Stand at the west gate of Kangla Fort and the city opens up in layers: a moat, a temple, a stretch of empty ground where a royal palace once stood, and beyond it the Imphal River. Imphal rewards the traveller who is willing to slow down and take the city on its own terms, moving between religious sites, a royal fort and gardens that have been shaped by hand over generations.
This guide suits anyone with a day or two to spend in the city, whether you are passing through on the way to the surrounding hills or staying to understand Manipur's history and craft traditions. It covers the sights within and close to the city, with practical notes on how to combine them.
Top things to do in Imphal
1. Kangla Fort (Kangla Palace)
Kangla means "dry land" in the Meitei language, and this fort and palace complex in the centre of Imphal served for hundreds of years to defend the Manipuris from invading neighbours such as the Assamese and Burmese. The British finally penetrated the fortress in the 1891 Anglo-Manipur War. Entry is only through the west gate.
The area is being renovated and much of it is empty land, but it houses an information centre and gift shop, several pleasant gardens, traditional boats, some small museums, a temple and a cheap cafeteria serving local snacks. Local children go there to hang out. Bicycle hire is available, though you cannot ride far because the paths are closed. The toilet is on the right side as you enter. It is worth a visit and a good place for a picnic.
2. Manipur State Museum
On Kangla Road near the polo grounds, this museum holds 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 people in the past. The largest item on display is a 78-foot-long royal boat in the open-air gallery.
It is a natural pairing with Kangla Fort, since both sit close together on Kangla Road. Allow enough time for the open-air gallery as well as the indoor displays.
3. Shree Govindajee Temple
This temple was considered the highest place for any cultural activity during the times of the maharajas. It stands near the royal palace of the past maharajas and has two domes and a raised congregation hall.
Combine it with your visit to Kangla Fort, which is nearby, and take the time to look at the domes and hall rather than passing through quickly.
4. Hiyangthang Lairembi Temple
This is a religious site important to both the local religion, Sanamahism, and to Hinduism. The temple is noted for its annual Durga Puja festival.
If your visit coincides with Durga Puja, plan around it, as the temple draws particular attention at that time.
5. Ema Panthoibi Shanglen
A sacred Panthoibi site, and one of the city's religious places worth seeking out if you are following the thread of local worship through Imphal.
Pair it with the other religious sites on this list rather than treating it as a standalone stop.
6. Matai Garden
This garden lies in Matai, in Imphal East district, about 5 km north on NH-39. It is also called Ibudhou Asheiningthou Garden, taking its name from Ibudhou Asheiningthou, the local god of Matai. The garden is known for its myriad Duranta plant, well shaped and decorating the entire garden.
Because it sits outside the central cluster of sights, it works best as a separate outing rather than something to squeeze between two stops in the city centre.
7. Sambal-Lei-Sekpil garden
In Sagolband, Kwakeithel, toward the Tidim road, this garden is known for Sambal-Lei-Sekpil. Literally, sambal means fence, lei means flower and sekpil means topiary. The flower was featured in the Guinness Book of Records in 1999 at a height of 50 ft and 35 steps. The garden is open to visitors.
Go with an interest in the craft of shaping plants rather than expecting a large landscaped park, and note the direction of travel toward Tidim road when planning your route.
8. Bihu Loukon
An ancient star-shaped fort made of mud situated in Maklang, Imphal West District. It was discovered in 2013.
This is a site for travellers interested in the region's older defensive structures; it sits in Imphal West, so plan it as part of a westward outing.
9. Khongjom War Memorial
At Lamding Mamang Leikai in Thoubal, this memorial and war complex marks the place where the princely state of Manipur (Kangleipak) fought its last war of resistance against the British in 1891, after which it came under imperial rule.
It lies outside the city, so treat it as a half-day excursion and confirm arrangements by phone before setting out.
If you only have one day
Morning: Start at Kangla Fort (Kangla Palace), entering through the west gate. Walk the gardens, the temple and the small museums, and use the bicycle hire if you want to cover more of the grounds. Follow it with the Manipur State Museum on Kangla Road near the polo grounds, where the 78-foot royal boat in the open-air gallery is the centrepiece.
Afternoon: Continue to Shree Govindajee Temple near the former royal palace, with its two domes and raised congregation hall, then visit Ema Panthoibi Shanglen. If time allows, add Hiyangthang Lairembi Temple, which is important to both Sanamahism and Hinduism.
Evening: Finish at one of the gardens. Sambal-Lei-Sekpil garden in Sagolband, Kwakeithel, is open to visitors and gives you the story of the topiary that reached the Guinness Book of Records in 1999. If you would rather stay closer to the centre, take a picnic to Kangla Fort, where the cafeteria serves local snacks.
Frequently asked questions
How do I enter Kangla Fort?
Entry is only through the west gate. The complex is in the centre of Imphal and includes gardens, traditional boats, small museums, a temple and a cafeteria.
Which sights sit close enough to combine in one outing?
Kangla Fort, the Manipur State Museum on Kangla Road near the polo grounds, and Shree Govindajee Temple near the former royal palace form a natural cluster in the city centre.
What can I see at the Manipur State Museum?
Portraits of Manipuri royalty, tribal costumes, polo equipment, weapons and other tools used by people in the past, plus a 78-foot-long royal boat displayed in the open-air gallery.
When is the best time of year to visit Imphal?
The city has a humid subtropical climate with cool, dry winters and a slightly hot monsoon season. June and July are the wettest months, and fog is common on dry winter mornings, clearing by noon.
With the fort, the museum and the temples mapped out, you have enough to start shaping your own days in Imphal.