World’s Only Floating National Park: Manipur’s Keibul Lamjao

Keibul Lamjao National Park floats uniquely on phumdi mats in Loktak Lake, making it the world’s sole floating national park. The correct answer is 3. Manipur.

Correct Answer

Located in Manipur’s Bishnupur district, Keibul Lamjao spans 40 sq km on floating phumdis (vegetation mats) in Loktak Lake, home to the endangered Sangai deer and diverse wetland species. Designated in 1977, its buoyant ecosystem rises and falls with water levels, supporting unique biodiversity.

Option Explanations

1. Mizoram (Incorrect)

Mizoram features Murlen National Park and other forested reserves, but none involve floating landscapes or phumdi-based ecosystems.

2. Arunachal Pradesh (Incorrect)

Arunachal Pradesh hosts Namdapha and Mouling National Parks with tiger and hornbill habitats, yet no floating park exists amid its hilly terrain.

3. Manipur (Correct)

Keibul Lamjao in Manipur is the exclusive floating national park, characterized by Loktak Lake’s phumdis that sustain floating meadows and wildlife.

4. Meghalaya (Incorrect)

Meghalaya’s Balphakram and Nokrek National Parks showcase grasslands and red panda habitats in Garo and Khasi hills, without any aquatic floating features.