"Land of Jewels"

Manipur, a state located in Northeast India, is known as the "land of jewels" or the "jewel of India" due to its scenic beauty and rich cultural heritage. The state is famous for its natural beauty, including its hills, valleys, lakes, and rivers, as well as for its handloom and handicraft products, such as shawls, textiles, and pottery. Manipur is also known for its traditional dance forms, such as the Manipuri dance, which is recognized as one of the eight classical dances of India. Tourism in Manipur has been steadily growing in recent years, with visitors drawn to its stunning landscapes, ancient temples, and unique festivals.

Diversity of Plants and Animals: 

Manipur is home to a rich diversity of plant and animal species. The state is known for its lush green forests, which are home to a variety of trees like bamboo, oak, and pine. The Keibul Lamjao National Park, located in the southern part of Manipur, is the only floating national park in the world and is home to the endangered Manipur brow-antlered deer, also known as the Sangai. Other popular animals found in Manipur include clouded leopard, hoolock gibbon, and wild boar.

The Sangai deer, is a critically endangered deer species that is endemic to the Keibul Lamjao National Park in Manipur, India. It is the state animal of Manipur.

The Sangai deer is known for its unique physical appearance, with its distinctively long and slender antlers, which can grow up to 100 cm in length. It has a reddish-brown coat with white spots, and a white underbelly. It is a medium-sized deer, standing at around 90 cm at the shoulder and weighing between 70-110 kg.

The Sangai deer is adapted to living in a unique floating marsh environment, where it feeds on water plants, grasses, and other vegetation. It is also an excellent swimmer and can traverse through the water with ease.

The Sangai deer was once found across the Manipur valley and surrounding areas, but due to habitat loss and hunting, its population has declined dramatically. In the 1950s, it was thought to be extinct, but in 1953 a small population was discovered in the Keibul Lamjao National Park. Since then, conservation efforts have been made to protect the species and its habitat, and the population has slowly increased.

Today, the Sangai deer is still considered critically endangered, with only around 200 individuals remaining in the wild. Conservation efforts continue to be important to ensure the survival of this unique and beautiful species.

Tourism in Manipur:

Tourism in Manipur is focused on exploring the natural beauty of the state, its rich culture, and unique festivals. Some of the popular tourist attractions in Manipur include:

Loktak Lake:

The Loktak Lake is a beautiful freshwater lake located in the Indian state of Manipur, in Northeast India. It is the largest freshwater lake in Northeast India, and is also known as the only floating lake in the world due to the floating phumdis (mass of vegetation) that can be found on the surface of the lake.

The lake is home to a rich variety of flora and fauna, including the endangered Sangai deer, which is found only in the vicinity of the lake. The lake also supports a large number of fish species, and fishing is an important source of livelihood for the local communities.

Loktak Lake is not only a beautiful natural attraction but also holds immense cultural and religious significance for the people of Manipur. It is often referred to as the lifeline of Manipur, as it is a crucial source of water for irrigation, drinking, and hydropower generation.

Imphal:

The capital city of Manipur is known for its historical significance and religious sites, including the Kangla Fort.

Kangla Fort is a historic site located in Imphal, the capital city of the Indian state of Manipur. It has great significance in the history of Manipur and is considered a symbol of the state's cultural and political identity. Here are some historic lines about Kangla Fort:

1. The Kangla Fort has a rich history dating back to the 1st century AD when it was the seat of the Manipuri kings.

2. The fort was destroyed and rebuilt several times throughout history, with the latest reconstruction taking place in the 19th century during the reign of Maharaja Nara Singh.

3. Kangla Fort was the site of many important events, including battles between Manipur and neighboring states, as well as the center of political power and cultural activities in the region.

4. During the British colonial period, the fort was used as a military garrison and was off-limits to the public.

5.After India's independence, the fort was handed over to the state government, and in 2004, it was reopened to the public as a historic site and tourist attraction.

6.Kangla Fort is home to several important landmarks, including the Kangla Palace, the Govindajee Temple, and the Polo Ground, which was once used for traditional Manipuri sports and games.

7. Today, Kangla Fort stands as a testament to the rich cultural heritage of Manipur and serves as a reminder of the state's storied past.

Ukhrul:

This hill station is known for its scenic beauty and is famous for the Shirui Lily, which is found only in this region. The Shirui Lily is a small-sized, pink-colored flower that grows in clusters of up to 20 flowers on a single stem. It is considered as the State Flower of Manipur and is also listed as an endangered species.

Due to its rarity and unique beauty, the Sirui Lily has become a symbol of the natural heritage of Manipur and efforts are being made to protect and conserve this species from further depletion. The local community and government agencies have taken various initiatives to protect the Sirui Lily, including the creation of the Sirui Lily Festival to raise awareness about the importance of conservation.

Moirang:

This town is known for its ancient temples and for being the place where the flag of the Indian National Army was first hoisted.

Popular Tourist Festival:

Manipur is known for its unique festivals that showcase the state's rich culture and traditions. One of the most popular festivals is the Manipur Sangai Festival, which is celebrated every year in November. The festival is named after the state animal, the Sangai deer, and is a celebration of the state's art, culture, and traditions. Other popular festivals in Manipur include the Yaoshang Festival, the Ningol Chakouba Festival, and the Lai Haraoba Festival.

In conclusion, Manipur is a beautiful state with a rich cultural heritage, diverse flora and fauna, and unique festivals. It is a must-visit destination for those who want to explore the unexplored beauty of Northeast India.