Imphāl, India

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Imphāl, India

Region: Manipur

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Geographic Coordinates: 24.807400, 93.938400

Climate: Monsoon and tropical climate.

Population: 264986

Language: Manipuri

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Imphal, The capital city of Manipur in northeastern India, Is surrounded by hills and has a rich history and culture dating back to ancient times. Visitors can explore Kangla Fort, Once the seat of power for Manipur’s rulers, Which now serves as a popular tourist destination with historic buildings and temples. Loktak Lake is another must-see attraction in Imphal. It is one of India’s largest freshwater lakes with stunning natural scenery featuring floating islands made from phumdis that provide habitat for rare species such as Sangai deer.

The city also offers a wide range of cultural experiences through festivals like Lai Haraoba, Yaoshang or Ningol Chakouba. The cuisine in Imphal reflects its diverse cultural heritage with dishes like Chamthong, Eromba or Chakhao Kheer being some popular delicacies among locals as well as tourists. Besides these attractions, Imphal also serves as a gateway to nearby hill stations like Ukhrul or Tamenglong known for their scenic beauty featuring waterfalls & valleys along with rich flora & fauna making them ideal destinations for nature lovers.

Imphal offers a unique blend of history, Culture and natural beauty that makes it an ideal destination for travelers looking to experience the rich heritage of Manipur while also taking in breathtaking scenery and enjoying delicious local cuisine.

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1. Kangla Fort
2. Shree Govindajee Temple
3. Manipur State Museum
4. Loktak Lake
5. Khwairamband Bazaar (also known as Ima Keithel)
6. War Cemetery
7. INA Memorial Complex
8. Imphal Peace Museum
9. Keibul Lamjao National Park
10. Tengnoupal District

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Major Industries and Businesses in Imphal, India

1. Agriculture
2. Handloom and Handicrafts
3. Tourism
4. Pharmaceuticals
5. Information Technology (IT)
6. Education
7. Construction
8. Transportation

Agriculture

Imphal is renowned for its agricultural products such as rice, vegetables, fruits, and spices.

Handloom and Handicrafts

The city is also famous for its handloom and handicraft products like shawls, carpets, mats, bags, etc. that are popular among tourists.

Tourism

Imphal has several tourist attractions such as Kangla Fort, Shree Govindajee Temple, Loktak Lake, etc., which attract a large number of visitors every year.

Pharmaceuticals

The pharmaceutical industry in Imphal is growing with several companies manufacturing medicines for domestic as well as international markets.

Information Technology (IT)

IT industry is also flourishing in Imphal with the establishment of software development companies and BPOs.

Education

Education sector too has a significant presence in the city with several educational institutions including universities providing quality education to students from all over the country.

Construction

Construction industry too has been witnessing rapid growth due to increasing demand for residential and commercial properties.

Transportation

Transportation sector plays an important role in Imphal’s economy with several transport companies providing services to various destinations within the state as well as neighboring states like Assam and Nagaland.

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1. Battle of Imphal: This was a crucial battle fought between the British Indian Army and the Japanese Army during World War II in 1944. The battle lasted for three months and ended with the defeat of the Japanese forces.
2. Khongjom War: This was a significant war fought between Manipuri soldiers and British forces in 1891. It led to the annexation of Manipur by the British Empire.
3. Rani Gaidinliu: She was a Naga spiritual leader who played an important role in India’s struggle for independence from colonial rule.
4. Bir Tikendrajit: He was a Manipuri prince who led his army against British rule in 1891 during the Khongjom War.
5. Kangla Fort: It is an ancient fort located in Imphal, which has been witness to many historical events, including battles and coronations.
6. Loktak Lake: It is one of the largest freshwater lakes in Northeast India and has been an important site for fishing, agriculture, transportation, and tourism for centuries.
7. INA Museum: The museum commemorates Netaji Subhash Chandra Bose’s Indian National Army (INA) that fought against British rule during World War II.
8. Manipur State Museum: The museum showcases Manipur’s rich cultural heritage through its various exhibits on art, history, archaeology, ethnography etc., dating back to prehistoric times till present day.
9. Mary Kom: She is an Olympic boxer from Imphal who has won several medals at international competitions including Olympics.
10. Thangjam Manorama: A civilian who was allegedly raped & murdered by Indian paramilitary force Assam Rifles leading to widespread protests & demand for repealing Armed Forces Special Powers Act (AFSPA).

