Loktak Lake is the largest freshwater lake in North East India. It consists of a stunning stretch of water resembling a miniature inland sea. You can even see fishermen living in floating islands called “Phumdis” on the lake in their floating huts known as “Phumsangs”. The most iconic attraction of the lake is the largest of the phumdis, Keibul Lamjao National Park, located in the southwestern part of Loktak Lake. The place is the last natural habitat of the “Sangai” or the dancing deer of Manipur. A glimpse of the deer in this unique wetland ecosystem is a must for any wildlife enthusiast. A day spent at Loktak Lake Manipur is an experience of a lifetime.
Where is Loktak Lake
Mysterious and the principal attraction of the state, Loktak Lake is situated in Moirang, which is 48 km from Imphal City. The lake is spread across a land area differing from 250 to 500 square kilometers during the rainy month, with a typical area of 287 square kilometers.
Things to Do Loktak Lake:
Loktak Lake provides a perfect spot for exploring on foot, bike or boat. Here are three must-to-do things when you are at Loktak Lake.
1. Visit the small island of Karang. Karang Island is an island in the middle of the Loktak Lake of Manipur. You can take a local “passenger” boat which can take you to the island of Karang.
2. Rent a boat and go for a swim, or just enjoy a boat ride. You can just rent a boat which will take you to several vantage points from where you can have a good view of the lake and the “phumdis” (small floating islands of vegetation and organic matter). This will also allow you to appreciate how big the lake actually is.
3. Visit Keibul Lamjao National Park, the only floating national park in the world. You can take a shared taxi to Keibul Lamjao, one of the most famous tourist attractions in Manipur. The entry fee is INR 200 for foreigners and INR 30 for residents. A day visit is sufficient for this park. The area is about 40 square kilometers; however, most of the land is floating.
How to reach Loktak Lake
- By Flight: The nearest airport is Bir Tikendrajit International Airport of Imphal.
- By train: The nearest railway is the Dimapur railway station.
- By road: Moirang can be reached from Imphal by private buses or hired cabs. From Moirang, tuk-tuks can be opted to reach Loktak Lake.
Best time to visit Loktak Lake
September to April is considered the best time to visit Loktak Lake because the entire Imphal has a pleasant climate during this period. Summers are also amazing as the temperature does not go that high. It is best to avoid monsoons since the heavy rainfall and thunderstorm may not be best for a tour unless you like rainfall and the views you get during the season.
