Ukhrul. Isn’t the name beautiful? Yes, that’s how I got attracted to the place. I heard the name for the first time in the Bollywood movie “Jagga Jasoos”. And the moment I heard the name, I loved it. The visuals from the movie also added to the curiosity. Although the visuals are not from Ukhrul and from Mcleodgunj, which I came to know later on, nevertheless, the wish to visit Ukhrul was consolidated many times by then. So, that’s how my Ukhrul travel story started. And honestly, my Manipur trip was mainly because of two places – Moirang and Ukhrul.
The urge went even stronger after knowing that the third entry route of INA into India was through Ukhrul (the 1st division of INA led by Shanawaz Khan), the other two being Tiddim-Bishanpur and Tamu-Palel. And this was the most challenging route to India from Myanmar. The terrain was very hostile, and the monsoon made it worst.
Even after 75 years, the roads are still in the nascent stage (the construction work of a highway until Ukhrul is going on when we visited), and the Myanmar border side is all lined by ranges of thick vegetation-covered Himalayan ranges. The landscape is so beautiful yet so less photographed. It was love at first sight for us.
About Ukhrul
Ukhrul is a hill district in Manipur. It is surrounded by Myanmar in the east, Nagaland state in the north, and other districts of Manipur in the south as well as the west side. The altitude of the district varies from 910 m to 3110 m. The district headquarter of Ukhrul district is also known as Ukhrul or Hunphun in the local language. The altitude of Ukhrul town is 2000 metres.
In 1919 during British Raj, Ukhrul was first marked out as a subdivision. After 50 years, the subdivision is upgraded to a full-fledged district. Later the Tengnuopal and the Chandel districts were carved out from the Ukhrul district in 1983. And since then, the Ukhrul district has been shaped to its present boundary.
The landscape of the district is rippling hills covered with thick vegetation. Several rivers pierce through the undulating hilly terrains. An amalgamation of picturesque hills, beautiful streams, scenic waterfalls, natural lakes and pre-historic caves make the district one of the most beautiful places in India yet unexplored.
The biodiversity of Ukhrul is rich with many flora and fauna. The most distinctive one is the Shirui Lily, which blooms only on the slopes of Shirui Hills. Shirui Lily has been declared the state flower of Manipur since 1989. There are hundreds more varieties of trees, including other flowers, orchids, ferns and shrubs.
The tropical forest is also the habitat of many rare species of birds and animals – like Tragopan, Pangolin, Salamander, Porcupine, hooting monkey, Leopard, Black bears, wild buffalos etc. An area of 100 sq km around Shirui Kashong was declared the National Park in 1988 by the state government.
Tangkhul Nagas are the major inhabitants of the Ukhrul district. The life and culture of the Tangkhuls are attractive and captivating. Their traditional costumes, architecture, utensils, art and music speak about their beauty and vibrant life. Tangkhuls embraced Christianity as their religion, and Ukhrul is the birthplace of Christianity in Manipur. The oldest Baptist church has been located in Ukhrul town since 1896.
How to reach
Ukhrul and other main towns of the districts are directly linked to Imphal, the capital of Manipur, with roads or state highways. The Imphal-Ukhrul-Jessami road (200km) is a national highway that runs through the district and connects Nagaland with Manipur through Jessami, another border town like Mao. Driving on this road takes 3 hours to reach Ukhrul from Imphal. This road is presently under renovation for a four-lane highway until Ukhrul.
Imphal has the closest airport to Ukhrul and is at a distance of 84 km. There are a number of state transport bused and shared cabs that run between Imphal and Ukhrul throughout the day. The road condition is good, apart from some intervening areas that are prone to landslides. The buses usually take pit stops on the way, and Litan is the most popular pitstop. Litan has a few roadside dhabas and shops where you can get dry food or have your lunch.
Where to stay
Ukhrul is a new name in the travel and tourism circuit in India. Even tourists who visit Manipur are not adequately informed about the amazing beauty of this hill district. The place is more popular among the locals. The recent trend of the Shirui Kashong trek and the eventful Shirui Lily festival helps to popularise the name of Ukhrul among travellers. Still, Ukhrul is more of a backpacker’s destination than a family hill station in India.
