Manipur is a state in northeastern India that is home to a diverse range of flora and fauna. The state is also home to five national parks and wildlife sanctuaries, which are protected areas that are home to some of the most endangered species in the world. These national parks and wildlife sanctuaries play an important role in the conservation of biodiversity in Manipur. They also provide a valuable opportunity for visitors to experience the natural beauty of the state.
In this article, we will take a closer look at the five national parks and wildlife sanctuaries of Manipur. We will learn about the different species of plants and animals that can be found in these protected areas, and we will also explore the best time to visit each park or sanctuary. We hope that this article will inspire you to visit one or all of the national parks or wildlife sanctuaries of Manipur.
Yangoupokpi-Lokchao Wildlife Sanctuary is home to several endangered species such as the Himalayan Black Bear, the Hoolock Gibbon, and the Slow Loris, making it a significant site for wildlife conservation. The area is also home to several species of birds, reptiles, and amphibians. One of the unique features of the sanctuary is the Lokchao Wildlife Conservation Breeding Centre, which is dedicated to the conservation and breeding of rare and endangered wildlife species. The center is responsible for the breeding of the endangered Brow Antlered Deer or Sangai, which is the state animal of Manipur. Visitors to the sanctuary can enjoy trekking and camping in the hills while taking in the stunning scenery and experiencing the local culture of the surrounding villages.
Location: Yangoupokpi-Lokchao Wildlife Sanctuary is located in the Chandel district of Manipur, India, about 110 km from Imphal.
Specification: The sanctuary covers an area of 184.80 square kilometers and is home to a variety of wildlife, including:
Hoolock gibbon (the only ape species found in India)
Himalayan black bear
Malayan sun bear
Slow loris
Stump-tailed macaque
Serow
Indian civet cat
Common otter
Pangolin
Leopard
Elephant (occasionally)
Flora: The sanctuary is home to over 74 species of birds, including the endangered green peafowl. It also has a variety of mammals, such as the hoolock gibbon, the Himalayan black bear, and the Malayan sun bear. Other animals found in the sanctuary include the leopard, the serow, the slow loris, and the pangolin.
Best time to visit: The best time to visit Yangoupokpi-Lokchao Wildlife Sanctuary is during the dry season, from November to March.
How to reach: The sanctuary can be reached by road from Imphal. There are regular bus services available.
Located in the Bishnapur District of Manipur in northeastern India is Keibul Lamjao National Park, the world's only floating national park. It has an area of 40 km2 (15 sq mi) and is crucial to the functioning of the ecosystem in Loktak Lake. In this region, biomasses, also known as phumdis, are so prevalent that they completely cover a large area. These phumdis, typical of a swamp marsh, are composed of decomposed organic matter, biomass, and compacted soil. Although there is still water beneath the phumdis, they are sturdy enough for animals and humans to walk on. There's a good chance you'll see the 'rings' of Loktak Lake fame. All of these share the same formation process. This park is also unique because it is the only known habitat of the Sangai deer, a species of deer that is critically endangered.
Location: Keibul Lamjao National Park is located in the Bishnupur district of the state of Manipur in Northeast India. It is the only floating national park in the world, and is an integral part of Loktak Lake.
Specification: The park is 40 km² in area and is characterized by floating decomposed plant material locally called phumdis. The park is home to a variety of wildlife, including the endangered Sangai deer (also known as the brow-antlered deer), hog deer, otter, water fowl, and migratory birds.
Flora and fauna: The park is home to a variety of flora and fauna, including:
Sangai deer (brow-antlered deer): This is the state animal of Manipur and is found only in this park. It is an endangered species.
Hog deer
Otter
Water fowl
Migratory birds
Best time to visit: The best time to visit Keibul Lamjao National Park is during the dry season, from September to April. During this time, the water levels in the lake are low and the phumdis are more stable.
How to reach: The nearest airport to Keibul Lamjao National Park is the Tulihal International Airport in Imphal. From Imphal, you can take a taxi or bus to the park. The park is also accessible by boat from Moirang, a town on the shores of Loktak Lake.
Jiri-Makru Wildlife Sanctuary is located in the Tamenglong district in the northeastern state of Manipur. This sanctuary covers an approximate area of 192 square kilometers and is known for its diverse range of flora and fauna. Its altitude ranges from 249 m to 1842 m above MSL. It is home to various species of animals, including the clouded leopard, wild boar, and Himalayan black bear. The sanctuary is also known for its several species of birds, including the rare Blyth's tragopan.
