Major city · India
Imphalꯏꯝꯐꯥꯜ
Give Imphal 2 nights: Kangla Fort, Ima Keithel and the state museum in a day, then use it as a base for the valley. Skip the rural outskirts after dark.
Imphal is the capital of Manipur, a small city at about 800 m in a valley ringed by hills, and the practical gateway to the state: almost everyone arrives by air, because no railway reaches it yet. Two nights covers Kangla Fort, the women-run Ima Keithel market and the state museum, plus one valley day trip. The city itself is calm; the surrounding hills are not, and travel beyond the valley needs a current check.
More ways in
Local time, weather, currency, airports
- Weather
- see forecast
- Currency
- INR
- Best months
- Oct–Mar
- avoid Jun–Aug (monsoon peak), and national days 26 Jan and 15 Aug for movement outside the centre
- Airport
- IMF
- Nights
- 2
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.
What is in this basic guide9 covered · 4 not yet ▾
In this guide
Not in this guide yet
- Walking areas with bag rules
- Day plans checked against opening hours
- Airport-to-bed timings and the last safe connection
- Field-checked times and prices
Emergency numbers for Imphal112 ▾
Tap a number to call from your phone. These are the numbers listed in this guide; a row marked check has not been verified.
EssentialsQuick answers and what things cost
Essentials
Quick answers and what things cost
Quick answers
The questions people ask first about Imphal, one line each. Tap a card for the full answer.
- Cash or card?Indian rupees (INR, ₹) in small notes for autos, street food, tips and entry tickets.India-wide
- SIM or eSIMJio, Airtel and Vi sell tourist SIMs at airport counters and their shops; passport, visa and a photo needed; activation can take a few hours.India-wide
- Tap waterNot drinkable from the tap.India-wide
- TippingRestaurant: 5–10% if no service charge is on the bill.India-wide
- Plugs & powerSockets C/D/M. US/Canada (A/B): adapter · UK/Ireland (G): adapter · Australia/NZ (I): adapter. 230 V: US 120 V-only devices (hair dryers) need a converter; most chargers are dual-voltage.India-wide
- SafetyImphal city is calm enough for normal travel; the risk sits outside it.
Show all 12 answers
- RestroomsWestern toilets in hotels, malls and airports; squat toilets with a water jug or hose in stations and villages.India-wide
- Emergency numbers112 All services (police, fire, ambulance) · 100 police · 108 ambulance (not 911, 999 or 000)
- Sundays & holidaysThe Taj Mahal is closed on Fridays; many museums close on Mondays; banks close on the second and fourth Saturdays…India-wide
- Your embassyFind your embassy's 24-hour line before you fly.
- AirportIMF Bir Tikendrajit International Airport (About 8 km (5 mi) south of the centre; prepaid taxi or app cab into town, 20–30 min).IMF Bir Tikendrajit International Airport (About 5 mi (8 km) south of the centre; prepaid taxi or app cab into town, 20–30 min).
- Getting aroundMinivans run fixed routes around the city and to nearby villages; tuk-tuks are everywhere and a short hop should cost ₹10–20 (≈ under US$1)…
Cost cheat-sheet
Typical prices for the everyday things, as ranges. Your currency is shown next to the local price.
- Street or quick mealTea (chai) at a stall₹10–20 (≈ under US$1)
- SIM or eSIM, a weekeSIM or data SIM, about a week₹500–1,200 (≈ US$6–14)
- Museum or sight ticketKangla Fort entry₹10 (≈ under US$1) Indians₹50 (≈ under US$1) foreigners
- Budget bedHostel or guesthouse bed, a night, per person₹400 (≈ US$5)
- Mid-range bedDouble room, mid-range hotel, a night, per room₹3,000 (≈ US$35)
- High-end bedDouble room, mid-range hotel, a night, per room₹7,000 (≈ US$80)
A day, not counting the bed: Budget ₹1,500 (≈ US$18) · Mid ₹3,500 (≈ US$40) · High ₹8,000 (≈ US$95)
Local prices, with USD next to them (rates 2026-09 (approximate); change it in the header). Ranges are desk estimates: check locally. Every price and the budget calculator →
DecideWhat it is known for, and when the weather works
Decide
What it is known for, and when the weather works
At a glance
What the city is known for, how you fly in, and where to find the phrases.
