This ‘Jewelled Land’ is famous for dances, spicy multi-dishthalis, and amazing hideouts. Manipur is home to Naga, Kuki, Chin and many other tribes but the main group is the predominantly neo-vaishnavite Meitei. Here, you need a word of caution. Drug traffickers and dozens of guerrilla armies exist in Manipur and it is the northeast’s most dangerous state. Foreigners who manage to get a permit are required to fly in and out via Imphal. Even there, safety is a problem.
m How to get there
—ir*^~ By Air: Imphal airport is well connected to Delhi, Kolkata and Guwahati. Indian airlines operate flights connecting Imphal with other cities in northeast India.
By Rail: Although Manipur lacks train services, there are other northeastern cities like Guwahati, Dimapur, Silchar which are serviced by trains. These cities are connected to Manipur by road.
By Road: Manipur has a better network of roads. National Highway 39 connects Manipur with major cities like Guwahati, Dimapur, Kohima, and Silchar.
”f§Jj Places of interest
Govindajee Temple (Vaishnavite temple with the presiding deityJagannath)
War Cemetery (Cemetery of British and Indian soldiers of World War II)
Khonghampat Orchidarium (It houses over 110 rare varieties of orchids)
Zoological Gardens • Langthabal (A small hill featuring relics of a historic palace and beautiful temples) • Bishnupur (A unique Vishnu temple with Chinese influence, Loktak Lake, Red hill)
Manipuri Dance (A famous divine dance form of Manipur)
jHI Tourist information Govt, of India Tourist Office, 4, Shakespeare Sarani, Kolkata.