Northeast Odyssey
Do you know that the game of polo originated in Manipur? Later the British soldiers and planters took the game back to England and modified it and popularized it around the world. Once a princely state, Manipur is seeped in history. It came under the British rule after the defeat in the historic Anglo-Manipuri war in 1891 where a war broke out between two allies, the British and the Manipuris after a strained relationship developed between the two parties on account of the murder of five British officers. During World War II, Imphal was occupied by the Japanese soldiers. After Independence it was merged in the Indian union on October 15th 1949 and subsequently became a full-fledged state of India on 21st January 1972.
The Classic Hotel in Imphal has transformed the hospitality industry and set the bar high for other hotels in the capital city to match. Conveniently located in the heart of the city just 8kms away from the airport, many of the tourist attractions are merely a walking distance from the gates of the hotel. The must-see Kangla Fort in all its historic magnificence, against a backdrop of the Eastern blue skies, can be viewed straight out of the hotel room windows. Short distances serve an even greater purpose in Imphal, in particular, because even though Imphal may be bustling throughout the day, the city falls into a slumber as soon as it is nightfall.
Being the first three-star hotel in the state, the Classic Hotel is a pioneer in staff hospitality and maintenance. The hotel has frequently received outstanding reviews owing to the value for money. To suit varying budgets, options available to visitors range from Standard rooms to Presidential Suites- all of which have been equipped with modern amenities and elegant interiors.
Rooms are spacious- even the mid-range options providing a separate common area and adjoining balcony. The cleanliness of bathrooms, prompt housekeeping and services provided during your stay can be comparable to other major cities- which in itself can be considered an incredible feat around this region. The Classic Hotel even goes the extra mile in terms of hospitality, with an impeccably courteous staff and a complimentary welcome gift made of local fruits and cookies.
Complimentary breakfast is served in the Classic Cafe- the main dining area of the hotel. Cuisines vary from Continental to Intercontinental- this is only one of the few places in the region known for serving an array of North Indian dishes. For the adventurous soul, the local cuisine provides ample opportunities to pique your interest. Some of the authentically-Manipuri dishes on the menu include boiled food, eromba(a signature chilly-based dish made of mashed vegetables like potato, French beans etc), utti(a dish made of peas and cooked with a sprinkle of rice), fermented bamboo shoots and the famously mind-numbing chutneys made of the world’s hottest chili-Bhut Jolokia or locally called U-Morok which is also, astonishingly enough, a regular in the plates of the locals.
The hotel’s coffee shop (known as the “Rita Cafe”) offers a relaxed and informal setting apt for enjoying a warm conversation over coffee and baked treats. Dipping its feet in the emerging cafe culture of the region, the Rita Cafe is open to unplugged music sessions and loungers looking for a casual bite without compromising on comfort and quality.
For those travelling on business, conference rooms and a boardroom are conveniently available within the hotel for hosting meetings and gatherings. Due to its’ close proximity to local markets and other attractions, walking to explore the bustle of Imphal is very much an option. Take a trip to the famous Khwairamband Bazar or Ima Keithel, for instance. This all-women market catering to everything under the sun is a sight to behold – local food cooked live, souvenirs, clothes and more, are vying for attention. Taxis and auto rickshaws are aplenty in front of the hotel gates itself. Enquire at the front desk to book a vehicle and driver to guide you around the city. The nearest bus station is a walking distance, and the Imphal International Airport is at a short distance of 8kms.
INR 2700/-onward, per night, exclusive of taxes
THE CLASSIC HOTEL,
North AOC , Kaboleikai,
Imphal west, Manipur
By Air: The nearest airport in Imphal is 8 kilometers away. From the airport, you can hire a taxi or make a booking in advance to avail the pick-up and drop services of the hotel.
An unusual floating island that’s made up of clusters of knotted weeds locally called Phumdi on Loktak Lake, the largest freshwater lake in Northeast India, is a hotspot for tourists. On the island are floating huts, homes of fishermen, that are sights to behold and, sighting that elusive and endangered deer Sangai (brow-antlered deer) found only in Loktak lake, are high points for many tourists who go back with memories of this former princely state.
Plan your trip to Manipur and soak in the natural beauty of Loktak Lake. Now, with a comfortable resort to rest your tired self, accommodation is no longer an issue. Check into Sendra Park and Resort, nestled in the hills of Sendra on Loktak Lake, about 3 km from the main town Moirang in Bishnupur district in the south of Manipur,the resort offers pretty cottages built on the floating islands.
The location is its USP as it brings a sense of calm and peace as it is located in the middle of the lake. Sights of fishermen at work and pretty boathouses are sure to bring on a different mood. You can sit out and enjoy the sunrise and sunset, memories of which you can take back with you.
Four cottages featuring locally-made cane sofas with matching water-reed cushions add warmth and style. Each cottage can house two adults and three kids. The best thing to do when you are here is to simply sit back in the balcony on the ground floor and listen to the chirping of birds and let your spirits elevate. Modern amenities in the cottages add to your comfort.
Just walking distance from the cluster of cottages is a reception wing that houses six deluxe rooms. Each room is well appointed with modern amenities and well-turned out with lots of care to ensure comfort, style and hygiene.
Food is probably what will keep you going when you are in a secluded place; the kitchen here is equipped to serve delicious Chinese and Indian fare. Of course, your stay won’t be complete until you have the local dishes –insist on having freshly-caught fish form the lake with steaming rice and ironba, a signature dish of the locals.
Do visit the Keibul Lamjao National Park, the only floating national park in the world. The park is home to the last of the brow-antlered deer, one of the most endangered deer in the world. Go scamper up the hill and, if you are lucky, you will spot some animals. This trip can be arranged with prior notice to The Classic Hotel Travel Desk.
The iconic Indian National Army Museum at Moirang is a must visit to have a dekko at all the historical relics it preserves. The museum is dedicated to World War II, where Manipurwas an important frontline between the British and Japanese. The relics sourced from different parts of Manipur date back to 1944 and include arms and ammunition, bayonets, helmets and bottles, among others.
Phone: 0385-2443967/69
Email: contact@classicgroupofhotels.com
Sendra Moirang,
Bishnupur, Manipur
By Air: From Tulihal International Airport, it is about 30 km, making it approximately an hour by taxi.
INR 4,000-plus GST per night per Deluxe room
INR 5,000-plus GSTper night per Cottage
