Imphal is situated in the central region of the Manipur River valley, a striking oval-shaped depression surrounded by the forested peaks of the Naga and Mizo hills. The city is bisected by several rivers, most notably the Imphal River and the Nambul River, which flow through the valley and eventually drain into the region's larger river systems.
The physical geography of the area is characterized by fertile alluvial soils, which have historically supported the valley's agrarian economy. While the city itself is relatively flat, the immediate horizon in every direction is dominated by the green ridges of the Patkai mountain ranges. The region's geography also makes it part of the Indo-Burma biodiversity hotspot, rich in unique flora and fauna.