Begin your exploration at the Kangla Museum, where one of the intriguing exhibits illustrates Manipur's tumultuous history through a series of evolving maps of Northeast India. Witness a pivotal moment when Manipur disappears from the map—an event marking the Myanmar invasion of 1819, famously known as Chahi Taret Khuntakpa or the Seven Years Devastation. The northeastern state's narrative is profoundly influenced by frequent wars, including conflicts with the Burmese, the Anglo-Manipur War of 1891, and a Japanese bomber attack during World War II. These conflicts have left an indelible mark, devastating historical monuments like the Kangla Palace, which once stood approximately a kilometer from the museum. The original statues of the Kangla sha, mythical guardians of Kangla with the head of a dragon and the body of a lion, stationed as protectors of the Kangla Uttra or coronation hall, were also obliterated by Japanese bombers. However, about a decade ago, the Kangla Fort Board, which regained control after the Assam Rifles' occupation until 2004, successfully recreated these statues.

Adjacent to the fort complex's western gate stands a white marble temple adorned with a pyramidical roof featuring horn-like projections, bearing emblems depicting a serpent biting its tail.

This sacred site is none other than the temple of Ibudhou Pakhangba, the revered deity of the Meiteis—the largest ethnic community in Manipur. Prior to the influence of Hinduism in the 18th century, the Meiteis practiced their indigenous religion known as Sanamahi. Pakhangba, the snake god, is represented by a coiled serpent or dragon-like form, explaining the reverence for snakes within Kangla, where they are considered sacred and generally left unharmed. An encounter with one such reptilian visitor occurred at a colonial British bungalow-turned-museum, prompting an understandable decision to omit that particular stop from our itinerary.

Merely a kilometer away within the fort complex lies a temple with a distinct history—the Sri Govindaji Temple. Constructed by Maharaja Nara Singh in 1846, this temple holds a significant role in the narrative of Manipuri classical dance. Legend has it that the inaugural performance of Raas Leela in Manipur took place in the temple's courtyard. One can easily envision dancers adorned in vibrant potloi (bucket-shaped skirts), gracefully swaying with their faces veiled in gossamer, illuminated by the gentle glow of a full moon—an ambiance typical of Raas Leela performances.

For a vivid depiction of Manipur's history, explore the privately-run RKCS Gallery. Founded in 2003 by the late Rajkumar Chandrajitsana Singh, the gallery showcases over 200 exquisite oil paintings illustrating Manipur's historical journey since 1704

Shopping

A short 20-minute walk from the gallery brings you to Ima Keithel, also known as Mother’s Market. Situated at a bustling traffic junction, this all-women's market, with roots dating back to the 16th century, serves as an ideal spot to discover a plethora of local treasures. With over 6,000 women adorned in traditional attire—woven sarong, phanek, and the dupatta-like inna phee—the market offers an array of fabric, food, produce, and handicrafts.

Day Trips

Loktak Lake

Undoubtedly, the crown jewel of Manipur is Loktak Lake. Our destination, Sendra Island, is just an hour's drive from Imphal, offering panoramic views of the expansive lake from its hilly outcrop. Even the journey to this serene island is punctuated with historical reminders. Approximately 16 kilometers outside Imphal, at the foot of Red Hill, a war memorial commemorates a pivotal moment in battle when British and Indian soldiers compelled Japanese forces to retreat during WWII. Not far from Sendra, Moirang, a small town, hosts the Indian National Army (INA) museum, showcasing war paraphernalia from WWII. Given INA's alliance with Japan during the war, they too suffered significant casualties alongside the Japanese.