The options for hotels and homestays are limited in Ukhrul. In recent times a number of homestays have opened their doors to visitors, but most of them operate around the Shirui Lily festival during the early monsoon. At other times, the accommodation options are very limited, and you need to book your stay in advance to ensure a good trip.
Ambrose Lodge and 25 Degrees North are two decent options to stay in Ukhrul. The facilities are basic but ensure a good stay. The views from both hotels are beautiful. The restaurant in 25 Degree North serves delicious food. In my opinion, it is the best dining option in Ukhrul town at present.
The best accommodation option in Ukhrul at present is Magen Hills, a boutique hotel that is more of a stretched version of a beautiful homestay property, I would say. They have five rooms on the ground floor and another five in the making on the first floor. The rooms are spacious, with comfortable beds, a central heating system and attached toilets with modern fittings. The owner stays in a house adjacent to the property and provides home-cooked food to the guests on request.
When to visit
The climate of Ukhrul is temperate, and the temperature varies from 33C in summer to 3C in winter. In monsoon, the hills of Ukrul witness quite a heavy downpour at times.
The rainy season starts in June and continues until September. In monsoon, the district becomes most vibrant with greeneries all around. However, the roads are in bad condition during monsoon. Shirui Lily also blooms from mid-June to mid-July. This is the time for Shirui Lily Festival, a four-day cultural event celebrated yearly in Manipur.
The winter sets in November and continues till February. It is chilly in winter in Ukhrul town, and heavy woollens are a must if you visit the district during winter. The views are clear, and the roads are in the best condition during winter. Trekking, hiking and cave exploration will be most enjoyable during winter. As the major religion of the district is Christianity, Christmas is celebrated here for an entire week with grandeur. The locals go to their villages for the celebration, which leads to the closure of shops, cafes and restaurants in Ukhrul town.
Summer stays from March to May in Ukhrul. Summer is hot in Manipur, and even the hills of Ukhrul witnesses daytime temperature above 30. The crowd is mostly locals as they travel to the hills from the valleys of Imphal to avoid the summer heat.
What to see
Shirui Kashong
Shirui Kashong, or Shirui Peak, is the second-highest peak in Manipur. The altitude of Shirui Peak is 2835 metres. It is one of the most visited places in Manipur by locals. The trek to Shirui Peak is popular among all age groups. The Shirui Lily flower, the state flower of Manipur, only blooms here in Shirui Hills. Shirui Lily belonged to the Lilium family and was first discovered by Frank Kingdom Ward in 1948 when he came to Manipur Hill as a part of a botanical excursion on behalf of the New York Botanical Garden. The uniqueness of this flower is that it shows seven colours when examined under a microscope.
How to go
Shirui Peak is 13 kilometres from Ukhrul town. It takes half an hour to drive to reach the base of the trekking trail, which goes to Shirui Kashong. A shared cab from Ukhrul can drop you on the highway one kilometre before the base point.
When to go
The best time to trek to Shirui Peak is during winter, but you will miss the Shirui Lily then. Shirui Lily blooms from mid-June to mid-July. But the trail is covered with mud during monsoon. You need to be extra cautious with all appropriate gear at that time.
Phangrei Lake
Phangrei Lake is a small hilltop lake near Phangrei village that is a popular picnic spot for locals. The top view is mesmerising, with rolling green hills all around. You can camp at the lakeside to observe a starry night in a clear sky. You can also walk towards Shirui Hill from Phangrei Lake along the ridges.
How to go
Phangrei is 20 kilometres from Ukhrul town, further ahead of Shirui on the Imphal-Ukhrul-Jessima highway. It takes one hour to reach Phangrei by car.
When to go
You can hike to Phangrei Lake throughout the year. A perfect day out on the weekend for the locals with their families.
Mova Cave
Mova Cave is a limestone cave near Ukhrul. A river goes by the side of the cave. In monsoon, when the water level increases, it goes through the cave. There are many entry and exit points to the central chamber. The central chamber I so large that it can accommodate nearly 100 people. According to local myth, a steep giant rock formation close to the cave is believed to be the male partner of the cave.
How to go
Mova cave is situated in Hundung, a few kilometres before reaching Ukhrul from Imphal. A small detour takes one to a dead end, from where one has to steeply descend on a dusty trail with the help of a weak bamboo fence and tree roots.
When to go
You can explore Mova Cave any time of the year except monsoon when high water levels can flood the chamber and entry points.
