Pumlen Pat
Detailed Description: Pumlen Pat is the second largest freshwater lake in Manipur, often overshadowed by its famous sibling, Loktak, yet it possesses a raw and untamed beauty that is uniquely its own. Spanning across a vast area, the lake is a complex ecosystem of open water, marshy reed beds, and f loating islands of organic matter. The lake is central to the livelihoods of thousands of people living in the peripheral villages, who depend on it for fishing and the collection of edible aquatic plants. Unlike more commercialized lakes, Pumlen Pat offers a sense of vastness and isolation that is hard to find elsewhere. The water is remarkably clear in many sections, reflecting the towering hills that border the southern reaches of the Thoubal district. It serves as a critical wintering ground for several species of endangered water birds, making it a hotspot for conservationists. The landscape changes dramatically with the seasons; during the monsoon, the lake expands to its full glory, while the winter reveals intricate networks of channels used by fishermen. The presence of 'Phumdis' here is significant, and they are used by locals to create 'Athaphums' for traditional aquaculture. Visiting this lake is like stepping back in time to an era where the environment remained largely untouched by modern development. It is a place of profound silence, broken only by the splash of an oar or the call of a distant bird. For those who appreciate off-the-beaten-path destinations, Pumlen Pat is an essential stop in Manipur.
General information
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Ideal Duration:
5 to 7 HoursPlace Type:
Lake & NatureEntry Fees:
Free Access: There is no official entry fee to visit the lake area as it is a public natural resource.
Guided Boat Trips: Expect to pay around 500 Rupees for a comprehensive 2-hour guided boat tour into the interior sections. ...Free Access: There is no official entry fee to visit the lake area as it is a public natural resource.
Guided Boat Trips: Expect to pay around 500 Rupees for a comprehensive 2-hour guided boat tour into the interior sections.Timing:
Regular Hours: Open all day, but for safety reasons, it is best visited between 05:30 AM and 05:30 PM.
Ideal Visit Time: The months of December and January offer the clearest skies and the highest concentration of migratory birds. ...Regular Hours: Open all day, but for safety reasons, it is best visited between 05:30 AM and 05:30 PM.
Ideal Visit Time: The months of December and January offer the clearest skies and the highest concentration of migratory birds.Special Events:
Pumlen Festival: Local youth clubs occasionally organize rowing competitions and folk song festivals on the banks during the spring.
Hiyangei Festival: Observed in November, this is a time when special rituals are performed by the lakeside f...Pumlen Festival: Local youth clubs occasionally organize rowing competitions and folk song festivals on the banks during the spring.
Hiyangei Festival: Observed in November, this is a time when special rituals are performed by the lakeside for the prosperity of the fishermen.Best Photo Spots:
The Hill-View Point: The southern bank offers a stunning perspective where the lake water meets the base of the emerald hills.
Morning Mist Shots: Capture the ethereal beauty of the lake at 05:30 AM when the mist clings to the floating islan...The Hill-View Point: The southern bank offers a stunning perspective where the lake water meets the base of the emerald hills.
Morning Mist Shots: Capture the ethereal beauty of the lake at 05:30 AM when the mist clings to the floating islands.
The Flower Beds: The edges of the lake filled with blooming lotuses provide a vibrant foreground for landscape shots.Photo Gallery
Things To Do
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Canoe Exploration: Hire a local boat to explore the deeper reaches of the lake where the water is most pristine.
Bird Photography: Set up a tripod on the banks to capture images of the rare Brown-winged Kingfisher or the Lesser Whistling Teal.
Rural Immersion: Spend time in the nearby Hiyanglam village to see how the locals process dried fish, a staple of Manipuri cuisine.
Botanical Study: Identify the various species of reeds and grasses that make up the floating islands.
Picnicking: The elevated banks near the southern end provide perfect spots for a quiet family picnic with a view.
Angling: Join the locals in traditional rod-and-line fishing in the designated community zones.
Information
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Why Famous:
Biodiversity Hub: It is famous for being a sanctuary for rare aquatic species and as a vital part of the Manipur river basin's hydrological cycle.
Scenic Grandeur: The lake is renowned for its vast open vistas and the dramatic backdrop of th...Biodiversity Hub: It is famous for being a sanctuary for rare aquatic species and as a vital part of the Manipur river basin's hydrological cycle.
Scenic Grandeur: The lake is renowned for its vast open vistas and the dramatic backdrop of the Chandel hills. -
Architecture:
Aquatic Landscape Architecture: The "architecture" of the lake is defined by the natural arrangement of floating islands and the human-made structures that interact with them.
Floating Homesteads: Unique to this region are the small huts bui...Aquatic Landscape Architecture: The "architecture" of the lake is defined by the natural arrangement of floating islands and the human-made structures that interact with them.
Floating Homesteads: Unique to this region are the small huts built on the larger Phumdis, which are roughly 15x20 feet in size, constructed using lightweight reeds and bamboo to ensure they don't sink.
Traditional Weir Systems: The architectural layout of the fishing traps, known as 'Kabo-loo', involves intricate bamboo lattices placed strategically in water channels, some extending over 50 feet in length. -
How To Reach:
By Air: Reach Imphal Airport, followed by a 2-hour drive via the Mayai Lambi road or the main Thoubal highway.
By Train: Use Dimapur station as the railhead, then travel by bus/taxi to Thoubal and onward to the lake.
Read More -
Near Tourist Places:
1. Kakching Garden (15 KM), 2. Sugnu (20 KM), 3. Ikop Pat (10 KM), 4. Khongjom Memorial (25 KM), 5. Arong Dam (12 KM), 6. Wabagai (8 KM), 7. Waikhong (5 KM), 8. Serou (30 KM), 9. Loktak Lake (35 KM), 10. Thoubal River (12 KM)
Tourism Tips
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Health and Safety: Ensure you are accompanied by a local guide when venturing deep into the lake, as the water channels can be confusing.
Packing Tips: Carry a good quality sunblock and a hat, as the sun's reflection off the water can be qui...
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