Manipur -The picturesque state of North East India.

Manipur is surrounded by Indian states Assam, Nagaland and Mizoram and by the country Mayanmar. The great Himalayas begin to gently slope downwards as they go south. It is on these slopes that Manipur sits. The main hills of Manipur are the East Manipur hills, the West Manipur hills, the Naga hills, the Mizo hills, the Shirui hills and the Chin hills.

Shaheed Minar

It is located at the centre of the Imphal city. It is also known as the Martyr's memorial. After the defeat of Manipur by the British in 1891, Yubaraj Bir Tikendrajit Singh and Thangal General were hanged at this site on 13th August 1891 in front of eight thousand white-clothed women in order to subjugate Manipuri defiance and pride. The attempted humiliation failed when Thangal General laughed aloud before being hanged in a gesture of radiant defiance against oppression. The Government of Manipur has dedicated this Saheed Minar to the memory of Martyrs who have exhibited sterling qualities of courage and sacrificed themselves for the dignity and independence of Manipur. The memorial was consecrated on 2nd October 1980. The monument consists of three vertical beams held together at the top by three mythical dragons.

Temple of Vishnu is situated at Vishnupur, Manipur. It is one of the oldest known brick temples in the state of Manipur and is dedicated to lord Vishnu. The silent structural features of the temple are its corbelled roof and a rectangular porch provided in its southern side. The temple is believed to be built during the reign of King Khyamba (AD 1467-1506) of Manipur.

The Manipur State Museum, inaugurated in 1969 by Indira Gandhi, the then prime minister of India, is a major tourist attraction of the state. It is situated in Imphal. The museum has galleries that house materials of natural history, ethnology, and archaeology.

The museum’s collection includes tribal ornaments, Manipuri textiles, agricultural equipment and other items of cultural relevance to the state.

The most striking feature of the place is Hiyang Hiren, a royal boat which is 78 feet long, situated in an open gallery.

Imphal war Cemetery (1939-1945)

A poignant site dedicated to soldiers who sacrificed their lives in the battle against Japanese forces during World War II. Maintained by Commonwealth War Graves Commissions it is the final resting place for 1600 Commonwealth service personnel. Each memorial bears the insignia of each of the fallen soldiers in brass plaques. A trip to Imphal is not complete without paying tributes at this historic site.

Imphal Peace Museum

This is a joint project of the Nippon Foundation and the Sasakawa Peace Foundation, in collaboration with the Government of Manipur, the Manipur Tourism Forum and the 2nd World War Imphal Campaign Foundation. It showcases both the war era and the post-war period in Manipur. It is a place of pilgrimage for Japanese tourists.

A game called sagol kangjei is played in Manipur and the chiefs of different tribes used to enjoy too. People say that the well known sport polo originated from this game.

Dzuko valley, Barak waterfalls, Phangrei, Bunning meadow, Zeilad lake are some beautiful tourist attractions of Manipur state. Rhododendrons, poppies and primroses flowers are found in Manipur. Some popular dishes of Manipur to try out for are 'Sana Thongba', 'Chahou Kheer', 'Madhurjan Thongba','Singju' and 'Khamen athoomba ashinba'.

Visit Manipur, Go Green !!