Increase in footfalls at Kangla fort

Ningthoujam Prasant & Elangbam Nikita

IMPHAL | Aug 1

Kangla, a historical site of the state, has seen an increase in footfalls. As indicated by information accessible from the Kangla Fort Board, the revenue earned from footfalls was Rs. 12, 46,500 approximately in 2016 and in the present year till June, it has earned Rs. 7, 67,500. The historical site has attracted more visitors—local, national, foreigner and student—than at any other time.

An authority of the Kangla Fort Board, stated, “Allowing the visitors to enter from the western gate of Kangla has prompted the increase in the number of footfalls.” According to the board, the number of guests is most elevated on Sunday, but when there is no rain, and auspicious days of the state. Higher numbers of foreign tourists are seen during Sangai festival, asserted the board.

The ticket rates for Indian, foreign tourist and student are Rs. 10, Rs. 50 and Rs. 5 respectively and the western gate remains open on all days of the week, except Wednesday, from 9 am to 5 pm in summer and 4 pm in winter.

Manipur Cycle Club also introduced bicycle rental service inside the fort for Rs 20 per bicycle for an hour.

There are six tour guides accessible which are outsourced by JCRE skill solutions however, the number can increase as per request, said the authority of the board. The charge for tour guides varies according to the number of guests.

For students up to 60 in number, the charge is Rs. 1000 only. For Indians and local people, Rs. 750 for 1-5 individuals, Rs. 900 for 6-10 individuals and Rs. 1,200 for 10 and above. Also, for foreign visitors, the charge for the tour guide is Rs. 1,500 for 1-5 individuals, Rs. 2500 for 6-10 individuals and Rs. 4500 for individuals more than 10 in numbers.

The board said that students in school uniforms are not allowed to enter during school hours. However, they can visit if the school authority gives the permission. The reason for the restriction is to keep students from investing their time and energy inside Kangla by bunking classes, said the authority.

“Kangla is the green lung of Imphal city with 2-3 degree Celsius cooler in temperature than the rest part of the city. It is likewise home to migratory birds particularly egret.” claimed the authority.

 The indigenous-food-serving cafeteria inside the fort is fabricated with locally accessible material, for example, mud, wood, bamboo and thatch keeping in mind the end goal to make the right ambience and supplement the value of culture and heritage of the then royal residence of Manipur.

Other than indigenous foods, other vegan fast foods are also available just on Sundays in view of customer’s request, said the owner of the cafeteria. One among the many visitors said that this antiquated fortress holds archeological, religious and historical importance and it is well-kept, spacious and brimming with trees and flowers.

The expert of the Kangla Fort Board said that they are making their best level to fulfill the needs of the visitors, and in the meantime protecting the cultural heritage for the coming generations.

In 1891, Kangla was taken over by the British after the Anglo-Manipur War. Afterwards, the Assam Rifles took control of it, until 2004. On November 20, 2004, the Kangla Fort was handed over by the then Prime Minister Manmohan Singh to Manipur government.