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Manipur is home to some of the most amazing landmarks and natural beauties. Be it the forest covered hills or the verdant valleys or the sprawling lakes, nature gave Manipur the best of everything.
Loktak Lake, one of the largest freshwater lakes in the entire world, is situated at Manipur. Loktak Lake has been the primary source of sustenance for over 55 villages and hamlets since time immemorial. The lake has provided these people with food, water, occupation, shelter and above all sustenance. The lake is home to local fishermen and other folks alike.
It is a zone of great biodiversity but unfortunately increased pressure by humans has led to a severe depletion of the resources of the lake which is taking its toll on the flora and fauna in the area. Loktak also houses the world’s only floating national park.
This valley gets a high concentration of rainfall throughout the year barring the two dry months of February and March. Hence these two months are ideal for you to plan a trip to Loktak Lake as the monsoon is going to force you to stay indoors otherwise. On top of that, the months of February and March also provide stable temperatures while at other times the massive temperature variations may prompt you to abandon all plans and simply stay indoors.
Loktak Lake is situated about 48 km away from Imphal. To reach Loktak, you must first take a taxi or a cab from Imphal for Moirang which is 30 km away and costs INR 50 per head. Taxis are found at the stand near Jiribam, Imphal market road. There is an intersection nearby which has an eminent portion called the Ima Keithel Women’s Market. The taxi stand is a stone’s throw from here. From Moirang one has to go to Thanga which is actually a cluster of small villages situated on the peninsula of the Loktak Lake. The taxi fare is INR 10 per head. From here, the lake can be easily accessed.
No matter how many beautiful lakes you have seen or how many pictures you’ve seen of the lake, when you see it for the first time it is going to take your breath away. Situated at the foothills of mountains, this lake offers an all-round panoramic view of acres of meadows and plains. The unique ecosystem of the place, complete with its vegetation and array of animals is a treat to watch. The animals of this place are completely dependent on the lake for sustenance, directly or indirectly, much like the human beings of the region.
This is a vegetation type which is peculiar and unique to this lake and you will see how the amazing shape and size of this vegetation makes it a wonder of the region. Phumdis are usually a circular sized mass of vegetation which create an effect whereby it seems that someone has put green colored plates on the water surface from afar. These are invaluable sustenance for animals in the region.
Loktak Lake boasts of housing the one and only natural floating island situated on a river in the entire world. One can reach this island by boating. The island has a difficult terrain, making it a perfect place to have a short hike or just sit down and have a picnic amidst the heart of nature. The island is one of the primary attractions of the place as it is a natural wonder in itself.
One of the best activities available at this place, boating is a lucrative prospect as you can see the masses of phumdis up close. You can see the fishermen in action as they cast their nets onto the lake to fish. Boating on the lake is also going to help you understand the local lifestyle better. If you are in luck, you may get a chatty boatman who may be able to tell you stories about the place that outsiders possibly wouldn’t know!
The Keibul Lamjao National Park is situated on the floating island in the middle of the lake. This makes it the only natural park in the whole world which is situated on a natural floating island on a lake. This natural park is home to the endangered species of the Brow-antlered Deer and the Dancing Deer. Both of these animals are on the critically endangered list. The Brow-antlered deer is indigenous to this region and is found nowhere else. This is the world’s only floating national park.
In the year 1944, the Indian National Army led by Subhas Chandra Bose unfurled the first Indian flag on Indian soil here at Moirang. Since then this place has become a memorial for the bravery and valor exhibited by the INA. The Memorial Complex holds badges, letters, uniforms and several other items used by the INA.
Popularly known as the Red Hills, this is a pilgrimage site for the Japanese. A fierce battle was fought between the Japanese and Allied forces on this hill. Later after the war, Japan constructed a peace memorial in memory of the fallen.
If the tourist inflow at Loktak hampers the personal space and serenity that you were craving for, then Lakoi Pat, a short distance away, is the perfect place as it is hidden away from tourists and offers some amazing views.
Go treat yourself, you’ve earned it
Every once in a while you need a vacation away from the computer screen which governs your everyday life. So go to Loktak, enjoy the greenery and have some fun. Above all, give yourself a break and help yourself rejuvenate at this amazing getaway.
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April 15, 2024 
