Festival · MANIPUR
Nov 21-30 · Imphal
Manipur's biggest tourism and cultural showcase — named after the endangered Sangai deer of Loktak Lake. Traditional dance, indigenous sports, handloom exhibitions, and local cuisine.
Why it mattersManipur's flagship festival — a 10-day window into the state's art, sport, and culture.
November is Imphal's peak — the Sangai Festival (late November) showcases Manipuri dance, sports, food, and handicrafts at Hapta Kangjeibung.
Live in Imphal
Imphal's most established hotel — ITDC-run with spacious rooms, a multi-cuisine restaurant, and a garden. Close to Kangla Fort and Ima Keithel (the all-women's market). The travel desk arranges Loktak Lake day trips and INA memorial visits.
Modern hotel in the commercial heart of Imphal. Clean rooms, fast Wi-Fi, and a restaurant serving Manipuri thali (eromba, singju, chak-hao kheer). Walking distance to Ima Keithel and Khwairamband Bazaar. Probably the most reliable business hotel in the city.
SignatureSlow-cooked pork hathei
Two flights up to the second floor — no lift. Order across both menus: the 'Neighbourhood' plate for tribal Manipuri, the 'Elsewhere' plate for pasta. Best ambience in town for a long lunch.
SignatureManipuri thali (veg + fish)
Open lunch only, until ~2:30pm — go before 1pm or you risk dishes running out. Cash preferred. Walk down from Ima Keithel; the sign is in the basement opposite the parking stand.
SignatureChicken thali with rice, dal and iromba
Order the chicken thali — it's the staple here, served with iromba (mashed-veg-with-fermented-fish chutney). Skip the menu's continental section.
SignatureDIY Korean tabletop BBQ
Korean BBQ portions start at 2 people minimum, so go in a group. Sunset on the rooftop is the best seat in central Imphal.
World's largest all-women market. Over 3,000 women traders selling everything from vegetables to textiles.
British and Indian soldiers' WWII cemetery. 1,600+ graves from the Battles of Imphal and Kohima.
Memorial where the Indian National Army first hoisted the Indian flag on Indian soil in 1944 under Netaji Bose.
Ancient seat of Manipuri kings. Sacred citadel with the Kangla Sha (twin dragon) gate. Now a park and museum.
Vaishnavite temple near Kangla Fort with twin gold domes. Center of Manipuri Raas Leela dance tradition.
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