Which Is the Only Floating Village in India?

India has a variety of exotic natural landscapes, but one of them is quite unique, which is located in Manipur. The Loktak Lake is the largest freshwater lake in Northeast India that is famous for having floating masses of vegetation called phumdis. One of such formations is the Champu Khangpok that is known to be India’s only floating village.

Which Is the Floating Village of India?

The only floating village in India is Champu Khangpok. This village is situated on the Loktak Lake in Bishnupur district of Manipur.

There are bamboo huts built on floating phumdis in the village. Around 400 people reside in around 134 bamboo huts, where fishing is a major occupation of the people there.

Where Is the Loktak Lake?

Loktak Lake is situated in Bishnupur district of Manipur, around 40 kilometers away from Imphal. This lake is significant for the economy of the state.

It is quite famous due to its unique floating landscape and, thus, forms one of the most important natural places in Northeast India.

What Is a Phumdi?

Phumdis are vegetation, soil, and organic mass floating formations that naturally form in Loktak Lake, varying in terms of thickness.

These formations can move depending on changes in water movements. In some cases, they have been known to be large enough to hold vegetation, humans, and structures.

Do People Live on Loktak Lake?

Yes. People around Loktak Lake derive their livelihood from the lake. Fishing forms one of the main traditional economic activities in the area.

People in some areas build houses and other structures on the floating phumdis. The most outstanding one is Champu Khangpok since its village is built on floating formations.

What is Sendra Island?

Sendra is an island that tourists visit near Loktak Lake which offers beautiful views of Loktak Lake and its floating phumdis.

Tourists get to see the peculiarities of the floating landscape from several points of view on the island of Sendra; thus, Sendra becomes one of the known places to visit Loktak Lake.

Why Is Loktak Lake Famous?

Firstly, it is famous because of its floating phumdis, rich environment and peculiar connection with the local people. Also, it is well-known as a Ramsar Site; therefore, it is regarded as a wetland of international importance.

Another point of interest related to the lake is Keibul Lamjao National Park situated on the southern part of the lake. It is known as the world’s only floating national park where you can see Sangai deer.