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Capital city of the Indian state Manipur
Photo: DeepanjanGhosh, CC BY-SA 4.0 via Wikimedia Commons
Imphal (Meitei: ꯏꯝꯐꯥꯜ, /eem-phaal/) is the capital city of the northeast Indian state of Manipur. It has a small population but it is a developed city that many travellers visit in transit. Imphal hosts the world's oldest Polo Ground (Imphal Polo Ground), the world's tallest topiary plant (Samban Lei Sekpil), the world's only women-run market (Ima Keithel) and the world's tallest polo player statue (Marjing Polo Statue).
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The museum is varied. It includes portraits of Manipuri royalty, tribal costumes, polo equipment (Manipur is one of the places in the world that claims to have invented the sport) along with weapons and other tools used by the people in the past. The biggest thing they have displayed is a 78-foot-long royal boat in the open air gallery.
Kangla Palace
The palace and fort had been used for hundreds of years to defend the Manipuris from invading neighbours such as the Assamese and Burmese. The British finally penetrated the fortress for good in the 1891 Anglo-Manipur War. The area is being renovated and much of it is empty land, but it houses an information centre/gift shop, several pleasant gardens, traditional boats, some small museums, a temple and a cheap cafeteria serving local snacks. Local kids go there to hang out. Bicycle hire is available for ₹20/hour but you can't ride far because the paths are closed. Toilet is at the right side as you enter. Certainly worth a visit and a good place for a picnic.
A sacred Panthoibi site.
This memorial and war complex was built the princely state of Manipur (Kangleipak) fought its last war of resistance against the British in 1891, after which it came under imperial rule.
Diverse international cuisine with an exotic touch. Try their fermented iced teas and soybean smoked pork.
Genuine Manipuri food. Plentiful options for both vegetarians and meat eaters. However, the dishes are full of chilli. Not recommended for people who cannot take spicy food.
Local wine and beer.
A traditional liquor made out of rice.
Free breakfast and Wi-Fi. Has two lavish restaurants.
Ima Market
A 500-year-old market that could be the only market in the world run entirely by women. Every single one of the 3000 traders running the stalls is female. Any woman regardless of religion or creed can set up a stall here. Parts of Northeast India are known for espousing gender equality, which is put into practice here. A range of products are sold here: handicrafts, textiles, vegetables, fruits, spices, black rice, pottery and jewellery.
By plane
By train
Imphal is not connected to India's railway network, however a new line is under construction. The closest railway station for now is Jiribam, 80 km west.
By bus
Imphal is well connected with Manipur's neighbouring states by road, on which there are many bus routes.
Minivans take common routes around the city and to neighbouring villages, tuk tuks are common and should cost ₹10-20 for short trips (though they frequently ask ₹100).
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Imphal · International · IMF
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