Loktak Lake-it’s a name on everyone’s lips, and why so?-because it’s unique: a floating garden over a vast lake, a life that thrives on it- and a unique ecosystem. Ukhrul is a remote hill station but doesn’t mistake it as one of the side track pyjamas. It’s one of the most gentle climbs to the top and so windy at the top with a beautiful panoramic view of the lower Himalayas—the sunset is worth a watch too!
Reasons why you must visit Manipur:
- Phumdis, the circular-sized mass of vegetation, is the feature that sets Loktak lake apart from other lakes worldwide. It’s pretty distinguishable, and one will be in awe when seeing those.
- You can enjoy a trip through Loktak lake by boating around at a minimal cost of, say, 30 INR and see the beauty of the beautiful lake. Mainly boating is used to go from one place to another within the lake-the lake is enormous!
- Houses on Loktak Lake is another unique feature that sets it apart from the rest-spend. Some time in one of those houses with locals for a memorable journey.
- INA Memorial Complex is a historical place which holds a lot of importance as the great leader Subhas Chandra Bose unfurled the first Indian flag in Moirang.
- Shirui Hills, the hill range in Ukhrul, is famous for Shirui Lily, the State Flower of Manipur, which grows at around 3000 metres MSL, especially in May.
- Khaya and Shirui Kashong Peaks are the two peaks in Ukhrul that offer a beautiful view of the lower range of the Himalayas. The sunrise and sunset at these places are worth a watch!
- Nilai Tea Estate is a tea plantation site worth a look in Ukhrul and Khangkhui Cave, a limestone-based cave worth a watch.
- You have Moreh in Manipur as an international border to Myanmar, so if you have a visa, you can make a round trip there too!
Location: Ukhrul is 80 km northeast of Imphal, the capital of Manipur state of India. Loktak lake is 50 km south of Imphal.
Tourist Attraction on the spot:
Loktak lake in itself is vast and worthy of a visit tourist place. Ukhrul has many places to see like Pisgah Eco Park, Phangrei, Khangkhui Mangsor and Harva Khangai caves, Nillai Tea Estate and Shirui Kashong Peak.
Tourist Attraction in Vicinity:
You can visit Imphal itself alongwith Churachandpur,Moreh(India-Myanmar Border),Kohima and Dzokou Valley.
Distance Charts:(From Imphal)
- Guwahati(485 km)
- Ukhrul(85 km)
- Loktak Lake(55 km)
- Dimapur(205 km)
- Itanagar(460 km)
- Tawang(750 km)
- Kohima(140 km)
- Gangtok(1020 km)
- kolkata(1500 km)
- Agartala(540 km)
- Aizawl(400 km)
- Shillong(550 km)
- Darjeeling(985 km)
How to Reach Imphal/Ukhrul:
Road Routes:
Guwahati(Assam)-Dimapur(Nagaland)-Kohima-Zakhama-Senapati-Imphal-Loktak-Imphal-Ukhrul
IMPORTANT NOTE FROM MY EXPERIENCE:
1)Shirui Lily Festival happens somewhere in month of April-May.Check their official site before reaching here and please don’t miss out !
2)Try fishing and housing at Loktak Lake and enjoy local delicacies and culture of the place.This place is a memory treasure you’ll carry with you!
3)Roads are ultra-terrible right from Dimapur in Nagaland to Senapati in Manipur-so have spare tyres and keep your vehicle in robust state.
4)Ukhrul is remote region where public vehicles do ply but pretty much dependant on local public demand.Whatever means of transport you take,make sure you return by say around 6 pm or so.North east India is like start at 4 am and finish everything by 5 pm kind of .
5)Trekking to Shirui Kashong peak is surreal as when you reach the top,the windy pleasant climate just makes your day especially sunrise /sunset times.The view from the peak is refreshing and sweet..
RAIL:Dimapur is nearest rail station after which public transport is plenty to help you reach Manipur.
You can watch the below video to get a better idea!Do like and share if you find it worth…
AIR:Imphal has its own airport well connected to any part of India.
ROAD:There’s two ways you can make it to Imphal-one is via Dimapur-kohima and Senapati which gives a decent ride whereas there’s a route via Silchar-Aizawl which is very exhausting and terrible route in terms of road conditions-quite hilly too!
Map:
Time to Visit:
Best time to visit will be around either April-May or September-November(Avoid rains between June and September)
Spend Time With:
Family,Friends,Solo,Couple
Food and Lodging:
Hotels are easily available in Imphal and other parts of Manipur.Food is not an issue in Imphal but have snacks with you when you go towards Ukhrul as the number of shops on the way is scant.You can goto Goibibo,makemytrip,easemytrip if you need to make an advance booking.Zomato and Swiggy can be used for food bookings!Most cases,you don’t need advance bookings in Imphal.
Expense:
For a 2 day trip to Loktak Lake and Ukhrul,following is the expense:
Food:INR 150/person/day(3 times a day)X2
Transport:Consider INR 1500 for Kohima-Imphal-Ukhrul-Imphal route by shared car(if you take pvt car add 3000 INR for Ukhrul trip)
Lodging:INR 800/day X2 at Imphal (two nights stay)
Entry Fees includes various places (varies):Boating charges of approx INR 50 at Loktak Lake
Total: 3750 INR(Can go upto to 6750 INR if a shared car is availed)
Nearby Attractions(Imphal) :
- Guwahati(485 km)
- Ukhrul(85 km)
- Loktak Lake(55 km)
- Itanagar(460 km)
- Cherrapunji(600 km)
