Manipur-The Jewel of India

The presentation covers all the tourism aspects

1. MANIPUR THE JEWEL OF INDIA

2. Manipur is a  state  in northeastern  India , with the city of  Imphal  as its capital. [7]  It is bounded by the Indian states of  Nagaland  to the north,  Mizoram  to the south and  Assam  to the west. It also borders two regions of  Myanmar ,  Sagaing Region  to the east and  Chin State  to the south. The state covers an area of 22,327 square kilometres (8,621 sq mi) and has a population of almost 3 million, including the  Meitei , who are the majority group in the state, the  Meitei Pangals  (Manipuri Muslims),  Naga  tribes,  Kuki / Zo  tribes and other communities, who speak a variety of  Sino-Tibetan languages . Manipur has been at the crossroads of Asian economic and cultural exchange for more than 2,500 years. [8]  It has long connected the Indian subcontinent and  Central Asia  to  Southeast Asia ,  China  (or  East Asia ),  Siberia  ( Russia ),  Micronesia  and  Polynesia , enabling migration of people, cultures and religions.

3. IMPHAL Imphal   is the capital city of the Indian state of Manipur. The metropolitan centre of the city contains the ruins of Kangla Palace (also known as Kangla Fort), the royal seat of the former Kingdom of Manipur surrounded by a moat. Imphal is spread over parts of districts of Imphal West and Imphal East, with the former having the major part of the city's area and population. [1]  Imphal is a smart city as part of the Smart Cities Mission under the Ministry of Housing and Urban Affairs, Government of India.

4. PLACES TO VISIT IN IMPHAL

5. LOKTAK LAKE AND SENDRE ISLAND The largest fresh water lake in the country, Loktak Lake and the Sendra Island on it, are one of the most beautiful attractions of the state. Situated about 50 km from Imphal, Loktak Lake is situated in the valley of Imphal and is home to all the rivers and rivulets that run in the state of Manipur.

6. KANGLA FORT Also known as the Palace of Kangla, this place situated on the banks of the Imphal river, served as the royal palace of King Pakhangba. After 2003 this fort has been open for public viewing. It has historical as well as archaeological significance which makes it a great tourist attraction.

7. THARON CAVE A 655.6 m long cave, this cave can be explored inside out by enthusiasts, with the help of the map drawn outside the cave. It attracts tourists interested in an adventurous experience. It is also spelled as the Thaeuluan Cave.

8. Keibul Lamjao National Park Keibul Lamjao National Park, the only floating national park in the world, is located in the north-east Indian state of Manipur. It lies in the district of Bishnupur and is a vital part of Loktak Lake. The fact that it is a floating island is a unique feature that attracts nature enthusiasts and researchers from all over the world. This aspect of nature is magical and can only be seen only here, in Imphal.

9. Singda Dam The highest mud dam in the world is the Singda Dam. Singda, located 16 km from the capital city of Imphal, is located at a height of about meters above sea level. It is a popular picnic spot, with its scenic views, and relative calm.

10. And there are many more places to visit like:- shaheed minar, INA memorial, langthabal.

11. CULTURAL TOURISM OF MANIPUR The jade green state of Manipur is truly a gem of Northeast India. Apart from its rich natural beauty, the state is home to diverse tribal culture and traditions which will make you fall in love with this tourist destination in Northeast India even more. Manipur makes an ideal place for heritage tourism with it apparently affluent natural beauty which is adorned with ancient caves, waterfalls, lakes, and valleys. The Loktak Lake in the famous Keibul Lamjao National Park in Imphal is amongst the top natural heritage sights in the state. Imphal is also home to Kangla Fort, which was once the traditional seat of the past Meetei rulers of Manipur. The capital also boasts housing two important museums - Manipur State Museum and Sekta Archaeological Museum for learning about the rich history and heritage of the state.

