Ukhrul

Ukhrul – The Land of Shirui Lily

Ukhrul is a beautiful town situated in Ukhrul district of Manipur. Known for its majestic natural beauty, this town holds a mesmerizing charm about itself. 

Since the beginning, Ukhrul is quite popular for its festivities like Luira, Mangkhap, Thareo and many others. Apart from this, the natural elements of beauty like caves, waterfalls, mountains, and clear skies will only heighten your excitement of visiting such a fine travel getaway. 

Geography & Location

• Located in Ukhrul district, Manipur, about 83 km from Imphal.
• Surrounded by dense forests, rolling hills, and deep valleys.

Lies in the Indo-Myanmar border region, making it an important cultural and strategic location.

History of Ukhrul

Since the beginning, Ukhrul district has been home to the Tangkhul tribes. It is interesting to know that the name Tangkhul was given to these tribals by their neighbours, Meiteis. 

If we go back in history, then the earliest home of the Tangkhuls were the upper regions of Huang Heo and Yangtze Rivers which are sited in the current Xinjiang Province of China. 

As per W.I. Singh, the author of The History of Manipur, these tribals also settled in Samshok area which is in Myanmar right now. Apart from this, they were also spotted in the Manipur region and soon a part of their community also settled permanently here.

Major Attractions in and Around Ukhrul

1. Khayang Peak

Khayang Peak is the largest peak situated in the Ukhrul district. It is situated at an altitude of around 3,114 metres. A number of picturesque and scenic views of nature’s delight welcome you as you visit here. What’s good news is the fact that you can also participate in trekking activities along the way.

2. Shirui Kashong Peak

The reason that this peak is somewhat more popular among the tourists might be because of the fact that it is easily accessible for the tourists as compared to Khayang Peak. The variety of plants and herbs which you get to witness here will leave you with a sense of wonder.

3. Khangkhui Cave

This cave is mainly made out of limestones! It consists of two large chambers along with five tunnels. Furthermore, there are just too many legends behind this cave which are interesting and at the same time can be a little scary as well. For instance, it is believed that the hall of this cave is the place where the king used to have all his important meetings and discussions.

4. Nillai Tea Estate

If you want to have a glimpse of how a tea estate looks, then visiting Nillai Tea Estate would be a good idea. This place is where locally the green tea is grown, hand-picked and then sun-dried as well. The greenery which you will be experiencing here is definitely a treat to the eyes. 

5. Khangkhui Mangsor Cave

• A prehistoric limestone cave believed to be over 200,000 years old.
• Features stalactites and stalagmites and is linked to Tangkhul folklore.
• The cave is said to have been used as a shelter during World War II.

6. Ango Ching Forest

• A biodiversity hotspot with dense forests, waterfalls, and rare wildlife.
• Home to species like leopards, hornbills, and exotic butterflies.
• A great place for birdwatching and eco-tourism.

7. Phangrei Hills

• A scenic spot for trekking and camping, offering stunning views of the Shirui region.
• Ideal for picnics, photography, and sunset watching.

8. Duncan Park

• A peaceful park and picnic spot, with well-maintained gardens and a relaxing atmosphere.

Things to Do in Ukhrul

• Trekking & Hiking
• Witness the Shirui Lily Bloom
• Explore Tangkhul Naga Culture
• Birdwatching & Wildlife Exploration
• Visit the Local Markets

Festivals Celebrated in Ukhrul

• Shirui Lily Festival (May–June)
• Luira Phanit (February)
• Christmas & New Year Celebrations
• Chumpha Festival (December)

Best Time to Visit Ukhrul

• Summer (March–June): Best for trekking, wildlife exploration, and Shirui Lily Festival.
• Monsoon (July–September): The region becomes lush and green, but trekking can be challenging due to heavy rainfall.
• Winter (October–February): Perfect for cool weather, cultural experiences, and clear mountain views.

How to Reach Ukhrul

Ukhrul is an amazing travel getaway loaded with lush scenic views of natural beauty. It is situated at a distance of 2,466, 3,312, 1,568, 3,514 km from Delhi, Mumbai, Kolkata, and Bengaluru respectively. Here is how you can travel to Ukhrul from other nearby regions. 

By Air

The nearest airport is the Imphal International Airport (IMF) situated at a distance of 90 km. This airport has overall good flight connectivity with other Indian cities and is also considered to be one of the significant airports in the northeastern regions of India. You can also take connecting flights from Kolkata and Guwahati to reach here. Once you deboard at the airport, you can take a cab or some other means of local transportation available to reach your destination.  

Here is a list of Indian cities from where flights are available to Ukhrul

• Guwahati to Imphal Flight
• Kolkata to Imphal Flight
• Delhi to Imphal Flight
• Mumbai to Imphal Flight
• Bangalore to Imphal Flight

By Train

The nearest railway station is the Dimapur Railway Station situated 280 km away. The station has overall good railway connectivity with other Indian cities. Once you deboard at the station, you can easily take a cab to reach your destination. 

By Road

If living in nearby regions, you can also consider travelling to Ukhrul via roads. The roads are quite accessible and well maintained. Buses and taxis are readily available to Ukhrul from other cities located nearby. And if it suits your budget, you can also consider travelling here by your own car.

• From Imphal - 80 km via NH202
• From Thoubal - 103 km via NH202
• From Churachandpur - 143 km via NH202

Frequently Asked Questions about Ukhrul

Q: Where is Ukhrul Located?
A: Ukhrul is a town in the Indian state of Manipur.

Q: What are the major tourist attractions in Ukhrul?
A: Some of the major tourist attractions in Ukhrul include the Khangkhui Cave, the Shirui Hill, the Jessami Village, and the Ukhrul War Cemetery.

Q: How many days are enough to explore Ukhrul?
A: A 2–3 day trip is ideal to visit Shirui Peak, Khangkhui Cave, and cultural sites.

Q: What are some must-try foods in Ukhrul?
A: moked pork, sticky rice, wild herbs, and spicy chutneys made with local ingredients.