01 / Classical dance
Raas Leela
Flowing movement and ornate costumes express the devotion of Radha, Krishna and the gopis.
A LITTLE FURTHER. A WORLD APART.
Find your
Find your
kind of Manipur.
Quiet lakes. Living traditions. Paths less travelled.
Discover a place that stays with you.
MAKE IT YOUR JOURNEY
More ways to explore
A little inspiration. A little planning.
Everything you need to get started.
GO SOMEWHERE MEMORABLE
Discover your next stop
Find destinations, stays, education and local services.
Places & services
Showing placesTraditions that live on.THE HEART OF MANIPURCome for the places.
Come for the places.
Stay for the stories.
Get to know Manipur through its dance, local flavours and everyday artistry. Discover the traditions that make every visit feel personal.
A little closer. A new discovery.
Find places around you. Choose a starting point, set your distance, and explore.
Around your starting point
THE LIVING SOUL OF MANIPURA culture to feel.
A culture to feel.
A story to carry.
Culture, Classical Dance & Culinary Delights
Meet Manipur through its living traditions: the rhythm of a drum, the colour of a festival, and the warmth of a shared meal.
A LAND OF MANY VOICESMore than a destination.
More than a destination.
A living heritage.
Manipur’s valley and hills are home to communities with distinct languages, customs and artistic traditions. Meitei, Naga, Kuki-Chin-Mizo and Meitei Pangal cultural life helps shape this varied landscape.
Kangla recalls the former Manipuri kingdom, while Ima Keithel brings the city’s trading traditions into daily life. Textiles, cane and bamboo work connect skilled hands with local materials.
MOVEMENT, MUSIC & MEMORY
Traditions that move you
Discover a few of Manipur’s many artistic expressions.
02 / Ritual & memory
Maibi Jagoi
During Lai Haraoba, Maibi priestesses narrate creation and everyday life through ritual movement.
03 / Sport & heritage
Sagol Kangjei
Manipur’s polo tradition is part of its cultural identity. Discover its story through the game and the Manipuri pony.
Pung Cholom
Drumming and vigorous movement meet in a performance built around the pung, the Manipuri drum.
Nupa Pala
Cymbals, singing and coordinated movement form this devotional ensemble tradition, also called Kartal Cholom.
Khamba Thoibi
A duet associated with Moirang and the deity Thangjing, woven into the traditions of Lai Haraoba.
MANY COMMUNITIES. SHARED CELEBRATION.
A calendar full of colour
SPRING & TOGETHERNESS
Yaoshang
Five days of community celebration, with Thabal Chongba circle dancing among its best-known traditions.
Lui-Ngai-Ni
Naga communitiesSong, dance and shared gatherings welcome the agricultural season.
Read on Manipur TourismKut
Kuki-Chin-Mizo communitiesA time of thanksgiving and celebration after the year’s work in the fields.
Read on Manipur TourismGang-Ngai
Kabui / Rongmei traditionsCeremonies, feasts and dance bring communities together.
Read on Manipur TourismChumpha
Tangkhul Naga communitiesGatherings and celebration mark the completion of the harvest.
Read on Manipur TourismThese are selected traditions, not an exhaustive list. Dates and customs vary by community; confirm local programmes before visiting.
A TASTE OF PLACE
From local kitchens, with love
Seasonal greens, bold flavours and aromatic rice.
Explore dishes and ingredients from Manipur’s food traditions. Recipes vary across homes and communities; ask your host about ingredients and spice levels.
AI-generated food illustrationsKEEP EXPLORING
Learn more from official travel and cultural resources.
Manipur Tourism · Art & culture ↗Regional festivals ↗Incredible India · Cuisine ↗About Imphal ↗Living traditions
Manipur Festival Calendar
Discover celebrations shaped by faith, family, dance, sport, and the changing seasons. Select a festival for its story, customary highlights, and visitor guidance.