12. SOME HERITAGE PLACES Imphal War Cemetery. Maibam Lokpa Ching. INA Memorial. Tuibuong Tribal Museum Sekta Archaeological Living Museum 

13. Meitei architecture Meitei architecture  or  Manipuri architecture  is the  architecture  produced by the  Meitei speaking people , whose culture flourished in the  Kangleipak  kingdom and its neighbouring kingdoms from the middle of the fifteenth century BC. The Meitei architecture is best known for its temples (Laishang, Kiyong,Thellon), found scattered in the  Kangleipak  (present day  Manipur ). Other architectural forms that are still in existence are the grand gates (Hojang), Traditional houses (Yumjao), Public houses (Sanglen), Official buildings (Loishang), etc

14. FESTIVALS OF MANIPUR BASANTA PURNIMA AND KARTIKA PURNIMA The Govindajee Temple is an important venue for the performances of Manipur's famous Ras Leela. Particularly on the night of Basanta Purnima and Kartika Purnima, the performance here spearheads other performances in the city. The Ras Leela is a classical dance form based on the legendary love of Radha and Krishna and the devotion of the Gopis to Lord Krishna. LUI-NGAI NI This collective festival of the Nagas is an annual feature on their calendar. Observed on 15th February, Lui-Ngai Ni is the seed sowing festival and is marked by feasting, social gatherings, and dance and song. LAI HARAOBA The spring festival of Lai Haraoba (April/May) is a harmonious blend of stylised and ritualistic dances for peace and prosperity performed in honour of the local sylvan deities in the Manipur Valley. The one at Moirang attracts huge crowds. KANG (RATH YATRA) The Ratha Yatra or Car Festival organised by the Shree Shree Govindajee Temple Board at Palace Compound is one of the most significant festivals for the Hindu community. Spread over 10 days, it is held in June/July in the Imphal Valley. The festivities are dedicated to Lord Jagannath who leaves his temple in a Ratha pulled by many devotees all of whom vie for the honour of doing this service for the lord .

15. HANDICRAFTS OF MANIPUR Handicrafts of Manipur have a unique place among the various crafts of the country due to having its own aesthetic and artistic value. Although handicrafts industry started originally as traditional part time activities in rural areas without any significant market demand over the years, it has been transformed into a flourishing industry. Current trends of handicrafts product is not only restricted to aesthetic or artistic value but incorporation of design and new ideas make these products into daily utility items broadening the marketability as well as scope of handicrafts products.

16. Religious Sites in Manipur‎ Shri Govindjee Temple. ISKCON Imphal. Hanuman Thakur Temple. Leimapokpam Keirungba Temple. Kaina Hillock.

17. DANCE STYLE IN MANIPUR Manipuri , one of the six classical  dance  styles of  India , the others being  bharata natyam ,  kathak ,  kathakali ,  kuchipudi , and  odissi . It is  indigenous  to  Manipur  and is characterized by a variety of forms that are linked to folk tradition and ritual. Themes are generally taken from episodes in the life of  Krishna , the pastoral god.

18. MUSIC PLAYED IN MANIPUR Manipur  is a region of North-East  India . Some varieties of  folk music  from the area include the rural love songs  khullang eshei , the  rhythmic   Lai Haraoba eshei , which contain lyrics with veiled references to erotic  mysticism  and  pena eshei , which is accompanied by a  pena , an  instrument  made from a  bamboo  rod and the shell of a  gourd  or  coconut . The pena is an ancient instrument that is a sort of national symbol for Manipuris.

19. FOOD OF MANIPUR   Chamthong or Kangshoi   Eromba Morok Metpa Singju Paaknam Chak- hao Kheer

20. Keibul Lamjao National Park The  Keibul Lamjao National Park  (Kei - Tiger, Bul - vast, Lamjao-Large Land) is a  national park  in the  Bishnupur district  of the state of  Manipur  in India. It is 40 km2 (15.4 sq mi) in area, the only floating park in the world, located in  North East India , and an integral part of  Loktak Lake .The national park is characterized by many floating decomposed plant materials locally called  phumdis .

21. SIROHI NATIONAL PARK Located in the Manipur state of India, the national park falls under the Imphal District. It was established in 1982 and located exactly on the Indo-Myanmar border. Popular and easily seen avifaunae are Owls, Pheasants, Eagles, Vultures and Warblers. Its fauna species include Wild Boar, Leopard, Deer and Tiger. The state flower of Manipur, Siroy Lily, also called Shirui Lily or Lilium Macklinae is a rare pinkish white flower found only in the Sirohi Hill range that abound in this area

22. Thank you By- Parveen Jangra To- Ruchika Kulshreshtha mam