The Kangla Fort: A Holy Palace for Meetei

The Kangla or Dry land in old Meetei language, is located in Imphal, the capital of Manipur, was the centre of attractions and superior ruling palace since 33 AD to 1891 AD (till Anglo Manipuri War). The mythical God-king Nongda Lairen Pakhangba first throne in this place in 33AD. Today the entire area of the Kangla is approximately 236.84 acres, including an outer moat and Kekrupat.

The history of Meetei is embedded in this palace and the socio-religious roots of Meetei is traced. The Kangla is a holy place of Manipur and the nerve centre of Meetei cosmology. We called this place a miniature version of the land of Meeteis and the indigenous surrounding tribes. According to Maichous, (religion scholar) there are more than 300 holy and sacred places in Kangla fort. Some of important holy places are:
Nungjeng Pukhri : It’s a sacred pond located in the north-west of the "Uttra" and this pond is believed to be the abode of Lord Pakhangba, the first God king.
Kangla Men Surung: A sacred place for coronation ceremony/erat-thouni of kings of Manipur. According to belief, the results of the ceremony/erat-thouni will decide that the king will be able to rule the state or not.
Site for Lord Koubru(Rain God): The coronation site for better rainfall. It’s located at northwest side of Kangla fort.
Nunggoibi (War Goddess): A sacred place of worship for Goddess of war. The ritual called "Huyein Lalu Chanba" was performed here whenever the ruler of Manipur emerged victorious in battle.
Manglen: This is cremation site of the Kings of Manipur. According to Cheitharol Kumbaba, the royal chronicle, this site was developed by Maharaj Garibaniwaz in 1738 AD.

Ima Market: Unique Market in World stalled by Women

One of important tourist cum market place which couldn't be ignored by visitors. This is the only market in the world where all the stalls in the markets are run by women. More than 3000 Imas (women) are making their daily livelihood in this market by selling fruits, vegetables, grocery items, fishes and exquisite handloom products. More than four decades old market, is not only a place for day to day business but also a prominent discussion place for politics, social, traditions, religions and sometimes takes important decisions for the state.

Ima Keithel or Mother’s Market, is not only the market but also a symbol of Meetei culture, where women are making their livelihood which in turn showing that they do have equal capability of earning like men do. In some families these women are the sole bread runner, and have managed to educate their children and run their families from this earning. For others, it’s more a place to meet their friends and carry on the ancestral trade.

You’ll be quite disappointed if you miss this market while visiting Imphal. This market is symbolised by large ranges of exquisite handloom products like phanek (sarongs), khudei (kinds of Lungi), Wangkhei phi (light traditional shawls). Apart from locally made handicrafts, utensils, fruits, vegetable, fishes and other household items are also uniqueness of this market. You can easily shop here pocket friendly. Shopping in this market will be the greatest shopping experience ever.
Explore the uniqueness, the natural beauties of Manipur; keep visiting and gain a new travel experience in life.

How to Reach Manipur

Imphal can be reached through Airways, railways and road transports at affordable fares.
Airways:
Imphal, the capital of Manipur is connected with cities like New Delhi, Kolkata, Guwahati, Silchar, Aizwal and Dimapur by leading Air India, Indigo Airlines, Jet Airways, Jetlite and NE Shuttles. Daily airways services are operating with major cities for convenience of visitors and tourist.
Railways:
NH 53 links Imphal with railhead at Jiribam 225 Km in the south-west. NH-39 links Imphal with the railhead at Dimapur in Nagaland 215 km to the north. Direct railways project in Imphal is working in the fast lane.
Road Transports:
State owned and private owned deluxe coaches are relying from Imphal to Guwahati and Dimapur and back thus facilitating along the 3 National Highway viz.
1. N.H -39 Via Nagaland
2. N.H -53 Via Silchar
3. N.H -150 Via Mizoram
Keep visiting and make memorable holiday in Manipur at affordable fare and budget hotels.