Stretching like a shimmering mirror across 287 sq km of Manipur’s Bishnupur valley, Loktak Lake is the largest freshwater lake in Northeast India – a surreal world of floating biomass islands called phumdis, traditional fisherman huts, and the planet’s only floating national park, Keibul Lamjao, home to the endangered brow-antlered Sangai deer. Just 48 km from Imphal, this Ramsar wetland pulses with life: fishermen paddle between circular phumdi fish farms, migratory birds flock to the water’s edge, and the iconic Sendra Island offers panoramic sunset views. A living, breathing ecosystem unlike Dawki’s crystal clarity, Loktak blends nature, culture, and conservation. For visitors to indiatourisminfo.com, it is Manipur’s beating heart. With 2025 eco-boat tours and the Sangai Festival, this “Floating Lake” is an unmissable destination for wildlife lovers, photographers, and travellers seeking India’s hidden Northeast.
Key Attractions
Phumdi Islands – floating biomass, some 20 ft thick
Keibul Lamjao National Park – world’s only floating sanctuary
Sangai Deer – Manipur’s state animal, only 260 left
Sendra Island – hilltop viewpoint & tourist park
INA Memorial – WWII Japanese bunker complex
Thanga Village – traditional fishing community
Moirang – ancient Ishaal music & WW2 museum
Things to Do
Boat ride through phumdi maze (~₹800–1500, 2 hrs)
Spot Sangai deer from Keibul Lamjao watchtower
Visit Sendra at sunset for 360° lake views
Attend Manipur Sangai Festival – deer dance & culture (Nov 21–30, 2025)
Stay in a floating homestay on a phumdi
Photography of circular fish farms & migratory birds
Try Eromba & Ngari at Thanga stalls
Local Culture and History
Loktak is the lifeline of the Meitei people – phumdis are harvested for fuel, fish, and even houses. The lake powers the 105 MW Loktak Hydro Project. The 2025 electric eco-boat fleet, promoted by Manipur Tourism and X posts, reduces pollution while preserving silence.
Best Time to Visit
Open year-round (boating 6 AM–5 PM), with November to February (winter, 5–25°C) ideal for Sangai Festival, clear skies, and deer sightings. March to May offers pleasant weather. June to October (monsoon) floods phumdis but brings lush green drama.
How to Reach
By Air: Imphal Airport (48 km). Taxis ~₹1200–1800.
By Train: Dimapur (200 km) or Jiribam (220 km).
By Road: Imphal → Sendra → Loktak (48 km, 1.5 hrs). Shared vans (~₹100), taxi (~₹1500).
Local Transport: Auto to Moirang (~₹50), then boat.
Travel Tips
Booking: Boat via Manipur Tourism; homestay via loktaklake.com
Cost: Boat ~₹800–1500; homestay ~₹2000–4000/night
Dress: Light jacket; water shoes; binoculars
Safety: Life jackets mandatory; no night boating
Respect Local Culture: Ask before entering phumdi homes
Connectivity: Good 4G at Sendra; patchy on lake
Environment: No plastic; support eco-boats
Accessibility: Viewpoints wheelchair-friendly; boats have steps
Nearby Attractions
Keibul Lamjao National Park (entry via boat)
Sendra Island (same complex)
Moirang INA Museum (8 km)
Thanga (on lake)
Andro Village (40 km) – pottery & fire-making
Explore More
Discover other Manipur & Northeast treasures like Dawki’s crystal river or Cherrapunji’s living bridges on our Northeast destinations page. Plan your floating lake journey with indiatourisminfo.com today!
