Manipur is a state in the northeast of India. It shares an international boundary with Burma. Most of Manipur's people are tribal farmers.
Manipur lies about 700 kilometres northeast of Calcutta. It has an international border on its east side with Burma and state borders with Nagaland to the north, Assam to the west, and Mizoram to the south. Much of Manipur is above 200 metres, but the heart of the populated area is a low-lying basin. Imphal is the state capital.
In its centre is the reedy Lake Loktak, into which several river valleys drain. There are several large lakes in the central area where the rivers drain southward. They are used for fishing and duck shooting, as well as for boat races.

Climate: Winter temperatures at Imphal fall to a minimum of 4 °C at night. Daytime temperatures, even in January, reach over 21 °C. The average summer maximum, experienced from April to September, is 29 °C. The annual rainfall at Imphal is about 40 centimetres, but is more elsewhere in the state.

Tourist Centres: Called the Jewel of India by Jawahar lal Nehru, Manipur lies in the shadows of hills. The picturesque Manipur valley dotted with gleaming lakes is famous for a variety of orchids. Manipuri dance is world famous. So also her exquisite handicrafts.
The important tourist centers in the state are Imphal, the capital and center of all cultural and commercial activities adorned with two war Cemeteries maintained by the Commonwealth war graves commission, Govindajee temple, women bazaar, etc. Besides, the Bishnu temple at Bishnupur built in 1467 A.D., the Loktak lake, the biggest fresh water lake in eastern India, Keibul Lamjao, the only floating national park in the world, the Orchid yard at Khongampat, etc are also quite attractive.

Accomodation facilities at important centers such as Waichou, Kaina, Phubala, Sendra and tourist lodge at Imphal are remarkable. Transport facilities are provided with Deluxe and Mini Buses and Taxi services at moderate charges.

History. Some historians believe Imphal was founded about 2,000 years ago. Imphal derives its name from Yumpham meaning homestead and is one of the oldest state capitals in India. Manipur has always been independent of its neighbouring tribal areas. There are few major historical landmarks.

The most notable is the Bishnupur Temple, nearly 30 kilometres from Imphal, which was built in 1467 during the reign of King Kiyamba. The narrow bricks used in its construction reflect the influence of the Chinese on the Manipuri culture.

Seven clans ruled different parts of the state until the 1700's, when Rajarshi Bhagya Chandra unified Manipur. The Burmese often invaded, but Manipur enjoyed long periods of stable government. In 1762, Britain (now the United Kingdom) agreed to support Manipur against the Burmese. The UK took control of Manipur in 1891 and maintained it as an autonomous state until Indian independence in 1947, when Manipur became a union territory. In 1972, Manipur became a state of India.