Imphal is the capital of Manipur, lying at the center of the Manipur valley. It was founded in early first century A. D., is one of the most ancient of the state capitals of India.

Manipur means the "Land of Jewels". Manipur State shares an international frontier with Burma. The state spans across over 22,000 sq. km, most of which are wooded hills. Manipur has rich natural scenery and salubrious climate round the year. Meiteis, inhabiting the plains are mostly Hindus. Majority of the hill population is Christians. Manipur Rasa Dance, reenacting the Radha-Krishna lore, is one of the major classical dance forms of India.

Places of Interest:

1. Khonghampat Orchid Yard : (7 km). This orchid yard setup by the State Forest Department has more than 110 varieties of orchids including many rare species.

2. Khwairamband Bazaar : The Khwairamband Bazaar, in the center of the town, is the biggest shopping center for artistic handlooms, handicrafts and essential commodities. This is the largest women's bazaar in Manipur and, perhaps, in India.

3. Langthaband : A historic palace, well planned temple and ceremonial houses stand on the hills amidst pine and jack fruit trees planted symmetrically. Overlooking the Manipur University and Kanchipur, it offers a pleasant view of the surroundings.

4. Sri Govindajee Temple : The beautiful golden temple of Shri Govindajee at the palace has the most popularly worshipped and ruling deity of the Hindus. Ceremonial dances are performed here regularly.

5. Museum : Manipur State Museum is famous for wide variety of costumes, implements of war, historical documents and relics.

Open from 10.00 to 16.30 hrs. (closed on Sundays and holidays).

Excursion:

1. Bishenpur: (27 km) This picturesque town at the foot of a hill, is known for its historic Bishnu temple, built in 1467 A. D., during the reign of king Kiyamba, is made of peculiarly thin bricks; supposedly it is influenced by Chinese styles. Bishenpur is also famous for its stoneware industry.

2. Kaina: (29 km). A sacred place of for Hindus, Kaina is associated with Sri Govindajee. According to legend, in a dream one night Sri Govindajee appeared to his devotee Jai Singh, Maharaja of Manipur, and asked him to build a temple enshrined with his image carved out a jack fruit tree. Ceremonial dances depicting the dream are performed at the Rasa Mandapa. Accommodation: Kaina Tourist Home, Tariff : Rs.3/- per head.

3. Keibul Lamjao Wildlife Sanctuary: 53 km. It is the only floating sanctuary of its kind in India. It is the natural habitat of the rare Browantlered deer. Other animals include boar and panther. There is one observatory Tower on Babet Ching, a small hillock in the middle of the park.

   Accommodation: Forest Lodge

4. Mao: (106 km). Situated at an altitude of 1757 meters, Mao is a hill station halfway between Dimapur and Impha. It is the highest point on the national highway. The climate is salubrious and healthy.

5. Phubala: (40 km). A charming resort on the western fringes of the Lokkat lake. There is a tourist home here.

6. Waithou Lake: 16 km. The side of Waithou Lake situates a picturesque village famous for its pineapples. Accommodation: Waithou Tourist Home.

Air: Nearest Airport is 7 km from the City Indian Airlines Office.

Rail: Nearest Railway Station is at Dimapur (215 km)

Bus: Regular buses to Dimapur, it takes about 8-9 hours to reach Dimapur.