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Manipur

Loktak's floating world, hill valleys and living markets. Check the current situation first.

Capital: Imphal (about 790m)
Permit: ILP required
Best time: Nov-Mar; birding Nov-Mar
Status: Unrest since 2023, verify first
Signature: Loktak, Sangai, Shirui Lily

Manipur has faced civil unrest since May 2023. Imphal and the main tourist circuits have continued to operate, but conditions vary by district and change: check current advisories and local advice before booking anything. We only run trips when we are confident in the route, and we say no when we are not.

The essentials for when you go: Loktak Lake in Bishnupur district, about 48km from Imphal, with its phumdis (floating wetland masses) and Keibul Lamjao, the world’s only floating national park and home of the Sangai deer; the Shirui Hills near Ukhrul, about 90km out, famous for the Shirui Lily; and Ima Keithel in Imphal, the all-women’s market. The valley sits at about 790m and the rainy season runs May to October.

Quick answers

Manipur at a glance

Is Manipur open to tourists?

Parts are, but conditions vary by district and change. Manipur has seen civil unrest since May 2023: check the current advisory and ask us before booking, we only confirm trips we are confident about.

Do I need a permit for Manipur?

Yes, Manipur runs an Inner Line Permit system for Indian nationals; check the state tourism ILP page for current process. Foreign nationals should verify current rules before travel.

What is Loktak Lake?

Manipur’s great lake, about 48km from Imphal, covered in phumdis (floating wetland masses) and home to Keibul Lamjao, the world’s only floating national park.

When is the birding season?

Migratory birds are best observed at Keibul Lamjao from November to March.

Where to go