Imphal
Imphal, the capital of Manipur lies
at the heart of an oval shaped valley at 790 m above sea level. It is
one of the oldest state capital of the country, found in the IIIrd century B.C.
The name is derived from the word 'Yumpham' (homestead). The city is the
political, educational and cultural epicenter of the people of the state of
Manipur.
Khwairamband Bazar
This Bazar (market) is at the heart of the town.
Open from 0700
to 1900. It is the largest women's bazar in the
country. Around 3,000 women gather here every day. It is believed that
these women are supervised by the Ima Goddess, so this bazar is
known as "Ima Market or 'Keithel'. It is an excellent market to buy
handicrafts and handloom wears. Fish, vegetables, food stuffs,
cosmetics and jewellery are also available.
The War Cemeteries
There are two cemeteries maintained by the Commonwealth War Graves
Commission in memory of the British and the Indian soldiers who died
during the Second World War. One is located on the Imphal - Dimapur NH-39 and the other one is at Imphal
- Ukhrul Road. These are very beautiful and peaceful sites.
Shaheed Minar
Meitei and Tribal martyrs who sacrificed their lives while fighting the British in 1891, is commemorated by this tall Minar at Bir Tikendrajit Park in the heart of
Imphal.
Khonghampat or Central Orchidarium
Located at a distance of 7 kms from Imphal, on Highway
No. 39 is the Khonghampat or Central Orchidarium, a must
see place for orchid lovers. Maintained by the Forest Department of
Manipur, the orchidarium covering almost 200 acres, houses over 110 rare
varieties of orchids. Cymbidium, Cattleya, Denrobium, Phalaenopsis, Vanda
varieties of orchids are found in plenty along with several rare species.
The Orchidarium provides information on orchids and their families.
The best time to visit this paradise of Orchids is at the peak blooming
season from March - May.
Manipur State Museum
The museum set up in 1969, showcases the rich cultural heritage of the
people of Manipur. Located at Imphal near the polo ground, the museum
comprises of various Galleries such as Ethnology, Archeology, Natural
History, Painting, Jallan, Children's Gallery and an open air gallery for
housing the 78ft long boat called Hiyang Hiren (Royal boat). Open: 10 am
to 4.30 pm, Monday and Holidays closed. |
