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An evening with moon at foothills of Shirui Hills,Ukhrul
In Tourist Destinations Revisited-The Himalayas

Manipur-A bouquet of beauty you shouldn’t miss-Ukhrul and Loktak Lake

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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.
The beautiful loktak lake in morning hours
The beautiful loktak lake in morning hours
  • 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.
An evening with moon at foothills of Shirui Hills,Ukhrul
An evening with moon at foothills of Shirui Hills,Ukhrul
  • 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.

The entrnce to boating facility at Loktak Lake
The entrance to boating facility at Loktak Lake

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.

Evening at Shirui Peak
Evening at Shirui Peak

Distance Charts:(From Imphal)

The trail to foothills of Shirui Kashong
The trail to foothills of Shirui Kashong

How to Reach Imphal/Ukhrul:

Road Routes:

Guwahati(Assam)-Dimapur(Nagaland)-Kohima-Zakhama-Senapati-Imphal-Loktak-Imphal-Ukhrul

A beautiful cluster of huts in Loktak Lake
A beautiful cluster of huts in Loktak Lake

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..

The beautiful Himalayan ranges from Shirui Peak
The beautiful Himalayan ranges from Shirui Peak

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:

Manipur to Loktak Lake and Ukhrul road Map
Dimapur to Imphal -Loktak Lake- Ukhrul Map

Time to Visit:

Best time to visit will be around either April-May or September-November(Avoid rains between June and September)

The focus on motor of the boat we sail
The focus on motor of the boat we sail

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:

The water pattern as the boat sails
The water pattern as the boat sails


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) :

A memorial at Ukhrul on foothills of Shirui
A memorial at Ukhrul on foothills of Shirui
Dusk at Ukhrul
Dusk at Ukhrul
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Nagaland
In Tourist Destinations Revisited-The Himalayas

Nagaland-Not to be missed : Tempting Dzokou Valley, fun-filled Hornbill Fest, and historical Kisama Heritage Village.

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For reasons plenty, not many visit Nagaland and Dzokou. I visited once and loved the culture as well as the people. The ten-day Hornbill fest held every December isn’t to be missed-it’s so much fun with a mix of North East art and plenty of cultural shows. The city of Kohima is blessed with some beautiful landmarks along with being a beauty in itself. The Heritage Villages are unique to Naga culture and indeed to be explored, and how can one miss the lush green and beautiful Dzokou Valley Trek!

Reasons why you must visit Nagaland:

  • Dzeko Valley, the land of beautiful colourful (wild rhododendrons and lilies) flowers and lush green meadows, is a paradise to say the list-the beauty unmatched by any other hill station in India. Kudremukh in Karnataka may give a parallel comparison, but it can’t beat the beauty of Dzeko.
  • Japfu Peak(2438 m) makes for an ideal trekking treat with the Dzukou and Japhu rivers flowing by, the greenery and charm unexploited—a breath of fresh air!
Dzokou Valley shares itself between states of Nagaland and Manipur,India
Dzokou Valley shares itself between states of Nagaland and Manipur,India
  • The famous Hornbill fest in Naga Heritage Village houses about 20 bands who fill the air with dancing music and an aura of happiness along with crazy competitions like Naga Chilli and sweet pineapple eating competitions(watch my video).
  • Wokha, another city of Nagaland, offers splendid views of natural beauty with green hills and beautiful flowery orchards with meandering rivers.
Hornbill Fest happens 1-10 December,Nagaland
Hornbill Fest happens 1-10 December,Nagaland
  • The Kohima War Cemetery in Kohima, Nagaland is known for its historical win by allied forces over Japanese forces; It is not a place to be missed. The Kohima Cathedral Church offers a beautiful view of Kohima city, and the church inside out is equally beautiful.

Location: Kohima is about 350 km from Guwahati, the capital of Assam and 70 km east of Dimapur.

