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Manipur, one of the eastern-most states of India, lies on the Burma border and is populated by Hindu Meitheis, people closer probably to Thailand or Indonesia in their handsome looks, customs, language and way of life. Manipur is also inhabited by the extremely rare dancing deer or thamin, who live on floating islands of grass in the centre of Loktak lake. This in-the-middle-of-the-lake sanctuary -- Keibul Lamjao -- is likely to be one of the rare floating national parks in the world. We inaugurated this series with an overview of Tranquebar, then offered the Orissa beach resort, Gopalpur-on-Sea, and the hill towns of Mirik and Kurseong, south of Darjeeling. We followed up with the historical Rajasthani town of Chittaurgarh, beautiful Sarahan in eastern Himachal, forgotten Orchha in Madhya Pradesh, lush green Chikhaldhara in eastern Maharashtra, holy Gaya, wet, wet, wet Cherrapunjee and little-known, wee Bithur. Loktak Lake
The beds of phumdi are also home to a migratory tribe of fishermen. The lake is rich in minnows and carp. And water chesnuts. Fisherman cruise in and out of the hummus floats on graceful flat-bedded boats and net the fish and singhara (water chestnut).
The sanctuary is inhabited by the hog deer, wild cats, boar, panthers and an interesting population of migratory birds that arrive in November and December. Loktak lake is the largest fresh water lake in eastern India. Its shores were increasingly reclaimed for cultivation and excessive siltation caused problems with the eco-system and endangered its famous deer. Therefore, 25 square kilometres of it were declared a national park. Sendra Island, just 50 odd kilometres from the Imphal, the capital of Manipur, offers a bird's eye view of the park and its occupants. It is possible to explore the park by travelling around in tiny small boats. Alternately, you can climb up the watchtower, located on the hillock of Bebet Ching. Much of Manipur is located 2,000 metres above sea level and the lake, which is the lowest lying area of the state, is surrounded by picturesque bluish highlands making it a serene, beautiful spot, quite like none other.
The best time to visit Loktak lake is in winter from November to early March. The deer are in residence then. During other parts of the year they live in the surrounding hills. Migratory birds are at Loktak during winter too. Yaosang, a full moon festival, is celebrated in February-March.
It is advisable to make a visit to Loktak lake a day trip from Imphal. But there are two park lodges to stay at if you apply for permission from the assistant conservator of forests at BPO, Kha-Thinungei or to the deputy director, tourism, at Imphal. Phone: 03852- 220802. Foreign passport holders are required to obtain permits to visit Manipur. Permits are available at:
Sendra Island is 48 km from Imphal. The Manipur Tourism office organises sightseeing tours to the island from Imphal. Both Jet Airways and Indian Airlines fly into Imphal. Jet Airways' 9W615 departs on Wednesdays and Fridays from Calcutta at 1140 hours and arrives in Imphal at 1410 hours via Guwahati. The economy class one-way fare between Calcutta and Imphal is Rs 2,325. The executive class one way fare is Rs 3,535. Indian Airlines' IC 255 departs on Mondays, Wednesdays and Fridays from Calcutta at 0550 hours and reaches Imphal via Tezpur at 0750 hours. Indian Airlines IC 213 departs on Tuesdays and Saturdays from Calcutta at 0700 hours and reaches Imphal at 0600 hours. Indian Airlines IC 890 departs on Thursdays and Sundays from Calcutta at 1200 hours and reaches Imphal at 1300 hours. The economy class one way fare between Calcutta and Imphal is Rs 2,325. The executive class one way fare is Rs 3,430. | ||
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INFOTECH | TRAVEL | LIFE/STYLE | FREEDOM | FEEDBACK |
Forest Lodge, Phubala: Basic accommodation. Very atmospheric.
