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Loktak Lake

Loktak Lake

Manipur

Loktak Lake is the largest freshwater lake in Northeast India, famous for its phumdis — floating islands of vegetation that dot the water like a green patchwork.

State
Manipur
Type
Other
Best season
Winter
Things to do
2+

Loktak Lake is the largest freshwater lake in Northeast India, famous for its phumdis — floating islands of vegetation that dot the water like a green patchwork. Near Moirang in Manipur, it has become an emerging offbeat destination for travellers seeking surreal landscapes far from the mainstream trail. The lake is home to the only floating national park in the world (Keibul Lamjao, refuge of the rare Sangai deer) and to fishing communities who live on the phumdis. Homestays on the lakeshore, sunrise boat rides and birdwatching make it a quiet, photogenic stop in India's far east.

When to go

October to March brings pleasant weather and clear skies. Monsoon raises water levels and brings heavy rain.

Why visit

The floating mats on the water are phumdi — rings of matted vegetation thick enough to build a hut on, and thick enough for deer to walk across. Keibul Lamjao on the southern shore is the only floating national park anywhere, and the sangai deer living on it number a few hundred in total.

Cultural notes

Loktak is central to Manipuri life and legend, sustaining fishing communities who live on the floating phumdis. Nearby Moirang holds significance in Indian independence history.

How to reach

Nearest airport: Imphal (~45 km). Drive from Imphal to Moirang and the Loktak/Sendra viewpoint area; local boats run from the shore.

Loktak Lake guide & itineraries

Popular attractions

The places in Loktak Lake most people come for.

Keibul Lamjao National Park

Keibul Lamjao National Park

Attraction

Sendra Viewpoint

Sendra Viewpoint

Viewpoint

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