Khangkhui Mangsor Cave
Khangkhui Mangsor is another limestone cave close to the Ukhrul district headquarters. As per the Archaeological Survey of India, Manipur, this cave was inhabited in the old stone age. The pre-historic evidence makes the cave an attraction among tourists. The main chamber is not as large as Mova Cave, but many caverns need exploration and are unsuitable for tourists to enter. A watchtower near the main parking at the Khangkhui cave site offers a panoramic view of the surrounding valleys.
How to go
Khangkhui is 16 kilometres from the eastern side of Ukhrul town. The road is in bad condition, like a dusty village road, and it takes one hour to reach the cave. The views from the roads are mesmerising, and the location of Khangkhui village on a ridge will compel you to stop for a while.
When to go
You can visit this cave throughout the year. The stairs from the parking will take you to the mouth of the cave.
Sihai Village
Sihai is an old settlement in the Ukhrul district. The village is well known in Manipur for cabbage cultivation and large-scale exports. The name Sihai came from the word “Saan-hee”, which means cow’s jewel. The story is traced back to the first settlement in this village when the settlers slaughtered a cow to commemorate the occasion. They found a gem in the cow’s bowel. This gem was gifted to the daughter of the chief. Later on, the gem was gifted to her husband, Phungcham chief’s son.
Sihai Khullen, or the oldest Sihai village, has a tribal museum in a traditional hut with many pieces of equipment and tools locals use. The weapons used by the old-generation hunters, the traditional dresses, and different kinds of bamboo baskets are also kept here. The facade of the museum is decorated with animal head trophies. Two large stones are kept beside the museum, which as per tradition, should be lifted by the bride and groom before they get married.
How to go
Sihai is 37 kilometres from Ukhrul town. A bumpy village road connects Sihai Khullen to the Imphal-Jessami highway at the zero point from where you must drive for 7 kilometres to reach the village.
When to go
The best time to visit the village is during spring when the valleys are covered with Rhododendron flowers of white and red colours, locally known as Ngayawon and Kokluiwon.
Longpi Village
Longpi refers to two villages, Logpi Khullen and Longpi Kajui, famous for their black pottery. The word Longpi means “group lodges’ in the local language. Longpi was a transit point in the old days when locals went to Kalham, Marem and Maremphung to fetch salt water and bake salt. It was days before common salt was available in the market. Then people used to spend their nights at Longpi village and be the guests of the villagers.
Today Longpi is famous for its black pottery. Every household in the village makes black pots to use for daily activities before the advent of aluminium pots. They still make these and use them for cooking, if not for selling. These utensils can be used on a gas stove and firewood. They are simple in design and used for slow cooking for hours. You can buy a thing or two from them if you like.
How to go
Longpi is 37 kilometres north of Ukhrul on the Imphal-Jessami highway. It takes over an hour to reach Longpi from Ukhrul town.
When to go
You can visit Longpi throughout the year. Every household in Longpi villages makes black pots, although a few allow visitors to look inside their workshops. You can buy a black deep vessel from them for slow cooking at home.
Churches in Ukhrul
Ukhrul is a small hill town, but there are many churches in this town. Phungyo Baptist Church is the oldest among them. It is the mother of all Baptist churches in Manipur. Viewland Baptist Church and Union Baptist Church are the other beautiful churches in the town. All the churches are lit up and decorated with flowers and flags during Christmas.
Even the small village churches look so beautiful at this time of the year. Every small village has one church at the centre on a hillock. I was very impressed with the structure of the beautiful Shirui village church.
How to go
You can take a walk in the town in the morning and visit the churches. We were lucky to visit Ukhrul during Christmas, and the beautiful churches decorated and lit up in colourful lights look more attractive in the evening.
When to go
The best time to visit these churches is during prayers in the morning.
Khayang Waterfall
Khayang Waterfall is the highest waterfall in Manipur. Cascading down from a height of 745 ft, this waterfall amidst the lush green forest all around is a perfect visual treat for travellers. Trekking to the waterfall is an adventure in itself as you have to walk through the thick deciduous forest and cross the river. The forest’s wide variety of flora and fauna also attracts nature lovers to this beautiful place.
