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National park · India

Keibul Lamjao National Park

Visit Keibul Lamjao for a short boat ride to see the Sangai deer (≈30 min) in the morning, or a guided walk on the floating phumdis (≈2 h) any day; avoid peak heat (Apr–Jun).

Not field-verified
Source checked
A source and a date are on record: we read it from an official or published page. Not yet confirmed on the ground.
Field checked
Someone checked it on the ground, with the date shown.
Plan calculated
Worked out by Voykit from its own data (times, distances, budgets). A calculation, not a measurement.

Unknown times stay unknown. How we verify

Some areas permit-onlyChecked Sep 2026
More
Map to the park
Directions

Add your hotel to get directions from it. · stays in this browser; shared with the pocket card.

Area

1 km² (0 sq mi)

approximate

Established

1977

Best months

Oct–Dec

UNESCO

None

Rules in force · 6
  • South Asia ↗Trekking regions, border districts and several Indian states need separate permits on top of the visa; check the permit before you book transport into them.
  • South Asia ↗Remove shoes (and in many Jain and Hindu temples, leather) before entering; cover shoulders and legs; ask before photographing people or rituals.
  • India ↗Apply for the e-visa only on the official government portal (indianvisaonline.gov.in); lookalike sites charge extra. Check the current rules, fees and how far ahead to apply.
  • India ↗Do not follow anyone who says your hotel is closed, the station ticket office is closed or a road is shut; use the prepaid taxi counter, the metro or an app car.
  • India ↗Carry Indian rupees in small notes (10, 20, 50, 100); change for 500 is often refused.
  • India ↗Parts of the Northeast, Sikkim, Ladakh, the Andaman and Nicobar Islands and all border belts need a Protected or Restricted Area Permit or an Inner Line Permit for foreigners; check before you book the route.

At a glance

Country
India
Area
1 km² (0 sq mi)
Exact park area not published (check).
Established
1977
Best months
Oct–Dec
Permits
For some areas
Base
Imphal

Keibul Lamjao is the world’s only floating national park, set on the phumdis of Loktak Lake in Manipur. It protects the endangered Sangai (dancing) deer and a rich mix of aquatic and terrestrial wildlife, offering boat rides and guided walks on the floating islands.

Decide

Why go, which months, and what lives here when

At a glance

Status

  • No UNESCO listing; national park since 1977.

Size and age

1 km² (0 sq mi) · national park since 1977

Exact park area not published (check).

This page covers the park itself. Nearest base: Imphal.

Why go

  • World's only floating national park on Loktak Lake.
  • Home of the endangered Sangai (dancing) deer.

When to go

12-month verdict
  1. JanGo
  2. FebGo
  3. MarGo
  4. AprCaution
  5. MayCaution
  6. JunCaution
  7. JulAvoid
  8. AugAvoid
  9. SepGo
  10. OctBest
  11. NovBest
  12. DecBest
  • JanCool, deer sightings common.
  • FebMild, good birding.
  • MarDry, comfortable walking.
  • AprHeat rises, humidity high.
  • MayHot, possible thunderstorms.
  • JunVery hot, early rains.
  • JulPeak heat, limited boat services.
  • AugHot, occasional storms.
  • SepCooling, clearer skies.
  • OctComfortable temps, good wildlife.
  • NovCool, low humidity.
  • DecCold nights, clear days.

Wildlife and nature calendar

Seasons shift by weeks each year
Wildlife and nature calendar for Keibul Lamjao National Park
WhatJanFebMarAprMayJunJulAugSepOctNovDec
Sangai (dancing) deerAll yearyesyesyesyesyesyesyesyesyesyesyesyes
Hog deer, wild boar, civet, otter, fox, jungle catAll yearyesyesyesyesyesyesyesyesyesyesyesyes
Siberian cranes (winter visitors)Oct–Maryesyesyesnonononononoyesyesyes

Arrive & move

Getting in, how the park is divided, and where things are

Show 3 sectionsHideHow to get there, Zones and sectors, Sketch map

How to get there

From Imphal

Bus or taxi 53 km (33 mi) north to the park gate; also motorboat from Imphal jetty.

1–1.5 h

Open the page →

From Moirang

Local bus 10 km (6.2 mi) east to the gate.

