Flora and Fauna
The rare and endemic flora and fauna of Manipur mainly thrive in its wet, temperate and pine forests. Manipur boasts of around 500 varieties of coveted exotic orchids. Out of these most beautiful and precious orchids, 472 have been identified and named accordingly. Manipur's variety of flora and fauna is quite amazing. Almost 67% of Manipur's geographical area is covered with forests.
Talking about the state's flora mention must be made about Manipur's only terrestrial lily 'Siroi Lily' which is grown on the hill tops of Siroi hill at Ukhrul district. The prominent wildlife of the state include the Hollock Gibbon, the Sloe Loris, the Clouded Leopard, the Spotted Linsang, Mrs. Hume's Barebacked Pheasant, Blyth's Tragopan, Burmese Pea-Fowl, four different species of Hornbills etc. Amongst these the most unique is the 'Sangai', the only deer found in Manipur. A type of Salamander known as 'Lengwa' is also found at the Siroi hill foothills.
Eco Hotspot
Mao-
Mao is a hill station of Manipur and is one of the oldest. It is situated on Nagaland border between Dimapur and Imphal. One of its attractions is the 100 year old Mao Inspection Bungalow which was built by the Royal Military Engineers in 1897.
Waithou Lake-
Waithou Lake is a picturesque lake that is 16 kms from Imphal and is popular for its pineapple slopes. Just at the fringe of the lake there is a lodge to accommodate tourists.
Tamenglong-
Tamenglong is 156 kms from Imphal and is known for its deep gorges, caves, waterfalls, orchids and oranges. Some of the interesting tourist spots here are Tharon Caves, Booming Meadow, Zeilad Lake and Barak waterfalls. Tamenglong is also famous for its oranges and cane-mats.
Ukhrul-
Ukhrul is one of the highest hill stations of Manipur and is 83 kms from Imphal. It is famous for the Siroi Lily, a terrestrial lily that grows on the Siroy Hill. Another attraction is the Khangkhui Lime Caves. It is best to visit Ukhrul during Christmas when it dons a gay and festive look.
Tengnoupal-
Tengnoupal is 69 kms from Imphal and since it is the highest point in altitude one needs to wear warm clothing throughout the year. There is no trace of summer in Tengnoupal, just like Ooty in South India.
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Other Attraction
Churachandpur-
The second biggest town of Manipur is Churachandpur which is 60 kms from Imphal. You will find potteries and dolls made by different tribes of the north-eastern region displayed here.
Moreh-
Moreh is an international border town located on the Indo-Myanmar Road. Moreh lies at a distance of 110 kms from Imphal and is an important commercial hub of the North-East. On the other side of the border there is a large Myanmarese shopping complex where one can buy Thai and Chinese made consumer goods at very cheap rates. Tourists can avail conducted tours from Moreh to Kalimiew and Mandalay (Myanmarese towns).
Shopping
For local produces like vegetables, fruits, fish, household groceries, exquisite handlooms and household tools, beautiful wicker works and basketry one can visit the Khwairamband Bazaar or Ima Market which is situated at the heart of Imphal. It is a unique all women's market where 3000 'Imas' (mothers) sell their wares.
For international goods particularly Thai and Chinese made consumer goods the border town of Moreh is the best place to be. There is a large Myanmarese shopping complex on the other side of the border which sells all kinds of consumer goods made in Thailand and Chinese at throwaway prices.
Manipur is also famous for tribal shawls with exotic designs and motifs. These have great demand in the national as well as the international market. Even cane and bamboo products are very popular with visitors. Basketry in different shapes, sizes and designs are manufactured. Manipuri pottery has also great demand. These pots which are mostly handmade are available in different colours like red, dark red, black etc.
As a shopper you can pick other Manipuri products like lashingphee blankets, cushion covers, bedspreads, readymade garments, and souvenirs like Krishna-Radha dolls (in Raas Lila costumes), Phirooks or decorative flower vases, bamboo trays/hats and a lot more.
Some of the prominent handloom and handicraft shops of Manipur are Manipur Handlooms and Handicrafts Development Corporation Ltd, Handloom House Manipur State Handloom Weavers Cooperative Society Ltd, Kangla Emporium Eastern Handlooms and Handicrafts and Ima Market Khwairamband Bazaar.
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