Plizio Visual Lab

Loktak Lake

Plizio editorial teamUpdated: Jun 2026Data Sources

Lake

Weather…

Loktak Lake, situated in the state of Manipur, is the largest freshwater lake in Northeast India and is world-famous for its unique phumdis. These are floating islands made of organic matter, vegetation, and soil that form a solid mass, some of which are stable enough to support human dwellings. The largest of these phumdis hosts the Keibul Lamjao National Park, the world's only floating national park and the last natural sanctuary for the endangered Sangai deer. The lake plays a vital role in the economy of Manipur, serving as a source for hydropower generation, irrigation, and fishing. However, the ecological balance of the lake is threatened by human encroachment and dam construction, prompting international conservation efforts. Since 1990, it has been designated as a Ramsar site to protect its biodiversity and the cultural heritage of the surrounding local communities.

Location: India
Top sights: Langjingmanbi Reserved Forest · Chaoba ching · Boottour on the lake

Best time to visit & climate

The most pleasant time to visit is Feb, Mar, Nov.

	Jan	Feb	Mar	Apr	May	Jun	Jul	Aug	Sep	Oct	Nov	Dec
Avg °C	15	17	21	23	24	25	25	25	24	22	19	16
Rain mm	9	20	49	122	168	206	218	175	150	112	22	16

📋 Practical info

🧭

Getting there

The largest freshwater lake in Northeast India is accessed via the city of Imphal. Visitors usually head to Moirang or the Sendra Island tourist resort to arrange boat trips.

📅

Best season

The winter months from November to March provide the most pleasant and dry weather for exploring the lake and viewing the unique floating vegetation and migratory birds.

⛰️

Terrain & paths

The lake is famous for its phumdis, floating islands of vegetation. Visitors explore the vast, calm waters primarily by traditional longboats or from elevated viewpoints.

🎒

What to bring

Bring a camera with a good zoom lens to photograph the unique circular floating rings and wildlife. Sunscreen and a wide-brimmed hat are recommended for protection on the water.

🅿️

Parking

Parking is readily available at the main tourist hubs, such as the complexes near Sendra Island, where visitors can safely leave their vehicles before boarding a boat.

⚠️

Safety

The traditional dugout canoes can be quite narrow and unstable; sit still to maintain balance. The floating phumdis cannot safely support a person's weight outside designated areas.

⏱️

Time needed

A comprehensive boat tour around the floating islands and a visit to the nearby national park usually encompasses about three to five hours of exploration.