Ultimate Guide to the Must-Visit Places in Manipur

Manipur is situated in the northeastern part of India which gives you an unforgettable experience of natural beauty. It is surrounded by picturesque hills and a rich cultural heritage, making it a great pick for your next summer holiday.  

Manipur, also called "The Jewel of India" is a north-eastern state with many unexplored gems. It has some of the best tourist places in North East India that you can enjoy when visiting the state. Here, you can take your time to soak in the beauty that nature has to offer with many lakes, waterfalls, valleys, etc. Additionally, there are lots of options for those who like to tap into the historical part of this hill station. Here is a comprehensive list of places to visit in Manipur that you should not miss out:

Best Places to Visit in Manipur  

• What are the best tourist places in Manipur? 

• Loktak Lake  

• Moirang 

• Singda Dam 

• Kangla Fort 

• Imphal Valley 

• Leimaram Waterfall  

• What is the famous food in Manipur? 

• What is the best time to visit Manipur? 

• How can I reach Manipur?   

What are the best tourist places in Manipur? 

Manipur is one of the best tourism places where you can find scenic spots in every nook and cranny. Mentioned below are some of the best places to visit in Manipur for your next vacation:  

Loktak Lake   

Distance from Imphal: 48 km 

Visiting Hours: 08:00 AM – 05:00 PM 

Entry Fees: Not applicable 

Loktak Lake is the largest freshwater lake in India which is located at a small distance from Imphal. It is dotted with phumdis, floating masses of decomposing vegetation, some of which host entire fishing villages. The lake’s clear waters weave along countless narrow boat routes, surrounded by lush greenery and capped off each day by striking crimson sunsets. The fishermen cast their nets in the early morning light and rely on this lake for their livelihood. However, despite its beauty and importance, human activity has begun to shrink Loktak. This natural treasure is one of the best places to visit in Manipur and deserves our care and protection.  

Moirang  

Distance from Imphal: 44 km 

Visiting Hours: No specific hours 

Entry Fees: Not applicable  

If there is a place that has seen dark times yet remarkably preserved its inherent beauty, it would be Moirang. It is a quaint town in Manipur where Netaji Subhas Chandra Bose and Indian National Army fought a war against the Britishers. Today, it boasts a serene lake along with a national park, making it the perfect tourist spot in Manipur. There is an abundance of flora and fauna in Moirang with many Sangai deers, hornbills, kingfishers, sambar, and more.  

Singda Dam  

Distance from Imphal: 20 km 

Visiting Hours: 08:00 AM – 06:00 PM 

Entry Fees: Not applicable  

The Singda Dam stands as the world’s tallest mud dam. The journey there is a treat for the eyes with sweeping rice paddies and lush green hills that make the trip feel like stepping into a painting. It is no wonder this picnic spot in Manipur, with its calm, pristine reservoir, draws picnickers and hikers seeking a tranquil escape. The dam is not just about scenery but also a vital irrigation project, quietly channelling water to nourish the land below.  

Kangla Fort  

Distance from Imphal: 44 km 

Visiting Hours: No specific hours 

Entry Fees: Not applicable for children below 12 years, INR 10 for Manipuris, INR 20 for non-Manipuri Indian citizens, and INR 100 for foreigners   

Kangla Fort, often called the Palace of Kangla, lies along the Imphal River and once served as Manipur’s beating heart of power. This was originally the seat of King Pakhangba and remained the kingdom’s centre until the British takeover in 1891. Later in 2004, it was rediscovered and opened to the public and quickly became one of Manipur's popular tourism places that beautifully melds history, archaeology and spirituality. Today only the western side holds remnants of its former glory with temples, shrines, moats and palace ruins that testify to centuries of dynastic rule and cultural traditions.  

Imphal Valley  

Visiting Hours: 05:00 AM – 05:00 OM 

Entry Fees: Not applicable   

You are missing out on a lot if you are in Manipur and do not visit the Imphal Valley. It is a breath-taking oval-shaped canyon carved by rivers spilling from the surrounding hills. This landscape is drained by several hill-fed rivers including the Imphal, Iril, Thoubal, Khuga, and Sekmai, all converging and flowing southward through the valley. For those who love to witness nature in its pure beauty, this is among the most sought-after places to see in Manipur. Amid this rich environment lie several Manipur tourist attractions like Kangla Palace, the historic Imphal Polo Ground, and the Manipur State Museum that you can cover when you are here.  

Leimaram Waterfall   

Distance from Imphal: 27 km 

Visiting Hours: from sunrise to sunset 

Entry Fees: Not applicable  

The Leimaram Waterfall is a beauty that vanishes into mist before it even reaches the ground. It is hidden away in the Senapati Valley, waiting for those who hike up a forested trail and stone steps. While hiking, you will pass rippling streams and vibrant fields that you can capture in your camera and soul to remember forever. It is not just a waterfall but a perfect picnic spot in Manipur that you can visit with your loved ones.  