- Airports
- IMF Bir Tikendrajit International Airport (About 8 km (5 mi) south of the centre; prepaid taxi or app cab into town, 20–30 min)IMF Bir Tikendrajit International Airport (About 5 mi (8 km) south of the centre; prepaid taxi or app cab into town, 20–30 min)
Best months at a glance
From the guide's best and avoid lists
Jan
Care
23°C (73°F)73°F (23°C)
Feb
Best
25°C (77°F)77°F (25°C)
Mar
Best
28°C (82°F)82°F (28°C)
Apr
not flagged
29°C (84°F)84°F (29°C)
May
not flagged
29°C (84°F)84°F (29°C)
Jun
Avoid
30°C (86°F)86°F (30°C)
Jul
Avoid
30°C (86°F)86°F (30°C)
Aug
Avoid
30°C (86°F)86°F (30°C)
Sep
not flagged
30°C (86°F)86°F (30°C)
Oct
Best
29°C (84°F)84°F (29°C)
Nov
Best
26°C (79°F)79°F (26°C)
Dec
Best
23°C (73°F)73°F (23°C)
Best: Feb–Mar, Oct–Dec. Mixed: Jan. Avoid: Jun–Aug. Month by month →
Warmest Jun (30°C (86°F)86°F (30°C)), coolest Jan (5°C (41°F)41°F (5°C) low), wettest Jul (21 rain days), driest Jan (2). Averages, not a forecast.
Weather and climate
Imphal: next 7 days
Loading forecast…
Forecast: Open-Meteo (CC BY 4.0), model data for this point.
Air quality
Loading…
Model estimate (CAMS via Open-Meteo), not a street-level station; readings near busy roads run higher.
Jan
23°C (73°F)73°F (23°C)
5°C (41°F)41°F (5°C)
2 rd
Feb
25°C (77°F)77°F (25°C)
8°C (46°F)46°F (8°C)
4 rd
Mar
28°C (82°F)82°F (28°C)
13°C (55°F)55°F (13°C)
7 rd
Apr
29°C (84°F)84°F (29°C)
16°C (61°F)61°F (16°C)
11 rd
May
29°C (84°F)84°F (29°C)
19°C (66°F)66°F (19°C)
15 rd
Jun
30°C (86°F)86°F (30°C)
22°C (72°F)72°F (22°C)
19 rd
Jul
30°C (86°F)86°F (30°C)
23°C (73°F)73°F (23°C)
21 rd
Aug
30°C (86°F)86°F (30°C)
22°C (72°F)72°F (22°C)
19 rd
Sep
30°C (86°F)86°F (30°C)
21°C (70°F)70°F (21°C)
15 rd
Oct
29°C (84°F)84°F (29°C)
18°C (64°F)64°F (18°C)
8 rd
Nov
26°C (79°F)79°F (26°C)
12°C (54°F)54°F (12°C)
3 rd
Dec
23°C (73°F)73°F (23°C)
7°C (45°F)45°F (7°C)
2 rd
High / low, both scales · rd = rain days
Arrive & moveAirports are listed under At a glance; this is how to move once you are in
Arrive & move
Airports are listed under At a glance; this is how to move once you are in
Getting around
Minivans run fixed routes around the city and to nearby villages; tuk-tuks are everywhere and a short hop should cost ₹10–20, though drivers often open at ₹100 — agree the fare first. App cabs exist but are thin on the ground. For the valley, hire a car with driver for the day rather than relying on buses.
Nearest full guides
Straight-line distance, not travel time
See & doDay-trips, door to door
See & do
Day-trips, door to door
Day-trips
Lamphelpat
goDoor to door: About 30–45 min
Auto or minivan from the centre, short run south-west
Suburban half-day; pair it with the museum rather than making it the whole plan.
Andro
goDoor to door: About 1 h
Car with driver east of Imphal, about 25 km (16 mi)Car with driver east of Imphal, about 16 mi (25 km)
Village with a pottery tradition and a small heritage site; go in daylight and return before dusk.
Kakching
cautionDoor to door: About 1.5 h
Car or bus south through the valley
Valley town; check the road and local situation the day before.
Moirang
goDoor to door: About 1.5 h
Car south-west, about 45 km (28 mi)Car south-west, about 28 mi (45 km)
Loktak Lake and the INA museum; a full day, back before dark.
Thoubal
cautionDoor to door: About 1 h
Car or bus south-east, about 25 km (16 mi)Car or bus south-east, about 16 mi (25 km)
Khongjom war memorial is out this way; check access first.
Bishnupur, Manipur
goDoor to door: About 1.5 h
Car south-west along the valley road
Temple town near Loktak; combine with Moirang in one day.
Eat & sleepWhich area to sleep in
Eat & sleep
Which area to sleep in
Where to sleep
Areas, not hotels: pick the one that fits your arrival time and plans.
Central Imphal (MG Avenue / Paona Bazar)
Walk to Ima Keithel, Paona market and Kangla's west gate; most budget hotels and the bus stop are here.
North AOC
Quieter, mid-range and upmarket hotels, a short auto ride from the centre.
Near Kangla / Thangmeiband
Close to the fort and the state museum; good for a short stay without a car.
