Imphal sits at about 786 metres in a broad valley ringed by hills, in the far east of India. It is the capital of Manipur and, for centuries, the seat of the Meitei kings, whose old citadel at Kangla still stands beside the Imphal River. The city is low-rise and unhurried, and it feels distinctly different from the rest of India: Vaishnava temples with golden domes sit close to older Meitei shrines, and the market that matters most is run entirely by women.
A visit here is built around a handful of anchors. Kangla Fort, Shree Govindajee Temple and Ima Keithel can be done in a single day on foot or by short taxi hops. The Manipur State Museum and the polo ground add a second half-day. Outside the city, Loktak Lake and Keibul Lamjao National Park, the floating park that shelters the endangered sangai deer, make a long but rewarding day trip, and the INA memorial at Moirang can sit on the same route.
Imphal also holds an important place in the history of the Second World War. The 1944 Battle of Imphal and Kohima was fought on these hills, and the Imphal War Cemetery and the Imphal Peace Museum are sober, well-kept places to understand it. For families and older travellers the terrain is easy, since the valley is flat, but distances to the lake and park are long and the monsoon is heavy.
Before you plan, do two things. Check the current travel advisories from the Ministry of External Affairs, the Government of Manipur and your airline or tour operator, as conditions in the state can change. Also confirm the current Inner Line Permit (ILP) requirements on the official Manipur ILP portal: Indian visitors from outside the state have needed a permit, and the rules and process are updated from time to time. Verify current status before you book.
Before you plan
Imphal at a glance
- Best months
- November to February is driest and…November to February is driest and most comfortable; March and October are also good. June to August is heavy monsoon.
- Ideal trip length
- 3 days3 days, with the city on days one and two and Loktak and Keibul Lamjao on day three
- Airport
- Bir Tikendrajit International AirportBir Tikendrajit International Airport (IMF, formerly Tulihal), about 7 km south of the city centre; usually 20-30 minutes by road
- Railway station
- No passenger station operates in…No passenger station operates in Imphal yet; the Jiribam-Imphal line is under construction (Imphal station, code IMPAL, is planned). Nearest working railheads are Jiribam (JRBM) and Dimapur (DMV)
- Getting around
- Hire a car with driver or use local…Hire a car with driver or use local taxis and autos; the valley is flat, but Loktak, Moirang and Bishnupur are best done by car
- Daily budget
- Roughly ₹1,500-₹4,000 per person per…Roughly ₹1,500-₹4,000 per person per day excluding hotel, for food, local transport and entry fees; varies with car hire
- Senior comfort
- Good: flat valleyGood: flat valley, mostly level sights, gentle climate in winter. Long road days to Loktak, short boat rides and monsoon wet are the main limits
- Language
- ManipuriManipuri (Meitei) is the official language alongside English; Hindi is widely understood in shops and hotels
Prices, opening hours and weather change. Recheck live details before booking.
Best time to visit Imphal: January, February, November, December. Month-by-month weather →
How many days do you have?
Imphal itinerary
One good day
1 day in Imphal
Start at Kangla Fort in the cool of the morning and allow about two hours for the grounds, the Kangla Sha sculptures and the Pakhangba temple area. Walk or take a short ride to Shree Govindajee Temple, which stands beside the royal precinct, and time your visit for an aarti if you can. Have lunch and rest. In the afternoon go to Ima Keithel, the women's market, for an hour or two of slow browsing, then finish at the Manipur State Museum if it is still open. Check closing days and times before you set off.
Day-by-day plan →Two days
2 days in Imphal
Begin with Kangla Fort, then Shree Govindajee Temple, then lunch. In the afternoon wander through Ima Keithel and, if time remains, pass the Mapal Kangjeibung polo ground, which lies close to the museum.
Day-by-day plan →Three unhurried days
3 days in Imphal
Kangla Fort in the morning, Shree Govindajee Temple at midday, and Ima Keithel in the afternoon. Keep the evening free.
Day-by-day plan →
