Ukhrul

Ukhrul (also known as Hunphun) is the administrative headquarters of Ukhrul district in the hill region of Manipur, around 85 km northeast of Imphal. The town sits at an elevation of about 1,800 m in the Manipur Hills, surrounded by pine forests, terraced fields, and the lush peaks of the Shirui range. It is the gateway to the world-famous Shirui lily (Lilium macklineae), a rare and exquisite flower that blooms only on the slopes of Shirui Peak, making the area a destination for botanists, trekkers, and nature lovers.

The town is predominantly inhabited by the Tangkhul Naga community, with a distinct culture, cuisine, and dialect. The annual Shirui Festival (third week of May) celebrates the blooming of the lily with cultural performances, traditional sports, and local food. The best time to visit is May–June for the lily bloom, or October–March for trekking in pleasant weather. The monsoon (June–September) brings heavy rain and landslides.

Ukhrul is compact, centred around Gandhi Circle, with basic amenities, a few hotels, and restaurants. It serves as a base for exploring Sirohi National Park and surrounding tribal villages.

By Plane

Imphal International Airport (IMF IATA) is the nearest airport, about 85 km south-west. Air India, IndiGo, and SpiceJet connect Imphal to Delhi, Kolkata, Guwahati, and Bengaluru. A taxi or shared minivan from Imphal takes approximately 3 hours.

By Car / Road

State Highway 202 links Ukhrul to Imphal (85 km, 3 hours). The road is winding, bumpy, and subject to landslides during rains. Shared taxis and minivans from Imphal Interstate Bus Station cost around ₹150. Buses operate during the Shirui Festival in May.

Ukhrul town is small and walkable, with most amenities around Gandhi Circle. For trips to Sirohi National Park (10–15 km), hire a taxi or shared jeep from the town centre. Walking and cycling are good options within town.

Sirohi National Park — The world's only natural habitat of the Shirui lily (Lilium macklineae), about 10–15 km from Ukhrul town. The park also hosts tigers, leopards, and rare birds including the Blyth's tragopan. The best time to visit is the third–fourth week of May during the Shirui Festival, when Shirui Peak is covered in lily blooms.

Shirui Peak — The highest peak in the Ukhrul region, offering panoramic views of the surrounding hills and valleys. A popular trekking destination, especially during the lily season.

Tangkhul Naga Villages — Traditional villages around Ukhrul where visitors can experience Naga culture, handloom weaving, and local hospitality.

Trek to Shirui Peak during the lily blooming season (May). Join the Shirui Festival in May for cultural performances and local sports. Take a guided nature walk in Sirohi National Park with Chiko Adventures. Experience village homestays in surrounding Tangkhul Naga villages. Birdwatching, photography, and camping are popular activities.

Local Naga cuisine features smoked pork, bamboo shoots, fermented soybeans, and sticky rice. Most hotels have attached restaurants serving simple meals of rice, dal, and vegetables. 25 Degree North Hotel serves fried rice, noodles, and Western-style breakfast.

Local rice beer and tea are the common local drinks. Bottled water is recommended; carry sufficient supplies as options are limited.

• Budget: Oasis Hotel (₹400–800/night) on the southern approach road to Ukhrul. 25 Degree North Hotel (₹600 single, ₹900 double) near Gandhi Circle with free Wi-Fi, restaurant, and hot water.
• Mid-range: Ngashan Inn Resto Lodge (₹800/night double) — clean, spacious rooms with hot water. Chiko Adventures offers camping equipment and village homestay arrangements.

Tangkhul Naga handloom shawls, bamboo crafts, and local honey. Ukhrul is known for its traditional woven textiles, particularly the characteristic shawls with geometric Naga patterns.

Imphal (85 km, 3 hr) — the state capital with the Ima Keithel (women's market), Kangla Fort, and Loktak Lake. Sirohi National Park (10–15 km, 30 min) — the Shirui lily habitat and wildlife reserve. Shirui Peak (15 km, 45 min) — for trekking and panoramic views. Kohima (150 km, 6 hr) — the capital of Nagaland with the WWII Kohima War Cemetery and Naga heritage village.