Keibul Lamjao National Park is the lone floating park in the world, situated inside the Loktak Lake in North East India. Loktak Lake is the largest freshwater lake among the Seven Northeastern states in Manipur state. Floating islands called Phumdis are the specialty of this lake.
Floating Islands in Loktak Lake
Phumdis occupies a large portion of this lake. Phumdis is the combination of masses of soil, vegetation, and organic matter in various stages of decay.
The largest of such Phumdis in Loktak Lake is spread over 40 square kilometers. This island was declared as a National Park of India in 1977. It’s called Keibul Lamjao National Park. Keibul Lamjao National Park is the only Floating National Park in the world.
Brow-antlered deer or Sangai at Keibul Lamjao National Park in Loktak Lake
Keibul Lamjao National Park is a habitat for the endangered species of animal called brow-antlered deer (Cervus eldi) or Sangai (as per IUCN). It is also called a dancing deer. It is a subspecies of Eld’s deer and is indigenous to Southeast Asia.
Loktak Lake is spread over an area of nearly 287 square kilometers. It is at an altitude of 2,521 feet (768.5 meters). Sandra and Phubala are two other major islands. Tourists can visit all the islands.
Loktak Lake was declared as a Ramsar site. “Ramsar Convention” was held in 1971, at Ramsar (Iran). An international treaty for the conservation and sustainable utilization of wetlands was signed at this convention.
Indian National Army (INA) Museum
Moirang town is situated close to the lake. Indian National Army (INA) Museum is located here. Indian National Army was founded in 1942, by Indian Prisoners of War, who Japan captured. INA was disbanded in the same year. In 1943, Netaji Subhash Chandra Bose revived INA. A bronze statue of Subash Chandra Bose in full uniform is in front of the museum.
How Do I Go to the Floating Park in Loktak Lake?
Roads to Imphal well connect Loktak Lake. It is around 40 kilometers from Imphal, the capital of Manipur state.
Loktak Lake Hotels and Resorts
Sendra Tourist Home is on Sandra Island. Phubala Resort is situated on Phubala Island.
This is such a gorgeous place to be. I would love to take my camera here.
True. Its unique in many ways.
Do you know if I can rent a boat somewhere around there? I would love to go to this lake!
Yes; Country boats are available. Locals will take you in those boats.
Thats amazing. I was unaware of such a lovely place. North East has so much to offer.
North Eastern states of India is nature at its best.
I love nature and beautiful landscape. This place is really gorgeous. Thanks for sharing this as I have never heard this place before.
It’s one place where you find unadulterated beauty.
This is a such a beautiful place to be . Thanks for this great content .
Yes, Its a beautiful place to be in.
During the two months I spent tramping across Northeast India, I was unable to visit Manipur due to political violence that was happening at the time. Now am completely regretting being unable to visit.
It’s unfortunate that you could not make it to Manipur on your last visit to North Eastern India. You should make this floating lake on your bucket list.
Never knew of floating parks and really surprised to know India has them. I am yet to explore north eastern states and am collecting such interesting information. Lovely pictures shared.
Even I wasn’t aware of this floating lake, until I met a local guy on a trip to Imphal. Great place to be in.
Do they rent kayaks or canoes in the area? This looks incredible
Country boats (a kind of kayak made of wood) is available.
How interesting, I didn’t realize that the world had any floating parks! We’re big wildlife fans so would love to get to Keibul Lamjao National Park to see the brow-antlered deer 🙂
Yes; its worth visiting Keibul Lamjao National Park for its uniqueness and the whole state is blessed with natural beauty.
This floating park is truly gorgeous and one of a kind. India never fails to surprise many tourists!
True. Its unique and needs to be visited if you ever plan to visit India.