{"id":21539,"date":"2022-12-30T12:29:42","date_gmt":"2022-12-30T06:59:42","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.savaari.com\/blog\/?p=21539"},"modified":"2024-01-17T16:34:22","modified_gmt":"2024-01-17T11:04:22","slug":"loktak-lake-the-floating-islands-of-india","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.savaari.com\/blog\/loktak-lake-the-floating-islands-of-india\/","title":{"rendered":"Loktak Lake – The floating islands of India"},"content":{"rendered":"\n

The northeast of India is a beautiful region with mysterious forests, pristine lakes, and peaceful monasteries. This breathtaking lake is located 53 kilometres from Imphal. Loktak Lake, a sparkling diamond among pearls, is one of the most important of these destinations. The word Loktak, \u2018lok\u2019 means \u2018stream\u2019 and \u2018tak\u2019 means \u2018the end.\u2019 Its the largest freshwater lake in northeast India, located in the state of Manipur.<\/p>\n\n\n

\n
\"Loktak<\/figure><\/div>\n\n\n

The floating Islands of India<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n

Loktak Lake’s delicate ecosystem spans approximately 240 square kilometres and appears to be dotted with numerous small islands from above. It’s important to note that the islands are phumdis, which are floating heterogeneous masses of vegetation, decomposing organic matter, and soil.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Phumdis are large, spongy, saucer-shaped hunks of vegetation and soil, with the majority of the mass lying below the waterline. These natural Phumdis are truly amazing in terms of size and population; they are numerous and shifting. Yes, they change their size and migrate across the lake at different times of the year.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

The only floating national park in the world<\/strong><\/h3>\n\n\n
\n
\"Loktak<\/figure><\/div>\n\n\n

The largest of the phumdis covers an area of 40 km2 (15 sq mi) and is located on the lake’s southeastern shore. Keibul Lamjao National Park is the world’s only floating national park, located on this phumdi. The park is the last natural habitat for the endangered Sangai (state animal), Rucervus eldii eldii, or Manipur brown-antlered deer (Cervus eldi eldi), one of Eld’s deer’s three subspecies. Loktak Day is celebrated on the 15th of October each year on the outskirts of Loktak Lake.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

The fact that Keibul Lamjao National Park, the world’s only floating national park, is located near Loktak Lake adds to the allure of this belt. The endangered Manipur brow-antlered deer, known as the Sangai, also lives here. This majestic beast is the state’s official animal, and its hooves are ideal for walking on the native phumdis.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Boosting a growing economy<\/strong><\/h3>\n\n\n\n

The Loktak Lake region has exotic beauty, which has allowed the local tourism industry to thrive. However, the Lake’s role extends far beyond this, and it plays an important role in other aspects of Manipur’s economy as well. It serves as a source of irrigation and drinking water, as well as a source of water for hydropower generation. The Loktak Lake also supports the livelihoods of the local fishermen.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Things to do at Loktak Lake<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n

The lake and its surroundings are ideal for exploring on foot, bike, or boat. There are also plenty of shared taxis zipping around the streets. Some ideas for passing the time include:<\/p>\n\n\n\n