Imphal

THE capital of Manipur in an oval-shaped valley at an elevation of 2,590 feet and is spread over an area of 2,000 square km. The cosmopolitan city is surrcounded by bluish mountains which guard it against squalls. 

Kangla Fort, once the seat of power for the Manipuri rulers till 1891 when the British conquered the state, is a must-see. Kangla Fort is the most important historical and archaeological site of Manipur, which the Manipuris regard as the holiest pilgrimage. 

Next is the Chorus Repertory Theatre founded by India’s celebrated playwright and theatre director Ratan Thiyam.The theatre auditorium is on the outskirts of Imphal and the campus has housing and working quarters for those associated with theatre. 

The India Peace Memorial or Red Hillis a historical hillock located 17 km from Imphal. Mind it, unlike the plains, 17 km in a hilly state is quite a distance but with Global Connection  taking care of everything, you need not worry about the logistics.

Red Hill was the scene of action of the fierce battle between the Allied Forces and Japanese Forces fighting alongside the Indian National Army during World War II. Japanese war veterans have constructed a monument at the foot of this hill.

About 6-km from Imphal, at the foot of the pine growing hillocks at Iroisemba, is located the Zoological Gardens. Among other things, a few endangered Sangai deer are housed there.

Also visit the Imphal War Cemetery that remembers the British and Indian soldiers of World War-II, Shree Govindajee Temple, Hiyangthang Lairembi Temple noted for the annual Durga Puja, and the Manipur State Museum located within the city. 

Try catching up a Polo match at the Khuman Lampak Sports Complex, which was built for the 1997 National Games. 

Before winding up, go shopping to Ima Keithel, a market entirely run by women merchants from where one can pick up Manipur’s exquisite handloom items. Then go shopping for goods imported from Myanmar and China at Paona Bazaar, Gambir Sing Shopping Complex, or Leima Plaza.