I am writing this blog quite late, as it was quite long back when I visited Manipur with my husband. It was way back in April 2022. One of my favourite memories of our trip to Manipur was the visit to the famous Loktak Lake, and not just that, we stayed in a floating homestay on the Loktak Lake itself.
Things at that time were peaceful, and it was the best time to explore the state that stayed tucked away from mainland India. But due to the changing circumstances in Manipur from 2023-2025, with the ethnic conflict between the Kuki-Zo and Meitei communities, the tourism situation received a major setback. Well, I am not going to discuss these serious issues here, but the situation has not gone back to those days in the past when everything was smooth and peaceful. So, if you are planning a trip to Manipur, please keep this situation in mind.
The Loktak Lake situated in Moirang is the largest freshwater lake in Manipur and is situated at a distance of 45 km from the main city, Imphal. The lake is unique in its way. The lake is also referred to as the “Jewel of Manipur”, and why not? It is renowned for its rich biodiversity and cultural significance to the Meitei communities, which constitute the majority population here. The lake is an ancient source of livelihood, fishing is one of the most important occupations of the locals here.
“Phumdis”: the most unique feature of the Loktak Lake
The primary highlight of the floating Loktak Lake is undoubtedly the Phumdis. The Phumdis are also called floating islands. Phumdis are heterogeneous masses of soil organic matter, other vegetation which are at various levels of decomposition. Only 20% of a phumdis’ thickness floats above the water surface; the other 80% remains submerged.
The unique feature of these Phumdis is that from upwards it looks like grass floating on water, but from inside deep underwater, they are quick, strong and durable, so strong that the local people, mainly the fishermen, have constructed huts called Phumsang or houses on them and also floating homestays.
During rainy months, the Phumdis can be seen floating on the surface, and during the dry months, the roots reach the bottom of the lake, drawing the nutrients.
That is where our floating homestay was built upon, and not just ours, there were many homestays built so that tourists can come and experience staying on a floating lake. If you look from above, these phumdis look circular, floating on the lake’s surface, creating a mesmerising view.
How to reach Loktak Lake in Moirang from Imphal
Since the Loktak Lake is situated in Moirang, approximately 45 km away from Imphal, we took a public ride from the Imphal main market, and we reached Moirang Bazar. From Moirang Bazaar, we boarded another public vehicle ( a tempo), and it dropped us exactly near the homestay location. The main homestay is on the mainland, and to reach the floating homestay, we were taken on a boat.
You may also read:
SHIRUI PEAK TREKKING IN UKHRUL, MANIPUR
THE ULTIMATE IMPHAL TRAVEL GUIDE, MANIPUR INDIA
My experience of staying on a floating homestay on the Loktak lake
It was at the last moment that we decided we had to experience staying on the floating homestay. After searching for a while, as most of the homestays were already booked, we found this homestay named Maipakchao Homestay, hosted by Oinam Maipakchao, who has lived all his life in Thanga. We were lucky to get a booking last moment as it was already the weekend.
On arrival, we were received very warmly by the owner and his family. The homestay is located on one of the larger islands named Thanga, and it opened in the year 2013. He had already prepared our lunch and briefed us about the Loktak lake and life around it, and their livelihood. After having lunch, we rested for a while in their home and at around 3:30 PM, the owner’s boy led our way to the boats from where our journey began towards the floating homestay.
The homestay was situated in the middle of the lake, so you had to ride either a boat or a canoe to reach it. It was very exciting as I had always dreamt about enjoying a boat ride right on the Loktak Lake in Manipur. It was also a great starting point from which it became easier to explore the Loktak Lake and witness its hidden beauty.
It took us around an hour to reach the Homestay on on way. He also took us around the lake so that we could have a great boating experience. The clear deep blue colour of the lake with the presence of the phumdis here and their presence presented a dynamic view, I also spotted many fisherman on their boats who were on their way home after the day’s catch.
The enchanting tranquillity of the lake made time stand still. It was so silent, peaceful, far away from the outside chaos, creating an everlasting connection with nature.
Silence, Stars, and Still Water: A Floating Night on Loktak Lake
The night was beautiful and exciting as we had a floating feel in the floating homestay. They provided fresh water for the washroom, and also there was a facility to use the lake water for various purposes, and drinking water was separately provided. Regarding the toilets, there were bio-toilets, which are sustainable and eco-friendly.
Our dinner was provided from the owner’s house, packed in big tiffin boxes, it was delicious. We tried various local Manipuri dishes, both vegetarian and non-vegetarian. There were mosquitoes, but it was okay, given we were in the middle of a lake surrounded by the phumdis. We used a mosquito net and also incense sticks to keep mosquitoes away.
The next day, we woke up a bit early to enjoy the morning vibes and took a stroll around the floating homestay. We were completely immersed in the moment and the glowing beauty of nature. We just freshened up when the host brought hot tea and breakfast for us. It was again a sumptuous meal.
After that we we requested a boat ride on the lake to enjoy the fresh morning breeze for the last time. He took us for a ride that lasted for an hour. The lapping sounds of the lake water created a soothing rhythm like nature’s own music. Our boat made way through tall grasses and other vegetation, making the ride quite exciting and interesting at the same time.
As the breeze stirs the surface, gentle waves kiss the edges of the phumdis and wooden boats, filling the air with a calm, repetitive hush. It’s a sound that quiets the mind, blending perfectly with the distant calls of birds and rustling reeds—a reminder of the lake’s timeless serenity.
At around 11:30 am, we started our onward journey in the same boat towards the owner’s home, which was situated by the lake. We took some rest and had another round of tea.
The Maipakchao family homestay also attempts to showcase the traditional local culture. They have a family-run loom in their house, from where I purchased a few Manipuri garments like a Phanek, an enafi, a shawl, etc, all handmade on the loom.
They also provide traditional Manipuri costumes, both for men and women, which you can wear and take pictures in. But I skipped that part as I was already quite tired, and we had a long journey the rest of the day. In a way, this becomes an alternative source of income and also promotes the culture of Manipur.
Life on the Loktak Lake
The homestays and huts are constructed on the floating biomass. After strengthening the base of the phumdis with more biomass, the main construction is done. They keep on pushing fresh phumdis (biomass) on top of the old ones when required. The base of the houses is made of thick wooden planks, bamboos, etc, to make it strong enough to walk upon. This is quite a skilled job done by the locals.
The water of this lake surrounding the phumdis is used for various purposes like irrigation, drinking water, and fishing and all good reasons; this lake is the lifeline of the entire area. There is also a local school on one of the floating islands where the local kids and illiterate people go.
Places to visit around Loktak Lake
After checking out, the owner of our homestay arranged a Maruti van for us to take to the Sandra Islands and a viewpoint from where we had a panoramic view of the Loktak Lake. There are multiple staying options on Sandra Island too.
We stayed there for an hour and then started for our onward journey to visit the Keibul Lamjao National Park, famous for the endangered Sangai or Manipur brow-antlered deer, one of the three subspecies of Eld’s Deer. This national park is the only floating national park in the world. I shall write a detailed post about it on my next blog.
I always believe “Sustainable journeys start with mindful choices,” and this is the main reason behind our trip to Manipur. Also, as responsible travellers, we must keep in mind to maintain cleanliness, help to minimise any negative impacts on the environment, respect local cultures, and support the well-being of host communities.
To avoid polluting the water of the lake, it’s advisable to avoid carrying plastic bottles and bags, littering here and there. Hope you liked the post, do share with your friends and loved ones and drop a comment if you have visited Loktak Lake in Manipur.
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