You will be curious after reading the phrase India’s floating national park. And before you ask, yes, we are actually talking about a national park that floats and that park is located in the city of Imphal, Manipur! Ready to name? Keibul Lamjao National Park! This park is a shining gem on the charm of Manipur and the crown of India’s tourism.
The fact that the national park is floating and is the only floating park in the world is clearly the major element that attracts visitors from all over India and the world as well. But what makes a visit to this park a memorable experience is the home of rich flora and fauna!
We are sure that the explorer in you is going to be excited to witness this phenomenon and we say, go for it! Plan a trip to Manipur and visit this floating national park in India! Before doing that, you might have a lot of questions about the national park in your mind. And so here we are. Here’s what you need to know about one of the best places to visit in Manipur. India’s Floating National Park.
India’s Floating National Park | Keibul Lamjao National Park
Origin of the Keibul Lamjao National Park
The park is actually an integral part of Loktak Lake. This lake is full of floating vegetation called phumdi. These floating vegetation have been the natural habitat of the Sangai deer which are basically brow-antlered deer. But this rare species of deer was on the verge of extinction as its natural habitat was under threat. To save the Sangai deer, the lake was declared a sanctuary and thus we got, rather the world got its first floating national park!
How to reach Keibul Lamjao National Park?
You can board a flight, take a train, or hit the roads to reach Imphal city and from there you can easily reach the national park. Here are more details on how you can get to your destination.
By air
Imphal has its own airport, so you can book direct flights to the city. After landing at the airport, take a private cab or opt for any of the public transport to Keibul Lamjao National Park.
By Rail
The nearest railway station to Keibul Lamjao National Park is at Dimapur, 220 km from Imphal. Private and public transport is available from the railway station.
By road
Imphal is well connected by road to the rest of Manipur. So, you can take a bus from neighboring cities to Imphal or you can also take a private vehicle. If you ask us, a road trip to Imphal followed by a short drive to Keibul Lamjao National Park will be a treat for your sore eyes!
What is the best time to visit Keibul Lamjao National Park?
You can visit Manipur Keibul Lamjao National Park at any time of the year. Nevertheless, here are some things you should keep in mind. Avoid visiting here during the monsoon, as heavy rains here can hamper your plans. So, the best time to visit is between the months of October and March.
While we’re on the topic, let’s talk about visiting hours. Keibul Lamjao National Park is open for visitors from 9 am to 6 pm. But we would suggest that you visit either between 9 am to 10 am or between 3.30 pm to 6 pm as during this time the herds of Sangai deer come out to graze. So, you will have the best chance of spotting rare species!
What will you need to visit the Keibul Lamjao National Park?
You will need two things. First, there is an entry fee of Rs. 30 or in the case of foreign travelers Rs. 200. And the second and most important thing is the Inner Line Permit. For foreign visitors, restricted area permits are mandatory requirements!
What are the major attractions of Keibul Lamjao National Park?
When you are in India’s first floating national park, rest assured that you will have a lot to explore!
Beautiful flora
You already know about Phumdi, which you can see in abundance here. But there is much more to see! Apart from phumdi, about 223 aquatic plants live here in the national park. Yes, the numbers are quite interesting! You may see Alpinia galanga, a type of herb used in cooking. You may also see khoimom, a type of grass with white flowers, and Dioscorea bulbifera, a species of yam!
Majestic fauna
The main attraction of this floating national park in India remains the Sangai deer. But if you look around you, you will find many other wonderful wild animals. The hog deer, the big Indian civet, the jungle cat, the bay bamboo rat, the common slither, the musk rooster, the sambar, and the flying fox are just a few of them! The list doesn’t end here! Many aquatic animals, reptiles, and amphibians also live in the national park!
Charming birds
You can definitely call this national park a paradise for bird lovers. Because the list of birds living in this national park is long! Lesser Skylark, Northern Burmese Pied Myna, Hill Myna, North Indian Black Drongos, Yellow-headed Wagtail, and Jungle Crow to name a few.
How to best explore the Keibul Lamjao National Park?
You can simply reach the national park and start walking. But to see the park in the best possible way, we have 2 suggestions for you!
Opt for the boat ride
You can best explore the small water channels of the national park in boats. You will get a guide with you, who will take you through all the water channels and help you spot the wildlife.
Don’t miss the observation towers
There are several observation towers that give you amazing aerial views of the national park. You can even see all the birds and animals from the tower!
Keibul Lamjao National Park is definitely a one-of-a-kind national park and one of the best places to explore the best of wildlife in India. Take our words on it and plan a trip to the national park right away!
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