Keibul Lamjao National Park

Keibul Lamjao National Park In Manipur, India

Keibul Lamjao National Park, located in Bishnupur district of Manipur, is the world’s only floating national park and a unique ecological wonder. Covering an area of 40 square kilometers, it is an integral part of the Loktak Lake, the largest freshwater lake in northeastern India.

The park is famous for its floating biomass called “Phumdis”, which are thick, decomposed vegetation masses that float on the water, creating a marshy habitat for diverse wildlife. Keibul Lamjao is best known as the last natural habitat of the endangered Sangai deer (Brow-antlered deer), also called the “Dancing Deer of Manipur.”

The Sangai is the state animal of Manipur and is found nowhere else in the world. Apart from the Sangai, the park is home to wild boars, hog deer, civets, jungle cats, and otters, along with a rich variety of aquatic life and migratory birds. Over 230 bird species have been recorded here, including kingfishers, herons, eastern white storks, and waterfowl, making it a paradise for birdwatchers. The park is a crucial part of the Loktak Lake ecosystem, which supports thousands of fishermen and plays a vital role in Manipur’s culture and biodiversity.