Geography of  Manipur

Manipur boasts of an exotic landscape with gently undulating hills, emerald green valleys, blue lakes and dense forests watered by rivers threading out of the dark, mist-topped, ranges.

About 90% of the land is mountainous. Its rain varies between 2600 to 3350 meters. It has also an enjoyable climate almost throughout the year. The rivers also served as the important waterway link with different parts of Manipur valley connection. The major river of the land is known as Imphal after which the capital city was named. The other rivers smaller than the Imphal are the Iril, Thoubal, Irnag, Nambul etc. Other small tributaries, viz. Jiri and Chiri constitute the river Bairad of Borak. Manipur�s sceneric beauty, lake and water resources, craftsmanship etc. are encompassed and picturesque. It is full of various orchids. Interactive map of Manipur

Blessed with an amazing variety of flora and fauna, 67% of the geographical area of Manipur is hill tract covered forests. Depending on the altitude of hill ranges, the climatic condition varies from tropical to sub-alpine. The wet forests and the pine forests occur between 900-2700 m above MSL and they together sustain a host of rare and endemic plant and animal life. Coveted the world over as some of the most beautiful and precious blooms, orchids have an aura of exotic, mysteries about them. In addition to 'Siroi Lily' which is the only terrestrial lily grown on the hill tops of Siroi hill, Ukhrul, the Hoolock Gibbon, the Sloe Loris, the Clauded Leopard, the Spotted Linshang, Mrs. Hume's Barbacked Pheasant, Blyths Tragopan, Burmese Pea-Fowl, four different species of Hornbills etc. form only a part of the rich natural fauna of Manipur. However, the most unique is the Sangai the dancing deer. The floating mass of vegetation on the Loktak Lake sustains small herds of this endemic deer which unfortunately has the dubious distinction of being the most threatened Cervid (known as Phumdi) in the World. Other mentionable fauna is Salamander known as 'Lengwa' found at the foothill of Siroi in Ukhrul.