Chandel
Border District: Chandel is a strategically important district sharing a long international border with Myanmar, known for its ethnic diversity. Cultural Mosaic: It is home to various tribes including the Anal, Maring, and Lamkang, each with unique traditions and colorful attire. War History: The re gion saw significant action during World War II and later became a gateway for Indo-Myanmar trade through the town of Moreh. Ecological Wealth: Known for its dense forests, it houses rare flora including exotic orchids and medicinal herbs found only in this hilly terrain.
General information
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Ideal Duration:
2 DaysPlace Type:
Border Tourism, NatureEntry Fees:
Entry to Chandel: There is no fee to enter the district, but travelers must carry valid ID for security checks at various police checkpoints.
Moreh Border Fee: Crossing into Tamu requires a nominal fee for a day pass (around 20-50 depending ...Entry to Chandel: There is no fee to enter the district, but travelers must carry valid ID for security checks at various police checkpoints.
Moreh Border Fee: Crossing into Tamu requires a nominal fee for a day pass (around 20-50 depending on the current border policy).
Sanctuary Entry: The forest department may charge a small fee of 30-100 for entering protected wildlife zones for trekking or photography.
Photography Fee: At the border, professional photography equipment might require special permission from the security forces (Assam Rifles).Timing:
Market Timings: The border markets at Moreh and Namphalong are most active from 7:00 AM to 4:00 PM Indian Standard Time.
Ideal Visit Time: The best time to cross the border is early morning (8 AM) to ensure you have enough time to return bef...Market Timings: The border markets at Moreh and Namphalong are most active from 7:00 AM to 4:00 PM Indian Standard Time.
Ideal Visit Time: The best time to cross the border is early morning (8 AM) to ensure you have enough time to return before the gate closes.
Sanctuary Hours: It is recommended to visit the wildlife areas between 7:00 AM and 3:00 PM for safety and visibility within the dense forests.
Border Gate: The Indo-Myanmar gate usually opens at 7:30 AM and closes by 4:30 PM, so plan your return accordingly to avoid delays.Special Events:
Chandel Cultural Fest: An annual gathering where all tribes of the district showcase their traditional dances, music, and ethnic food in December.
Moreh Trade Fair: Periodic events held at the border to promote friendship and commerce betwee...Chandel Cultural Fest: An annual gathering where all tribes of the district showcase their traditional dances, music, and ethnic food in December.
Moreh Trade Fair: Periodic events held at the border to promote friendship and commerce between India and Myanmar through cultural exchange.
Christmas: The most widely celebrated festival in the hills, where villages are decorated with lights and community feasts are organized for everyone.
Harvest Festival: Celebrated by different tribes at various times (like Lui-Ngai-Ni in February) to mark the beginning of the sowing season.Best Photo Spots:
Friendship Gate: The iconic yellow and green gate at the border is a must-have photo for travelers to signify their international journey.
Tengnoupal Viewpoint: Best for wide-angle landscape shots of the Manipur valley, especially when the c...Friendship Gate: The iconic yellow and green gate at the border is a must-have photo for travelers to signify their international journey.
Tengnoupal Viewpoint: Best for wide-angle landscape shots of the Manipur valley, especially when the clouds are below the hill level.
Tamu Pagoda: The golden spires and intricate carvings of the Burmese temples provide a stark and beautiful contrast to the Naga hills.
Tribal Market: Capture the colorful textiles and the expressive faces of the elderly tribal women selling exotic fruits and forest vegetables.Photo Gallery
Things To Do
@@Details:The Tengnoupal Town is a high-altitude settlement that serves as the administrative headquarters of the newly formed Tengnoupal district, formerly part of Chandel. Perched at the crest of the hills, the town offers a cool climate year-round and serves as a vital transit point for trade between India and Myanmar. The town's name is derived from the "Tengnou" cactus, which was historically used as a defensive fence against invaders. Its history is steeped in military significance, having been a major defense post during the Anglo-Kuki War and World War II. The streets of the town are lined with vibrant markets selling a mix of Indian and Southeast Asian goods. The population is a diverse mix of tribes, predominantly Kuki, Naga, and Meitei, creating a multicultural atmosphere. The town is also a spiritual center, with several beautiful churches and temples that reflect the religious diversity of the region. From various vantage points in the town, one can see the lush valleys of Manipur on one side and the dense forests leading to Myanmar on the other. The town acts as a cooling station for weary travelers heading to the border town of Moreh. The local cuisine is a highlight, featuring spicy tribal stews and fermented bamboo shoot delicacies. Tengnoupal is not just a transit hub; it is a symbol of the resilience and strategic importance of the hill people of Manipur. Its elevation ensures that it remains misty and atmospheric, especially during the monsoon and winter months, making it a favorite for those who love mountain scenery.
