Keibul Lamjao National Park

Keibul Lamjao National Park is a protected area in India.

Keibul Lamjao National Park at a Glance

Location
Northeast Frontier, India, South Asia
Coordinates
24.484592, 93.846405
IUCN Category
II
Crowds
Quiet
Malaria Risk
Moderate
Best Time to Visit
October to March (cooler, dry months) for tiger safaris and wildlife.

Getting to Keibul Lamjao National Park

Nearest airport: হযরত শাহজালাল আন্তর্জাতিক বিমানবন্দর (DAC), 357 km away.

Nearest international airport: হযরত শাহজালাল আন্তর্জাতিক বিমানবন্দর (DAC), 357 km away.

Wildlife in Keibul Lamjao National Park

Home to 26 recorded species including 14 waterbirds, 6 birds of prey, 5 iconic birds, 1 tropical birds.

Notable Species

Safari Lodges in Keibul Lamjao National Park

24 safari lodges available.

Other

mid-range

budget

Similar Parks in Northeast Frontier

Health & Travel Info

Health & vaccination info for India

Travel advisory for India

Keibul Lamjao National Park FAQs

What makes Keibul Lamjao National Park a truly unique safari destination compared to others in India?

Keibul Lamjao is globally unique as the world's only floating national park, situated on Loktak Lake. Its distinctive landscape is formed by "phumdis," which are floating masses of vegetation, and it serves as the last natural habitat for the critically endangered Sangai, or brow-antlered deer.

When is the optimal time to visit Keibul Lamjao National Park to best experience its floating landscape and spot the Sangai deer?

The best time to visit is during the dry winter months, from October to March, when the weather is pleasant and the phumdis are more stable. This period also offers clearer sightings of the elusive Sangai deer as they graze on the floating vegetation.

What type of safari experience can visitors expect at Keibul Lamjao National Park, given its distinctive floating environment?

Visitors primarily experience the park through boat safaris, navigating around the unique phumdis on Loktak Lake. These boat trips offer close-up views of the floating ecosystem and the opportunity to spot the Sangai deer from the water.

How accessible is Keibul Lamjao National Park, and what are the typical costs associated with visiting this unique floating park?

The park is located in Manipur, India, and is best accessed via Imphal, the state capital, which has an airport. Entry fees are nominal, but additional costs will include boat safari charges and potentially guide fees, which vary depending on the duration and type of boat.

What specific conservation efforts are focused on the Sangai deer at Keibul Lamjao, and what safety advice is important for visitors in this floating park?

Extensive conservation programs are in place to protect the Sangai deer, including habitat management of the phumdis and anti-poaching measures, as it is a critically endangered species. Visitors should always stay with their guides, follow instructions regarding boat safety, and be mindful of the delicate floating ecosystem.

