TOURIST DESTINATION SPOTS: BISHNUPUR

The Bishnupur district has the famous natural largest fresh water lake of the world – the Loktak Lake. Besides the Loktak Lake, the other tourist destination spots in and on the suburbs of Bishnupur district are the INA Memorial, Keibul Lamjao National Park, Loukoipat Ecological Park and the Phuballa Resort. 

LANDMARKS OF BISHNUPUR TOWN

The significant aspect of the backdrop of Bishnupur town – the headquarters of Bishnupur district is its location. This township is located on the foothills of an imposing hill.

The most famous spot that attracts tourists, environmentalists and nature researchers round the year is the Loktak Lake.

Another landmark of Bishnupur town is the famous medieval temple.

Yet another tourist destination spot in Bishnupur town is the INA Memorial.

Let’s visit each of these tourist spots. We’re first touring the INA Memorial.

THE INDIAN NATIONAL ARMY (INA) MEMORIAL

The INA Memorial is home to the mortal remains of the brave soldiers who ‘sacrificed their today for our tomorrow’.

The Indian National Army was constituted by Netaji Subhash Chandra Bose to make India independent. It is in the memory of the all members of the INA that this memorial was constructed.  

There is a museum within the premises of the INA Memorial. This memorial is a trove of the memorabilia of the INA soldiers. There are badges of rank, photographs and letters of the INA personnel. 

VINTAGE VISHNU TEMPLE

This temple dedicated to Lord Vishnu was constructed in the 15th century.

The notable feature of the Vishnu temple is its architectural marvels.

The structural motifs bear close resemblance to the Chinese designs.

The typical conical roof and the many antiquities attract all.

This Vishnu temple is located in the centre of Bishnupur town.

The temple draws hundreds of tourists and devotees.

The temple management organizes various religious functions according to the yearly religious roster. Tourists – both foreign and Indian – congregate at this Vishnu temple to be a part of these annual celebrations.

LOKTAK LAKE

The Loktak Lake is not only an enchanting bio-hotspot but also a habitat to many exotic flora and fauna.

The Loktak is the largest fresh water lake in Asia.

The Loktak Lake is just 48 km away from Imphal. The communication network is the road transport.

You can hire a taxi or ho on to a local bus.

However the best way to visit this place and other tourist destination spots is to go for conducted tours.

You need to acquire the permit from the appropriate authorities in Imphal to visit Loktak Lake. The tour operators in Imphal help out the tourists in taking care of the formalities in this regard.

Mention may be made of the exotic animal – Nilgai – besides many species of reptiles, mammals, and plants.

Above all, the Loktak Lake is attracting tourists for the floating villages.

Typical floating villages – locally known as ‘phumdi’ – constitute as much as two-thirds of the total area of the expansive Loktak Lake.

Most of the people that dwell in these floating villages are fishermen.

Hundreds of families live on these floating villages. The interesting aspect is that the villages are located on a very hard deposit of soil and alluvial sediments of the Lake.

Mentionably, if you come across a village on the northern side of the Loktak Lake in the wee hours, you would see that same village on another location the next day.

KEIBUL LAMJAO NATIONAL PARK

The southern part of Loktak Lake has been declared as a National Park. This portion is known as the Keibul Lamjao National Park.

The Keibul Lamjao National Park is approximately 53 km away from Imphal.

The specialty of the Keibul Lamjao National Park is that it the only floating park in the world.

The Keibul Lamjao National Park is the last natural habitat of the endangered dancing deer – Sangai.

Tourists are taken to the exotic Sendra Island – a small island. The Sendra Island is located within the Keibul Lamjao National Park.
You can enjoy the exhilarating panoramic view of the Loktak Lake. The Sendra Island is also ideal for the avid bird watchers. You can watch the various species of birds frolicking here.

LOUKOIPAT ECOLOGICAL PARK

The Loukoipat Ecological Park is amidst a sylvan environ.

Besides its scenic beauty, the Loukoipat Ecological Park is known for the placid small lake.

The state tourism department manages the lake. There are food and boating facilities within the Loukoipat Ecological Park.