Manipur is a beautiful state in North Eastern India. They literally mean of Manipur is ‘land of jewels’. This state is precious with extreme natural beauty and unique culture. Nagaland, Asam and Mizoram are bordering states of Manipur. Capital of this state is Imphal. Population of this state is 2,388,634. It is the combination of tribal and non tribal people. The 60% of people are live in a valley region and the rest in hill areas of the state. Agriculture is the main source of the revenue in the state. Meiteilon language is the official language of this state. Christianity, Hinduism and Maibaism are the main religions of this state. Imphal, the beautiful capital city, Mao and Ukhrul, the picturesque hill resorts, Taminglong, with its exotic landscape; Chandel, home to amazing tribes; Khonggom and Moirang are reminders of the British Raj in India are main attractions in Manipur. List of best tourist places in Manipur are in the following,

1. Imphal

Imphal is the capital of the Manipur. It has landscape of green-blue hills, lush fields and low clouds. Relics of an old, historical palace, well-planned temples and ceremonial houses and jackfruit trees, speak of Imphal’s ancient past. Imphal is one of the most ancient towns in India. Shri Govindajee Temple, Khwairamband Bazaar, Khonghampat Orchidarium etc are the main attractions in Imphal.

How to Reach

Imphal is connected with major cities like Delhi, Guwahati, Calcutta and Silchar with Indian Airlines flights. Dimapur town of Nagaland, 215 kms from Imphal, is the nearest railhead. Another railhead is Jiribam which 225 kms from Imphal and it is also well connected by road.

2. Keibul Lamjao National Park

Keibul Lamjao National Park is the shelter of Manipur brow antlered deer (sangai deer) . It is situated in the southeastern region of the Loktak Lake. It is the only floating park in the world. This consists of the unique ‘phumdi’ or floating marshes. A rare type of birds and animals can be found in the park. It is also the home of another endangered species including a species of Python, Python molurus.

How to Reach

To see this amazing world of animals and birds,first we have to reach in Imphal which is 53 km from this park. We can reach in Imphal by flight or rail or road. The best way to go around Keibul Lamjao is by boat.

3. Singda

Singda is a hill resort on the hills, 16 kms from Imphal to the west. The scenery of this hill  is very beautiful. There is an inspection Bungalow and a nice artificial lake called Singda Dam. We can look at Manipur Valley on this hill . It is also a mountain pass on the road to Tamenglong.

How to Reach

We can see this beautiful place by reaching Imphal. We can reach in Imphal by flight or rail or road. We can use buses, cars, motor bikes and even cycles are used to reach this place, which is just 16 Km from Imphal.

4. Ukhrul

Ukhrul is the highest hill-station of Manipur. It is situated at distance of 83 km east of Imphal. It is the land of the colorful Tangkhuls. It is best known for the beautiful Shiroi Lily. It is gifted with rich flora and fauna. There are hundreds of varieties of trees, barderian flowering plants, orchids of enumerable hues and kinds, Epiphetic ferns, varied species of plants and shrubs. Siroi Hills and Khangkhui Lime Caves are interesting places for excursions.

How to Reach

Ukhrul is well linked with Imphal by national highway No. 150. The distance between the two destinations is about 83 km for which buses take only about 3 hours.

5. Kaina

Kaina is a beautiful hillock which is 29 Km from Imphal. It is sacred place for Hindus. It is a place where king Bhagya Chandra received an epiphany to carve a statue of Lord Govinda on a jack fruit tree. Hill shrubs and natural surroundings give this place a saintly solemnity.

How to Reach

This sacred place is just 29 Km from Imphal. We can use bus or taxi to reach this place from Imphal.

6. Tamenglong

Tamenglong is a district of Manipur. It is entirely composed of hills, ranges and narrow valleys. This region is known for its deep gorges, mysterious caves, refreshing waterfalls, exotic orchids and oranges. The Tharon Caves, Booming Meadow, Zeilad Lake and Barak waterfalls are interesting tourist spots in Tamenglong district.

How to Reach

To reach in Tamenglong we have to reach in Imphal. We can reach in Imphal by bus, road or rail. Buses ply regularly from Imphal towards Tamenglong.

7. Manipur Zoological Garden

Manipur Zoological Garden is situated about 6 kms away from Imphal. It is home to a number of rare and endangered species. There are 55 species of animals and birds and the total number of animals is over 420. It has 14 endangered species, mostly endemic to this region.

How to Reach

To reach this garden, we have to reach in Imphal which is 6km from this place. We can use a bus or taxi to reach this place from Imphal.

