Loktak Lake

Loktak Lake and Keibul Lamjao National Park near Moirang and Imphal (celebrated globally across wetland ecology as Northeast India's largest freshwater lake and the home of the world's only floating national park, sprawling across 287 square kilometers in Bishnupur district, world famous for its hundreds of floating biomass islands known as 'Phumdis' on which fishermen build thatched huts, the exclusive sanctuary of the endangered Sangai / Brow antlered deer which walks across spongy floating grass, wooden canoe cruises between circular fish traps, Sendra Island viewpoint, and golden hour mountain reflections), located 48 km south of Imphal in Manipur, stands as Manipur's supreme natural wonder.

Designated as an internationally vital Ramsar Wetland of International Importance in 1990, Loktak Lake acts as the ecological heartbeat and lifeline of Manipur, sustaining over 100,000 local Meitei fisherfolk and sheltering 230 aquatic plant species, 100 bird species, and 425 animal species.

It's the home of Keibul Lamjao floating wilderness where park rangers track rare Sangai deer across trembling 40 sq-km meadows, wooden country boats gliding through emerald channels between Phumdis, Sendra hillock cafe offering sweeping panoramas of ring shaped fish traps, the historic INA Memorial Complex in Moirang where Netaji's army hoisted the Indian tricolor in 1944, and an intensely peaceful lake atmosphere filled with calls of migratory birds.

It represents a rich Manipur wetland biodiversity apex, Sangai conservation heritage, and eco boating tourism where floating national parks, Phumdi islands, Sendra viewpoints, and Imphal day circuits unite in Loktak Lake.

Located in Moirang / Sendra in Bishnupur district, it sits 48 km south of Kangla Fort (Imphal), 42 km from Bir Tikendrajit International Airport (IMF), 4 km from Moirang town, 45 km from Ima Keithel, and 50 km from Manipur Zoological Gardens, easily reached in 1 hour 15 minutes by private taxi or shared passenger van.

The Floating Phumdis & Keibul Lamjao National Park

Phumdis are thick floating mats of soil, organic debris, and intertwined grasses that range in thickness from two to eight feet, strong enough to support human dwellings, fishing camps, and schools.

At the southern edge of the lake lies the 40 sq-km Keibul Lamjao National Park, the only floating protected wildlife sanctuary on Earth, providing the solitary global refuge for the critically endangered Sangai deer.

Truth is, gently stepping onto a spongy, swaying Phumdi island in the middle of Loktak Lake will make you feel like you are walking on water.

Sendra Island Viewpoint & Moirang INA Memorial

Sendra Island & Tourist Resort: An elevated conical hillock rising directly from the lake, Sendra features panoramic glass viewing lounges, cafeteria terraces, and speedboating jetties overlooking circular Athaphum fish enclosures.

INA War Memorial Moirang: Just 4 km from the lake shore in Moirang stands the historic Indian National Army (INA) Museum, housing rare wartime photographs, uniforms, and documents honoring Netaji Subhas Chandra Bose.

Loktak Lake & Moirang Day Tour Plan

The Complete Loktak Day Circuit: Morning departure from Imphal to Loktak Lake & Sendra Island (8:00 AM to 9:15 AM) -> country boat cruise across floating Phumdis & fish traps (9:30 AM to 11:30 AM) -> visit Keibul Lamjao watchtower to spot wild Sangai deer (11:45 AM to 1:15 PM) -> Meitei lunch at Sendra Lodge -> visit INA War Memorial in Moirang (2:30 PM to 4:00 PM) -> evening shopping at Ima Keithel market (5:00 PM to 6:30 PM).

Boating & Conservation Tips: Hiring a local fisherman's wooden country boat directly supports indigenous livelihoods; avoid discarding plastic or litter on fragile floating Phumdis.

After exploring the floating marvels of Loktak Lake, visit Kangla Fort, tour Ima Keithel, or explore Manipur Zoological Gardens.