Manipur's Andro village becomes popular tourist destination

The north-east region has immense tourism potential. In Manipur, the ancient Andro village is gradually becoming a favorite among tourists due to its scenic beauty and the glimpse it provides into the rich tribal traditions.

The scenic beauty, good climate and warm hospitality attract tourists to Andro village, which is a hotspot located 20 miles from Imphal in the foothills of Nongmaiching hill.

Known for its traditional pottery skills, the small village is now bustling with tourists.

Most of the tourist sites reflecting age-old culture and traditions are maintained through community effort of the local villagers.

The Santhei Natural Park that has been developed around a water reservoir is a popular picnic spot for locals and tourists alike.

The natural beauty of the park and the neighboring gardens attract hundreds of people .

Bijoy Singh, a visitor here, said that it would attract more tourists in future.

"Andro itself is one of the best places in Manipur in relation to historical facts .If it comes up to be tourist place, it will be very nice. I have seen the water reserve area, Santhei Natural Park and I liked it very much. Many people from India and abroad will come to this place as it is a nice place," he added.

Yumkhaibam sajou Singh, Advisor of Chakpa Panam Garden, said that they aim to promote tourism activity here.

" I think our localities have the capacity to develop tourism. We have the ambition to promote tourism . Here we are developing an orchid farm to beautify this area. We do not get any aid from any other source but we are just collecting resources through our own efforts," he added.

Another major attraction here is the Mutua Cultural Heritage Complex that showcases major tribal traditions and their artifacts.

Model houses of various ethnic tribes, wood carvings, stone monuments and various traditional exhibits make it a must see place.

The Chakpa Panam Ningthou Meithoupirol Shanglen or Mei Mutaba is another interesting destination that attracts large number of visitors.

It is an age old traditional Hindu temple where the sacred fire lit 1,000 years ago has been preserved and maintained till now by the local community.

Surjana, a visitor here, said that tourism will bring employment opportunities.

"For the people who live nearby, if tourism develops then the unemployed people can get employment for a better living. And the economy will develop better," he said.

"We are feeling very good after coming here. It's a big place and we feel that more activities like boating facilities can be developed so that children can enjoy," added Rashmi Agarwal, another visitor here.

Manipur has many such scenic locations that can be developed into tourist hotspots.

Natural beauty and a rich and diverse culture give the north-east region ample tourism potential that can be utilized to improve the socio-economic conditions of the people in the region.