Mapal Kangjeibung
The oldest living polo ground in the world
About this place
Sagol Kangjei (the Manipuri game that became modern polo) has been played on this ground in central Imphal for centuries, making it the world's oldest polo field still in use. Matches on Manipuri ponies, with players in traditional dress, are held here during the Sangai Festival and the annual international polo tournament each November.
The history
British tea planters and officers watched Sagol Kangjei in Manipur in the 1850s and carried the game outward; the modern sport's rules descend directly from what was played on this turf.
How to reach
Central Imphal, beside the State Museum; walkable from Khwairamband Bazar.
Local tips
- Time your trip with the November tournament: it is the single best cultural spectacle in Imphal.
- The Manipuri pony is an endangered breed; the Marjing complex at Heingang tells that story.
- The State Museum is next door and gives the polo history in more depth.
Gallery
On the map
Polo Ground, central Imphal · 24.8021°N, 93.9391°E
Mapal Kangjeibung
Polo Ground, central Imphal
24.8021°N, 93.9391°E
Nearby places
Within an easy detour of Mapal Kangjeibung.
Photo: Sunil Chingtham / Google Maps
HeritageImphal West
Nupi Lal Memorial Complex
Nupi Lan Memorial
Imphal West district
The memorial to the two Women's Wars
- Distance from Imphal
- 2.0 km from Imphal
- Time to allow
- 2 hrs
Entry: Entry details on page
Photo: ayandip nandi / Google Maps
MuseumImphal West
Kangla Museum
RW3R+9JV, Kangla, Imphal, Manipur 795001, India
Inside Kangla. Worth a sub-entry under the Kangla Fort record rather than its own listing.
- Distance from Imphal
- 2.0 km from Imphal
- Time to allow
- 2 hrs
Entry: Entry details on page
Photo: Basan Ch / Google Maps
ParkImphal West
Kangla Nongpok Torban
RW3V+4GP, Sanjenthong, Imphal, Manipur 795001, India
Listed separately from Kangla Fort. Confirm whether it is inside the fort complex or adjacent.
- Distance from Imphal
- 2.0 km from Imphal
- Time to allow
- 2 hrs
Entry: Entry from ₹20
MarketImphal West
Ima Keithel (Khwairamband Bazar)
Ima Keithel
Khwairamband Bazar, BT Road, Imphal
The world's largest market run entirely by women
- Distance from Imphal
- 500 m from Imphal
- Time to allow
- 2 hrs
Entry: Free entry