The State of Manipur, though tiny in size has immense scope for promotion of tourism. With the rail link likely to become operational in the near future and the upcoming opportunities as a result of the Act East Policy in addition to the scenic natural beauty of the State, the inflow of tourists is like to increase. Keibul Lamjao National Park on the bank of the Loktak Lake, the only habitat of Brow Antlered Deer locally known as ‘Sangai’. INA (Indian National Army) Memorial at Moirang where INA hoisted tricolour flag for the first time on Indian soil, Siroy National Park at Ukhrul, Loktak lake, the biggest fresh water lake in the North-Eastern Region and Khongjom War Memorial, where the last war of Manipur Independence was fought, are the major tourist spot of the state. Besides there are other places which are worth seeing and which possessed immense potential for developing into a good tourist spot. In order to facilitate the movement of tourist in the state, the Directorate of Tourism, Manipur has been providing various infrastructura1 facilities for incoming tourists. The Directorate is managing the tourist homes at Sendra. Moirang, Phubala, Churachandpur, Kaina, Khongjom, Tamenglong and Ukhru1 for accommodation of tourist visiting the areas. Hotel Imphal at the heart of capital town Imphal has been improved with modern amenities.
Development of Tourism infrastructure:
To strengthen the tourism infrastructure, the following projects/schemes are underway.
(I) Mega Projects:
Integrated Mega Tourist Circuit for Kheba Ching, Marjing Polo-Kaina-Khonjom
Development of Tourist Resort at Sendra Hillock Water Sports Complex at Takmu and other Tourism , facilities in adjoining areas, Bishnupur District
Providing of Tourism infrastructure in and around Imphal City.
(II) Large generating Scheme:
Integrated Cable-car and lakeside tourism development project at Loktak lake.
(III) Human Resource Development:
State Institute of Hotel Management , Catering Technology and Applied Nutrition, Nongmaiching, Imphal East.
(IV) Swadesh Darshan Scheme:
Under the scheme, a sum of Rs. 17.93 crores was released during 2015-16 out of the total sanctioned amount of Rs. 89.66 crores for the project ‘Development of Tourist Circuit in Manipur: Imphal-Moirang-Khongjom-Moreh’. The project includes rejuvenation of tourism infrastructure in and around Kangla, a light and sound show, polo gallery, Exhibition Park, Tourist Facilitation Centre, rejuvenation of sacred water bodies inside kangla fort, Eco tourist huts, meditation Yoga and Spa centre and Lake Cruise at Ningthoukhong and Phubala near Loktak Lake, wayside amenities on the way to Moreh and a cultural-cum-Craft Centre at Moreh as well as signages for all important tourist destinations across the State of Manipur.
Source: Economic Review Manipur 2016-17