Keibul
Lamjao
Located in the Bishnupur district of Manipur, in the South - Eastern part of Loktak Lake (largest fresh Water Lake in India) is the Keibul Lamjao National Park. Spread over an area of 40 sq. km, it was notified as a National Park in 1977.
The park enjoys a special status
as the only home of the Sangai - Brown Antlered Deer. In the year 1951, it was declared
extinct, but fortunately it was rediscovered in
1952 - 53. Recent estimates fix the Sangai population in the park between
50 - 100. It was the V.I.P resident at many Zoos, and it is believed that there are more
Sangai deer in captivity than in the wild. Even at Keibul Lamjao, they are confirmed in an
area of 6 sq. km.
The topography of the park is dominated by the Loktak lake (6,475 ha). Besides Loktak, there are a number of small lakes. There are hillocks dotting the entire park area. Six large streams and numerous small streams criss-cross the park.
Vegetation consists mainly of Phumdi - floating vegetation. It comprises of Wana Manbi, Hoop and Issuing Kambung. Issuing Kambung is protein-rich and due to its nutritious value, the local people covet it.
Besides the Sangai, Wild pig, Hog deer, Common otter, Small Indian civet, and Indian civet represent the wildlife. The park also boosts of several indigenous species of fish. Air fauna is also well represented here.
Due to the problem of silting and encroachment the park has been declared as a protected area (per IUCN standards).
The best period to visit the park is Dec - May. Foreigners, wishing to visit the park have to obtain a special permit. Accommodation is available at F.R.H’s at Phubala and Sendra. The nearest town is Imphal (32 km), nearest railway station is at Dimapur (229 km) and the nearest airport is at Imphal (32 km).
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