The Only ‘Floating’ National Park In The World Is In India!
Most national parks are thick forests, rugged valleys or wide-open plains. Manipur’s Keibul Lamjao National Park, however, chooses to break every rule. Spread across the shimmering Loktak Lake, this is the only floating national park in the world: a place where the ground beneath your feet actually moves.
Its terrain isn’t soil but phumdi which are thick mats of vegetation, organic matter and root systems that float naturally on the lake, forming a soft, springy carpet. For wildlife lovers and conservationists, this isn’t just a quirky geographical fact. Keibul Lamjao is one of the most delicate, complex ecosystems in India since it is an entire habitat suspended on water and sustained by time and tradition.
Keibul Lamjao: Home Of The Endangered Sangai Deer
The park is globally known as the last natural refuge of the Sangai, Manipur’s state animal. Often called the dancing deer, the Sangai moves in elegant, careful steps because each stride is taken on floating ground that dips slightly under its weight.
Once pushed to the brink of extinction, the Sangai population has been slowly recovering thanks to decades of conservation work. Seeing one in the wild—antlers held high, body balanced on a floating meadow—is one of India’s most extraordinary wildlife experiences. To experience Keibul Lamjao, you can take a traditional wooden boat and glide through the waters of Loktak Lake. You can also catch fishermen at work at sunrise or sunset for truly scenic views. The INA Memorial at Moirang, where the Indian National Army first hoisted the flag during World War II, is also close by. You can round off the trip with a stop in Imphal, known for its buzzing markets and historic war memorials.
The park is also designated as a biodiversity hotspot for supporting a wide range of species, including 230 species of aquatic plants as well as migratory birds, making it a haven for wildlife enthusiasts.
And if you’re lucky, you might spot the locals navigating their phumdi huts! Loktak Lake is not only a natural treasure but also a vital part of the local culture and economy. The lake supports the livelihoods of thousands of fishermen and their families, who rely on its abundant resources. Traditional fishing methods passed down through generations are still practised today.
How To Reach Keibul Lamjao
To reach Keibul, you’ll have to reach Imphal, which has a major airport and a railway station for travellers.
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