Floating Wonders of Loktak Lake: A Secret Treasure in Manipur
Discover the beauty of Loktak Lake, located in Manipur. Known as the largest freshwater lake in Northeast India, it hides wonders like no other lake. Floating on its surface are bio-masses called phumdis that are home to many. This unique ecosystem is the habitat of the Sangai, Manipur’s state animal. Read on to know more about this fascinating lake and plan a visit to experience its floating world.
Where is Loktak Lake?
Loktak Lake is located in the Indian state of Manipur is also known as floating village of loktak. Manipur is a northeastern state in India that borders Myanmar. The lake is situated about 48 km south of Imphal, the capital city of Manipur.
To reach Loktak Lake Manipur, you need to take a vehicle from Imphal. The drive from Imphal to the lake takes around an hour on average. The lake can also be accessed from other towns in Manipur like Moirang and Khangabok.
The lake is situated across four districts of Manipur – Bishnupur, Thoubal, Kangpokpi and Imphal East. It covers an area of around 90 square kilometres making it the largest freshwater lake in Northeast India.
Surrounded by the Loktak Wildlife Sanctuary and Karang Island, Loktak Lake provides beautiful scenic views. Its floating masses of vegetation called phumdis make it a unique feature.
History of Loktak Lake
Loktak Lake has been around for thousands of years. The Meitei people, who have lived in Manipur for many generations, have always known about this special lake. According to their ancient folk tales, the Meitei goddess Leimarel Sidabi created the lake. The earliest written records of the lake also date back many centuries. Even in more recent history, Loktak has played an important role in the state of Manipur.
In the past, villagers who lived on the floating islands of India, called phumdis, relied on the water body for fishing, irrigation and transport. Today, it remains an essential part of life for the communities around its shores. While modern development efforts and human activities have impacted the lake, efforts are now underway to protect this fragile ecosystem and unique natural wonder.
What to do at Loktak Lake?
There are several things you can do while visiting Loktak Lake house. One of the most interesting places to visit is Keibul Lamjao National Park. This national park is very unique as it is the only floating national park in the world. You can go boating inside the park and spot rare sangai deer. Early morning is the best time to visit when you have more chances of seeing the deer. Another must-see is the Loktak Lake Viewpoint. From here you get beautiful views of the vast lake. You can see the phumdis and boats on the lake. It is especially nice to watch the sunrise from the viewpoint.
Taking an early morning boat ride is a great way to spend time on the lake. You will pass many fishing huts and witness daily life on the lake. The boat rides usually last 1-2 hours. Be sure to take local bamboo boats operated by fishermen. You can also visit some small islands in the lake. Sendra Island has a tourist lodge with rooms, garden and viewpoints. Another island is Karang which you can reach by local boat. Both islands provide scenic views of the floating lake. Watching the sunset from the lake is also an experience. You can hire a boat and spend the evening on the water. Many homestays have great views for sunset.
Try local fish curries and rice served at homestays. Food is always fresh as ingredients come from the lake. Do talk to locals and learn about their lives depending on the lake. Spending a day at a homestay on the lake is the best way to truly experience Loktak.
How to Reach Loktak Lake?
By Flight:
The nearest airport is Bir Tikendrajit International Airport in Imphal. It has direct flights from Kolkata. From the airport, hire a taxi or shuttle to reach Moirang town near the lake. The drive takes about an hour.
By Train:
The closest railway station is Dimapur station in Nagaland. From there, hire a shared taxi or private car that takes around 5 hours to reach Moirang town near Loktak Lake house.
By Road:
You can also travel to Moirang by road. Private buses and taxis regularly ply from Imphal to Moirang, taking around 1.5 hours. From Moirang, board local jeeps or buses that traverse the short distance to the lake shore in 20-30 minutes. Once there, hire a bamboo boat to visit different areas of Loktak Lake.
Where to Stay at Loktak Lake?
Accommodation options range from the government-run lodge on Sendra Island to several unique homestays located on large phumdis, allowing an immersed experience. The homestays arrange meals highlighting local cuisine.
September to April presents pleasant weather, avoiding the rains, though summer also sees pleasant temperatures. Interacting with the warm hosts enhances appreciation of their lake-dependent lifestyle and conservation challenges. Loktak’s natural charm and cultural experiences make for a memorable trip inside Northeast India off the typical tourist trail. Advanced booking is advised, especially September-November.
When to Visit Loktak Lake?
Situated in a temperate zone, the ideal time to visit Loktak Lake is from October to March. The weather is cool and pleasant during these months. October sees the start of the post-monsoon season making landscapes lush green. November through January offer comfortable daylight temperatures averaging 25 degrees Celsius making outdoor activities enjoyable.
Wildlife spotting chances are higher during winter months of December-February as animals congregate around water bodies. February and March remain warm before summer arrives. This is also the main tourist season when all facilities are fully operational. The lake landscape is beautifully sunny yet not too hot, allowing for full appreciation of activities like boat rides and hiking.
Conclusion
Loktak Lake is truly a marvel of nature. Spend time meeting the warm locals and understand their lifestyle depending on the lake. Respect this delicate ecosystem and be a responsible visitor. Your journey to Loktak will leave you with memories of scenic beauty and rich culture. The hidden gem of Manipur deserves to be on the radar of more travellers seeking to discover less explored places in India.