8 Stunning Places to visit in Bishnupur Manipur

Bishnupur Manipur

Bishnupur is a town located in the Bishnupur district of Manipur, India. It is known for its rich cultural heritage and is home to many historical and archaeological sites that date back to the 15th and 16th centuries. One of the main attractions of Bishnupur is the Bishnupur Temple Complex, which consists of several ancient Hindu temples built during the reign of the Manipuri kings. The temples are known for their unique architecture and intricate designs and are considered to be among the finest examples of classical Manipuri architecture.

Another popular attraction in Bishnupur is Loktak Lake, which is the largest freshwater lake in Northeast India. The lake is home to several species of flora and fauna, including the endangered sangai deer, which is found only in Manipur. Visitors to Bishnupur can also explore the nearby Keibul Lamjao National Park, which is a unique floating national park located on Loktak Lake. The park is home to a variety of wildlife, including several species of birds and mammals.

Bishnupur weather

Bishnupur, Manipur, experiences a humid subtropical climate, with distinct wet and dry seasons. The best time to visit Bishnupur is between the months of October and March, when the weather is pleasant and dry. During the winter months, from December to February, the temperature ranges between 10°C to 25°C, with cool and crisp mornings and evenings, and sunny days. This is the peak tourist season in Bishnupur, with many festivals and cultural events taking place during this time.

The summer months, from March to June, are hot and humid, with temperatures ranging between 20°C to 35°C. Monsoon season starts in June and lasts till September, bringing heavy rainfall and thunderstorms. It is not recommended to visit Bishnupur during the monsoon season due to the risk of landslides and flooding.

Also read- The World’s Only Floating National Park- ‘Keibullamjao and Loktak lake’

The best time to visit Bishnupur is during the winter months, when the weather is pleasant, and the cultural events and festivals are in full swing. It is advisable to pack light cotton clothes, comfortable walking shoes, and carry an umbrella or raincoat if visiting during the monsoon season.

Bishnupur Manipur tourism

Bishnupur is a popular tourist destination, known for its rich cultural heritage and natural beauty. The town is home to several ancient temples, historic sites, and natural attractions, making it a must-visit destination for travelers interested in history, culture, and nature. Bishnupur also offers a range of cultural experiences, with many festivals and events taking place throughout the year. Some of the most popular festivals include the Lai Haraoba Festival, which celebrates the worship of traditional deities, and the Ningol Chakouba Festival, which honors the bond between brothers and sisters.

Places to visit in Bishnupur Manipur

Keibul Lamjao National Park 

Keibul Lamjao National Park is a unique and beautiful national park located in the Bishnupur. The park is situated on the Loktak Lake, the largest freshwater lake in Northeast India, and is the world’s only floating national park. The Keibul Lamjao National Park is home to several species of flora and fauna, including the endangered Manipur brow-antlered deer, also known as the sangai. The park was established in 1977 with the aim of conserving the sangai deer, which is endemic to the region and was on the brink of extinction.

The park is also home to several other species of wildlife, including the Indian python, Indian civet, and several species of birds, including the Eastern White Wagtail, White-breasted Waterhen, and Pallas’s Fish Eagle. The park offers visitors a range of activities, including boating, trekking, and birdwatching. Visitors can take a boat ride on the Loktak Lake to explore the park’s unique ecosystem and spot the sangai deer in their natural habitat. There are also several trekking routes within the park that offer breathtaking views of the lake and the surrounding hills.

Bishnupur Temple Complex

The Bishnupur Temple Complex is a group of historic temples and one of the most important archaeological sites in the state. It is renowned for its unique architecture, intricate carvings, and religious significance. The temple complex comprises several temples, including the Rasmancha, Jorbangla Temple, Madanmohan Temple, and Shyam Rai Temple. Each of these temples is unique in terms of its design and architecture, and features intricate carvings and sculptures depicting scenes from Hindu mythology.

The Rasmancha is the largest temple in the complex and is known for its unique pyramidal structure, which is topped with a domed roof. The temple is dedicated to Lord Krishna, and is believed to have been built in the late 16th century. The Jorbangla Temple is another important temple in the complex, and is known for its terracotta tiles depicting scenes from the Ramayana and Mahabharata. The temple is also unique in terms of its design, with its curved roof and sloping walls.

The Madanmohan Temple and Shyam Rai Temple are also important landmarks in the complex, and are renowned for their intricate carvings and religious significance.

Thanga

Thanga is a small village located in the Bishnupur on the banks of the Loktak Lake. Thanga is renowned for its natural beauty and rich cultural heritage, and is a popular destination for tourists interested in exploring the local way of life. One of the main attractions in Thanga is the Loktak Lake, which is a biodiversity hotspot and home to several rare and endangered species of flora and fauna. Visitors can take a boat ride on the lake and explore its various islands and floating villages.

Another popular attraction in Thanga is the Keibul Lamjao National Park, which is located on one of the islands in the Loktak Lake. The park is home to the endangered Manipur brow-antlered deer, which is also known as the Sangai, and several other species of wildlife.

Visitors to Thanga can also explore the local markets and shops, which offer a wide range of handicrafts and souvenirs, including traditional Manipuri textiles, hand-woven baskets, and pottery.

