Loktak Lake

About Loktak Lake

Loktak Lake is the largest freshwater lake in Northeast India, covering approximately 287 square kilometres in the southern part of Manipur. It lies about 37 km south of Imphal and 12 km from Bishnupur, and its most extraordinary feature is its phumdis: floating islands of compacted soil, vegetation, and organic matter that drift slowly across the surface. These phumdis range in size from a few square metres to several hectares and support an entire ecosystem, including fishing communities who build their homes on them.

The lake is a Ramsar Wetland of International Importance and one of the most ecologically significant bodies of water in South Asia. Its southern section contains Keibul Lamjao National Park, the only floating national park in the world and the last natural habitat of the Sangai deer (Rucervus eldii eldii), one of the most critically endangered deer species on Earth. The Sangai, also called the dancing deer for the way it moves across the phumdis, is Manipur’s state animal and a symbol of the state’s unique natural heritage.

Top Attractions at Loktak Lake

• Loktak Lake: The lake itself is the centrepiece, best explored by boat. Early morning trips across the water, with mist rising off the phumdis, are among the most memorable experiences in Manipur.
• Keibul Lamjao National Park: The world’s only floating national park, accessible by boat from the lake’s southern shore. Home to the critically endangered Sangai deer, along with otters, migratory birds, and dense aquatic vegetation.
• Sendra Island: A small natural island in the lake with a government tourist bungalow that offers basic accommodation. The island sits amid phumdis and makes a good base for early morning wildlife watching.
• INA Memorial at Moirang: About 45 km from Imphal near the lake, this memorial marks the site where the Indian National Army (INA) under Subhas Chandra Bose first hoisted the Indian tricolour on Indian soil in 1944.
• Zeilad Lake: A smaller forest lake southeast of Loktak, reachable on a longer day trip, known for birdwatching and its serene forested surroundings.
• Sadu Chiru Waterfalls: A scenic waterfall near the town of Churachandpur, accessible as a half-day trip from the Loktak area, popular during the post-monsoon months.

Why Visit Loktak Lake

There is nowhere else in the world where you can walk across a floating national park or watch a critically endangered deer pick its way across drifting islands of biomass. Loktak offers something genuinely rare: a landscape that feels unlike any other in India, where ecology and culture overlap in the lives of fishing communities who have lived on phumdis for generations. For wildlife watchers, wetland photographers, and anyone drawn to unusual natural environments, this is one of Northeast India’s essential stops.

Best Time to Visit Loktak Lake

October to March is the best time for visiting Loktak Lake. The weather is clear, temperatures are mild (10-22°C), and migratory birds arrive from Central Asia and Siberia between November and February, making the lake particularly rewarding for birdwatching. The Sangai deer is most active in the cooler months. Avoid the monsoon season (June-September), when heavy rain, high water levels, and poor visibility make boat trips difficult and the park is often partially closed.

How to Reach Loktak Lake

By Air: Fly into Imphal International Airport (IATA: IMF), which receives flights from Delhi, Kolkata, and Guwahati. From the airport, Loktak Lake is approximately 37 km by road (about 1 hour).

By Rail: Manipur has no operational railway line as of 2025. Rail construction is ongoing, with the Jiribam-Imphal line expected to open in the coming years. The nearest functional railheads are Jiribam (roughly 220 km from Imphal) and Dimapur in Nagaland (about 215 km from Imphal). From Dimapur, taxis and buses run to Imphal, from where you can reach Loktak by local transport.

By Road: From Imphal, Loktak Lake is easily reached via Bishnupur on NH 37. The drive takes about 1 to 1.5 hours. From Guwahati, the total road journey is approximately 12-14 hours via NH 2 to Imphal, then onward to Loktak. Shared taxis run between Imphal and Bishnupur throughout the day.

Permit Requirements

An Inner Line Permit (ILP) is required for all visitors to Manipur who are not residents of the state, including Indian nationals from other states. This applies to everyone visiting Loktak Lake and the surrounding area. Apply online through the Manipur government portal or in person at Manipur Liaison Offices in Delhi, Kolkata, Guwahati, or Shillong before your trip. Foreign nationals require a Restricted Area Permit (RAP) issued by the Ministry of Home Affairs. Carry the permit at all times during your visit.

Nearby Destinations

Imphal is the nearest major hub, about 37 km north of Loktak Lake: see the Imphal hub city guide for accommodation, flights, and what to see in the capital. For a longer Manipur circuit, Ukhrul in the northeast offers a complete contrast, with highland Tangkhul Naga culture and the rare Shirui Lily.

Plan Your Loktak Lake Trip

Most visitors spend one to two days at Loktak, combining a morning boat trip across the phumdis with an afternoon visit to Keibul Lamjao National Park. The lake pairs naturally with Imphal as a 3-4 day Manipur itinerary. For the full picture of where to go and what to plan, explore all Manipur destinations.