Loktak Lake

Loktak is the largest freshwater lake in north-east India, and unlike any other. Its surface is scattered with phumdis – floating islands of matted vegetation, soil and organic matter – some large enough to support huts used by fishers, who also build circular fish enclosures (athaphums) from them.

The largest phumdi forms Keibul Lamjao, the only floating national park in the world. It is the last natural home of the sangai, the brow-antlered deer that is Manipur's state animal and a symbol of the state's identity.

The lake supports fishing, irrigation and hydropower and has been designated a Ramsar wetland. Sendra Island offers some of the best views over the lake, especially at sunset.