Dates may vary with the lunar calendar Please respect local customs
2026 holiday schedule: Select any entry to read about the observance. Dates below follow the calendar provided for the 2026 Manipur state holiday list; festival programmes and local observances may have additional announcements.
2026 schedule
General Holidays
Plan · See · Navigate
A few days. A world to discover.
Choose your journey, explore each day, and keep your next stop close at hand.
Your itinerary
Your day-by-day guide to Manipur. Adjust stops to your arrival time, local opening hours and travel pace.
Explore your route on the map
Select a pin or place card to explore a mapped highlight.
Mapped highlights for this trip
Tap a card to find it on the route, or start navigation.
Inner Line Permit (ILP) & Travel Tips
Current guidance from the official Manipur Inner Line Permit Online portal.
Who needs an ILP?
Every non-resident Indian citizen entering Manipur needs a valid ILP. This includes short-term visitors as well as people entering for work, study, or business. Apply online before travel or use an official entry-point kiosk where available.
- Keep a valid ID, passport-size photo, address proof, and sponsor information ready where applicable.
- Apply online: register, enter details, upload documents, make payment, then download the approved permit.
Temporary visitor permit
The Temporary Permit is designed for tourists, business visitors, and short-term travellers. It is the usual option for a brief visit to Manipur.
- Validity: 30 days, non-renewable
- Fee: ₹100 · no sponsor required
Choose the right permit
Other official ILP permit types
Regular Permit
For frequent visitors with a permanent-resident sponsor. Valid 3 months, non-renewable · ₹500.
Special Category
For eligible contractors, investors, and traders. Valid 3 years, renewable · sponsor required.
Working Permits
Half-yearly: 180 days, extendable once · ₹1,000. Annual: 360 days, non-extendable · ₹2,000.
Labour Permit
For labourers brought by a contractor, firm, or individual; issued through registered agencies.
Self-service kiosks: the official portal lists kiosks at Imphal International Airport, Mao Gate, and Jiribam Gate. They support digital payment and delivery of the permit to your mobile phone.
24/7 Manipur Tourist Assistance & Helplines
Manipur Tourism Helpline
+91 385 244 3286
Tourist Police Imphal
112 / +91 385 245 0000
Medical Emergency
108 / RIMS Imphal
Important Links & Official Portals
Official government travel links, e-ILP permit forms, emergency services, and transport schedules.
Official Manipur e-ILP Portal
Apply for, renew, and manage an Inner Line Permit through the official Manipur ILP Online portal.
Department of Tourism
Official Manipur State Tourism Department advisories, events, and festival news.
Imphal Airport (IMF)
Flight schedules and passenger services at Bir Tikendrajit Airport.
Help when you need it
Emergency Services
Find hospitals, police stations, fire services, ambulances and taxis in Manipur.
Call 112
Urgent police, fire & medical assistance
Official Emergency Response Support System
Main contacts in Imphal
A short list of hospital, headquarters, ambulance assistance and taxi contacts. Call directly or open directions below.
Help & support
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Share a concern, suggestion, or issue related to Explore Manipur. Provide enough detail for the team to understand and respond appropriately.
About Explore Manipur
A digital guide to the nature, culture, and travel services of Manipur.
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ꯀꯪꯂꯩꯄꯥꯛ · Jewel of India
Explore Manipur
A travel information platform to help visitors discover Manipur’s lakes, hills, heritage, living culture, and official travel services.
Our purpose
We bring destinations, nearby places, cultural experiences, travel planning, and service information together in one simple guide. The platform is designed to help travellers make informed, respectful journeys across Manipur.
Responsible travel
Manipur’s landscapes and traditions are living heritage. We encourage visitors to follow local guidance, respect communities and protected areas, and choose experiences that support local culture and livelihoods.
Portal information
Explore Manipur is supported by the Department of Information Technology, Government of Manipur. For official visitor services, permits, and travel information, use the verified links in the Important Links section.