8. Shri Shri Govindajee Temple



Shri Shri Govindajee Temple is situated in the old Kangla palace area. It is a sacred center for Vaisnavites. It has a beautiful image of Lord Vishnu, which is flanked by the idols of Lord Balram and Lord Krishna. It is simple in its architecture. The twin gold domes, paved courtyard and large raised a congregation hall are noted features of Shri Govindajee Temple.

How to Reach

To reach this place, first we have to reach in Imphal. Reaching in Imphal, we can use a bus or taxi to reach this temple.

9. War Cemeteries

War Cemeteries was constructed in memory of the officers and men who made supreme sacrifices during World War II. On each grave, there are beautiful epitaphs engraved in bronze. Well maintained with little stone markers and bronze plaques narrates you the blood-soaked history of the world.

How to Reach

Reaching Imphal, we can use a bus or taxi to reach this place.

10. Moirang

Moirang is located 45 kms away from Imphal city on Tiddim Road. A Lord Thangjing temple, the temple of the pre-Hindu deity is standing in this city. The famous Khamba Thoibi dance is originated in this city. The flag of the Indian National Army was first hoisted on Indian soil on this city. There is an INA Museum exhibiting letters, photographs, badges of ranks and other articles associated with INA. A bronze statue of Netaji in uniform stands proud in the lawn.

How to Reach

To visit this place, first we have to reach in Imphal. Reaching Imphal, we can use a bus or taxi to reach this place .

Posted by bindu, filed under Tourist Places. Date: June 6, 2008, 7:18 am | No Comments »

O R I S S A

The rich history of Orissa can be further sub divided into ancient, medieval and modern history. During the ancient times, Orissa was known as Kalinga. After independence, Orissa became one of the prominent states of India because of its industrial and commercial growth. The state has some of the most magnificent cities that rightly speak of their rich cultural past. Orissa is held in high esteem for its beautiful rivers, beaches, temples, lakes, rivers, waterfalls and wildlife sanctuaries. The colorful fairs and festivals of this place are also a huge hit with the tourists. The lakes, beaches, waterfalls are popular spots for the tourists. They are some tourist attraction places in Orissa.

1. Konark

Konark is one of the most prominent Tourist attraction places. Konark, sun Temple is a famous temple in orissa. The temple resembles the mythological image of the sun god on his seven-horse-drawn carriage journeying through heaven. The Konark beach is one such beach, which has an enduing appeal to tourists. The best time to visit Konark is between October and March.

Transport :- Any of the three modes of transportation can be used to reach Konark. With the nearest airport at Bhubaneswar, being 65 kms away, the city is easily accessible by air travelers. The nearest railway station to the town is at Puri, at about 35 kms. A number of buses also ply on daily basis from Konark to Puri and  Bhubaneshwar.

2. Puri

Puri is a pilgrimage town with the famous temple of Lord Jagannath and is a major tourist destination with all its beautiful and pleasant sights. The Puri beach is a major attraction with its fantastic sea face view and golden sand, the water is a bit rough. There are many holy places in Puri but the one which is venerated worldwide is Jagannath Temple, Puri. This temple is consecrated to Lord Vishnu. It is the only temple where along with Lord Vishnu you will also see the images of his elder brother Balabhadra and sister Subhadra.

Transport :- The bus stand near the Gundicha Temple provides connections to Bhubaneswar and Cuttack, service every 10-15 minutes. Minibuses to Konark leave every 20-30 minutes and also from Jatiababa Chhak. There are direct buses for Kolkata and Visakhapatnam. The cycle rickshaws and Auto rickshaws  are available all over town.

3. Cuttack

Cuttack is the commercial capital of the state of Orissa in India. Cuttack also known as the “Millennium City”, is the cultural capital of Orissa. The ruins of the Barabati Fort seen on the banks of Mahanadi are the Cuttack Tourist Attractions which you must visit- the Stone Revetment of Cuttack, Temple of Cuttack Chandi, Quadam-i-Rasool, Dhavaleshwar are the other beautiful tourist attraction places in cuttack.

Transport :- A smooth network of National Highways connects Cuttack with the rest of India. Regular buses and taxis ply to and fro Cuttack for all the major cities of India. Biju Patnaik Airport at Bhubaneswar is the nearest airport to Cuttack.

4. Jeypore

The Bagra Waterfall on the Kolab River is one of the major Tourist Attractions in Jeypore in Orissa India is a popular picnic spot for the tourists. A lot of holy places and waterfalls in Jeypore. Gupteswar, Papadahandi,minna jhola are famous holy places in Jeypore. The best time to visit Jeypore is in winter. Bagra waterfalls are famous waterfalls in jaypore.

