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Shree Govindjee
Temple
A historic Vaishnavite centre,adjoining the Royal palace ofManipur's former Maharajas, the Govindjee temple is a simple yet beautiful structure. Twin domes, a paved courtyard, and a large raised congregation hall form a perfect backdrop for priests who descend the steps, to accept offerings from devotees in the courtyard. The shrines of Krishna and Balaram and Jagannath flank the two sides of the presiding deity.
Khwairamband Bazar or Ima Market :
A unique all women's market, having 3000 "Imas" or mothers who run
the stalls, it is split into two sections on either side of a road. Vegetables, fruits, fish and household groceries are sold on one side and exquisite handlooms and household tools on the other. Not far away is a street where beautiful wicker works and basketry are sold. Shaheed Minar The indon-dtable spirit of the Meitel and tribal martyrs who sacrificed their lives while fighting the British in 1891, is commemorated by this tall Minar at Bir Tikendrajit Park in the heart of Imphal.
War Cemeteries:
Commemorating the memories of the British and Indian soldiers who died during the Second World War, these cemeteries are managed by the Commonwealth War Graves Commission. Serene and well maintained, the graves carry little stone markers and bronze plaques recording the sacrifice of those gallant soldiers.
Khonghampat Orchidarium:
12 kms. from Imphal on Highway No. 39 is the Central Orchidarium which covers 200 acres and houses over 120 rare varieties of orchids, which include almost a dozen endemic species. The peak blooming season is Aprd-May.
Manipur Zoological Gardens:
6 kms. to the west of Imphal, at the foot of the pine growing hillocks at Iroisemba on the Imphal-Kangchup Road are the Zoological Gardens. Not to be missed is an opportunity to see the graceful brow-antlered deer (Sangai) one of the rarest species in the world, in sylvan surroundings.
Langthabal:
8 kms. down the Indo-Myanmar road lies this small hill feature with relics of an old, historic palace, temples of architectural importance and ceremonial houses. Set among symmetrically planted jackfruit and pine trees Langthabal offers a view of the Manipur University and some picturesque vistas.Loktak Lake Complex,
Moirang:
45 kms. from Imphal, the town is one of the main centres of early
Meitel folk culture vath the ancient temple of the pre-Hindu deity Lord Thangjing, situated here. In the month of May, men and women, dressed in colourful traditional costumes sing and dance in honour of the Lord at the Moirang "Lai Haraoba' which is a ritual dance festival held every year. The town also has a special place in the history of the Indian Freedom Struggle. It was at Moirang that the flag of the Indian National Army was first unfurled on April 14, 1944. The INA Museum containing letters, photographs, badges of ranks and other memorab!Wa ren-dnds the visitor of the noble sacrifices made by the INA under the charismatic leadership of Netajl Subhash Chandra Bow. Loktak Lake and Sendra Island 48 kms. from ImphaL is the largest freshwater lake in the North East region, a veritable rr@iniature inland sea. From the Tourist Bungalow set atop Sendra Island, visitors get a birds eye view of life on the Lake-sniall islands that are actually floating weeds on which live the Lake people, the shimmering blue waters of the Lake, labyrinthine boat routes and colourful water plants. The Sendra Tourist Home with an attached Cafeteria in the middle of the lake is an ideal tourist spot
Keibullamjao National Park:
The only floating National Park Inthe world, on the Loktak Lake is the last natural habitat of "Sangai"- the dancing deer of Manipur. A glimpse of thedeer in this unique wetland ecosystem is a must for any wildlife enthusiast. Other wildlife : Hog Deer, Otter and ahost of water fowls and migratory birds can also be sighted during November to March. The Forest Department aintains watch towers and two rest houses within the park.
Phubala:
40 kms. from Imphal, on the western fringeofthe Loktak lake to the south of Imphal is a charming little resort, linked to the mainland by a narrow causeway. Boating and other water sports are being introduced here.
Bishnupur:
27 kms. from Imphal stands the singlecelled conical roofed Vishnu temple, built in the 15th Century by King Kyamba. Besides its antiquity, the templeis famous for the Chinese influence in its architecture. Bishnupur is also renowned for its chiselledstoneware.
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