≈30 min

From Guwahati

Bus or train to Imphal, then road transfer.

≈6–7 h total

Zones and sectors

Zones of Keibul Lamjao National Park
ZoneWhat is thereAccess
Entrance gateTicket office, information board, boat launch.Open daily.
Floating phumdis areaFloating islands with vegetation, deer grazing sites.Boat rides or guided walks.
WatchtowerElevated platform for wildlife viewing.Accessible by boat or short hike.

Sketch map

Approximate — not for navigation
Sketch map of 3 approximate points in Keibul Lamjao National Park, north up123
Coordinates are from Wikidata for the park centre; gate location approximate.
  1. 1Imphal city · Town≈24.817, 93.937Map ↗
  2. 2Keibul Lamjao gate · Gate≈24.486, 93.840Map ↗
  3. 3Watchtower · Viewpoint≈24.490, 93.845Map ↗

Take the points offline

GPX waypoints · approximate

3 points as a GPX waypoint file, plus a plain-text list of coordinates. Save it while you have signal: maps apps show the points without a connection.

Coordinates are from Wikidata for the park centre; gate location approximate.

See & do

Caves, trails and wildlife, with how hard each is and whether it needs booking

Show Top experiencesHide

Top experiences

Boat tripsEasy30 minSangai deer boat sightingEarly‑morning rides give the best chance to see the dancing deer on the phumdis.
TrailsModerate2 hGuided walk on floating islandsWalk slowly on the soft phumdis; shoes with good grip recommended.Booking: Guide required
ViewpointsEasy15 minWatchtower wildlife viewPanoramic view of Loktak Lake and bird colonies.

Practical

Fees, permits, rules, where to sleep and what can go wrong

Show 8 sectionsHideEntry fees and permits, Park rules, Where to stay, Safety, Accessibility, Visiting lightly, Questions people ask, Related

Entry fees and permits

INR ranges · check
Fees for Keibul Lamjao National Park
ItemRangePerNote
Park entry (gate)FreepersonNo fixed fee listed (check).

Ranges, not quotes: fees change without notice. Check with the park or your operator · checked Sep 2026.

Park entry permit or guide

Ticket at the gate near Imphal; price not published.

Park rules

Drones, guides, camping and more
Guides
Required for any walk on the floating phumdis.
Camping
Allowed only in designated zones; check with gate staff.
Boats
Only licensed operators may take visitors onto the phumdis.
Noise
Keep noise low to avoid disturbing wildlife.
Litter
Carry out all rubbish; no open fires.

Where to stay

Near the park

Imphal hotels

Range of budget to mid‑range hotels 20 km (12 mi) from the park.

In the park

Park guesthouses

Limited basic rooms near the gate (check availability).

Safety

Heat and soft ground medium

Visit early, wear sun protection, use sturdy shoes.

Getting lost on phumdis high

Always travel with a licensed guide; mobile signal is weak.

How much daylight do you have?

computed for this spot

Time out

Finding the local time zone…

Times are local to the spot (zone loading). The half-hour margin is our rule of thumb, not an official figure; light fades earlier in forest or under cloud. Carry a headlamp on any route that could run late.

Accessibility

  • Gate area reachable by car; short walks on firm paths.
  • Floating island walks are uneven and not suitable for limited mobility.

Visiting lightly

  • Support local guides licensed by the park.
  • Avoid buying 'deer‑watch' tours that promise close contact.

Questions people ask

How much does it cost to enter Keibul Lamjao National Park?

There is no published fixed entry fee; visitors pay for boat rides and guide services at the gate (check current rates).

What are the best hikes in Keibul Lamjao National Park?

The main guided walk on the floating phumdis (≈2 h) and the short watchtower trail are the only marked hikes.

When is the best time to visit Keibul Lamjao National Park?

October to December offers cool weather and good wildlife visibility; avoid the hot April‑June period.

Can I camp inside the park?

Camping is permitted in designated areas; you must obtain permission at the gate.

How do I reach the park from Imphal?

Take a bus, taxi or motorboat north from Imphal (≈1 h); the gate is 53 km from the city centre.

Deep dive

Every source; fees and rules change, so check before you go

Show the detailsHide

Ask about Keibul Lamjao National Park

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