A park that floats on water
At the south-eastern edge of Loktak Lake lies a national park like no other. Keibul Lamjao is the world's only floating national park — its "land" is a vast, dense mat of phumdi that rises and falls with the water level of the lake.
The park exists for one extraordinary animal: the Sangai, or brow-antlered deer. Once thought extinct, the Sangai was rediscovered in the 1950s and now survives only here, in a habitat that is itself fragile and threatened.
Locals call the Sangai the "dancing deer" — it walks with a distinctive, graceful gait across the floating vegetation. Seeing one in the wild, at dawn, is one of the most memorable wildlife experiences in India.
What to do
Boat safaris
The best way to explore the park is by boat, drifting through the channels between phumdis with a local guide who knows where the deer feed.
Watchtower viewpoints
Raised watchtowers overlook the phumdis, giving you a chance to scan for Sangai and the park's rich birdlife.
Birdwatching
The park and surrounding lake host a wide variety of resident and migratory birds — bring binoculars.
Practical details
⚠ Respect the wildlife
The Sangai is critically endangered and easily stressed. Keep your distance, stay quiet, never feed the animals, and follow your guide's instructions at all times.
Photography tips
- Bring a telephoto lens (200mm+) — the deer are wary and keep their distance.
- Early morning light is softest and the deer are most active.
- Shoot from a stable boat or the watchtower to avoid camera shake.
Plan your day
Combine Keibul Lamjao with Loktak Lake and the INA Memorial at Moirang for a full, rewarding day on the lake circuit. See our itineraries for a suggested plan.