@@Sub Place Details: Kapaam Village, widely known by its other name Komlathabi, is one of the most developed and culturally vibrant villages in Chandel. It is the primary home of the Monsang tribe, a community known for its high literacy rates and rich musical heritage. The village is beautifully laid out with well-maintained gardens, clean streets, and a mix of traditional and modern houses. It serves as an educational hub for the surrounding areas, housing several schools and a college. The Monsang people refer to themselves as "Sirti," meaning southerners, and they have a distinct language and history that they take great pride in. Visitors to Kapaam are often struck by the community's organized lifestyle and their success in blending tribal customs with modern education. The village is surrounded by fertile plains and hills, making it a scenic spot for a day trip. It is a place where one can observe the positive evolution of tribal society in Northeast India while still enjoying traditional hospitality and cultural performances.
@@Loushi Waterfall is one of the most magnificent yet underrated natural attractions in the Chandel district. It cascades down from a significant height over dark, moss-covered basalt rocks, creating a misty atmosphere that cools the surrounding area. The waterfall is seasonal in its full glory, turning into a thunderous roar during the peak of the monsoon, while remaining a gentle, silvery thread during the winter months. The path to the waterfall involves a moderate trek through a canopy of tropical trees and bamboo thickets, offering a true adventure for hiking enthusiasts. As you approach the falls, the sound of crashing water grows louder, and the air becomes noticeably cooler. The pool at the base of the waterfall is shallow and surrounded by large boulders, making it a popular spot for locals to relax and cool off during the summer. The surrounding forest is rich in biodiversity, and it is not uncommon to see colorful butterflies and rare orchids hanging from the trees. Loushi Waterfall represents the raw, untouched beauty of Manipur’s southeastern hills, providing a perfect escape for those looking to disconnect from urban chaos and reconnect with nature.
@@Details:Bazaar Significance:The Chandel Bazaar serves as the primary economic and social hub for the over 20 indigenous tribes of the district, including the Anal, Kuki, Thadou, and Moyon communities. It is a vital spot where local produce, essential goods, and traditional crafts are traded. The market is a key place for cultural exchange, where the vibrant life and traditions of the border district of Manipur converge. Its location on the main road makes it a crucial link for goods coming from Imphal and going towards the international border town of Moreh. The market provides a window into the daily rhythm of the locals, offering a rich, sensory experience of tribal life and commerce near the border region of India.
@@Details:The Maring Stronghold: Unapal Village is famous for being one of the primary settlements of the Maring tribe, one of the oldest ethnic groups in Manipur. The village is perched on a ridge that offers breathtaking views of the eastern hills bordering Myanmar. What sets Unapal apart is its unique cultural identity; the Maring people have preserved their distinct dialect and traditional customs despite the influence of modernity. The village is known for its discipline and the deep respect for elders that is woven into the social fabric. A walk through Unapal reveals neatly arranged houses, often with black-painted wooden pillars which are a traditional sign of the Maring clan. The environment is pristine, with air so fresh it feels rejuvenating. Agriculture is the mainstay here, and the sight of terrace farms cascading down the slopes is a visual treat for travelers. The village also has a strong musical tradition, with folk instruments like the Pung and Siam still being played during community gatherings. Visiting Unapal provides an opportunity to see a part of India that remains largely untouched by the typical tourist trail. The tranquility of the place makes it ideal for meditation and nature walks.
