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A lake where the ground floats, a national park with no solid earth, and a deer that was thought extinct. Loktak and Keibul Lamjao together form one of the most extraordinary wildlife landscapes on Earth.
Loktak is the largest freshwater lake in Northeast India, spread across 287 sq km in Manipur's Bishnupur district. What makes it singular are the phumdis — heterogeneous floating masses of vegetation, soil, and organic matter that cover roughly a third of the lake's surface. Some are large enough to support entire fishing villages.
Within the lake sits Keibul Lamjao National Park — the only national park in the world that floats. Its 40 sq km rest entirely on phumdis, rising and falling with the water level. It is the last refuge of the Sangai, the brow-antlered deer and state animal of Manipur, which was declared extinct in 1950 and rediscovered here in 1953.
This tour pairs the lake and park with Imphal's extraordinary cultural life — the all-women Ima Keithel market and Manipuri classical dance — for a complete immersion in one of India's most overlooked states.
Keibul Lamjao rests entirely on floating phumdis — there is no solid ground in the park. It is the last refuge of the Sangai, a deer so rare it was thought extinct until rediscovered in 1953.
Heterogeneous masses of vegetation, soil, and organic matter — some large enough to support entire fishing communities. Walking on them, feeling the ground move beneath your feet, is genuinely surreal.
The Mothers' Market in Imphal has been run exclusively by women for over 500 years. Over 5,000 women traders sell everything from fish to fine Manipuri textiles. There is nowhere like it in Asia.
One of India's eight classical dance forms, Manipuri dance is fluid, devotional, and hypnotic. An evening performance in Imphal, with its elaborate costumes and Vaishnava themes, is unforgettable.
Fly into Imphal and drive south to Loktak Lake. Check in and take an evening boat ride across the lake as the sun sets behind the Manipur hills — your first encounter with the floating phumdis, the mass of vegetation, soil and organic matter that drift across the surface and define this extraordinary ecosystem.
Full day in Keibul Lamjao — the world's only floating national park, resting entirely on phumdis. Home to the critically endangered Sangai deer (Manipur's state animal), whose hooves are adapted to walk on the floating vegetation. Morning boat entry into the park, followed by a guided walk on the phumdis with your naturalist. Afternoon birdwatching: the lake supports over 100 species including the rare brown-antlered deer.
Drive into Imphal for a cultural day. Visit the legendary Ima Keithel (Mothers' Market) — a 500-year-old market run entirely by women, one of the largest all-women markets in Asia. Afternoon at the Shree Govindajee Temple, seat of Vaishnavism in Manipur, and the Manipur State Museum for context on the region's kingdoms and tribal heritage. Evening: optional Manipuri classical dance performance.
Final dawn boat ride on Loktak — the quietest, most magical hour on the lake when mist sits on the phumdis and kingfishers skim the water. Return to Imphal for departure.
Manipur requires an Inner Line Permit for all Indian nationals. We handle the full application. Foreign nationals require a Protected Area Permit — apply at least 10 days in advance.
Keibul Lamjao and the phumdis are accessible only by boat. All boat rides are included in your package. Early morning departures get the best wildlife sightings.
The Sangai deer is critically endangered with fewer than 260 individuals. Sightings are not guaranteed but are frequent in the early morning and late afternoon. Your naturalist guide maximises chances.
Oct–Mar is ideal — cool, clear, and dry (15–25°C). Avoid the monsoon season (Jun–Sep) when the lake level rises, phumdis shift, and park access is restricted.
4 Days · 3 Nights
Max 12 guests · ILP handled · All boat rides included
Free cancellation up to 15 days before departure · Secure Stripe checkout