Kangla Fort

About

Kangla Fort is the historic royal capital of the Meitei kings and one of the biggest highlights of Imphal tourism. Spread across 237 acres in the center of the city, the fort served as the seat of Meitei rule from around 33 CE until 1891, when British forces captured it after the Anglo-Manipuri War. The fort preserves centuries of Manipur’s royal and cultural heritage. The complex contains several sacred and ceremonial sites linked to the Meitei kingdom. One of the most iconic attractions is the Kangla Sha, the pair of twin stone dragon statues guarding the royal entrance. Visitors can also see the Paphal, the historic stone staircase where Meitei kings were coronated, along with ancient temples, ceremonial halls, and archaeological remains scattered throughout the fort grounds. Following British occupation and later use by the Assam Rifles, the fort remained inaccessible for decades. In 2004, it was officially handed back to the people of Manipur and opened to the public, becoming one of the top attractions in Imphal for history lovers and cultural travelers. Today, exploring Kangla Fort is considered one of the best things to do in Imphal, especially for visitors interested in the region’s royal history and traditional Meitei culture. The best time to visit Imphal and Kangla Fort is between October and March, when the weather is pleasant for walking around the vast complex.