Imphal
Description
The city of Imphal ) is the capital of the Indian state of Manipur. The ruins of the Palace of Kangla, the royal seat of the erstwhile Kingdom of Manipur, are in the city centre, surrounded by a moat.
History
The Battle of Imphal took place between March and July 1944, during World War II.
Geography and climate
Imphal is located at 24°49′N 93°57′E / 24.82°N 93.95°E / 24.82; 93.95 in extreme eastern India, with an average elevation of 786 metres (2,579 ft). It has a humid subtropical climate (Köppen Cwa) with mild, dry winters and a hot monsoon season. July temperatures average about 29 °C (84 °F); January is the coldest month, with average lows near 4 °C (39 °F). The city receives about 1,320 mm (52 in) of rain, with June the wettest month. The highest recorded temperature was 35.6 °C (96.1 °F), most recently on 22 May 2009, and the lowest average temperature was −2.7 °C (27.1 °F) on 10 January 1970.
Landmarks of Imphal
Kangla
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Bamboo huts in Kangla Fort complex
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Entrance to complex
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Kangla Fort Complex
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Ibudhou Pakhangba Temple
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Ruins of Kangla Fort
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Kangla Museum houses
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Manung Thangapat Pond
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Shri Govindajee Temple
Kangla Fort is on the banks of the Imphal River, and is also known as the Palace of Kangla. Kangla means "dry land" in the Meitei language. The fort was the palace of King Pakhangba, and also has religious significance. In the fort are a number of temples, and it is surrounded on three sides by a lake.
Hiyangthang Lairembi Temple Complex
A religious site and a tourist attraction, the temple complex is noted for its annual Durga Puja festival in September or October.
Shree Govindajee Temple
The temple was considered the apex of cultural activity during the reign of the Maharajas. Near the palace, it has two domes and a raised congregation hall.
Imphal War Cemetery
This cemetery remembers British and Indian soldiers who fought and died in the Second World War (1944).
Women's Market (Ima Keithel)
The market stalls are all run by women, and it is reportedly the only such market in the world.
Transport
Air
Imphal International Airport is 8 kilometres (5.0 mi) south of the city.
Rail
In October 2012, India's Cabinet Committee on Infrastructure approved an extension of the Jiribam-Silchar railway to Imphal. The extension is expected to reach the city by March 2016.