How to go
You must take a cab from Ukhrul town to reach the Khayang Waterfall viewpoint. Khayang is near the Indo-Myanmar border and is 85 kilometres from Ukhrul town. From the village, one has to hike for 2 hours to reach the base of the waterfall.
When to go
In monsoon, the waterfall has maximum water and looks amazing amidst all the greens around. In winter, the weather is pleasant, and the hiking trail is much better, although the water level is much lower.
Kachouphung Lake
Kachouphung Lake is a beautiful lake spread over nine acres area nestled among the slopes of Achuwa Magi Hills. The lake is situated close to the Indo-Myanmar border. It is said that the lake looks like an Indian map from above.
How to go
A private cab can take you to Kachouphung Lake from Ukhrul town. The lake is at a distance of 90 kilometres from the district headquarters and 7 kilometres ahead of Khayang Waterfalls.
When to go
The best time to go to Kachouphung Lake is during the spring and summer when the days are bigger, and the roads are in better condition.
Nilai Tea Estate
Nilai is the second largest town in the Ukhrul district. It is famous for its tea estates which specialise in green tea production. Visiting the tea estates will help you to witness how the tea leaves are hand plucked and sun-dried to enhance their medicinal properties. The unique feature of the tea grown here is that the real flavour comes after the second boil.
How to go
Nilai is 20 kilometres from Ukhrul town, and it takes close to an hour to get there by car.
When to go
You can go to the Nilai tea estate throughout the year. Visiting in spring and summer is best as the road condition is comparatively better during that period.
Activities to do
Trek to Shirui Hills
Shirui Hills trek is the most exciting activity in Ukhrul. Every year a good number of travellers visit Ukhrul to complete this trek. The crowd increases during June and July when the Shirui Lily blooms. The total distance of this trek is five kilometres one way. It takes almost 6-7 hours to complete this trek.
The first stretch of stairs is the most difficult part. The second and third stretches are comparatively easier as one has to walk along the ridges. For a beginner, this trek will be like a moderate-difficulty trek. You must carry dry food and water with you. And littering the trail will cause a hefty fine to the trekker.
Read more: A trek to Shirui Hill near Ukhrul in Manipur
Picnic beside Phangrei Lake
Phangrei, a long rolling hills range, is a favourite picnic spot of locals in Ukhrul. There is a small lake at the top where hikers can camp and spend a night under the sky. The top is a flat plateau that continues towards Shirui Hills on the farther side. On holidays and weekends, you will see families with their kids climbing towards the top with food and water for a memorable time. It takes around 45 minutes to climb to the top from the road below.
Explore pre-historic caves in Hungdung and Khangkhui
There are a few limestone caves in Ukhrul that tourists can visit. Mova cave in Hundung and Khangkhui Mangsor near Khangkhui village are the most popular ones. While there are stairways to the mouth of Khangkhui Cave, the trail to Mova Cave is an adventure.
The caverns in Khangkhui caves have artefacts that point towards its usage by Paleolithic men. The stalactite and stalagmite formations inside the cave are interesting. Although to observe them closely, you need to carry a light source with you. Remember, a large number of bats inhabit both caves.
Learn about Black Pottery at Longpi
The black pottery is Longpi, locally known as Longpi Ham. Before the availability of Aluminium pots, black pottery was used to make utensils in the villages of Longpi. Even today, every household in Longpi makes black pots for their usage.
The raw materials used for black pottery are weathered rock and serpentine rock, available only in Longpi. The two rocks are crushed and mixed with water to make a clay-like material. Then with the help of hands and tools, they are shaped into different kinds of pots, including bowls, cooking pots, teapots, cups and plates etc. Finally, these pots are dried in heat and coloured to give the final smooth finish. The beauty of making black pottery is that no potter’s wheel is used.
See a tribal museum at Sihai
The old Sihai village, or the Sihai Khullen, has a small tribal museum inside a traditional Tangkgul hut that showcases head trophies of many animals, including monkeys, boars, buffalos, and deers. The equipment traditionally used for farming, bamboo baskets, weapons, musical instruments and dresses are also showcased in the museum. A life-size statue of the Tangkhul Naga chief in his traditional attire is placed inside the museum, demonstrating the pride and heroism of a warrior that the Sihai Khullen people originally were. The collection in this mini-museum is mostly by one man who initiated this project nearly 30 years, and a few things are donated by other villagers also. Now the number of items exhibited here is more than 100 inside a 30×20 ft room.
