West Corner Orchids

Orchids are a beautiful gift

Valley Yet To Be Discovered

 

Mother nature has been extra generous in her bounty creating a paradise on earth. I am talking about Manipur also known as the, “Switzerland of the east". It is an oval shaped valley surrounded by blue green hills and for nature lovers Manipur would turnout to be a great discovery promising tourist attraction of the 21st century. It cascades large carpets of flowers with exotic blooms, tripling rivers and lazy lakes. 

Manipur has a colorful variety of cultural pattern and traditions. The state is best represented by its classical and folk dance forms. There is a spring festival ' The Lai Haroaba', held in April/May. This is symbolized by a traditional, stylish and ritualistic dance performed for peace and prosperity and we were lucky to be present on the last day to experience the pleasures of a cultural grandeur of sorts.

The major tourist attraction of Manipur includes, fascinating lakes, breathtaking green hills and landscapes, historic monuments, unique art forms of various culture and traditions, and the indigenous sports of the land. There is a World War II cemetery marked with stone and bronze plates in Imphal the capital city of the state. The Loktak lake is the largest fresh water lake in northeast India and is situated in a place called Moirang, 45km from Imphal. There is also the floating national park, only one of its kinds in the world which is also the last habitat of Sangal-the dancing deer. 

The Indian National Army formed under the leadership of Netaji Subhash Chandra Bose had first hoisted the tricolor at Moirang and there is a museum housing letters, photographs, and badges of ranks and memorabilia of the sacrifices made by the INA. It was overwhelming to visit the khonghampat orchiderium with about 150 varieties of rare orchids. The orchid Vanilla planifolia from where vanilla essence is extracted grows here. 

At the start of my trip I never thought Manipur would have so much to offer. But it really did and proved me wrong. All you nature lovers must make it a point to visit this eternal paradise. 

About the Author

PERSONAL INFORMATION

Date of Birth                             :  7th November, 1969

Marital Status                           :  Married with two children

Educational Qualification          : Post Graduate in Horticulture

Language Proficiency                :  English, Hindi, Bengali and Assamese

Mailing Address                       :  C/O Mr. Kaushik Saikia. 16S/A, Block A,

                                                   New Alipore, Kolkata-700053

Contact number                        : 9903545813