The short answer
Imphal War Cemetery: what visitors should know first
Go if the Second World War matters to you or your family. Allow 45-60 minutes, dress respectfully, go in the morning, and combine it with the Imphal Peace Museum for the wider story.
History and context
The story behind Imphal War Cemetery
Imphal War Cemetery was established during and after the 1944 Battle of Imphal. Graves were brought in from smaller cemeteries and isolated positions after the fighting. The siege of Imphal was lifted in the summer of 1944, ending on 22 June when forces from Kohima and Imphal linked at Milestone 109.
Useful facts
Imphal War Cemetery facts at a glance
- Location
- Kabo Leikai, Imphal West
- Commemorates
- About 1,600 Commonwealth burials, mostly Second World War
- Designer
- Colin St Clair Oakes
- Visitor note
- Respectful dress and quiet voices
- Maintained by
- Commonwealth War Graves Commission
Why it matters
Why Imphal War Cemetery is worth your time
The cemetery holds about 1,600 Commonwealth burials from the Second World War, predominantly from the Battle of Imphal and Kohima, and is maintained by the Commonwealth War Graves Commission. It includes men from the UK, India, East Africa and several other countries.
The battle, fought in 1944 when Japanese forces advanced on Manipur, became one of the turning points of the Burma campaign. Visiting the cemetery is a way to remember the people, not only the strategy, and it connects Imphal to a story far beyond Manipur.
Highlights
What not to miss
- 01
The rows of graves
Brass plaques mark each grave, set in well-kept lawns.
- 02
Nations represented
Soldiers from the UK, India, East Africa, Canada, Australia, Burma and West Africa rest here.
- 03
The wider context
The cemetery sits within the wider story of the Battle of Imphal and Kohima.
Plan your visit
How to experience it
Enter quietly and walk along the rows slowly. The graves are marked by brass plaques, and the layout is simple, well-kept lawns and memorial structure by the architect Colin St Clair Oakes. Read a few of the names and regiments to feel the human scale.
Look at where the dead came from: the cemetery holds men from the United Kingdom, India, East Africa, Canada, Australia, Burma and West Africa. The scale of the Battle of Imphal and Kohima, fought in the spring and summer of 1944, becomes tangible here.
Pair it with the Imphal Peace Museum for the wider story, and give yourself time afterwards to sit. Photography is generally respectful if done quietly; avoid posing and follow any signs.
Plan with confidence
Small decisions that make the visit easier.
- Go in the morning and dress respectfully
- Check current visiting hours locally
- Combine with the Imphal Peace Museum
- Keep voices low and avoid posing for photographs
Know before you go
Timing, access and comfort
- Area
- Kabo Leikai, Imphal West
- Time needed
- 45-60 minutes
- Best time
- Morning, in dry weather
- Walking level
- Easy
- Senior comfort
- Mostly level lawns and paths, with limited shade. Benches may be available; carry water and go in the morning.
- Tickets and access
- Entry is generally free, but check current visiting hours with the Commonwealth War Graves Commission or locally. Dress respectfully and keep voices low.
Best for
Plan it with
Plan the practical part
Hotels near Imphal War Cemetery
Staying close keeps journeys short — useful for early starts and for anyone who tires quickly.
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Travelling with parents?
Mostly level lawns and paths, with limited shade. Benches may be available; carry water and go in the morning.
Raahzo can arrange an arrival or day companion who handles tickets, queues and pacing, and keeps the family updated.
See concierge supportFAQs
How many graves are there?
About 1,600 Commonwealth burials, according to the Commonwealth War Graves Commission.
Is there an entry fee?
Entry is generally free; check current hours locally.
How long should I stay?
45-60 minutes is enough for a respectful visit.
Sources and further reading
Timings, fees and access rules change. Recheck with the official source before you travel.