Visit the beautiful tea plantation at Nilai
The rolling green tea estates at Nilai Kaphung, spanning over thousands of yards and lying on a picturesque steep slope, are a sight to behold. The organically grown green tea here is famous for its aroma and medicinal properties. The hand-plucked and sun-dried tea leaves are perfect for elevating your mood if you are a green tea lover,
A 3 days itinerary for Ukhrul
Day 1
Start early from Imphal and reach Ukhrul town by lunch. Visit Mova Cave on the way. After lunch, proceed towards Nilai and visit Phungyo Baptist Church on the way. Can stay at a homestay in Nilai or get back to Ukhrul town by evening.
Day 2
Have an early breakfast. Start Shirui Hill Trekking by 8 in the morning. You will be back by 2 pm. Go to Phangrei. Have lunch there. Then hike to Phangrei Lake. Come down and go to Sihai village. Finally, visit Longpi Black Pottery village. Come back to Ukhrul town.
Day 3
After breakfast, start for Khangkhui Mangsor Cave. After visiting the cave, drive towards the Indo-Myanmar border along the same road and reach Khayang waterfall. You can hike to the base of the waterfall. Then proceed to Kachouphung Lake. Come back to Ukhrul town by evening.
The next morning, go back to Imphal.
Frequently asked questions
Is Ukhrul a hill station?
Yes, Ukhrul is the highest hill station in Manipur. Ukhrul town is located at an altitude of 2000 metres. The highest point in Manipur is Tengnuopal which comes on the way to Moreh.
How far is Ukhrul from Imphal?
Ukhrul is 84 kilometres away from Imphal. It takes around three hours to reach Ukhrul town from Imphal.
How can Ukhrul be reached from Imphal?
Ukhrul can be reached from Imphal by shared cabs or state transport buses from Imphal State Bus Terminus (ISBT). You can also hire a cab and reach Ukhrul from Imphal.
Is Ukhrul safe for tourists?
Yes, Ukhrul is safe for tourists. Although there were incidences of terrorist activities in Manipur in the past now, it is safe to visit the state, even the border areas. Many tourists have been visiting the state recently, and the state government is promoting tourism profoundly.
Do I need an interline permit to visit Ukhrul?
You need an interline permit to visit Manipur and every place in Manipur. You can get your ILP online or from Manipur Houses in Kolkata, Delhi or Guwahati. You can also do it at Imphal airport or border entry gates at Mao, Jessami and Jiribaum. It takes around an hour to get it issued after reaching the state. So it is always better to get the ILP beforehand and save your time on the road. The fee for temporary tourist ILP in Manipur is ₹100.
What is the best time to visit Ukhrul?
The best time to visit Ukhrul is in June-July when Shirui Lily blooms at Shirui Hills, or else you can visit Ukhrul in November-March.
What are the places of interest in Ukhrul?
The main attraction of Ukhrul is Shirui Hills or Shirui Kashong. Other places of interest are Khangkhui Cave, Mova Cave, Phangrei Lake, Longpi Village, Sihai Village, Khayang Waterfalls, Kachouphung Lake and Nilai Tea Estates.
How challenging is the Shirui Hill trek?
Shirui Hill Trek is of moderate difficulty. Once you cover the first stretch of stairs, which is the most challenging part, it’s a comparatively easy walk through the meadows along the ridges with ups and downs. The steep up at the end needs good fitness.
When does the Shirui Lily flower bloom in Ukhrul?
Shirui Lily blooms between mid-June to mid-July. This is also the time for Shirui Lily Festival in Ukhrul.
Is a guide necessary for Shirui Hill Trek?
No, a guide is not necessary for the Shirui Hill trek, as the trail is straightforward and clearly visible. But if you have kids and elderly people with you, hiring a guide would be a good option. You will get a guide at the registration office near the starting point of the Shirui Hill trek. Your hotel can arrange an experienced guide for you if you tell them beforehand.
How is mobile connectivity in Ukhrul?
Mobile connectivity in Ukhrul was quite good. I got a strong Jio and Vodafone network there. I used my Jio 4G to watch smart TV in Ukhrul. But once you move towards the villages, mobile connectivity becomes weak.
Is there any hospital in Ukhrul?
Ukhrul has a district hospital located at the town’s entry.
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