Imphal a mini-metropolis the
capital of this beautiful land of blue-green hills, cascading rapids,
carpets of flowers and winding rivers beckons the tourist. It is
connected by road with Guwahati (Assam) through National Highway No.53.
Here the Govindajee Temple is a prominent Vaishnavite centre. The simple
aesthetic structure has two golden domes and a large performed on
special occasions. The shrine of Vishnu is flamked by shrines of
Krishana & Bal Ram on one side and Jagannth on the other. In the
heart of the city are two memorials, the towering Shaheed Minar in
Tikendeajit Park that commemorates the mirtyrs who died fighting British
Colonilism and the war cemetery that revives the memories of those
British and Indian soldiers who led down there lives during the second
world war, which came to the doorstep of Imphal. The heritage of Manipur
can be viewed in the state Museum located near the Polo ground. It is
store house of Manipur's past. On display are works of art, archeology
natural history textiles besides a portrait collection of former rulers
of Manipur and armoury of the Royal army. If you feel like shopping
visit the unique Khwairmband Bazar. All the stall holders are women
almot 300 Imas or mothers it is split into two sections on either side
of the road.
EXCURSIONS
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27 kms away is Bishunpur famous conical roofed temple
dedicated to Lord Vishnu Built in 1467 during the regin of King Kiyamba,
it is interesting for its antiquity and chinese style design. It also
known for irs stone production. 45kms away is moirang. The town is one
of the main seats of early Manipuri folk culture with the anicient
temples of the pre Hindu diety Lord Thangjing situated here. In the
month of may men and women dressed in colourfull traditional costumes
ding, and dance in honour of the Lord at the Moirang Lai haraoba which
is a ritual dance festival held every year. This town has a specilic
historic importance, as it was here that Netaji Chander Bose's Indian
National Army (INA) hoisted its flag for the first time on Indian Soil.
The collection letters photographs articles records and other memorabila
are on display at the INA museum.
SHOPPING PLEASURES
Manipur specialies in handloom which is a cottage
industry in the state and almost every household owns a loom with women
busy in the creation of typical unique native designs. Famous among them
is the Moirangphee designs belived to have been introduce by princess.
Thoibi of Moirang the Phanek or snake designs constituting red and black
stripes. Symbloic of snakes. Pickup an exotic shawl cover bedspread or
ready made garments. Choose a handicraft to decorate your home Krishna
Radha dolls in Raslia pose, Phirooks or decorative papier mache flower
vases, baskets bamboo trays or just wear a bamboo hat.
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