What is the famous food in Manipur?  

After you have covered all the places to see in Manipur you can start your culinary journey as the flavours of this state will amaze you. Following are the famous dishes of Manipur that you can indulge in:

Chamthong: It is a vegetable soup also called Kangshoi. This hearty dish is made from local ingredients such as bamboo shoots, maroi, fish, and local greens that give you much-needed nourishment. You can have it with steamed rice and to have the authentic taste, consume it piping hot.

Eromba: This is a Manipuri favourite that you must have when you are on your vacation in this state. Made with mashed boiled vegetables, fermented fish, tree beans, and green chilli, this dish has strong flavours that can be balanced with steamed rice.

Ngari: If you want to have a Manipuri staple dish, then do give Ngari a try. It is fermented fish which is a hero ingredient in traditional Manipuri cuisine. Ngari's unique fermentation process gives it a distinctly pungent aroma and savoury taste. This adds a rich depth to Bishnupur's culinary traditions, especially in dishes like Eromba, Singju, and many chutneys.

Ooti: This is the perfect dish when you want to have something wholesome. It is made using a mix of boiled veggies, beans or lentils, local herbs and spices. You can either enjoy it as a snack or with steamed rice.

Singju: It is a salad with a Manipuri twist. The recipe includes finely chopped seasonal vegetables, besan, powdered perilla seeds, herbs, and a tangy fermented fish dressing.

What is the best time to visit Manipur? 

If you are planning to book a North-East tour package, you might as well check out the best time to visit. Most people prefer Manipur sightseeing during the winter season which starts from October and goes on till March. This is the time when the weather is cosy and pleasant with temperatures ranging between 10-25 degree Celsius. The monsoon season in Manipur is between June to September when you can explore some of the best Manipur tourist spots like the Kangla Fort, Loktak Lake, and Keibul Lamjao National Park. And if you are a budget traveller, you can visit during the off-season, starting from April to June. This is the summer season when the weather gets either too hot or humid during the days. However, you can opt to explore during early mornings or late evenings, when the weather is most pleasant.  

How can I reach Manipur?  

You will find some of the best tourist places in Manipur which makes it a popular destination for travellers from around the globe. If you want to travel conveniently, it is vital to know how to reach Manipur.

By Air: The easiest way to reach Manipur is by flying to Imphal Tulihal Airport, located 8 km from the city centre. It connects to major Indian cities like Delhi and Kolkata. Once you land, taxis are readily available outside, with minimal fares.

By Train: Manipur currently does not have its own railway station, but you can reach the nearest railhead that is Dimapur, in Nagaland. After arriving at Dimapur station, you can continue your journey by road. Regular buses and taxis are available and will get you to Imphal in about 7 to 8 hours.

By Road: Travelling to Manipur by road is a great option, especially from nearby states. Imphal connects well via national highways with a robust bus network with state-run and private buses regularly operating from cities like Kohima, Dimapur, Shillong, and Guwahati.

These are the places to visit in Manipur that you can explore on your next vacation. You can plan a trip with trusted travel agencies like Veena World to make your travel well-planned.

FAQs 

What are the must-visit places in Manipur for first-time travellers?

Start with Imphal, the capital, which offers a mix of culture and history. Don't miss Loktak Lake, famous for its floating islands (phumdis), and Keibul Lamjao National Park, the world’s only floating national park. Other must-visits include Kangla Fort, INA Memorial in Moirang, and Shirui Hills in Ukhrul. 

When is the best time to visit Manipur for sightseeing and festivals?

The best time to visit Manipur is October to March when the weather is pleasant. If you want to catch cultural events, visit during Sangai Festival (November), which showcases Manipur’s dance, food, crafts, and adventure sports. 

Are there any offbeat or lesser-known places to explore in Manipur?

Yes! Explore Dzuko Valley (shared with Nagaland) for trekking and nature, Andro Village for local pottery and culture, and Tharon Cave for a peek into prehistoric times. These spots offer a more peaceful and authentic experience beyond the tourist trail. 

Is it safe and easy to travel around Manipur for solo or group travellers?

Generally, yes — especially in major areas like Imphal, Loktak Lake, and Moirang. However, some interior or border regions may require permits or local guidance. It’s advisable to check current travel advisories and travel during daylight hours. 

What kind of cultural experiences can I have while visiting Manipur?

Manipur offers rich cultural experiences like traditional Manipuri dance, local markets (like Ima Keithel – the all-women’s market), and homestays in villages where you can try local cuisines like Eromba and Chamthong, and learn about tribal traditions firsthand.