Page 344 - (DK Eyewitness) Travel Guide - India
P. 344
342 EASTERN INDIA
formidable Imas, who temple to the preHindu god,
sport tikas of sandal Thangjing, is the spiritual home
wood paste on their of the Meiteis, who celebrate
noses, have formed a Lai Haraoba (see p331). During
powerful union and World War II, Moirang was the
pride themselves on headquarters of the Indian
charging fair prices. National Army (INA), which was
Imphal’s main temple, led by Subhash Chandra Bose
the Govindaji Temple, and fought against the Allies.
stands east of the
Bazaar, and on festivals
associated with Lord y Loktak Lake
Krishna the graceful Bishnupur district. 48 km (30 miles)
Manipuri dance (see p33) S of Imphal. @ n For bookings on
is performed here. Sagol Sendra Island, contact Manipur Tourism,
Kangjei, Manipuri polo, (0385) 224 603/220 802. s Travel
is a favourite sport in permits: required (see pp734–5).
Imphal (they claim to
Fish sellers at Imphal’s Ima Keithel have invented the Loktak Lake is one of the
game), and an oppor tunity most enchanting places in the
t Imphal to see a match should not be northeast. Almost twothirds of
missed – the Polo Ground is in this huge expanse of freshwater
Imphal district. 484 km (301 miles) SE
of Guwahati. * 514,700. ~ 6 km (4 the centre of the town. It is a fast is covered by unique floating
miles) S of city centre. @ n Manipur and furious game, with the saucershaped islands of reed
Tourism, next to Hotel Imphal, (0385) players dressed in dhotis and and humus, locally called
224 603/220 802. _ Yaosang (Feb/ often riding bareback on the phumdi, which are home to a
Mar), Lai Haraoba (Apr/May). Travel agile Manipuri horses. Two well community of fishermen. The
permits: required (see pp734–5). tended Commonwealth War southern part of the lake forms
Graves Cemeteries are on the Keibul Lamjao National
The capital of Manipur the northern and eastern Park, where contiguous masses
(the “Jewelled Land”), outskirts of town. of phumdi form the very special
Imphal lies in a broad Buried here are the habitat of the endangered
oval valley enclosed men who died fighting Manipur browantlered deer
by forested hills. Its the Japanese during the called sangai. These deer
inhabitants mostly invasion of Manipur in have divided hooves, specially
belong to the Meitei tribe. World War II. Also worth adapted to their floating
The liveliest part of the town visiting is an impressive habitat, and elegantly curved
is the Ima Keithel (“Mothers’ Orchidarium displaying antlers. Only a 100 or so of these
Market”), where more than various indigenous graceful animals are now left,
3,000 women congregate Manipuri species. It is 12 km (7 found in the wild only in an area
daily to sell fresh produce, dancer miles) north of the town. of 6 sq km (2 sq miles) within
fish, grain, canework and the park. Sendra Island, at the
handicrafts, including the Environs heart of the park, provides a
elegant striped textiles worn Moirang, 45 km (28 miles) south magnificent view of the lake,
by the Meitei women. These of Imphal, with its ancient its islands and its rich birdlife.
Floating islands of reed and humus with fishermen’s houses and moored boats, on Loktak Lake
For hotels and restaurants in this region see pp698–9 and p712
342-343_EW_India.indd 342 26/04/17 11:46 am
Eyewitness Travel LAYERS PRINTED:
Catalogue template “UK” LAYER
(Source v2.6)
Date 12th July 2013
Size 125mm x 217mm
