Keibul Lamjao National Park In Imphal

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Keibul Lamjao National Park in Imphal is the only floating park on the globe. This park is an integral part of the Loktak Lake. Earlier this park was recognized as a sanctuary but since 1977, by a gazette notification, this park has been declared as National Park. There are observation towers in the park which show you the Sangai habitat nicely. Though Imphal has plenty of places to be visited and enjoyed but Keibul Lamjao National Park beats them all. More about this park is cited in the article written below.

Ideal Season to visit Keibul Lamjao National Park

The best time to go to Keibul Lamjao National Park is from the month of October to that of February, i.e. winter and spring seasons are the ideal ones to visit this park. You can also go there till the month of May. After the month of May, there are very heavy showers which make accessibility to this place very difficult.

History of Keibul Lamjao National Park

In 1839 Manipur witnessed the discovery of the Brow-antlered deer. It was reported to be an extinct species in 1951. This species of deer was re-discovered in the area of the Keibul Lamjao National Park. An environmentalist and photographer E.P.Gee is credited for this re-discovery. Now this reserve park area was declared as a national park in order to protect and conserve this species of deer. In Manipuri language this deer is known as Sangai. This species of deer is the matter of pride for the culture and folklore of the Manipur state. It is the national animal of the Manipur state as well. In the year 1975, this deer was reported to be fourteen in number but the span of twenty years increased this count to one hundred fifty five from fourteen.

Entry Rules for Keibul Lamjao National Park

Special Restricted Area Permits are required to be obtained by every foreigner who visits Manipur. These RAPs (Restricted Area Permits) are legal to enter Keibul Lamjao National Park also. Indian missions abroad, FRROs, the Ministry of Home Affairs and the State Government of Manipur issue these entry permits. An Inner Line permit is required by the Indians to be obtained when they visit Manipur. They are easily available from the Indian missions abroad, FRROs, the Ministry of Home Affairs and the State Government of Manipur.

Keibul Lamjao National Park in Imphal is best seen by a boat. The fun and excitement is doubled when the sight-seeing is done early in the morning or in the evening. It is at these times when the lake is at its best. For wildlife watchers, scene of Sangai coming out at dawn or dusk, makes the sight more pleasurable. You can also ask your ferry-man to take you around the lake. Be careful of the shaky and floating phum (phum is an accretion of biomass and organic garbage with soil particles, thickened to a solid form). If you take a wrong step, you can find yourself in water. So, it is necessary to be cautious while enjoying this park.