The name "Thoubal" comes from "Athouba", which means brave people and symbolizes the brave people in the area. It is one of the largest cities in Manipur. It is idyllic, with many lakes and rivers, rice fields and gardens. It is also a window to Southeast Asia, with the Pan-Asian Highway running through it. It has very good connections with Imphal, Kakchin, Morey, and Yalipok. Top attractions include Chinga Lairembi Temple, Tomjing ching, Panthoibee Temple, Thoubal Bazar, Tangjeng ching, and Khangabok Menjor Garden. The main shopping centers are Thoubal Keithel, Ningombam Luxmi Bazar, Athokpam Bazar, and Babu Bazar. Thoubal College and Waikhom Mani Girls College are the two government universities in the city.