Keibul Lamjao National Park: The Gem of Manipur

Keibul Lamjao National Park is located in the Bishnupur district in Manipur, approximately an hour and a half from the capital city Imphal. The approximately 40 sq km wildlife park is a part of the famous Loktak Lake.

Where is it?

The Keibul Lamjao National Park is the only home to the very rare and critically endangered Sangai deer.

Home of the Sangais

The park was first recognised as a wildlife sanctuary back in 1966, a safe home for the brow-antlered deer, locally known as the Sangai deer. Later, it became a national park in 1977.

Status as National Park

The park was first recognised as a wildlife sanctuary back in 1966, a safe home for the brow-antlered deer, locally known as the Sangai deer. Later, it became a national park in 1977.

Part of Loktak

These plant materials are not just pond scum, they are so densely packed that some of these phumdis are as sturdy as land, and can even support houses.

What are Phumdis?

The national park is on one of these phumdis. It is amazing that this small landmass can sustain whatever population of the Sangai deer that’s left in the wild. These deer species are extremely shy in nature and one would have to be extremely lucky to spot these deers in the wild.

Life on a Phumdi

Keibul Lamjao National Park is also home to three hills – Pabot, Toya and Chingjao. During the monsoon season, when the water level rises, the park’s denizens take refuge in these hills. 

Three Hills

Apart from the Sangai deer, the park also boasts of hog deer, wild boar, large Indian civet, common otter, jungle cat, Asian golden cat, sambar and many others. 

Animals to See