Loktak lake – It Has Been A Natural Wealth Of Amazing Flora And Fauna By Floating Water Forever

LOKTAK LAKE

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BISHNUPUR

Loktak lake is situated in the BishnuFpur District of Manipur state of India. One of the most enchanting and biggest fresh-water lakes in the north-east is the Manipur's Loktak Lake.Loktak Lake of Imphal is the world’s only Floating Lake and seems like an entire ecosystem in itself. There is a varied collection of flora and fauna around this freshwater lake. 

The most important feature of the Lake are the ‘phumdis’ or the floating organic matter including soil can be seen floating on the Lake, giving the impression, of land floating on water.You can also find a diverse species of flora and fauna here. About, 116 species of birds and 233 species of fauna have been observed here. This rich biodiversity and combined with breathtaking scenic beauty has popularized this Lake among the visitors!

The Sendra Island Tourist Bungalow offers dazzling views of the lake, its rich plant and avian life and the intriguing floating weed, shallow bowl-like islands (Phumdi) and the fishermen who live on them harvesting water chestnuts.

Situated in the middle of the lake, the tourist home has a cafe and makes an ideal look¬out. Boating has been introduced along the lake's labyrinthine waterways.Also on the southern part of the lake is the world's only floating national park,

Loktak Lake has also earned the laurel of being ‘the wetland of international importance’ under the Ramsar Convention on March 23, 1990. The lake is spread over an area of 286 sq km and is located at a height of 768.5 m.

This Lake also serves as the source of irrigation, hydro power generation and also solves the problem of drinking water in the vicinity. This ancient lake plays an important role in the economy of Manipur. It serves as a source of water for hydropower generation, irrigation and drinking water supply. 

The lake is also a source of livelihood for the rural fisherman who live in the surrounding areas and on phumdis, also known as “phumshongs”. Phumdis are used by the local people for constructing huts, for fishing and other livelihood uses. 

The villagers create artificial circular enclosures out of phumids for fish farming. These are the structures you see in the picture below. Nearly 100,000 people depends on the lake for their livelihood.

Loktak lake is located 39 km from Imphal, the capita city of Manipur which is well connected by road and air. The lake is a unique destination for tourism, offering visitors excellent opportunity to enjoy the beauty of the lake and its several islands of floating phumdis of different geometrical shapes

By Air 

The nearest airport is Imphal

By Train

Dimapur (in Nagaland) is 215km.

By Bus 

National Highway 39 links Imphal with Guwahati via Dimapur and National Highway 53 with Silchar. But, for the tourists, it is best to fly in.

Red Hill (Lok Paching) – It Is A Journey To A Sacred Place For Japanese Tourists

RED HILL (LOK PACHING)

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IMPHAL

Red Hill Lokpaching, situated on Tiddim Road, in Imphal west district of Manipur state of India.It is a place of great historical significance. It is the site where British and Japanese armies fought an ill-fated battle during World War II. 

The battle began on 20th May, 1944 and continued for nine days. The architecture of this memorial is iconic. You can also find various carvings on this monuments which adds beauty to this place.

It was the Battle of Imphal during the Second World War that the Red Hill turned into a site of massive armed destruction. Japanese forces kept advancing towards the British camps in Imphal, and it was the last phase of the war when the two adversaries finally clashed in Lokpaching. 

The combat at the Red Hill is considered to be the worst clash in the Battle of Imphal. Lt. General Iwaichi Fujiwara, a Japanese war veteran constructed ‘The India Peace Memorial’ to commemorate Japanese soldiers who lost their lives in this fierce battle. The memorial was inaugurated in the year 1994, on the 50th anniversary of the Battle of Imphal.

By Air

The nearest airport in Imphal is approximately 8 kilometres away from the main city and is well-connected with major domestic cities like Delhi, Kolkata and Guwahati.

By Train

Though Imphal is a major town but it does not have its own railway station and the nearest railway junction is in Dimapur which is approximately 215 kilometres away from the main city.

By Bus

Many state-run buses from Nagaland and Manipur Bus Corporation run from the neighbouring towns of Aizwal, Dimapur, Itanagar, Kohima, Shillong and Agartala. You can choose from a regular to a deluxe bus. The bus fare is usually economical.

9 DISTRICTS OF MANIPUR

MANIPUR

Manipur is also known as the 'jewelled land'. Its capital city is Imphal. An oval shaped valley bounded by blue green hills, rich in art and tradition has got titles such as 'Switzerland of the East' with blue lakes, variety of traditions and cultural patterns, beautiful picturesque, diversity of flora and fauna, carpets of flowers and dense forests. The tribal dances of Manipur are the expression of love, creative and enthusiasm of the tribal people of the state. It is also known as the land of Lord Krishna and Radha. It is famous for its fairs & festivals which are quite different from each other in themes. Most famous of all is Ras Lila. The beautiful handcrafted items from Manipur have earned a diverse identity. Songol kangjej (manipur Polo) is the major sport of the state. It has much to explore as it is filled with beautiful picturesques and offers the best of natural beauty.

DISTRICTS OF MANIPUR

1. Imphal East
2. Imphal West
3. Thoubal
4. Bishnupur
5. Chandel
6. Churachandpur
7. Senapati
8. Ukhrul
9. Tamenglong