Imphal Walks

Mostly, its Indian slums, cheapest hotels, most unhygienic food stalls and such, that get highlighted when it comes to foreign vloggers and bloggers visiting India. The country sure has its own fair share of issues; however, it’s safe to say that it does have a positive side as well. With that said, when this foreign man’s rather refreshing take on India came forward, it immediately went viral and ended up winning many. In his video, the foreigner was seemingly near the Himalayas, where he was seen promoting the beauty of India’s hilly states.

He then stated that just recently, he was in Rajasthan, which has a completely different type of culture.

The man further continued to hail India’s geographical and cultural diversity, as he expressed his excitement to witness the culture of North East India, which was his upcoming trip. The foreigner also claimed that India is different from how it’s portrayed in and by the West.

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Winning the Best Tour Guide Award, along with a nomination for Cultural Heritage Conservation in the 1st ever Northeast India Tourism Awards (NEITA) 2025, feels nothing short of receiving a Nobel, Oscar, or Grammy in my world. 🏆

This recognition isn’t just about me — it’s about the stories, people, heritage, and vibrant cultures of Northeast India that I’ve been privileged to share with travellers from around the world. It represents years of dedication and collective effort to keep these stories alive with honesty and heart.

Becoming the best is only possible when one learns from the best. I’ve been truly fortunate to have incredible mentors — .robert , my father Kangjam Chaoba Singh, and my teachers at the Gwalior — whose wisdom, guidance, teachings, and values have shaped my journey.

None of this would have been possible without my family, whose love and support allow me to travel for weeks and give my best on every tour. My team has been my backbone — always dependable, always striving for perfection behind the scenes.

I’m equally grateful to my friends, industry colleagues, and well-wishers for their constant encouragement, and to all our guests and partners whose trust, feedback, and word-of-mouth support have kept this journey alive.

I also thank the organisers of the - (ENEEF) - for hosting such an inspiring event and congratulate them on its grand success. I look forward to many more such initiatives celebrating the best of Northeast India’s tourism.

This award is not mine alone — it belongs to each one of you, to Manipur, and to the Northeast. ❤️🙏

Honoured to be among the Top 5 nominees at the Northeast India Tourism Awards (NEITA) 2025, in two categories — Best Tour Guide and Best Cultural Heritage Conservation Effort.

This recognition strengthens my resolve to continue sharing the untold stories and living heritage of Northeast India with the world.

The ancient Meitei treatise, Kangjeiroi, dates the game to around 1400 BCE in the court of Ningthou Kangba, ruler of Kangleipak. This traditional game, known as "sagol kangjei" or horse hockey, was a popular royal pastime among Manipuri and Burmese royalty.

The game was played with 16 horseback players on each side, using sticks with crescent tips to hit the ball into the opponent's goal. Illustrated Burmese manuscripts from the 19th century depict the game being played as part of important royal ceremonies and festivals.

The British discovered the game in the 19th century when Manipuri courtiers and locals fled to neighboring territories in present-day Assam. British tea planters and army officials took notice of the game and introduced it to the world. The first polo club was set up in Calcutta between 1861 and 1862.

Today, polo is played in over 70 countries worldwide, with the modern version evolving from the traditional game played in Manipur. The Indian Polo Association was formed in 1892, and international rules were consolidated after World War I.

Manipur's contribution to the sport is still celebrated, with the state proudly claiming its heritage as the birthplace of polo.

[In the Picture here, Polo players in traditional Meitei polo uniforms, could be playing a polo match in Imphal Polo Ground, the world's oldest polo ground.]

Discovering India's Ramsar Sites 🦢
Day 6: Loktak Lake

From wetlands to wildlife, each site is a unique haven for nature. Let's celebrate and safeguard these vital ecosystems together!

Here’s a little treat for you all. Take a virtual tour of Manipur through this short video. Manipur has become much more beautiful now. Write to us at [email protected] when you want to experience and see Manipur for real. Sit back, relax and enjoy the video.

Video courtesy: Films Division, Government of India

Manipur

We are happy when visitors to our state got to learn some new, interesting information from our tours. Here are some pictures with our happy guests from the tour this morning.

A glimpse of Khwairamband Keithel at Imphal city due ng 1980s.