When you think of national parks, towering trees, dense forests, or open savannahs might come to mind. But tucked away in the remote hills of Manipur, there’s one that rewrites the rulebook entirely. Keibul Lamjao National Park isn’t built on solid ground—it drifts gently on the waters of Loktak Lake.
Yes, you read that right—a national park that floats. Suspended on thick mats of vegetation known as phumdis, this park is the only one of its kind anywhere in the world. It’s a surreal landscape where land sways, deer tiptoe across floating meadows, and nature blurs the line between earth and water.
What Makes Keibul Lamjao Float?
Keibul Lamjao floats on a fascinating natural phenomenon called phumdis—thick, buoyant mats made from layers of organic material, soil, and vegetation that drift on Loktak Lake’s surface. These formations rise and fall with the water level and are strong enough to support large mammals like deer. Some are even used by local communities for fishing and building small huts.
This intricate ecosystem spans about 40 square kilometres and forms part of the larger Loktak Lake system, which is itself a Ramsar Wetland of International Importance. In an era where climate adaptation is becoming a priority, Keibul Lamjao offers a rare, real-world example of nature’s ingenuity.
The Sangai: A Story of Survival
The park’s flagship species is the Sangai deer—a creature so unique, so regionally cherished, it’s considered the state animal of Manipur. With its delicate, tiptoe-like movements across the floating phumdis, the Sangai has earned the nickname "Dancing Deer." Its antlers curve elegantly, and its presence is almost mythical.
Once believed to be extinct in the 1950s, just a few Sangai were rediscovered by conservationists in the marshes of Loktak Lake. This rediscovery led to Keibul Lamjao being declared a wildlife sanctuary in 1966, and later a national park in 1977, specifically to protect the last natural habitat of this elegant deer.
As of recent estimates, the population of Sangai stands at around 260 individuals, but their future still hangs delicately on the health of the phumdi ecosystem—making ongoing conservation efforts essential.
Wildlife Beyond the Sangai
Keibul Lamjao isn’t a one-species wonder. The park hosts a diverse array of flora and fauna, especially adapted to its marshy and aquatic environment.
Expect to see:
- Hog deer, wild boars, and Indian civets
- Otters playing in the lake’s calmer corners
- Endemic fish species critical to local diets
- Rare aquatic plants and floating vegetation
- Over 100 species of birds, including migratory waterfowl during winter months
Notably, birdwatching is a major draw here. Migratory birds from Central Asia and Siberia descend on the lake from November to March, making the park a hotspot for ornithologists and wildlife photographers.
Things to Do at Keibul Lamjao and Beyond
1. Take a guided boat safari through Loktak Lake and around the floating park. These tours offer an intimate view of the lake’s ecosystem and the chance to spot a Sangai in the wild.
2. Visit Sendra Island—a scenic hillock in the middle of Loktak Lake offering panoramic views of the floating phumdis. The Sendra Tourist Home is a great place to stop for a local meal and lakeside photographs.
3. Explore Moirang—home to the historic INA (Indian National Army) Memorial Complex, where the Indian tricolour was first hoisted on Indian soil in 1944 under the command of Subhas Chandra Bose.
4. Visit the Loktak Folklore Museum in Thanga to understand the cultural and ecological significance of the lake for the Meitei people of Manipur.
5. Take a nature trail to Pabot Hill inside the national park, especially during the drier months when walking paths become accessible.
Best Time to Visit Keibul Lamjao National Park
- November to March: Ideal for wildlife spotting and birdwatching. The weather is cool, the skies clear, and the Sangai more likely to be seen.
- July to September: Monsoon transforms the lake into a lush emerald carpet, making the phumdis incredibly photogenic, though travel can be slightly more difficult due to rains.
Avoid the peak summer months (April to June), when temperatures can get uncomfortable and water levels may drop.
How to Reach Keibul Lamjao
By Air: The closest airport is Imphal International Airport, around 50–55 km away, with regular flights from Delhi, Kolkata, and Guwahati.
By Road: Keibul Lamjao is about a 1.5 to 2-hour drive from Imphal via Moirang. Taxis and shared jeeps are readily available.
By Train: Manipur does not yet have a major railway network. The nearest station is Dimapur in Nagaland (approx. 215 km away), followed by a long road journey.
Travel Tips
- Hire a local guide to understand the ecology and avoid disturbing wildlife.
- Respect community zones—many phumdis are used by locals for fishing and habitation.
- Carry binoculars and a telephoto lens if you’re serious about birdwatching or photographing the Sangai.
- Dress in layers and wear waterproof shoes during the monsoon.
- Try local Manipuri dishes like Eromba and Ngari at eateries around Moirang.
In a country full of iconic monuments and celebrated wildlife parks, Keibul Lamjao remains one of India’s most astonishing—and overlooked—natural marvels. It’s a place where land floats, deer dance, and ecosystems thrive in constant motion. It’s also a case study in how traditional communities, biodiversity, and conservation can coexist in harmony.
So, if you’ve been searching for a travel story no one else has told, a place that feels like a secret whispered by the Earth itself—Keibul Lamjao is that story.
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