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Location : Manipur

Languages : Manipuri

Altitude : Ranging between 913 and 3114 meters

Climate : Monsoonal

Temperature : It varies between 0 and 33 degree Celsius

Major Attractions : Khangkhui Cave, Shirui Lily

Best Visiting Time : Months between October and March

Lying lazily in the northeastern direction of Manipur state, Ukhrul city is a gift of bountiful nature. With countless number of lakes, caves, and hilly terrains covering it entirely, the city's natural splendor paints eye-catchy vistas to beholders.

Topography :

The topography of the city is marked with rugged hills and a number of water bodies. It is flanked by Imphal in north, Chandel in southern, and Myanmar is eastern direction. You can see hills as high as 3100 meters from sea level. Khayang is the highest peak adoring the physiography of the place. The rivers that can be seen gushing through uneven terrain are Maklang, Tuyeng, Thoubal, Tuyungbi, and Taret.

Agriculture Thriving on an agrarian economy, Ukhrul is known for its agricultural market. Vegetables are grown over a wide area. Among the crops that are cultivated here include cabbage, rice, potato, maize, groundnut, and pulses. Cotton is also a major produce and is used domestically.

Flora and Fauna :

Shirui Lily is famous throughput the world; one of the characteristics that is unique to this rare flower is that is comprises of seven colors when seen under a microscope. Apart from this, the city is flourished with flowering, orchids, and shrubs of several kinds. The forests are inhabited by several endangered species. Wild boar, deer, buffalo, elephant, tiger, salamander, ant eater and leopard are a few of the flora variety that dwells in jingles.

Attractions In and Around :

Khangkhui Cave :

This cave of limestone is a remarkable tourist place. If the folklore to be believed, the interior of the cave is home to a devil king who resides in a darbar hall; a royal bedroom is also believed to be present inside. During Second World War, local inhabitants used to take shelter inside.

Khangkhui Mangsor :

Not very far from Ukhrul, there is another cave that forms part of Kangkhul village. As with other caves of antiquities, there are numerous myths that are linked to this place. As per believe, a deity named Nagsor used to live here along with his two wives. The two ladies used to live here in separate chambers; as first wive was healthy she was provided with a bigger chamber while the second one was offered small chambers. As the second one had issues, she was given a number of rooms.

Kachouphung Lake :

Another attraction located at about 7 kilometers from the destination is Kachouphung Lake. Flanked by the hills named Achuwa Magi, the lake is spread over an area of 9 acres. It is inhabited by numerous fish and other water inhabitants. Shaped like an Indian map, the lake assumes tremendous size in rainy season.

Shirui :

Sheltering the famous Shirui lilies, this place attracts tourists from all over world; botanists arrive here to have the glimpse of this unique wonder of nature. Commonly called as Kashing Timrawon, the flower is believed to be a kind spirit that rests on Shirui Peak.

Khayang Peak :

With an elevation of 3114 metes from sea level, Khayang Peak is highest among all others that are present in this region.

Shirui Peak :

A source of many rivers that emanate from its creeks and cover the topography of Ukhrul, Shirui Peak is another tourist attraction. It stands at a height of 2835 meters from sea level and is home to Shirui lily.

Ango Ching :

The yet untouched forest of Ango Ching is almost inaccessible due to extremely rugged terrain. It is home to many species of flora and fauna; there are wild animals like black bear, wild buffalo, wild cat, and peacock tragopan. Rich with biological diversity, the forest conservation is a necessary step that needs to be taken.

Festivals :

Being an agrarian city, the year-round agricultural practices are observed here. IN order to welcome the sowing and harvesting seasons, a number of festivals are celebrated here along with traditions and rituals. Let's have a look at some of them:

Chumpha :

Upon blessed with a rich harvest, the village folks celebrate Chumpha which is a type of thanksgiving ceremony. The female lead of the family performs a number of rituals and males have to stay out during night. Also called Feast of Mother, the celebrations are carried out in the month of November/ December.

Longa Khamang :

A festival dedicated to children, Longa Khamang is another harvest festival as a token of thanks upon having a rich yield.

Yarra :

This youth festival is celebrated in the months of April/May.

Luira :

Celebrated in the initial months of a new year, Luira coincides with sowing of seeds by farmers. At Longpi, the guests are welcomed with hospitality and are offered with lavish treats. At Hundung, dances by virgins are performed.

Thisham :

Organized as a tribute to dead ancestors, Thisham is celebrated by performing dances of Dead.

In addition, village folks also observe a number of other festivals that are part of Ukhrul's culture. Mawonzai, Ma Khungkashat, Shimsak Kasa etc. are some of the other festivities.

Art :

Like festivals, music and dance are inherent part of Ukhrul's ancient heritage. You may feel privileged to have a glimpse of the richness of its arts and crafts that surprises you with dexterous works. The inhabitants, particularly Tangkhuls are ardent lovers of music; they use it as a medium of expressing their sentiments. As you listen to some of their music, you feel the romanticism oozing from lyrics; the melody of the songs relaxes your eardrums. Their dances too are rhythmic and traditional and are performed with enthusiasm. Both music as well as dances is accompanied by several musical instruments like trumpet, mouth-piece, flute, bamboo pipe, and violin.

Almost all the houses are built on a similar fashion; those who are wealthy erect Terung (tree trunk) in front of their houses. A few of them also erect memorials in their courtyards.

Accommodation :

There are not many accommodations at Ukhrul; you can search nice hotels in Imphal and nearby areas.

This paradisiacal place will make your vacation a cherishable experience. There is so much to explore at this picture-perfect city of Manipur.