Explore the unexplored destinations - Shirui Kashong Timrawon
Photographs by Wurngam Ruivah
The picturesque Shirui village enveloped by greeneries and clouds rest over the Shirui hill ranges. Located 93 km from the capital city of Manipur, the range falls under Ukhrul sub-division sharing the border with Myanmar in the west. The atmosphere is magical, where traditional customs and culture of its inhabitants fit perfectly with the landscape. A heavenly and unexplored destination not known to many but gaining its popularity and attraction.
For a peace-seeking traveler who wants a lush green environment to please his senses, the destination offers entrancing cultures and majestic beauties with a sense of relaxation. The state flower of Manipur, a rare pinkish-white flower found only in the upper part of the Shirui peak is the highlight of this destination.
Locally known as Kashong Timrawon, the unique Shirui Lily (Botanical name – Lilium Mackliniae) is a delicate species which is not found anywhere else in the world. The flower is rare because it cannot be transplanted outside of its habitat. Shirui Kashong is the only abode of this endemic.
In this picturesque hill range that extends to a large tract of forests, Shirui Lily blooms in bounty in early May. The peak is also gifted with hundreds of varieties of trees, flowering plants, orchids, medicinal plants, herbs, and many valued species of birds and animals.
In efforts to promote, sustain and spread awareness about the endangered Shirui Lily, the Manipur State Department of Tourism has started organizing a week-long Shirui Lily festival every year in Ukhrul district, showcasing numerous tradition and cultural activities of the inhabitants as well. Shirui Kashong never ceases to amaze its visitors with its natural beauty.
Regular passenger buses and taxi ply daily from Imphal to Ukhrul. And the lone Manipur’s Bir Tikendrajit International Airport in the state capital Imphal is connected to almost all major cities via regular domestic. The state is also connected to other states by road via Guwahati – Dimapur.
Happy traveling!
