Keibul Lamjao National Park
Keibul Lamjao
The only floating national park on earth, and the last home of the sangai
About this place
A 40 sq km sheet of thick phumdi on the southeastern arm of Loktak, Keibul Lamjao is the sole natural habitat of the sangai (Rucervus eldii eldii), Manipur's state animal, nicknamed the 'dancing deer' for the springing gait it uses to cross the spongy mat. The park is best worked from the Pabot and Toya watchtowers at first light with binoculars; hog deer, otters, Indian python and more than 100 bird species share the phumdi.
The history
The sangai was declared extinct in 1951; a handful were rediscovered here in 1953 and the area became a sanctuary in 1966 and a national park in 1977. The population has since recovered from six animals to roughly 260.
How to reach
53 km from Imphal; turn off NH-150 at Moirang and continue 8 km to the Phubala/Keibul gate. Shared sumo to Moirang then a local auto (₹150–200), or a full-day cab from Imphal for ₹2,500–3,000.
Local tips
- Take binoculars: the deer are usually 200–400 m out on the phumdi and the towers are the only vantage point.
- Wear neutral colours and keep voices down; the animals spook easily.
- Combine with the INA Memorial at Moirang, 8 km away, in the same trip.
Gallery
On the map
Keibul Lamjao, near Moirang, Bishnupur district · 24.4833°N, 93.8167°E
Keibul Lamjao National Park
Keibul Lamjao, near Moirang, Bishnupur district
24.4833°N, 93.8167°E
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Within an easy detour of Keibul Lamjao National Park.
Photo: Mukesh Negi / Google Maps
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- Time to allow
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Entry: Entry details on page
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Photo: Shalu S / Google Maps
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- Time to allow
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Entry: Entry details on page
Photo: Achouba Maibam / Google Maps
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- Time to allow
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Entry: Entry details on page