Transport :- Regular bus services at different times during the day are available between Jeypore and Bhubaneswar. The nearest airports from Jeypore are therefore, at Bhubaneswar and at Visakhapatnam.

5. Keonjhar

Keonjhar is the other tourist attractions of Orissa and other parts of India. The city is also famous for its a rich mineral resources. Ghatagaon, Vishnu Temple, Shrine of Siddha Jagannath Keonjhar are the famous attraction holy places in Keonjhar. The most popular Badghagara Waterfall are the really beautiful tourist place in keonjhar.

Transport :- The nearest airport to Keonjhar is the Bhubaneshwar Airport. The Bhubaneshwar Airport connects Keonjhar to the rest of the city. The nearest railhead is J.K.Road, which is about 114 kms from Keonjhar. The city of Keonjhar is linked with Calcutta, Bhubaneshwar, Ranchi and Jamshedpur. The Orissa State service runs buses, which connect Keonjhar to the rest of the state.

6. State Museum Bhubaneshwar

Bhubaneswar also has three very interesting museums. State Museum, The Handicrafts Museum, The Tribal Research Museum. The Orissan State Museum is centrally located and has a rich collection of sculptures, coins, copper plates, armory objects, rare palm leaf manuscripts, lithic and bronze age implements, paintings, traditional folk and musical instruments and other art objects.

Transport :- Bhubaneswar is well linked to the rest of India by the national highways. The New Bus Stand in Bhubaneswar is on NH5, at Baramunda, about 6 km from town centre. Superfast trains connect Bhubaneswar to major cities of India. Bhubaneshwar is well linked by air to Delhi, Chennai, Varanasi, Nagpur, Calcutta, and Vishakhapatnam on daily basis flights by Indian Airlines.

7. Satyabadi

Satyabadi is a famous pilgrim center. Satyabadi gives you religious emancipation and peace. The place has holy overtones due to the famous shrine of Lord Sakshigopal. In addition, known as ‘panchasakha pitha’, the place attracts several travelers from all parts of the country. They are a very beautiful place in Satyabadi.

Transport :- The nearest airport of Bhubaneshwar connects Puri with other major cities of India through frequent flights. The Puri railway station caters to the need of the rail transport. In terms of the road transport buses to and from Calcutta, Vishakhapatnam, Guwahati, Chennai etc all ply to Puri. Satyabadi located about 20 km from Puri. This place connected with an excellent network of roadways such as buses and taxis.

8. Pipli

Orissa is a storehouse of natural resources. The mineral content of the state is responsible for the thriving industries that have made this state their base. The village of Pipli is known for its exquisite applique items, and you may have chanced upon rows of shops exhibiting applique handbags, dress materials, cushion covers, pillow covers, and umbrellas. This craft form in Pipli was encouraged by the nobles of Orissa. Pipli is famous for its Handicrafts.

Transport :- Pipli lies 44 kilometers from Konarak. Tour buses travel daily to Pipli from Konarak and Puri. Some of the places worth visiting from Pipli are Puri, Chilka lake, Chandipore, etc.

9. Bhawanipatna

Bhawanipatna offers a getaway from the grips of concrete jungles and into the arena of the enchanting wildlife. Bhawanipatna is a place enamored with temples dedicated to several gods and goddesses of Hindu mythology. Especially the temple devoted to Goddess Minakshi. There are many places of historical, archaeological and mythological significance, along with sites apt to recreation that you can visit on your tour to Bhawanipatna. The natural hot water spring in Banshakela is another popular tourist attraction that you ought to visit on your tour to Bhawanipatna.

Transport :- The nearest airport is at Bhubaneswar and the railway station is at Kesinga - 35 km. The place is well connected by roads to other nearby cities.

10. Dhenkanal

Dhenkanal is one of the thickly forested areas that still remain in Orissa. The spectacular scenes of tourist attractions located in this region are worth a watch. Dhenkanal is also admired for the Balaram Temple. They are a lot of Vishnu and Shiva temples in Dhenkanal, like the Astasambhu Temple, Kapilash Temples, Naganatheswar Temple, Siddaha Balaram Temple.

Transport :- Ideally positioned on the National Highway No. 42, Dhenkanal is linked to major towns of the State via direct road connections. It is 100 kms away from Bhubaneswar and is a railhead on the South Eastern Railway.

Posted by priji, filed under Tourist Places. Date: June 6, 2008, 7:14 am | No Comments »

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