Keibul Lamjao National Park: The World’s Only Floating Sanctuary
Tucked away in Manipur’s serene Loktak Lake waters, Keibul Lamjao National Park is a natural wonder that cannot be rivalled by another. It is the only floating national park in the world, a magical kingdom where land floats above water, providing unique sustenance to endangered wildlife and breathtaking scenery. In 2025, Keibul Lamjao National Park remains a secret gem for nature lovers, adventure seekers, and North India curiosity seekers. Here’s all that you need to know about Keibul Lamjao National Park—location, wildlife, activities, and why you should not miss it. Let’s explore this floating paradise!
Keibul Lamjao National Park lies on a humongous floating island known as a phumdi in Loktak Lake, Manipur. Covering 40 square kilometers, it’s a unique ecosystem where the earth under your feet rises above the water. It’s not only a picturesque destination to see—it’s a survival ground for the critically endangered Sangai deer and a showcase of nature’s ingenuity. One of the Loktak Lake’s Ramsar Wetland designations since 1990, National Park Keibul Lamjao is both diversity and a blend of beauty, and a 2025 number one recommendation.
Why Keibul Lamjao is Special?
So why is the Keibul Lamjao National Park special? It is the world’s first and only floating national park! The phumdis—masses of vegetation, soil, and organic material—are dense enough to form a floatable foundation that floats with the currents of the lake. The floating heaven protects rare animals like the Sangai deer, found nowhere else in the world. The park’s remoteness within Loktak Lake is enigmatic, whereas its purpose to protect Manipur’s wildlife and heritage is distinctive. In 2025, green initiatives keep Keibul Lamjao National Park afloat, peeping into a living, floating world.
How to Reach Keibul Lamjao National Park
To reach Keibul Lamjao National Park is an adventure from Manipur’s capital city, Imphal, which is 48 km away. Here is the way to get there:
- By Air: Fly by air to Imphal Airport (Tulihal Airport) at Tulihal, near Imphal (₹3,000-6,000 from Kolkata or Delhi). From Moirang (40 km away from the park), take taxi (₹1,500-2,000) or shared van (₹50-100) from Moirang. Board boats from Moirang (₹100-200) to Keibul Lamjao National Park.
- By Train: From nearest station, Dimapur (215 km) or Jiribam (225 km), by taxi or bus (₹800-1,500) drive to Imphal and from there to Moirang.
- By Road: NH37 links Imphal to Moirang (1-2 hours, ₹50 bus or ₹1,000 taxi). Autos (₹20-50) or boats then reach the park border.
2025 finds improved roads bringing Keibul Lamjao National Park closer than ever before.
Where is Keibul Lamjao National Park Located?
Keibul Lamjao National Park is situated in the Bishnupur district of Manipur, Northeast India, in the south east of Loktak Lake. About at a height of 768 meters, it’s hemmed in by the lake’s glassy expanse and distant hills. The floating phumdi of the park is wonder of nature, drifting with wind and water but rooted in this strange place. Just 10 km from Moirang town, Keibul Lamjao National Park is within stone’s throw distance from Imphal, locating it right in the center of Manipur’s scenic and cultural landscape.
Home of the Sangai – The Dancing Deer of Manipur
Keibul Lamjao National Park is the only remaining natural home of the Sangai deer, the Manipur state animal. Made famous as the “dancing deer” because of its delicate leaps across the phumdis, this most endangered of creatures (with only 260 remaining in 2023) thrives here and nowhere else. Its bony legs and antlers identify the Sangai unmistakably, particularly during the early morning and evening hours. Saving this deer is the very purpose of Keibul Lamjao National Park, where in 2025 life-saving measures conserve its existence. Sighting a Sangai in its floating habitat is a prized experience for every tourist.
What is the Best Time to Visit Keibul Lamjao National Park?
Best time to visit Keibul Lamjao National Park is from November to February.
Fine weather (15-25°C) provides easy transportation, and migratory birds swarm Loktak Lake and enhance the beauty of the park. March to May is characterized by clear weather and warm sun (25-30°C) ideal for boat cruises. Monsoons (June-September) are torrential rain, so phumdis get muddy and are hard to travel—avoid at all costs if you don’t like a wet holiday. Winter 2025 is best for watching wildlife and peaceful moods in Keibul Lamjao National Park.
What Animals Are Found in Keibul Lamjao National Park?
Keibul Lamjao National Park is teeming with wildlife on its floating terrain. The limelight belongs to the Sangai deer, but you may also spot:
- Hog Deer: Small cousins of Sangai, feeding on phumdis.
- Otters: Water frolic on the shores of Loktak Lake.
- Birds: Over 100 species, including herons, kingfishers, and winter birds (cranes, ducks).
- Reptiles: Water snakes and pythons drift on the vegetation.
The water shores of Keibul Lamjao National Park also attract fish and other threatened vegetation, thus Keibul Lamjao National Park in 2025 is a hot spot of diversity.
Things to Do at Keibul Lamjao National Park
Keibul Lamjao National Park welcomes playful and peaceful activities:
1.Boat Tours: Enjoy a boat tour (₹200-500) in the park to spot phumdis and wildlife at close range—sunrise tours are stunning.
2.Wildlife Spotting: Spot Sangai deer and birds by using binoculars (use your own or rent for ₹100).
3.Photography: Absorb the floating landscape and deer—best in early morning light.
4.Visit Sendra Island: An adjoining boat ride across, it provides one with majestic panoramic view of Loktak Lake (round trip for ₹100).
5.Cultural Halts: Stop by the INA Museum at Moirang (₹20 entry fee) for history refill after the park.
These render Keibul Lamjao National Park a delight for all the travelers.
Travel Tips for Visiting Keibul Lamjao National Park
Make use of these tips while planning your tour:
- Pack light luggage: Good walking shoes, raincoat (for surprise shower), and a pair of binoculars.
- Cash Up: Withdraw ₹1,000-2,000—ATMs are limited around the park.
- Timing: Arrive early at 6 AM or 3 PM for best wildlife times.
- Be Eco-Friendly: Don’t litter—Keibul Lamjao National Park is dependent on attention.
- Advance Bookings of Boats: Pre-book boats from locals at Moirang to avoid hassles.
These make your visit hassle-free, nice to Keibul Lamjao National Park in 2025.
Why Visit Keibul Lamjao National Park?
Keibul Lamjao National Park is an otherworldly sojourn into nature’s glory.
It’s the only place to observe a floating paradise and the Sangai deer in its natural environment. Conservation and eco-tourism turn it into an example of 2025 sustainability, with reasonably priced accommodations (₹800-1,500/night in Moirang) and tours (₹3,000-6,000 for 2-3 days). The peacefulness of the park, diversity, and Manipur’s cultural bond to it are an unforgettable adventure. Whether photographing or immersed in silence, Keibul Lamjao National Park is a Northeast Indian gem waiting to be explored.
