Rising like a crimson phoenix from the heart of Imphal, Kangla Fort is the soul of Manipur – a 2,000-year-old fortified citadel that served as the royal seat of the Meitei kings from 33 CE until the British occupation in 1891. Spanning 237 acres along the Imphal River, this UNESCO Asia-Pacific Heritage site features the reconstructed Kangla Palace, the sacred Pakhangba Temple, a moat once home to Sangai deer, and the world’s only Polo Ground where the British learned the game from Manipuri princes. A living museum of Meitei culture, Kangla blends ancient ruins, colonial barracks, and vibrant festivals. For visitors to indiatourisminfo.com, it is Manipur’s ultimate heritage experience. With 2025 AR-guided tours and the Kangla Day celebrations, this “Fort of the Dragon” is an unmissable destination for history lovers, culture seekers, and travellers craving the Northeast’s royal legacy.
Key Attractions
Kangla Palace – reconstructed red-brick royal residence
Pakhangba Temple – dragon-shaped shrine of the Meitei deity
Nungjeng Lake & Moat – once housed Sangai deer
Kangla Museum – 1,000+ artefacts & royal regalia
British Coronation Stone – 1891 surrender site
Polo Ground – birthplace of modern polo
Hijagang – ancient boat-shaped coronation hall
Things to Do
Walk the palace corridors with AR audio guide (2025)
Attend Kangla Day – Meitei rituals & polo match (Nov 15, 2025)
Photography at the dragon-shaped Pakhangba Temple
Watch Lai Haraoba dance at the open-air theatre
Visit the museum’s 16th-century royal throne
Try Eromba & Chakluk at the heritage food court
Local Culture and History
Kangla was the capital of the Ningthouja dynasty; the name means “dry land” in old Meitei. It was occupied by the British in 1891 and returned to Manipur in 2004. The 2025 AR tour, promoted by Manipur Tourism and X posts, brings the 33 CE ruins to life.
Best Time to Visit
Open 9 AM–5 PM (closed Mon), with November to February (winter, 5–25°C) ideal for Kangla Day and pleasant walks. March to May offers clear skies. June to October (monsoon) brings lush greenery.
How to Reach
By Air: Imphal Airport (8 km). Taxis ~₹300–500.
By Train: Dimapur (200 km) or Jiribam (220 km).
By Road: Imphal city centre (1 km). Autos ~₹50, walkable.
Local Transport: E-rickshaws (~₹30)
Travel Tips
Booking: Entry ~₹20; AR guide ~₹100 (2025)
Cost: Food ~₹100–300; taxi from airport ~₹300–500
Dress: Modest; remove shoes at temples
Safety: Secure valuables; follow marked paths
Respect Local Culture: Silence at Pakhangba Temple
Connectivity: Good 4G; Wi-Fi at museum
Environment: No plastic; use bins
Accessibility: Wheelchair ramps at main areas
Nearby Attractions
Loktak Lake (48 km) – floating phumdis
INA Memorial (45 km) – WWII site
Ima Keithel (2 km) – women’s market
Shri Govindajee Temple (1 km)
Manipur State Museum (1 km)
Explore More
Discover other Manipur & Northeast gems like Loktak Lake’s floating islands or Dawki’s crystal river on our Northeast destinations page. Plan your royal fort journey with indiatourisminfo.com today!
