Loktak Lake
Ramsar Site; Holds Keibul Lamjao National Park, The Only Floating National Park In The World · Moirang, Manipur
The largest freshwater lake in northeast India, in the valley of Manipur south of Imphal, famous for its phumdis: floating islands of matted vegetation, soil and roots that drift on the surface, some large enough to hold fishermen's huts. On the southern part of the lake the phumdis form Keibul Lamjao, the only floating national park in the world, and the last refuge of the sangai, a brow-antlered deer that walks on the mats and is Manipur's state animal. Sendra island has a viewpoint over the lake, and Moirang, on its shore, is where the Indian National Army raised its flag on Indian soil in 1944. Fishermen still work from round phumdi rings. The context for any visit is serious: since May 2023 Manipur has seen ethnic violence between communities, with many deaths and large displacement, curfews and internet shutdowns, and several governments advise against travel to Manipur. Indian visitors need an Inner Line Permit. Check your government's current advice and the local situation before going. When conditions allow, the lake is best in the cool season from October to March.
Sendra, Bishnupur District, Moirang, Manipur, 795133, India
NO OPENING TIME HERE WAS CHECKED. SECURITY FIRST: Manipur has seen ethnic violence since May 2023 and several governments advise against travel; check current advice before going, and expect CURFEWS AND INTERNET SHUTDOWNS AT SHORT NOTICE. The usual pattern when calm: the lake and viewpoints are visited in daylight; Keibul Lamjao keeps daytime hours, best at dawn for the sangai; the INA museum keeps office hours and may close one day a week. THE TRAPS: travelling without the Inner Line Permit, and being caught on the road after dark.