India's Floating Village in Manipur: Where Houses Drift and the Ground Feels Alive

For travel enthusiasts seeking a truly unique experience, India’s floating village ‘Champu Khangpok’ in Manipur offers an unparalleled adventure. Located on Loktak Lake, this village is composed of floating islands called ‘phumdis’ that continually shift with water currents and wind, making the ground beneath the houses feel like it is shaking.

The village is home to around 2,000 people living in approximately 500 bamboo homes designed to float on these thick mats of aquatic plants, soil, and organic matter. These floating phumdis provide natural sustainability and are classified as a wetland of international importance by the Ramsar Convention.

Life in Champu Khangpok revolves around the water. Residents rely on fishing, fish farming, and use boats as their primary mode of transport. Homes are powered by solar panels, and lake water—purified naturally—is used for cooking. Modern innovations like bio-digester toilets have been adopted to maintain sanitation.

To visit, travelers can fly into Imphal, then take a bus or taxi to Moirang or Thanga, followed by a boat ride to the village. The blend of natural beauty, rich culture, and extraordinary lifestyle makes Champu Khangpok a must-see destination.