From
primarily a cultural tourist destination for several decades, India
has emerged as one of the most sought-after adventure destinations
for discerning international travelers. Perhaps no other single
country in the world offers the variety of adventure opportunities
as India does.
The
green mountains encompassing Imphal, bestows a magical spell on the blue
waters of the Loktak Lake - the biggest freshwater body in northeastern
India. As I cherish the mellifluous magnificence of Manipur..... amidst the
lotus pads on the lake, a fisherman threading his flatten boat past the
'floating islands', I could feel the ambience of a unique paradise......a
place so unique that it's been declared a National Park, safeguarding it
from land restorers perpetually. After reaching Imphal - the capital city of Manipur, I and Mukul- my cousin, took a state bus transport for Loktak Lake- 45km, which took us almost an hour to reach the destination. We were given first hand information about the lake through the locals accompanying us in the bus-- that it is a vast expanse of Water Lake and a abode to both resident and migratory birds offering much opportunity for photography safari, fishing and a boat cruiser. The prime attraction of the lake is its two exquisite islands Thanga and Karang and the spellbinding labyrinth boat cruiser amidst the floating marshes. I was all set with my cam, my reel rightly placed, my flashlight fully charged, as I am a die-hard bird lover to take few photographs of my favorite creatures.
The other attraction was the Kelbul Lamjao National Park on the fringes of Loktak Lake. I was absolutely amazed to know that it is the only floating national park in the world and is the last natural habitat of "Sangai" - the dancing deer of Manipur. To catch a glimpse of the deer in this unique wetland ecosystem was just a captivating sight for a wildlife enthusiast like me. I could also capture some of the other magnificent wilds of the park in to my camera - hog deer, otter, the small reed-dwelling waterfowl like hornbills, partridges and storks besides rarer stars like the hooded crane, the black eagle and even the awesome falcon. I could also capture the glimpse of numerous water birds along with some migratory birds, as we traveled during the month of February, the park was full of these divine creatures. The locals informed us that November to March is the ideal time for visiting the park. We booked our accommodation with the Forest Department, running rest houses within the park and also maintaining watchtowers to sight the whole park comfortably.
If one is reluctant to hire a boat then Sendra Island -- or a perch on the mount of Bebet Ching -- offers a magnificent panorama of the wild, me and Mukul wanted to be in the midst, of the entire natural splendor, especially, to see the main wildlife attraction of the state -- the elegant 'dancing' deer. In the winter this brow-antlered deer- Thiamin deer called Sangai in the local Meitei dialect, move downward to the lake from the surrounding green mountains. It gets its byname of 'dancing dear' from the pompous walk it has when browsing the floating islands of Loktak Lake!
We had a cruiser through the tranquil waters of the lake rich in marine life, embellished with numerous colorful fishes........ coming on the water surface and then jumping back --seems, having water sports competition. The vast patches of water chestnuts looking like a beautiful green garden was also one of the sources of livelihood for the locals of the region, as told by our boatsman. Mukul couldn't resist pulling the water-chestnuts stems......really sweet and refreshing, we had enough of it. What a cool life! The drudgery of Delhi life was miles and miles away from us.
I could say 'the actual jewels of the lake are the 'floating' islands'. From a distance they look like an average islets seen in shallow waters but actually they are just thickly intermeshed bundles of weeds and plant life, which become the habitat for all manner of wildlife from hog deer and boar to wild cats and, naturally, a huge cross-section of birds.
I was completely overwhelmed by the charms of the Loktak Lake-a treasure of natural wealth. What more any body could ask for ......luxuriate in and cherish the endless beauty!
