Stories
India's Only Floating Village: Life on Bamboo Houses in Manipur's Loktak Lake
- •India's only floating village, Champu Khangpok, is located on Loktak Lake in the Bishnupur district of Manipur.
- •The village is built on 'Phumdi', a thick floating layer of vegetation, soil, and other organic matter on the water.
- •Approximately 400 people live in about 134 bamboo houses, with fishing being a major source of livelihood for the villagers.
- •Loktak Lake is Northeast India's largest freshwater lake, contributing significantly to the state's economy.
- •Sendra Island is a key tourist attraction, offering beautiful views of Loktak Lake and its floating Phumdis.
Key Questions Answered
India's only floating village is called Champu Khangpok, and it is located on Loktak Lake in the Bishnupur district of Manipur, roughly 40 kilometers from Imphal. Approximately 400 people reside there across about 134 bamboo houses built directly on floating natural structures.
The structures float thanks to phumdis, which are thick, naturally occurring floating layers composed of vegetation, soil, and other organic matter on Loktak Lake. Some of these formations are strong enough to support the weight of humans, vegetation, and small structures like bamboo houses.
Fishing serves as a major source of livelihood for the villagers living on Loktak Lake. Residents depend heavily on the lake for their daily activities, routines, and traditional ways of life amidst the water.
