How To Reach Manipur

Manipur is one of the most precious jewels in the crown of northeast India and is surrounded by other popular tourist destinations like Myanmar to the east, Assam to the west, Mizoram to the south and Nagaland to the north. The state’s enticing mix of culture and tradition makes it a hotspot for tourists looking to delve deep into India’s north-eastern history. The beautiful scenic landscapes of Manipur are a treat for sore eyes, and the people of the region will make you coming back for more with their ardent hospitality. To know how to reach Manipur, read our recommendations about the most convenient ways to do so.

When planning your trip to Manipur, begin your travels in Imphal, the capital of the state. Visitors can book their domestic flight to Imphal Tulihal Airport, which is situated about 8 km away from the city centre and has regular flights connecting it to various cities across India, which include Delhi, Kolkata, Guwahati, Hyderabad etc. There are plenty of things to see in Imphal, from where you can continue your journey via road to other parts of the state. Both private and public transportation is easily available everywhere, making it easy and convenient for travellers to commute within Manipur.

There are no direct railway lines that run to and within Manipur. Nonetheless, since a lot of tourists prefer to travel by railways in India, they can reach Imphal by catching a train to either Guwahati or Dimapur. The Dimapur Railway Station is located about 200 km away from Imphal, and connects to Delhi and Guwahati via several different trains. The passengers arriving at the station can catch a bus or taxi from the station to Imphal, which is located about 7 to 8 hours away, or to other regions across Manipur. From Guwahati Railway Station, Imphal is located much farther away at almost 500 km.

The road network that leads to Imphal from neighbouring cities is pretty impressive. Travellers can choose to get onto a bus, hire a private taxi or even drive themselves to Imphal, especially if travelling through the scenic routes of Dimapur or Guwahati. If getting a private taxi seems expensive, there are a number of economical private bus options that allow for relatively cheaper travel but comfortable journeys within the state. A number of state-run buses commute between Imphal and neighbouring towns of Dimapur, Kohima, Agartala, Aizwal, Itanagar and Shillong. Daily buses from Dimapur and Guwahati ply NH 2 and NH 27, 29 and 2 respectively to take tourists back and forth to Imphal.

Local transportation is easily available in most parts of Manipur, both public and private. Buses are a great way to travel locally if you are on a budget, but there are private taxis available for hire as well. There are minivans that run here regularly to take you around common routes and even to some villages. Tuktuks are very common in the bigger towns, especially Imphal, and can take you around for short trips for just Rs.10-20.