Top 10 Things To Do In Imphal, Manipur

1. Browse through the artifacts at Manipur State Museum

With a rich collection of valuable artefacts and art, Manipur State Museum remains one of the most important museums in the country. You will be amazed by the history and information from its galleries of archaeology, ethnology, and natural history. With exhibits of everything from ancient weapons and clothing to Buddhist relics and agricultural equipment, the museum promises a day fulfilled with the prominent history that help shaped the country. One of the main features of the museum is the great 54-feet-long (16.5 metres) royal boat called Hiyang Hiren, along with endless showcases that will make your jaw drop with its vast and extraordinary collections. It is something that you have to do while in Imphal to understand and have a better cultural experience in this magnificent city.

Manipur State Museum

Address: Near Polo Ground, Kangla, Imphal West, 795001, Manipur

Opening hours: Tue - Sat: 10am - 4:30pm (closed on Mon, second Sat, & public holidays)

Price: From 0.30 USD

2. Visit the prominent and ancient Kangla Palace

Kangla Palace is an ancient palace located on both the western and eastern side of the Imphal River. Unfortunately, only the side of the west ruins remain. However, that does not mean it is not worth the visit. Kangla Palace is the most important historical site in Manipur due to its ancient legacy and prominence. The palace saw the growth of the mighty ancient Kingdom of Manipur and holds significant political and religious importance for several centuries. A site that is believed to have more than 360 holy sites, it was a centre for pilgrimage. It is crucial to explore the vast and rich history of the palace whenever you’re in Imphal. Not only you will get to see ancient ruins, but you will get to see the imperative infrastructural that was built during the colonisation by the British. With such vast and paramount importance, you must visit Kangla Palace for an extraordinary trip.

Kangla Palace

Address: Kangla, Imphal, Manipur 795001, India

Website: Kangla Palace

Opening hours: Thu - Tue: 9am - 5pm (closed on Wed)

Price: From 0.20 USD

3. Enjoy a day in the beautiful Matai Garden

If you ever feel the need to escape from the city, do head over to Matai Garden. In the quaint garden, you will get the perfect view of a stretch of greenery. With a variety of plants, shrubs, trees, and blooming flowers, your weary body will rejuvenate from the garden that belongs to a beautiful painting. It is perfect for a romantic walk with your better half or a meaningful bonding moment with your family. Matai is a local god who is worshipped in Imphal. Hence, you can imagine the beauty of the garden for it to be named after a god.

Matai Garden

Address: Matai Mamang Leikai, Luwangsangbam, Imphal, Manipur 795002, India

Opening hours: Mon - Sat: 7:30am - 5pm; Sun: 8:30am - 5pm

Price: From 0.30 USD

4. Discover the hidden gem of Three Mothers Art Gallery

Three Mothers Art Gallery is a hidden gem in Imphal that is meaningful and artistic. Shri Gurumayum Shyamsunder Sharma, the creator and artist of the gallery, carefully and articulately showcases the rich history and significance of Imphal through his art. Located in Thangpat Mapal Palace, Shri Gurumayum Shyamsunder Sharma crafts all of the pieces, from chairs to mythological figures. He envisions “Three Mothers” to be motherland, mother tongue, and mother of self which he has executed marvellously–and definitely worth including in your itinerary.

Three Mothers Art Gallery

Address: Thangapat Road Thangapat Mapal Palace Compound, Imphal, Manipur 795001, India

Website: Three Mothers Art Gallery

Opening hours: 10am - 5pm (daily)

5. Enrich your knowledge of the city at RKCS Art Gallery And Museum

Rajkumar Chandrajitsana Singh (RKCS) was one of the greatest artists in Manipur. He created artworks that reflect the history of Imphal perfectly and beautifully. Your visit to Imphal will not be complete if you do not go to RKCS Art Gallery And Museum. It has a broad range of artwork by RKCS that is brought to life through his paintings and other contemporary artworks. He was a significant artist who created a path to travel back to the past of Manipur through his artwork. RKCS Art Gallery And Museum is currently one of the most prominent galleries in Manipur that attracts numerous art students and tourists. This is a great activity to do while in Imphal.

