Why on earth would tourists from Europe and Japan want to visit a town like Imphal in India’s North East, leaving behind their beautiful home countries across the ocean? Why would they be attracted to Manipur, a small and remote state in this vast country?
The Imphal Valley, blessed with a moderate climate and surrounded by layers of lush green mountains, is nestled between the vast plains of India and Myanmar. It feels like a hidden treasure from a fairy tale, filled with incredible stories from its adventurous past spanning thousands of years.
This may sound like mere patriotism, but I’ve witnessed the reactions of foreign visitors as I shared Manipur’s natural beauty and history. Those visitors have experienced Manipur and its people firsthand, and I’d like to share some memorable moments from my tours with groups of British and Japanese visitors to our beautiful home state.
In April 2019, I guided a group of fourteen British nationals on a tour of the Battlefield of Imphal, organized by a travel agency. They had arrived in Imphal from Kohima the day before. The group was led by Mr. Cook, a battlefield tour guide from Britain, and many of them had some knowledge about the Battlefield of Imphal. The group included both men and women, mostly in their fifties or sixties, with one young lady appearing to be in her late twenties.
On our first day, we visited Sangshak, a small village atop Ukhrul. Shortly after our arrival, Mr. Cook asked me to take the group to the area where remnants of trenches from the historic March 1944 battle still remain. This battle played a significant role in the lead-up to the Battlefields of Imphal and Kohima.
After exploring the area, the group gathered to admire the surrounding hills and the trenches hidden within the forest. To an unfamiliar eye, Sangshak might look like just another quaint village, but for those on the B.o.I (Battle of Imphal) tour, the site held a different resonance. Mr. Cook captivated everyone with his account of the Battlefield of Sangshak. The guests, engrossed in his storytelling, tried to visualize the soldiers’ movements, weapons, and strategies.
I recall him saying, “The soldiers fought tooth and nail in the final moments of the battle. Desperate times for the Japanese!” He explained that the British were victorious not because they were braver but because they managed to be brave for a little longer. The tourists listened intently, relishing every word and feeling a deep sense of patriotism.
Later that month, I guided another group of British gentlemen on the B.o.I tour, which included a stop at the Indo-Myanmar border town of Moreh.
We stopped along the way at a hill overlooking the Shenam Saddle. One guest asked me to take his photo and then called a friend in the UK whose father had fought at Shenam Saddle. Their conversation revealed how much this battlefield meant to his friend. It was moving to see how this place, which had once seemed ordinary to me, held such deep significance for others.
As we continued, I gained a new appreciation for Moreh and other areas with a rich historical past, especially when seen through the eyes of visitors who value these places as links to family history.
On another B.o.I tour, I guided two Japanese sisters and their brother, along with a translator, to the Peace Museum at Red Hill in Nambol. They shared that their maternal uncle had died as a soldier in the Battle of Imphal, and their aunt had once asked them to visit Imphal.
Upon reaching the Peace Memorial, they performed a traditional ritual, followed by a quiet prayer. Their culture’s spirituality was evident in their serene expressions, and the Peace Memorial offered a sense of closure and connection to their heritage.
Inside the Peace Museum, the guests took time to view artifacts and exhibits detailing the history of the Battle of Imphal. These relics, displayed with dignity and care, reminded everyone of the depth and tragedy of the past.
Another time, I took two young Japanese men in their thirties around Imphal. Though not on a formal B.o.I tour, they shared that they had learned of the battlefield and Japanese Peace Memorial only after the Japanese Embassy’s visit.
When I asked if younger generations in Japan were familiar with the B.o.I, they admitted they hadn’t known of it until now. They wondered if its lack of recognition was due to its portrayal as a story of defeat. I felt that more international awareness could bring justice to the sacrifices made during this historic event.
Beyond its historical importance, Imphal and the surrounding regions are steeped in natural beauty, something that captivates every visitor.
From the tranquil Loktak Lake with its floating islands to the mist-covered Imphal Valley in the morning, the beauty of Manipur goes beyond words. Visitors from far and wide find peace and wonder in these landscapes.
Beyond the battlefields, Manipur’s vibrant cultural heritage adds another layer of allure.
Traditional Manipuri dance, local attire, and bustling markets reflect a heritage that’s as rich and inviting as the valley’s natural beauty. Guests often find themselves enchanted by these cultural expressions that embody the spirit of Manipur.
Over time, I’ve come to realize that many of our visitors leave with more than just memories—they carry the history and culture of Manipur with them.
Capturing a visitor’s moment of reflection, whether at a memorial or during a quiet stroll in the valley, shows how deeply these experiences touch them, reminding us of our shared humanity and the stories that connect us.
My tours in Imphal are more than just sightseeing trips; they’re a journey through time. Watching guests board the tour bus, visit sites, listen intently to guides, and take photos reminds me of the fulfilling experience Imphal offers those who seek to learn about its past and present.
Manipur, especially Imphal, holds a unique place in world history. From the Battle of Imphal to its enduring cultural richness, the region continues to draw visitors who seek a meaningful journey. Despite infrastructure challenges, tourists from across the globe arrive in Manipur, enchanted by its natural beauty, rich heritage, and incredible history.
A passionate storyteller, Pawan loves to showcase the beauty of his homeland through travel, writing, and photography. As our newest crew member, he’s excited to share his adventures and insights with you!
