What makes Keibul Lamjao National Park in Manipur unique?

Keibul Lamjao National Park in Manipur, India, is unique because it floats on phumdis, or floating islands made of vegetation and organic matter, in the middle of Loktak Lake. This rare ecosystem supports diverse wildlife, including the critically endangered Sangai deer.

How can visitors spot the Sangai deer at Keibul Lamjao National Park?

Visitors can take boat rides with local guides to spot the elusive Sangai deer, known for its graceful movements across the floating phumdis. The best time to visit is from November to March, when the weather is clear and wildlife is more active.

What other activities can travelers enjoy at Keibul Lamjao National Park?

In addition to witnessing the Sangai deer, travelers can engage in birdwatching, as the park is home to over 100 bird species. Visitors can also learn about the close-knit relationship between the local communities and the lake's resources, gaining a deeper understanding of this unique ecosystem.

Home / Environment / Floating National Park in Manipur Shelters Endangered Sangai Deer

Floating National Park in Manipur Shelters Endangered Sangai Deer

4 Nov, 2025

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Summary

Keibul Lamjao National Park floats on phumdis in Loktak Lake
Home to the critically endangered Sangai deer, a cultural icon
Offers boat rides, birdwatching, and cultural experiences

As of November 2025, Keibul Lamjao National Park in Manipur, India, continues to captivate visitors with its one-of-a-kind floating landscape and the presence of the critically endangered Sangai deer. Situated in the middle of Loktak Lake, the national park rests atop phumdis—a living foundation made of vegetation and organic matter that rises and settles with the water levels.

This unique ecosystem supports diverse wildlife, including over 100 bird species, and provides a home for the Sangai deer, a cultural icon known for its graceful movements across the floating ground. Visitors can embark on boat rides with local guides to spot the elusive Sangai, as well as engage in birdwatching and learn about the close-knit relationship between the local communities and the lake's resources.

The park's floating nature and the presence of the Sangai deer make it a truly remarkable destination. Travelers who visit Keibul Lamjao during the recommended months of November to March can immerse themselves in the serene beauty of the landscape and witness the delicate balance between nature and human habitation in this one-of-a-kind national park.