Ukhrul/Hunphun is a town in the state of Manipur, India. It is the home of the Tangkhul Naga. It is the administrative headquarter of the Ukhrul district. There are also four sub-divisions in the district for administering the villages in and around it. The villages, however, are governed by the ‘Village Heads’.
Ukhrul is a beautiful hill town, rich in tribal culture and rich wildlife. There are numerous tribal inhabitants here. This virgin land is inhabited by peaceful people who believe in peace and love to spend time in peace. In addition to the clean environment, the standard of living of the simple and friendly aborigines will enchant you, who have been known for their honesty and devotion for generations. They are a such kind of mountain people above comparison.
Ukhrul district is the home of not only the Tangkhul but the Thadou-Kuki community too. The Tangkhuls belong to a Mongolian race that is spread all over the World. Linguistically, they belong to a large language family called Sino-Tibetan, within that family to the sub-family Tibeto-Burman. In general this points towards an origin in the north, that is southwest China and Tibet. It is believed that the earliest home of the Tangkhuls was the upper reaches of the Huang Heo and Yangtze Rivers which lie in the Zinjiang province of China. (According to wiki)
Ukhrul is popular for its festivities which has attracted tourists over the year. The chief festivals include Luira (seed sowing festival), Mangkhap (resting feast), and Thareo (harvest festival). Realizing authentic Tangkhul cuisines and showcasing traditional songs and dance form the main attraction. It is also best known for the Shirui Lily (Lilium Mackliniae Sealy), which is found in its natural habitat on the peak of Shirui Kashong, some 18km east of the town, and Khangkhui Mangsor cave which lies 16 Kilometers away.
Popular parks, peaks, and waterfalls in and around the place. Duncan park and El Shadai park make ideal picnic spots for visitors. Khayang Waterfalls and Ango Ching, a forest area are still to be traced by tourists and avid travelers. Lunghar Sihai Phangrei a flat hilly place and Kachouphung Lake are ideal attractions for a leisure stroll. Other places of interest include Shingcha Kachui, Mova Cave, Marangphung Saline Spring, Kachai Lemon, Shirarakhong Chillies, Shangshak War Memorial, etc. among many others.