Recommended Books

  • The Handbook of Bird Photography by Markus Varesvuo, Jari Peltomäki & Bence Máté - Excellent for birding photographers on safari - covers technique, equipment, fieldcraft, and post-processing with stunning example images.
  • Photographing Wildlife in Africa by Paolo Torchio - Practical guide specifically for African safari photography - camera settings, lens choices, composition techniques, and how to make the most of game drives.
  • Fodor's The Complete Guide to African Safaris by Fodor's Travel - Country-by-country planning guide with lodge reviews, practical logistics, packing lists, and insider tips. Often cited as the best all-in-one safari planning resource.
  • National Geographic Kids: Safari by National Geographic - Age-appropriate wildlife facts with stunning photographs. Great for getting children excited about the animals they'll see on safari.
  • The Last Elephants by Don Pinnock & Colin Bell - Conservation-focused book combining beautiful photography with urgent storytelling about the threats facing Africa's elephant populations.
  • Here Is the African Savanna by Madeleine Dunphy - Beautifully illustrated picture book about the savanna ecosystem. Teaches children about the interconnected web of life on an African plain.
  • Safari: A Photographic Journey by Art Wolfe - Large-format coffee-table book from one of the world's most celebrated nature photographers. Stunning images from across the African continent.
  • The Kingdon Field Guide to African Mammals by Jonathan Kingdon - The definitive mammal field guide for Africa covering over 1,150 species with detailed illustrations. Considered the gold standard for safari-goers and researchers alike.
  • The Behavior Guide to African Mammals by Richard Despard Estes - Goes beyond identification to explain why animals behave as they do. Essential reading for safari-goers who want to understand the wildlife they observe.
  • Remembering Lions by Various Photographers - Part of the acclaimed Remembering Wildlife conservation book series. Features contributions from world-class wildlife photographers, with proceeds supporting lion conservation.
  • African Animals ABC by Stella Blackstone & Petr Horacek - Simple alphabet book with bold, colourful animal illustrations. Perfect for toddlers and young children preparing for their first safari. Ages 2–5.
  • Beat About the Bush: Mammals by Trevor Carnaby - The single best book for understanding animal behaviour on safari. Explains why animals do what they do - feeding, mating, territory, predator-prey dynamics. Makes every game drive infinitely more rewarding.
  • Africa's Top Wildlife Countries by Mark W. Nolting - The most respected safari planning book in print. Detailed country-by-country guide covering parks, lodges, best times to visit, and what wildlife to expect. Updated regularly. The first book every safari planner should read.
  • The Safari Companion: A Guide to Watching African Mammals by Richard D. Estes - Part field guide, part planning tool. Explains mammal behaviour in a way that transforms game drives. Covers tracks, signs, social structures, and habitat preferences. A must-pack for serious safari-goers.
  • The Shadow of the Sun by Ryszard Kapuscinski - Widely considered the greatest book ever written about Africa. Kapuscinski spent 40 years reporting from across the continent. Vivid, poetic, and deeply insightful. Essential pre-safari reading for understanding the continent.
  • Elephant Company by Vicki Constantine Croke - The extraordinary true story of James Howard Williams and the elephants who helped him build bridges, extract teak, and ultimately rescue refugees across the Burmese jungle during WWII. Gripping and moving.
  • When the Last Lion Roars by Sara Evans - An urgent, accessible account of the African lion's decline from 200,000 to under 20,000 in a century. Covers the science, politics, and human stories behind lion conservation. Eye-opening pre-safari reading.
  • Ivory, Horn and Blood by Ronald Orenstein - The definitive book on the poaching crisis devastating African elephants and rhinos. Covers the criminal networks, the rangers fighting back, and what travellers can do. Important context for any safari visitor.
  • Last Chance to See by Douglas Adams & Mark Carwardine - Witty and heartbreaking tour of endangered species by the Hitchhiker's Guide author. Combines humour with urgent conservation messaging.
  • Owen and Mzee by Isabella Hatkoff, Craig Hatkoff & Paula Kahumbu - True story of an orphaned hippo befriending a 130-year-old tortoise in Kenya. A heartwarming tale of unlikely friendship that teaches empathy.
  • Remembering Elephants by Various Photographers - Stunning coffee-table book from the Remembering Wildlife series. All proceeds go to elephant conservation - beautiful photography with a purpose.
  • Whatever You Do, Don't Run by Peter Allison - Hilarious memoir from a Botswana safari guide - true stories from the bush that will have you laughing out loud. A favourite among safari enthusiasts.
  • Poached by Rachel Love Nuwer - Gripping investigation into the illegal wildlife trade - from African poaching networks to Asian markets. Essential reading for understanding the threats to safari wildlife.
  • Safari Nation by Jacob S. T. Dlamini - Fascinating history of South Africa's national parks and their complex colonial legacy. Academic but accessible - changes how you think about safari tourism.
  • Safari: A Photicular Book by Dan Kainen & Carol Kaufmann - Mesmerising book with moving photographic images of African animals. Kids and adults love the magical moving pictures - perfect pre-trip gift.