The park is most famous for being the last natural habitat of the endangered Sangai deer (Rucervus eldii eldii). Besides the Sangai, the park hosts numerous other species including the hog deer, wild boar, and large Indian civet. The wetland ecosystem supports a rich variety of waterfowl and waders, with over 60 species of birds recorded. Notable avian species include the black kite, northern hill myna, bamboo partridge, and various duck species. The park also harbors several species of snakes, lizards, and amphibians adapted to the unique floating ecosystem.
The vegetation of Keibul Lamjao is dominated by floating meadows and aquatic plants. The phumdis support over 200 species of aquatic plants including Zizania latifolia, Eichhornia crassipes, and Alpinia galanga. The park also features various reeds, grasses, and wetland species such as Phragmites karka, Saccharum munja, and Capillipedium spp. Along the park's periphery, one can find semi-evergreen and moist deciduous forests containing species like bamboo, wild rice, and various medicinal plants that are crucial to the ecosystem's stability.
The park's most distinctive geological feature is its floating ecosystem, known as 'phumdis' - a unique biomass of vegetation, soil, and organic matter that floats on Loktak Lake. These phumdis can be up to 4.5 meters thick and cover approximately 40 square kilometers. The park itself sits within the floodplain of Loktak Lake, the largest freshwater lake in northeastern India. The soil composition consists mainly of organic matter and alluvial deposits, creating a dynamic ecosystem that rises and falls with the lake's water levels.
Keibul Lamjao was initially declared a sanctuary in 1966, primarily to protect the endangered Sangai deer (Rucervus eldii eldii). In 1977, it was elevated to national park status, becoming Manipur's first and only national park. The area has deep cultural significance for the local Manipuri people, who consider the Sangai deer sacred and refer to it as the 'dancing deer' due to its graceful movements. The park's unique floating ecosystem has been traditionally used by local communities for fishing and harvesting aquatic vegetation, leading to careful balance between conservation and traditional practices.
The park's most remarkable feature is its floating phumdis, which form the world's only floating national park. The Loktak Lake, on which the park floats, is designated as a Ramsar site of international importance. The park offers unique opportunities for wildlife viewing, particularly of the Sangai deer, from watchtowers and boat rides. Traditional fishing communities living around the park demonstrate sustainable fishing practices using traditional equipment. The park also serves as an important research site for wetland ecology and conservation, attracting scientists and researchers from around the world.
Keibul Lamjao National Park experiences a moderate subtropical climate with distinct seasons. Summers (March to May) are warm with temperatures ranging from 20-32°C, while winters (November to February) are cool with temperatures between 4-24°C. The monsoon season (June to September) brings heavy rainfall, averaging 1,400mm annually. The best time to visit is between October and March when the weather is pleasant and wildlife viewing conditions are optimal. During the rainy season, parts of the park may become inaccessible due to flooding of the Loktak Lake.
India
24.4830°, 93.8330°
1977
40
Keibul Lamjao National Park is the world's only floating national park, located on Loktak Lake. The park consists of floating vegetation called phumdis and is the last natural habitat of the sangai deer. It supports various aquatic species and waterfowl.