Location: The Jiri-Makru Wildlife Sanctuary is located in the Imphal East and Tamenglong districts of Manipur, India. It is situated between the Jiri and Makru rivers, which are both tributaries of the Barak River.
Specification: The sanctuary covers an area of 198 square kilometers and is home to a variety of flora and fauna. The forests are mostly tropical wet evergreen and semi-evergreen, and the wildlife includes tigers, leopards, elephants, hoolock gibbons, capped langurs, and many species of birds.
Flora and fauna: The sanctuary is also home to a variety of animals, including hoolock gibbons, langurs, spotted linsangs, bears, barking deer, sambars, leopards, jackals, pangolins, wild boars, jungle cats, flying squirrels, fishing cats, pythons, boas, clouded leopards, slow lorises, hog badgers, serows, pied and great Indian hornbills, tigers, and seasonal migrated elephants from Assam.
Best time to visit: The best time to visit the Jiri-Makru Wildlife Sanctuary is during the winter months (November to February), when the weather is mild and dry.
How to reach: From Imphal, you can take a taxi or bus to Tamenglong. From Tamenglong, you can hire a taxi or jeep to the sanctuary.
Shirui National Park is a national park located in Manipur and it is home to many animals such as tragopan, tiger, and leopard. The park got its name because the famous shirui lily flower grows naturally. At 2,835 meters above sea level, the Shirui Kashong Peak is a breathtaking lookout point in the Ukhrul area. This mountain's crevices and slopes are the sources of multiple rivers. During the months of May and June, the hilltop is adorned by the exotic Shirui lily flower. Hundreds of researchers and sightseers visit the flower annually.
Location: Shirui National Park is located in the Ukhrul district of Manipur, India. It is a 100 square kilometer park that covers the slopes of the Shirui hills.
Specification: The park is home to a variety of flora and fauna, including the endangered Shirui Lily, which is the state flower of Manipur. Other animals found in the park include tigers, leopards, deer, elephants, and monkeys.
Flora and fauna: The park has a diverse range of flora and fauna, including:
Trees: oak, pine, bamboo, chestnut, rhododendron
Plants: Shirui Lily, orchids, ferns
Animals: tiger, leopard, elephant, deer, monkey, pheasant, bird
Best time to visit: The best time to visit Shirui National Park is during the spring (March-May) or autumn (September-November) when the weather is pleasant.
How to reach: The nearest airport is Imphal Airport, which is about 120 kilometers from the park. The nearest railway station is Manipur Railway Station, which is about 100 kilometers from the park. The park can also be reached by road.
Zeilad Lake Sanctuary is situated in Tamenglong, in the Indian state of Manipur. Located on a hilltop platform not far from the Zeliadjung (Atenba) village, the Zeilad Lake is one of the most well-known lakes in all of Tamenglong. It also provides an abundance of opportunities for those who seek adventure. It is also popular with tourists because it is a great place to see a variety of animals, including pythons, fish, tortoises, water birds, and migratory birds.
Location: Zeilad Lake Sanctuary is located in the Tamenglong district of Manipur, India. It is a 21-square-kilometer area of lush forests and seven lakes, surrounded by hills.
Specification: The sanctuary is home to a variety of flora and fauna, including tigers, leopards, hornbills, and migratory birds. The lakes are home to a variety of fish species, including the endangered white-winged duck.
Flora and fauna: The forests of Zeilad Lake Sanctuary are home to a variety of trees and plants, including Michelia champaca, Toona ciliata, Schima wallichii, and Gmelina arborea. The lakes are home to a variety of fish species, including the endangered white-winged duck. The sanctuary is also home to a variety of mammals, including tigers, leopards, barking deer, and flying squirrels.
Best time to visit: The best time to visit Zeilad Lake Sanctuary is during the spring or fall, when the weather is mild. The sanctuary is open all year round, but it can be very hot and humid during the summer months.
How to reach: Zeilad Lake Sanctuary is located about 20 kilometers from the town of Tamenglong. The best way to reach the sanctuary is by car or motorbike. There are also buses that run from Tamenglong to the sanctuary.
