Ikop Lake
Legendary Love Story: Ikop Lake (Ikop Pat) is famous for its deep cultural relevance, being the legendary setting for the heroic feat of Khamba (capturing a wild bull) to win the love of Thoibi, the celebrated couple in Meitei folklore from Moirang. Ecological Status: Once a sprawling freshwater lak e (up to 13.5 sq. km in rainy season) and a haven for migratory birds, it has unfortunately faced severe human pressure, encroachment, and pollution (high acidity/alkalinity and siltation). It is currently a site of significant conservation concern.
General information
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Ideal Duration:
1-2 hoursPlace Type:
Lake, Cultural/Legendary Site, Conservation SiteEntry Fees:
Admission: Free for general viewing and access to the public banks.
Fishing Permits: Local co-operatives manage fishing; any commercial or extensive fishing will require permission and fees. ...Admission: Free for general viewing and access to the public banks.
Fishing Permits: Local co-operatives manage fishing; any commercial or extensive fishing will require permission and fees.Timing:
Regular Timings: Accessible from Sunrise to Sunset (5:30 AM to 6:00 PM).
Ideal Visit Time: November to February when the weather is dry and mild, and the water level is stable. Early morning for photography and birding. ...Regular Timings: Accessible from Sunrise to Sunset (5:30 AM to 6:00 PM).
Ideal Visit Time: November to February when the weather is dry and mild, and the water level is stable. Early morning for photography and birding.Special Events:
Local Fishing Festivals: Events related to the fishing cycles or cooperative society gatherings often occur, celebrating the bounty of the lake before the current environmental decline.
Cultural Recitations: Sometimes, local groups may perfo...Local Fishing Festivals: Events related to the fishing cycles or cooperative society gatherings often occur, celebrating the bounty of the lake before the current environmental decline.
Cultural Recitations: Sometimes, local groups may perform dramatic or musical recitations of the Khamba and Thoibi epic near the site.Best Photo Spots:
Lake Expanse: Capture the vastness of the lake, juxtaposing the water with the distant hills and floating patches of vegetation (phumdis).
Traditional Boats: Photos of the distinctive, slender local boats used by fishermen offer a great cult...Lake Expanse: Capture the vastness of the lake, juxtaposing the water with the distant hills and floating patches of vegetation (phumdis).
Traditional Boats: Photos of the distinctive, slender local boats used by fishermen offer a great cultural element.
Wetlands Flora: Close-ups of the specific aquatic plants like Hydrilla verticillata and Azolla pinnata that dominate the lake's flora.Photo Gallery
Things To Do
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Legendary Site Exploration: Visit the lake's banks to reflect on the Khamba and Thoibi legend and its cultural importance.
Conservation Awareness: Observe the environmental challenges firsthand to appreciate the need for local and governmental conservation efforts.
Photography: Capture the wide expanse of the water and the traditional fishing activities, especially the small boats.
Bird Watching: Look for water birds, particularly during the winter migration season.
Interacting with Fishermen: Speak to the local fishing cooperative societies to understand their dependence on the lake and the environmental issues they face.
Sunset Viewing: The open horizon over the water provides a beautiful backd...
Information
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Why Famous:
Khamba and Thoibi Legend: Most famous for its central role in the epic love saga of Khamba and Thoibi, making it a literary and cultural pilgrimage site for the Meitei people.
Historical Waterbody: It is one of the important, ancient natural...Khamba and Thoibi Legend: Most famous for its central role in the epic love saga of Khamba and Thoibi, making it a literary and cultural pilgrimage site for the Meitei people.
Historical Waterbody: It is one of the important, ancient natural lakes of the Manipur valley. -
Architecture:
Saucer-Shaped Basin: The natural "architecture" is its physiography—a shallow, saucer-shaped basin with a gentle slope and a heavily silted bottom.
Dimension and Degradation: Originally about 7. 5 km long and 1. 8 km wide, its surface area...Saucer-Shaped Basin: The natural "architecture" is its physiography—a shallow, saucer-shaped basin with a gentle slope and a heavily silted bottom.
Dimension and Degradation: Originally about 7. 5 km long and 1. 8 km wide, its surface area (13. 5 sq. km) and max depth (1. 59 m) have dramatically reduced due to encroachment and pollution, impacting its volume and biodiversity. -
How To Reach:
By Air: Nearest airport is Imphal International Airport (IMF) (approx. 50 KMS). Take a pre-booked taxi or local transport to Khangabok or Athokpam where the lake is situated.
By Train: Nearest major railhead is Dimapur Railway Station (app... -
Near Tourist Places:
1. Khongjom War Memorial (17 KMS) 2. Arong Dam (5 KMS) 3. Waithou Lake (8 KMS) 4. Thoubal Bazar (12 KMS) 5. Khangabok Town (Nearby) 6. Kakching Hill (30 KMS) 7. Loktak Lake (40 KMS) 8. Moirang (45 KMS) 9. Pumlen Lake (20 KMS) 10. People's Museum Thoubal (12 KMS)
Tourism Tips
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Health & Safety: The water is polluted, so DO NOT swim or drink the lake water. Be careful of uneven and marshy ground near the banks.
Packing Essentials: Binoculars for bird-watching, good walking shoes, and a light jacket for the evenings...
Reviews
Information about New and Updated Locations(477+) of Manipur Has Been Added :-
Card subtitle
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:-
Information provided here in good Faith and for reference only.
All information and pictures will be updated soon, please keep visiting.
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