History
This little corner is a paradise on Earth where Mother Nature has bestowed her bounty extra generously. Manipur`s exotic scenery, mystic atmosphere and salubrious climate are all that fascinate tourists. Abounded with festivals, Manipuris are best introduced by their world famous "Manipuri Dance"- one of the major dance forms of India.
South of Nagaland, Manipur borders Myanmar. The state is inhabited by over two dozens tribes. Manipur claims to have invented the game Polo, the main sport of Manipur.
Loktak Lake with floating- Weed- Island and dancing deer Sangai, is of tourist interest.
Nestling deep within a lush green corner of North East India, is the wondrously beautiful little Shangrila called Manipur. Literally meaning - "a jewelled land", this little corner is a veritable, paradise on earth.
Untouched and undiscovered, Manipur promises to be the great tourist discovery of the 21st century. An oval shaped valley surrounded by blue green hills, rich in art and tradition has inspired descriptions such as the "Switzerland of the East" with cascading rapids, tripping rivers, carpets of flowers and exotic blooms. It lies to the south of Nagaland & north of Mizoram. It shares the international boundary with Myanmar on the western and southern side.
Climate
The state of Manipur experiences a maximum temperature of 32 degree celsius and a minimum temperature as low as 0 degree celsius. The annual rainfall here is 1467.5 mm and the rainy season is from May to October. The winter stretches from November to March.
Faith & CultureCulture
The people & tribes of Manipur include Meiteis, Naga and Kuki-Chin-Mizo groups and other colourful communities, which have lived in complete harmony for centuries. These are the people whose folklore, myths and legends, dances, indigenous-games and martial-arts, exotic handlooms and handicrafts are infested with the mystique of nature. In the field of art and culture, the state is best represented by its classical and folk dance forms. Ras-Leela songs and dances depict the Leelas (Sports) of Lord Krishna as a child with the Gopis (milkmaids) of Brindavan, and express their yearning for communion with the Lord.
HandicraftsHandicrafts
It is said that goddess "Panthoibi" drew her inspiration for weaving, from a spider making cobwebs in a corner. While almost every household in Manipur owns a loom-women folk alone are weavers. Intricate designs are woven on sarees, sarongs, shawls and bedspreads. The handloom industry is the largest cottage industry in Manipur, with the finished items often being exported. Manipur-Pottery is made without a potter's wheel. It is a rare experience to witness the potters of Andro, Thongjao and Nungbi, deftly moulding an unbelievable range of earthenware. Beautiful pieces of art made out of cane and bamboo form an important part of handicrafts. Tourists can take home a Lifan, Phak (weed mats), Phiruk, Manipuri Dolls & host of other beautiful carvings from rare and exotic varieties of Timber.