Khongjom War Memorial

The Khongjom War Memorial is a significant monument located in Manipur, India. It commemorates the Battle of Khongjom, which took place on April 23, 1891, between the British Indian Army and the Manipuri army. The battle was a part of the Anglo-Manipur War, which resulted in the defeat of the Manipuri forces and the annexation of Manipur by the British Empire.

The Khongjom War Memorial was built in memory of the Manipuri soldiers who fought and died in the battle. It was inaugurated in 1972 by the then Prime Minister of India, Indira Gandhi. The memorial is situated on a hilltop near the Khongjom village, about 35 km from the capital city of Imphal. The memorial comprises a tall pillar with a bronze statue of Paona Brajabashi, the leader of the Manipuri army during the battle, at the top. There are also several other smaller statues and plaques around the pillar, depicting various aspects of the battle and the Manipuri culture.

The Khongjom War Memorial is a popular tourist destination and a symbol of the Manipuri people’s resilience and bravery. It serves as a reminder of the sacrifices made by the Manipuri soldiers in defense of their land and culture.

Vishnu temple Bishnupur

The Vishnu Temple in Bishnupur, Manipur is one of the most important historic temples in the town. The temple is located in the center of the town and is dedicated to Lord Vishnu, one of the principal deities of Hinduism. The temple is believed to have been built in the 15th century by King Kiyamba, who ruled over Manipur during the period. The temple is known for its unique architecture, which features a combination of Islamic and Hindu styles. The temple is made of bricks and has a pyramidal roof, which is adorned with terracotta tiles depicting scenes from the Hindu epics.

The temple also features intricate carvings and sculptures, including depictions of Hindu gods and goddesses, mythological creatures, and scenes from the life of Lord Krishna. The temple is also home to several sacred ponds, which are believed to have healing properties. Visitors to the Vishnu Temple can explore the temple complex and learn about its history and significance. The temple is open to visitors all year round, and is particularly crowded during important Hindu festivals such as Janmashtami and Diwali.

Moirang

Moirang is a small town and situated on the banks of the Loktak Lake, the largest freshwater lake in northeastern India. Moirang is a historically significant town as it was one of the centers of the Indian independence movement. It was also the headquarters of the Indian National Army (INA) during World War II, which fought against the British colonial rule in India.

Moirang is also known for its cultural significance, and it is famous for the Lai Haraoba festival, which is a traditional festival of the Manipuri people. The festival celebrates the creation of the universe and is held annually in the month of May.

The town is also home to the Moirang Kangleirol, a traditional form of martial arts practiced by the Manipuri people. The martial art form is a combination of dance and combat and is a significant part of the Manipuri culture. Moirang is a beautiful town with lush green landscapes and serene surroundings. It is an ideal destination for nature lovers and those interested in exploring the history and culture of Manipur.

INA Memorial

The INA Memorial is a significant monument located in Moirang, that commemorates the sacrifices made by soldiers of the Indian National Army (INA) during India’s struggle for independence from British colonial rule. The INA was formed by Indian nationalists in 1942, under the leadership of Netaji Subhas Chandra Bose, with the aim of fighting for India’s independence from the British Empire. The INA fought alongside the Japanese forces during World War II and played a crucial role in the Indian independence movement.

The INA Memorial in Moirang was built in memory of the soldiers of the INA who fought and died during the Second World War. It was inaugurated in 1995 and is situated on the banks of the Loktak Lake, about 45 km from the capital city of Imphal. The memorial comprises a large bronze statue of Netaji Subhas Chandra Bose, along with several other statues and plaques depicting various aspects of the INA’s struggle for Indian independence. The memorial also houses a museum that displays photographs, documents, and artifacts related to the INA’s history.

Loukoipat

Loukoipat is a small village located in the Bishnupur, is known for its rich history and culture, and is a popular destination for tourists interested in exploring the local way of life. One of the main attractions in Loukoipat is the ancient Loukoipat Palace, which was once the residence of the local rulers. The palace is a unique example of traditional Manipuri architecture, and features intricate carvings and designs. Visitors can explore the palace complex and learn about its history and significance.

Another popular attraction in Loukoipat is the Loukoipat Cave, which is believed to be the dwelling place of Lord Shiva, one of the principal deities of Hinduism. The cave is a popular destination for pilgrims, and features several small temples dedicated to Lord Shiva. Visitors to Loukoipat can also explore the local markets and shops, which offer a wide range of handicrafts and souvenirs, including traditional Manipuri textiles, hand-woven baskets, and pottery.

How to Reach Bishnupur Manipur

Bishnupur is a town located in the Bishnupur district of Manipur, India. The nearest airport to Bishnupur is the Imphal International Airport, located about 56 kilometers away. Several airlines operate daily flights to Imphal from major cities in India, including Delhi, Kolkata, and Guwahati. From the airport, visitors can hire a taxi or take a bus to Bishnupur. The nearest railway station to Bishnupur is the Dimapur Railway Station, located about 100 kilometers away. Bishnupur is well-connected to other cities in Manipur and neighboring states through a network of roads.