Location of Manipur

The present state of Manipur connects the western region of Assam and Cachar Hills to Burma in the east. The state is bounded by Nagaland on the North, Assam in the West and Mizoram on the South. The eastern side is bounded by an international boundary of Burma, stretching from east Mizoram 19 moving north upto the eastern hill tracts of the present state of Nagaland. It is one of the smallest states of India with an area of22,337 sq kms. 9110 sq km of the total area of the state consists of the surrounding hill area. Imphal (plain area) is 790 meters above the sea level (MSL). The land has a rich ecological system and a biodiversity. Sixty seven percent of the geographical area is covered by a thick forest. The forest and land are regularly watered by the north-eastern monsoons during the months of June to September. Thus, the low lying area, Imphal valley, is naturally enriched by the surrounding hills and the forests which sustain a host of rare and endemic plant and animal life. The monsoon becomes the life source of the land, people, forest and animals. Generally, the climatic condition varies from tropical to subalpine depending on the altitude of hill ranges. It allows a seasonal agriculture and supports the economy of the people both in the hills and the plains. The mountain region is a home to various kinds of flora and fauna. It sustains a beautiful and precious blooms and orchids.

Siroi Lily and Sangai (a dancing deer), rare species known in India and also in the world, are found here. Siroi lily is the only terrestrial lily grown on the hill tops of Siroi hill, Ukhrul district and also Sangai is the only species of animal found in the world. The Sangai is sustained by the floating cervid (known as Phumdi in Manipuri) of Loktake lake, th.e only lake in the valley. It habitats in the Kaibu Lamjou, the floating island of the Loktake Lake in Imphal. Some of the known animals which habitat this land are the Hoolock Gibbon, the Sloe Loris, the Clouded Leopard, the Spotted Linshang, Mrs. Hume's Barbacked Pheasant, Blyths Tragopan, Burmese Pea-Fowl, and four different species of Hornbills. The state at present has three functioning national highways that link with the rest of the country via Nagaland state (National Highway No.39) and Silchar, Assam (National Highway No.53) and Mizoram (National Highway Number 150). National Highway number 39 is called Indo-Myanmar road, an international road. It links India with Burma via Moreh. The National Highway number 150 is called Jessami-Tipaimukh Road. It connects Nagaland and Mizoram through Manipur. However, this road is yet to be developed fully. Besides, the capital is connected by airway.

There are about 500 varieties of orchids. which grow in Manipur of which 472 have been identified. The hill forest is usually confined to the ranges between 900-2700m above mean sea level (MSL).