Currency: Indian Rupees

Official languages: Manipuri Meiteilon, also called Meitei (Meetei)

Manipur is a mosaic of ancient traditions and rich cultural patterns. In the field of art and culture, the state is best represented by its classical and folk dance forms. The Raas Leela, the epitome of Manipuri classical dance, is inter-woven through the celestial and eternal love of Radha and Krishna as has been described in the Hindu scriptures. This graceful dance reveals the sublime and transcendental love of Krishna and Radha and the Gopi’s devotion to Lord Krishna. Lai Haraoba, a spring festival celebrated during April-May, is symbolised by a traditional and symbolistic dance performed for peace and prosperity. The varied and colourful tribal folk dances are an expression of nature, creation, and aestheticism of the tribal way of life. The colourful costumes, dance movements, and the unique rituals in the tribal festivals like the Lui-Ngai-Ni are simply majestic and charming.

The climate of Manipur is moderate. The four months which are not enjoyable are May, June, July and August. May is the hottest month. In June, July and August, there is monsoon downpour. In all these four months, the Valley is infested with mosquitoes. But even in May, the climate is cooler than that of the Gangetic-Brahmaputra Valley in May.

Citizens of most countries, including the United States, need a visa to visit India which should be arranged in advance. Full details can be found at The Government of India website (http://indianvisaonline.gov.in/visa/). Citizens of Nepal and Bhutan do not need a visa, while some nationalities may get them upon arrival.

The best way to travel with in the state is by local buses, unmetered taxi and private vehicles. Auto rickshaws and cycle rickshaws are also available in Imphal. Manipur, popularly referred to as the 'Switzerland of India', is nestled in the slopes of the south flowing Sub-Himalayan ranges in the north east of India.

Before you leave on your holiday, there are at least four health-related things you should do. Please check the handbook for specifics, but for now, here’s the short list:

Step 1: Check with the CDC for their recommendations for the countries you’ll be visiting.

Step 2: Have a medical checkup with your doctor.

Step 3: Pick up any necessary medications, both prescription and over-the-counter.

Step 4: Have a dental and/or eye checkup. (Recommended, but less important than steps 1-3.)

We recommend avoiding packing any plastic bags in your luggage before flying to Kenya. You should also remove any items purchased at departure airports from their bags before boarding. Double check your luggage before disembarking in Kenya and leave any plastic bags on the plane.

DO

In case of need or desire to overstay, you are advised to contact the nearest Foreigners' Regional Registration Office.

It is advisable to avail of pre-paid taxi/auto-rickshaws or pay by meter or ask for the fare chart.

Advisable to shop at the Govt. Emporia/Fixed Price Shops to ensure quality and reasonable prices.

Check power voltage before using electrical instruments (220/240 V are available in India)

Keep your valuables in hotel lockers/safe deposit vaults

You are advised to contact the nearest India Tourism Office/State Govt. Tourist Office or Government approved Travel Agents/Tour Operators for local sight seeing and excursion tours.

Fast Trains/Intercity express are available between several tourist centers. Consult the Railway Information Office or India Tourism Office/State Govt. Tourist Office.

Always hire a Govt. approved tourist guide who invariably carries an identity card.

Check about photography permissions/video filming at any monument. Contact the nearest India Tourism Office/State Govt. Tourist Office

Change money only at the Authorised Foreign Exchange Outlets/Banks/Hotels and insist on receipt for money changed.

For guide map of the city/tourist information, contact the nearest India Tourism Office/State Govt. Tourist Office

STD/ISD/FAX facilities are available at small outlets in all parts of the country with yellow sign boards

Observe local tradition/customs while visiting religious places

There is prohibition on liquor in a few states. Check details from the nearest Tourism Office about the same.

Smoking not allowed in public places and vehicles in some states.

Do not buy goods from road side unless and until you feel satisfied

All state government has their own handicraft stall and all good tour operators include it in their itinerary. Try to buy from Government stall only for genuine handicraft.

DON'T

Don't encourage beggars

Don't accept food/drinks from strangers

Export of Indian Currency is banned

Don't be coerced into shopping by touts/guides/cab/taxi drivers or strangers

Don't bye articles made from rare/endangered species of animals which are banned