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1. Kangla Fort: a historical fort and palace complex located in the heart of Imphal.
2. Manipur State Museum: a museum that showcases the history, culture, and traditions of Manipur.
3. Shaheed Minar: a monument dedicated to the martyrs who sacrificed their lives for freedom during India’s struggle for independence.
4. Loktak Lake: one of the largest freshwater lakes in Northeast India, known for its floating islands and unique ecosystem.
5. War Cemetery: a cemetery dedicated to Allied soldiers who died during World War II in Imphal and Kohima battles.
6. Keibul Lamjao National Park: The only floating national park in the world located on Loktak Lake
7. Shree Govindajee Temple: A Hindu temple built by King Bhagyachandra in 1846 AD
8. Khwairamband Bazar: A popular market that is run entirely by women
9. INA Memorial Complex – A museum dedicated to Netaji Subhash Chandra Bose’s Indian National Army (INA)
10. Red Hill (Maipakchao): The site where several revolutionaries were hanged during India’s struggle for independence

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1. NEROCA FC is a professional football club located in Imphal, Manipur. The club was established in 1965 and has won numerous state-level championships.
2. TRAU FC is a professional football club based in Imphal, Manipur that was founded in 1958. The team has also won several state-level championships.
3. Eastern Sporting Union is a women’s football team situated in Imphal, Manipur that was founded back in 1943 and has achieved various national level championships.
4. Sagolband United is another football team from Imphal, Manipur that was formed recently in 2006 but has already won multiple state-level championships.
5. Thangmeiband Athletic Union (TAU) is a sports club located in Imphal, Manipur that mainly participates in local level football tournaments.
6. YWC Langthabal (Young Welfare Club Langthabal) is another sports club based out of Imphal, Manipur that mainly competes at the local level for football tournaments.
7. NEROCA SC (North Eastern Re-Organising Cultural Association Sports Club) or simply known as NEROCA FC is an Indian professional association football club hailing from Lamlongei of the Imphal West district of Manipur which primarily competes for I-League & Durand Cup titles.

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1. Yaoshang Festival is the biggest and most popular festival in Imphal. It is celebrated over a period of five days in March and marks the arrival of spring. The festival is a time for cultural performances, sports events, and feasting.
2. Lai Haraoba Festival is celebrated by the Meitei community in Imphal during April or May. It is a religious festival that celebrates the creation of the universe.
3. Kang Chingba Festival is celebrated by the Manipuri community during October or November to celebrate good harvests. The festival features music, dance performances, and food stalls.
4. Ningol Chakouba Festival takes place in November each year to celebrate brother-sister relationships. Brothers invite their sisters to their homes for a special meal.
5. Cheiraoba Festival marks Manipuri New Year’s Day which falls on April 14th every year according to their lunar calendar. Traditional rituals like offering prayers to deities at temples are performed on this day.
6. Heikru Hitongba Festival takes place annually on September 15th at Loktak Lake where participants go boating while performing traditional songs & dances around it.
7. Gaan-Ngai Festival is observed by Zeliangrong people from December-January as a post-harvest celebration with traditional dance & music performances along with feasting together as families & communities.

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• Eromba – a traditional Manipuri dish made with boiled vegetables and fish or meat, served with rice. It is available at many local restaurants.
• Chak-hao kheer – a dessert made with black rice, milk, sugar, and cardamom. It is a specialty of Manipur and can be found at many sweet shops.
• Singju – a salad made with chopped vegetables, herbs, and spices mixed with fermented fish or shrimp paste. It is available at many street food stalls.
• Naga cuisine – popular dishes include smoked meat (axone), bamboo shoot pickle (ou tenga), and fermented soybean curry (soibum). These dishes can be found at Naga Kitchen in Imphal.
• Anjuman Restaurant – known for its delicious biryani and kebabs.
• The Classic Hotel Restaurant – serves Indian and Chinese cuisine along with local specialties like Eromba.
• The Luxmi Kitchen – offers vegetarian fare including thalis (platters) of regional dishes like chana masala (spiced chickpeas) and paneer tikka (grilled cottage cheese).
• Babina Cafe & Restaurant- serves authentic Manipuri cuisine along with other Indian delicacies such as chicken biryani etc..

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Parks and Recreation

1. Keibul Lamjao National Park
2. Khonghampat Orchidarium and Botanical Garden
3. Imphal War Cemetery
4. Loktak Lake and Sendra Island
5. Kangla Fort
6. Manipur State Museum
7. Shree Govindajee Temple
8. Manipur Zoological Gardens
9. Langthabal Hill Range
10. Ima Keithel (Mother’s Market)

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Its All About The Journey.

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