ethnic groups. Their language, Meitei (also known Meiteilon or Manipuri), is also the lingua franca in the state. It was recognized as one of India's national languages in 1992.

Manipur is considered a sensitive border state. Foreigners entering Manipur (including foreign citizens born in Manipur) must possess a Restricted Area Permit which can be obtained from the Foreigners’ Regional Registration Office in the "metros" (Delhi, Mumbai, Kolkata) or certain other state government offices. Permits are valid for only 10 days, and visitors must travel only on tours arranged by authorised travel agents, in groups of four. Furthermore, they may come to Imphal only by air and will not be permitted to travel outside the capital.

This little corner is a paradise on Earth where Mother Nature has bestowed her bounty extra generously. Manipur`s exotic scenery, mystic atmosphere and salubrious climate are all that fascinate tourists. Abounded with festivals, Manipuris are best introduced by their world famous "Manipuri Dance"- one of the major dance forms of India.

South of Nagaland, Manipur borders Myanmar. The state is inhabited by over two dozens tribes. Manipur claims to have invented the game Polo, the main sport of Manipur.

Loktak Lake with floating- Weed- Island and dancing deer Sangai, is of tourist interest.

Nestling deep within a lush green corner of North East India, is the wondrously beautiful little Shangrila called Manipur. Literally meaning - "a jewelled land", this little corner is a veritable, paradise on earth.

Untouched and undiscovered, Manipur promises to be the great tourist discovery of the 21st century. An oval shaped valley surrounded by blue green hills, rich in art and tradition has inspired descriptions such as the "Switzerland of the East" with cascading rapids, tripping rivers, carpets of flowers and exotic blooms. It lies to the south of Nagaland & north of Mizoram. It shares the international boundary with Myanmar on the western and southern side.
 

Imphal

The capital of Manipur, is a bustling mini-metropolis situated at the height of 790 m above sea level. It is surrounded by Nongmaijing hills in the East and the Langol in the North. Imphal has an area of 1228 sq. km and a population of 7,07,184. It is the nerve centre of all cultural, commercial and administrative activities of the State. Imphal is connected by a network of roads with all important cities and town in the North eastern region.

It is connected by road with Guwahati (Assam) through National Highway No. 39 and Silchar (Assam) through National Highway No. 35.

Climate

The state of Manipur experiences a maximum temperature of 32 degree celsius and a minimum temperature as low as 0 degree celsius. The annual rainfall here is 1467.5 mm and the rainy season is from May to October. The winter stretches from November to March.

Flora & Fauna

Blessed with an amazing variety of flora & fauna, 67% of the geographical area of Manipur is hill tract covered forests. Depending on the altitude of the hill ranges, the forests range from tropical to sub-alpine. The wet forests, the temperate forests and the pine forests together sustain a host of rare and endemic plant and animal life.Orchids in Manipur, abound in their natural habitat growing in soil or on trees and shrubs.

48 kms from Imphal is Loktak-Lake & Sendra Island. This is a saucer shaped fresh water lake that attracts many species of birds. Part of it forms a rare ecosystem. This huge and beautiful stretch of water is like a miniature inland sea. The islands of Loktak are unique as they 'float' and comprise of marsh & grass and root of solid earth. Situated on the fringes of the Loktak Lake is the Keibul Lamjao National Park. Habitat of the endangered dancing deer, the brow-antlered-deer of Manipur, it is the only floating National Park of the World. The Hoolock Gibbon, the Slow Loris, the Clouded Leopard, the Spotted Linshang, Mrs Hume's Barbacked Pheasant, Blyths Tragopan, Burmese Pea-Fowl, four different species of Hornbills etc. form a part of the rich natural heritage of Manipur.