Introduction

Keibul Lamjao National Park in Manipur is one of India’s most celebrated national parks. Located in the Bishnupur (Loktak Lake) district, Keibul Lamjao National Park is the WORLD’S ONLY FLOATING NATIONAL PARK, situated on floating biomass mats (Phumdis) on Loktak Lake.

Quick Facts

Particular Details
StateManipur
DistrictsBishnupur (Loktak Lake)
Year of Notification1977 (World’s Only Floating National Park!)
Total Area40 sq km
LandscapeFloating biomass soil mats (Phumdis) floating on Loktak Lake waters.
Major Rivers & WaterbodiesLoktak Lake (Northeast India’s largest freshwater lake & Ramsar Site)
Nearest AirportImphal International Airport (IMF) – 48 km
Nearest Railway StationSilchar Railway Station (200 km) / Jiribam Station (170 km)
Best Time to VisitOctober to April

Location

The national park lies in the Bishnupur (Loktak Lake) region of Manipur. 48 km from Imphal city via Bishnupur-Moirang road.

History

Declared a Sanctuary in 1966 to save the Sangai Deer from extinction; upgraded to National Park in March 1977.

Landscape, Geography & Habitat

Covering an expansive area of 40 sq km, the park’s terrain features Floating biomass soil mats (Phumdis) floating on Loktak Lake waters.

Flora

Dominant vegetation and floral species include: Floating biomass soil mats (Phumdis) floating on Loktak Lake waters.

Fauna

Primary Mammals & Key Species: Sangai Deer (Brow-antlered Deer – Manipur’s State Animal & world’s only floating deer population!), Hog Deer, Wild Boar, Otter, Civet, and Water Cobra.

Other Wild Animals & Wildlife

Avifauna & Bird Species: Black-necked Stork, Sarus Crane, Manipur Bush Quail, Hooded Crane, Pintail, Teal, Shoveler, and Kingfisher.

Rivers & Water Bodies

The lifeline of Keibul Lamjao National Park is sustained by: Loktak Lake (Northeast India’s largest freshwater lake & Ramsar Site).

Other Attractions

Major nearby tourist attractions, historic monuments, and viewpoints include: Loktak Lake Phumdi Houseboats (0 km), Sendra Island (5 km), INA Memorial Moirang (10 km), Imphal Kangla Fort (48 km).

Weather & Climate

Subtropical climate (8°C to 28°C).

How to Reach

  • Nearest Airport: Imphal International Airport (IMF) – 48 km
  • Nearest Railway Station: Silchar Railway Station (200 km) / Jiribam Station (170 km)
  • Road Connectivity: 48 km from Imphal city via Bishnupur-Moirang road.

Best Time to Visit

The optimal tourism season for wildlife viewing in Keibul Lamjao National Park is from October to April.

Accommodation

Manipur Tourism Sendra Park Resort on Loktak Lake.. Advance booking through official State Tourism or Forest Department portals is highly recommended.

Conservation Highlights

World’s sole natural habitat of the endangered Sangai Deer (Dancing Deer of Manipur).

Visitor Tips

Take a traditional dugout canoe trip early morning to spot Sangai deer on the floating Phumdis.

Did You Know?

  • The WORLD’S ONLY FLOATING NATIONAL PARK, situated on Loktak Lake.
  • Home to the last surviving wild population of the endangered Sangai Deer (Dancing Deer).
  • The land surface consists of floating thick mats of vegetation and soil called ‘Phumdis’.

Last Updated: August 2026