Wildlife in Manipur

Blessed with rich flora and fauna, the wildlife sanctuaries of Manipur are among the leading natural parks in India. Nestled in the north eastern mountain ranges of the country, the state of Manipur is bestowed with lush green vegetations, deep forests and rich animal resources. The government of Manipur and other wildlife organizations have come together to preserve the wildlife by creating a number of wildlife sanctuaries and national parks.

Manipur Zoological Garden

About 6 km. from Imphal, towards the west, in Manipur Zoological Garden at Iroishemba lying on the Imphal Kangchup Road. You will find some rare to be found species in this zoological garden. A trip to the Manipur Zoological Garden, at the foot of the pine-growing hillocks in the westernmost corner of Lamphelpat is really enjoyable.

You will have an opportunity to see the graceful brow antlered deer (Sangai), one of the rarest species in the world, in sylvan surroundings of the Garden.

Keibul Lamjao National Park

Located in Manipur, Keibul Lamjao is probably the world's only 'floating' sanctuary that comprises 40 sq. km. of wetland overgrown with 1.5 m. deep floating vegetation (called phumdi). The park has several distinguishing features. Apart from the vegetation and terrain, an important highlight of the park is the Loktak Lake (6, 475 ha.), the largest freshwater lake in India; a large portion of which falls within the park. The entire Loktak Lake was protected and declared a sanctuary in

October 1953, mainly to save the sangai or Brow Antlered Deer, which was threatened by extinction. Following the re-discovery of the deer, in July 1954, this area was officially notified as a sanctuary in 1966 and a decade later, on March 28, 1977, the Keibul Lamjao National Park was created.