RKCS Art Gallery And Museum

Address: RKCS colony, Nambul River Road, Keishamthong, Imphal, Manipur 795001, India

Website: RKCS Art Gallery And Museum

Opening hours: 10am - 5pm (daily)

6. Shop your heart out at Ema Keithel

A market run by almost 5,000 women, Ema Keithel Market, is the world’s largest all-women market and definitely worth your time. If you love shopping, this is the place to be. The market consists of fashion wear to decorative items. The 500-year-old market has deep roots and meaning that you have to explore. It is separated into different sections where varied and specific items are sold. The creation of the market was due to special and worthy circumstances. King Loyumba in the early ninth century ordered all the men of Manipur to leave and work, leaving the brave women of Manipur to step up and set up their own small business to support their families. Do take note that men are not allowed to conduct business or trade but everyone is allowed to purchase beautiful products.

Ema Keithel

Address: Thangal Bazar, Imphal, Manipur 795001, India

Opening hours: 4:15am - 6pm (daily)

7. Enjoy a unique shopping experience at Khwairamband Bazar

Khwairamband Bazar, the primary market in Imphal and close to Ema Keithel market is a brilliant way to taste the local flavor of Imphal. A bustling market filled with colourful fruits and vegetables to carefully crafted decoratives, it is an overwhelming experience that you have to try. Even if you do not wish to buy anything, immerse yourself with the locals by going to Khwairamband Bazar. Have a look at the delicate handicrafts and experience the local culture by visiting Khwairamband Bazar that is mostly run by women.

Khwairamband Bazar

Address: Thangal Bazar, Imphal, Manipur 795001, India

Opening hours: 4:30am - 7pm (daily)

8. Spot the beautiful animals at Manipur Zoological Garden

Called the Jewel Box in Manipur, Manipur Zoological Garden prides itself in specialising in breeding and preserving rare species such as Eld’s Deer and Nongin, a rare species of bird. It holds approximately 400 animals; hence, brace yourself for a day filled with amazing animals around you. The melodies sung by various species of birds and the majestic views create a recipe for one of the best things to do in Manipur. Enjoy the day with your children in the lush greenery surrounded by hills, while encountering adorable and tame animals.

Manipur Zoological Garden

Address: Lamphelpat, Imphal, Manipur 795004, India

Opening hours: Tue - Sun: 10am - 4pm (closed on Mon)

9. Be awed by the exquisite structure of Shaheed Minar

A magnificent monument in Imphal, honouring the brave spirits who laid down their lives for Manipur during the Anglo-Manipuri War of 1891. Shaheed Minar is an admirable site with three vertical beams clamped together and characterised by three mythical dragons on the apex of the structure. The area is perfect for relaxing and taking a breather before continuing your journey in Imphal. Also, prepare your camera to take photos of the structure that stands in a lovely garden which is also a sight to behold. Admire and take pride in the monument while you enjoy the fresh air and a cup of coffee to start your day right.

Shaheed Minar

Address: Paona Bazar, Imphal, 795001, Manipur‎

Opening hours: Mon - Sat: 9am - 6pm (closed on Sun)

10. Have a special cultural experience at Shri Shri Govindaji Temple

Shri Shri Govindaji Temple is the largest Hindu, Vaishnav temple in Imphal city in Manipur built in 1846. Located right next to the Palace, it’s delicately designed with two gold plated domes that are a sight to behold. It is a paramount spiritual culture site in Imphal and stands as a symbol of devotion. People around the world take part in various devotional festivals in the temple. If you would like to experience how the citizens of Manipur devote their loyalty to their faith, tourists are welcome to join in their festivals and have a memorable experience. Even if you do not wish to attend the celebrations, still head down and take a look at the temple and admire the intricate yet delicate architecture.

Shri Shri Govindaji Temple

Address: Royal Palace, Imphal, India

A place of culture, history, and art

Imphal, Manipur is a place of rich culture, history, and art which will satisfy your adventurous spirit and curiosity. With various historical sites and alluring art, you will have an endless list of things to do in Imphal. A significant city in India that is a place that one must go to enrich themselves with knowledge and culture. There is no better place in India if you wish to feel the ancient history that built this great nation. Hence, visit Imphal and experience the things to do for a great time of education, fun, and relaxation.