Khonoma Village scenes
Khonoma Village scenes-paddy fields

Tourist Attraction on the Spot:

Kohima War Cemetery, Nagaland State Museum, Kohima Cathedral Church, Naga Heritage Village, Puliebadze, Touphema, and Khonoma are nearby places around Kohima to visit.

Tourist Attractions in the Vicinity:

Imphal, Dzokou Valley, Guwahati, Wokha, Ukhrul, Aizawl, Shillong, and Haflong are some exciting places 300-400 km from Kohima.

View from Kohima Cathedral Church
View from Kohima Cathedral Church

Distance Charts:(From Kohima)

Beautiful Kohima from Nagaland State Museum
Beautiful Kohima from Nagaland State Museum

How to Reach Imphal/Ukhrul:

Road Routes:

Guwahati (Assam)-Dimapur (Nagaland)-Kohima – Dzokou / Wokha

Tools used by Nagas in Khonoma
Tools used by Nagas in Khonoma

IMPORTANT NOTE FROM MY EXPERIENCE:

1) Hornbill Fest-this is the time you should be here-1st to 10th December-any 3. One of the days of the fest and you are good to go-rock music, unique cultural art and food display, and Naga Heritage on display-do, don’t miss. Don’t forget the Inner Line Permit when you’re in Nagaland-ahghh how did I forget it!

2) If I have talked about Hornbill Fest, why miss Dzokou Valley. How can one miss Dzokou Valley when they are in Nagaland. You’ll reach the proper Dzokou Valley and know what I mean! The green valleys and hills with a slight drizzle make a complete package!

3)Khonoma Village was a unique experience for me because it showcases the core Naga culture and the beautiful landscape. It takes quite a bit of walking, but it’s worth it; you won’t even regret the short trek, and I hope you do!

4)Now, if I have talked about December and Hornbill, then beware that getting hotels is complicated and if by chance you get one, be ready to pay 2500 INR plus a couple or more. So book in advance with cancellation if you want to save some big bucks-a folded hand request!

On our way to Dzokou Valley
On our way to Dzokou Valley

Rail: Dimapur is the nearest rail station, after which public transport helps you reach Kohima.

You can watch the below video to get a better idea!Do like and share if you find it worth…

AIR: Dimapur has its airport well connected to any part of India.

ROAD: One and only one route. You come from around the world-land to Guwahati and then get a train to Dimapur or road. From there, take a shared car/bus to reach Kohima, the capital of Nagaland. Assam State Transport helps you to get to Nagaland quickly.

Map:

Dimapur Kohima Dzokou Valley and Mokokchung travel map
Dimapur Kohima Dzokou Valley and Mokokchung travel map

Time to Visit:

Best time to visit will be from October to May.

That's why you come to Dzokou-Enchanting greenery
That’s why you come to Dzokou-Enchanting greenery

Spend Time With:

Family,Friends,Solo,Couple

Food and Lodging:

Hotels are readily available in non-peak seasons only; if you land here somewhere in Hornbill fest, you’ll regret not booking from before. Better go to Goibibo, MakeMyTrip, and EaseMyTrip if you want to save some bucks by making a booking. Even food is costly here . Zomato and swiggy can be used for food bookings! You won’t face the issue of food and snacks at most places in Nagaland.

Expense:

For a 3 day trip to Kohima(during Hornbill fest):

Kohima Cathedral Church,Kohima
Kohima Cathedral Church,Kohima

Food: INR 150/person/day(3 times a day)X3

Transport: Consider INR 1000 from Dimapur to Kohima; Kohima local shared transport.

Lodging: INR 1200/day X3 at Kohima (two nights stay)(can be 700-800 INR in non-peak rainy season)

Entry Fees include various places (varies): Consider around INR 300 in total(Dzokou entrance-50 INR, state museum, Khonoma, Naga Heritage Village)

Total: 6250 INR

Nearby Attractions(Kohima) :

Naga Heritage Village-where Horbill happens from 1-10 december every year
Naga Heritage Village-where Horbill happens from 1-10 december every year
Kohima as seen from Cathedral
Kohima as seen from Cathedral
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