The Manipuri capital is modern, urban and chaotic, but the state’s pastoral charm is never far away. Here, the progressive and the traditional mingle delightfully in a centre of heritage and living history.
Friends and family raise concerns about safety and security when my husband and I plan to visit Imphal. But, being a travel buff and a quizzing freak, I refuse to be intimidated. I am determined to visit the Manipuri capital which boasts some superlatives. Imphal, the birthplace of modern polo with the world’s oldest stadium, and Imphal, home to the world’s largest all-women market, has fired my fancy.
As we head from the airport to Hotel Classic Grande, we observe that Imphal is like any metropolis, with the thrum of crowds and vehicles on its roads. Yet there is a pastoral charm about the city which immediately draws us to it. Enter some of its alleyways and you are likely to see groups of elderly people, huddled in small joints, drinking rice beer with great gusto, and guffawing amid conversations.
The view of the city from our room is a strange mix of contrasts. While rolling hills draped in hues of green stretch into the distance, and the dome of the Legislative Assembly gently peeps from its surrounds, a sprawl of buildings in varied states of maintenance lies in the foreground.
A pleasantly queer blend of the traditional and modern lends Imphal a unique aura. No high-rises, megaplexes and glitzy malls here. The enterprising and progressive women, clad in the traditional sarong, zigzag their way on scooters through a chaotic maze of traffic. We are pleasantly surprised to observe the disciplined manner in which motorists await their turn in serpentine queues at petrol stations to refuel their vehicles. There is neither impatient blaring of horns, nor jumping of queues which extend a good half-kilometre or more. And this is a sight we see each day during our four day stay in the city.
Bu hikaye Discover India dergisinin August 2017 sayısından alınmıştır.
Start your 7-day Magzter GOLD free trial to access thousands of curated premium stories, and 9,000+ magazines and newspapers.
Already a subscriber ? Giriş Yap
Bu hikaye Discover India dergisinin August 2017 sayısından alınmıştır.
Start your 7-day Magzter GOLD free trial to access thousands of curated premium stories, and 9,000+ magazines and newspapers.
Already a subscriber? Giriş Yap
New Gear For New Travels
Here’s our selection of some nifty new gear that’s certain to add extra oomph to your next vacation.
10 Hidden Gems Of India
The last two years have prepared us to expect the unexpected, so why not explore the unexplored in 2022? India boasts some of the most culturally abundant and visually spectacular places in the world. Pick one or more of these 10 indian destinations to travel to and discover new lands in the coming year.
When Travel Heals
Going for a holiday just after you have lost your mother to COVID-19 may not be the most popular idea, but it was the only way for a grieving family to escape the agony with which they were living. And so, they headed to the Chettinad region of Tamil Nadu in search of peace and recuperation.
BOOKS FOR THE BACKPACK
Journey across India through these books that shed light on the intriguing history and vibrant culture of the country.
Masks of Glory
Charida is not the most popular tourist spot in West Bengal. But its obscurity is one of the reasons we choose to discover the undiscovered ‘mask village’ of India.
Palace of Grandeur
The Grand Mercure Bengaluru at Gopalan Mall offers a slice of Karnataka’s rich architectural and culinary history and culture. We check-in at the palatial property for a plush staycation.
The Road to My Roots
A family finds harmony and plenty of nostalgia in the hilly forests of Ramgarh, Uttarakhand and the Kumaon Himalayas.
GARDEN of FABLES
On the fringes of Darjeeling, Kurseong is home to India’s most expensive tea, the world’s first tea factory, and a mystical natural phenomenon.
MORE than just FOOD
Kochi’s boutique cafés go beyond the traditional meal to o er artisanal experiences that reflect the port city’s varied expressions. From artist residencies to couverture masterclasses and upmarket design stores, there’s much to explore and savour.
Magical Moments
Travel blogger and dancer, Nina Okhotina, is also the founder of the clothing brand, The Dress Stories. Her fl owy, one-tone dresses add a touch of magic to her Instagram pictures from her Indian trips. The Russia-born social-media star reminisces about her time in India and the people that made it special.