PracticalWhat a day costs, what to watch out for, and the pocket card
Practical
What a day costs, what to watch out for, and the pocket card
Cost per day
- Budget
- ₹1,200–2,500 (≈ US$14–30) excl. bed
- Mid
- ₹2,500–5,000 (≈ US$30–60) excl. bed
- High
- ₹5,000 (≈ US$60)+ excl. bed
Trip budget
| Double room, mid-range hotel1 × 2 nights × ₹3,000 | ₹6,000 |
| Food, local transport, entries2 × 2 days × ₹3,500 | ₹14,000 |
| Car with driver, one valley day1 × ₹3,500 · check | ₹3,500 |
| eSIM, about a week of data2 × ₹900 | ₹1,800 |
| Buffer 10%Price creep, a taxi you did not plan, one splurge | ₹2,530 |
| Trip total≈ ₹6,960 per person per day, bed included | ₹27,830≈ US$350 |
2026 estimate in rupees; flights excluded. Your choices stay in this browser.
Prices of common things
| Tea (chai) at a stall | ₹10–20 (≈ under US$1) |
| Thali or rice meal at a budget restaurant | ₹80–200 (≈ US$1–3) |
| Bamboo-shoot dish with rice | ₹150–350 (≈ US$2–4) |
| Kangla Fort entry | ₹10 (≈ under US$1) Indians / ₹50 (≈ under US$1) foreigners |
| eSIM or data SIM, about a week | ₹500–1,200 (≈ US$6–14) |
2026 estimate; check locally.
Watch out
Safety
- Manipur has had long-running armed conflict. Imphal city is generally fine for travellers, but the rural and hill areas around it are not; do not go out there at night, and police may turn you back.
- Risk of violence rises on Indian national days (26 Jan, 15 Aug) and around elections — keep city plans flexible then.
- Alcohol is officially banned in Manipur. It is sold quietly at inflated prices; buying it is a legal risk, not a bargain.
- Road access from Nagaland and Assam can be cut by blockades or landslides: confirm the route is open before you commit to a bus.
- Mobile internet shutdowns have been used in the state; download offline maps and keep cash before you travel.
Emergency numbers
- All services (police, fire, ambulance)
- 112
- Police
- 100
- Ambulance
- 108
Pocket card
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Imphalꯏꯝꯐꯥꯜ
Pocket card · Voykit
My bed tonight
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—
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ꯃꯁꯤꯒꯤ ꯃꯐꯝꯗ ꯄꯨꯕꯤꯌꯨTo this address, please
Emergency
- All services112
- Police100
- Ambulance108
Embassy
No embassies in Imphal; the nearest consulates and embassies are in Kolkata or New Delhi — check before you travel.
My embassy: —
Fare anchors (2026 estimate)
- IMF airport → city centre, taxi: ₹400–700 (≈ US$5–8), 20–30 min
- Car with driver, valley day: about ₹3,000–4,000 (≈ US$35–50)
Say or show
- ꯈꯨꯔꯨꯝꯖꯔꯤ — Hello (khurumjari)
- ꯊꯥꯒꯠꯆꯔꯤ — Thank you (thagatchari)
- ꯀꯌꯥꯝ ꯐꯤ? — How much is it? (kayam phi)
- ꯇꯣꯏꯂꯦꯠ ꯀꯗꯥꯏꯗ ꯂꯩ? — Where is the toilet? (toilet kadaida lei)
Meitei (Manipuri) is the local language; English is widely understood in the city.
Deep diveWhat this guide covers so far, and its sources
Deep dive
What this guide covers so far, and its sources
Not a trip line yet
This is a basic guide: no airport-to-bed contract, walking clusters or day plans are published for Imphal. Airport, fare and schedule details are unverified; check the operators before you fly.
What we know, and what is coming
On this page
- Best months: Oct–Mar · avoid Jun–Aug (monsoon peak), and national days 26 Jan and 15 Aug for movement outside the centre · month by month →
- 1 airport and 3 areas to sleep in
- Weather: a 7-day forecast and monthly averages
- Cost per day in 3 bands
- 6 day-trips, door to door
- 5 things to watch out for, with emergency numbers
Coming as the guide grows
- Airport-to-bed contract for IMF: prepaid taxi desk hours, app-cab fallback, first-night rung near MG Avenue.
- Four walking clusters with rescue anchors: Kangla and the museum, Ima Keithel and Paona Bazar, North AOC, Thangmeiband.
- Place pages with verified cutoffs (Kangla Fort, Manipur State Museum, Shree Govindajee Temple, Ima Keithel) and eat pages with last orders.
- Valley day-trip fixtures with a road-status check and a daylight-return rule, so gates A–D can go green.