@@Details:Khoupum Hill Station is a breathtakingly beautiful destination nestled in the heart of the Khoupum Valley. This place is the second largest valley in Manipur and is predominantly inhabited by the Rongmei tribe. The area is a perfect blend of natural splendor and cultural richness. Visitors are greeted by lush green hills, expansive paddy fields, and the serene Khoupum Dam. The valley is surrounded by a ring of hills that look like a natural fortress. This spot is ideal for those who want to escape the noise of urban life and immerse themselves in a peaceful environment. The local community is very welcoming and offers a glimpse into their traditional lifestyle. The valley also houses the Khouduang waterfall, which is a major attraction. The air here is crisp and fresh, making it a healthy retreat. Over the years, it has become a popular spot for picnics and nature photography. The landscape changes with the seasons, offering a new look every few months. It is truly a paradise for nature lovers and soul seekers.:
@@Nungba Village (on the Chandel side) is a strategic and picturesque settlement located in the southern reaches of the district. This village serves as a vital link between the central highlands and the remote southern valleys bordering Churachandpur. The village is inhabited by a mix of tribes, predominantly the Zou and Kuki communities, who have lived in harmony for generations. The geography here is marked by rolling hills and small river valleys that provide fertile ground for the cultivation of hill rice and diverse vegetables. Unlike the more commercialized parts of the state, Nungba retains a very traditional and quiet atmosphere. The village is organized around a central church and a community hall, which are the focal points of social life. Life in Nungba is a testament to the resilience of the hill people, who have adapted to the rugged terrain with ingenious farming and building techniques. For a traveler, it offers a sense of total isolation and peace, making it an ideal spot for "slow travel." The surrounding forests are still relatively unexplored, hiding small caves and seasonal streams that only the locals know about.Show All
@@Details:District Headquarters: Chandel Town is the administrative headquarters of the Chandel District, one of the nine districts of Manipur. It is often referred to locally by its former name, Lamka. Located along the Indo-Myanmar border route (NH-39/SH-10), it is a vital transit point and a microcosm of the entire district's diversity. The town is home to the district administration, government offices, and the main commercial centers like the Chandel Bazaar. The population is highly diverse, representing over 20 indigenous tribes such as the Anal, Moyon, Thadou, and Maring, along with Meiteis and non-Manipuri communities, giving it a unique, vibrant, and multicultural character.Information
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Why Famous:
Moreh Town: A bustling commercial hub where you can cross into Tamu in Myanmar for a day of international shopping.
Yangoupokpi Sanctuary: A massive wildlife sanctuary home to the rare Green Peafowl and various species of primates and leopar...Moreh Town: A bustling commercial hub where you can cross into Tamu in Myanmar for a day of international shopping.
Yangoupokpi Sanctuary: A massive wildlife sanctuary home to the rare Green Peafowl and various species of primates and leopards.
Tengnoupal: The highest point on the Imphal-Moreh road, offering a breathtaking bird's eye view of the entire Manipur valley.
Maring Villages: Known for their unique "blackened teeth" tradition and exquisite bamboo basketry, offering a deep dive into tribal heritage. -
Architecture:
Tribal Huts: The architecture is dominated by traditional stilt houses made of bamboo and wood, designed to suit the hilly, rainy landscape.
Moreh Gate: The Indo-Myanmar Friendship Gate is a simple yet symbolic RCC structure marking the inte...Tribal Huts: The architecture is dominated by traditional stilt houses made of bamboo and wood, designed to suit the hilly, rainy landscape.
Moreh Gate: The Indo-Myanmar Friendship Gate is a simple yet symbolic RCC structure marking the international boundary between the two nations.
Church Designs: Many villages feature modern stone and timber churches that reflect the influence of Christian missionaries in the late 19th century.
Village Layouts: Settlements are typically built on ridge tops for defensive purposes, with houses arranged around a central communal courtyard area. -
How To Reach:
By Air: Fly to Imphal International Airport and then hire a private SUV for the 3-hour journey to the Chandel district headquarters.
By Train: No direct rail connection; the nearest station is Dimapur, from where you must travel by road via... -
Near Tourist Places:
1. Moreh (20 KM), 2. Tamu, Myanmar (22 KM), 3. Tengnoupal (20 KM), 4. Yangoupokpi (25 KM), 5. Imphal (64 KM), 6. Kakching (35 KM), 7. Thoubal (45 KM), 8. Pallel (18 KM), 9. Wangjing (40 KM), 10. Indo-Myanmar Gate (21 KM)
Tourism Tips
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Health and Safety: This is a border region with high security; always carry your Aadhaar or Passport and follow the instructions of the Assam Rifles.
Packing: Carry high-SPF sunscreen, sturdy hiking boots for the forest, and a basic first-a...
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Information about New and Updated Locations(477+) of Manipur Has Been Added :-
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Sakti FallsSophi VillageTolloi VillageTummu VillageWanglei PeakWanglei VillageKhayang WaterfallsLairok Maru Lairok Maru Peak Sirohi National ParkAkham Khou Azuram Community ReservesBarak WaterfallsBuning MeadowDailong VillageDevpriya HillDilji WaterfallDuithailong VillageMore PlacesNote:-
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