Waking up with Sunrise at Heavenly Phangrei - Manipur's hidden paradise

Photographs by Sopkai Zimik

When we talk about sunrise and sunsets, the latter one seems to be getting a lot more attention on social Media and in our memories and stories about our vacations. Today I wish to introduce and share with you my experience of an exotic destination in Ukhrul district Manipur where you can get a luxurious experience of sunrise.

Located in the northeastern regions of India, Manipur, the jeweled land of the country is one among the least touched and least discovered tourist destination of the country. The state is bordered by Nagaland to the north, Assam to the west, Mizoram to the southwest and by Myanmar to the south and east. Largely unexplored, many touristic potential destinations and historical sites of the region have stunning landscapes that still preserves its original form but somehow not been on the tourism radar yet and I feel it is time to change that now.

Introducing you Phangrei, one among the many amazing treasured destinations in Ukhrul district, Manipur. A flat hill range sitting at an elevation of 2180 meters adjoining the Shirui peak. An ideal spot for a leisure stroll, camping, and hiking with overwhelmingly rich sights and spectacular sunrise views. I still linger wonderful memories of my younger days visiting this heavenly retreat as I write this post. Oh! how I miss the joy of soaking in the charm and appeal of nature's beauty. This graceful peak is surrounded by picturesque hill range with an exquisite range of flora and fauna. Wild fruits and wild berries, orchids, and wildflowers including rare species like rhododendron are abundant. Also, minerals such as chromite deposits are found to be plentiful in the hill range.

The climate here is pleasant all year round. During winter season, the air is cold, with the temperature on top of the peak climbing down to as low as 3 degrees Celcius. So it definitely requires hard work and commitment to catch the sunrise but the rewards outweigh all the sacrifices. Witnessing the glorious awakening of the planet, the glimpse of the magical interchanges of colors, it's really overwhelming watching the first rays of the sun from this iconic sunrise point.

As the day breaks, the sun begins to show off - charging the sky with electric hues of orange and purple. The reflections of the earth on the crystal clear and still surface of the water in a pond on the hilltop adds all the more beauty to the sight. Despite being an everyday phenomenon, witnessing the awakening of mother earth here in Phangrei is always a magical charm.

The delightful sight continues as the sun begins to rise and the mystic clouds that looked like soft cotton balls scattered and float beneath the foot and the view becoming all the more beautiful. Phangrei is really a gorgeous place for those who wish to spend some time in solitude, away from the hectic daily routine life and get close to mother nature. It is just a perfect getaway to greet a new day. the peace and tranquility of this place touch the core of one's inner-self and the beauty of the place, it always leaves every visitors mesmerized. Phangrei is not only gratifying for those seeking quietude but also a perfect fit for adventure seekers, nature lovers, botanists, hikers, trekkers, and explorers.

Phangrei is often visited by the locals for picnics and retreats, also frequented by tourists and gaining popularity owing to its rich offerings and ease of access. The local communities are cheerful, warm and welcoming. The place is home to a highly cultured Tangkhul tribe.  They take pride in their natural ways of living and are deeply respectful of the environment. The people here are very rich in cultures and festivals and the region is peppered with numerous potential touristic destinations.

Now northeastern regions being a mountainous destination, hiking is a regular activity of the inhabitants. Travelers and visitors pursue it enthusiastically during their visit. But for travelers with a lot of endurance hunting for real simplicity of life in an unspoiled beauty of nature, this destination is a must-visit. The region is untouched by modernization and fast-paced life. The inhabitants here are hospitable, also the whole place is magnificent. The literacy rates are high here and communications are never a barrier for tourists.  

The tourism industry of our nation is becoming one of the world’s biggest and fast-expanding tourism markets with inbound, domestic and outbound travelers setting new records and I agree that the tourism industry in the north-eastern region is also developing but it is not as expected.

In this age when everyone is traveling abroad for vacations, we fail to see the beauty that abounds us in our place. It is time we look for brilliant answers in raising awareness and accelerate efforts to improve and expand the tourism industry in exploring amazing travel destinations of the north-eastern regions.

Destination Highlight

Location

Phangrei is located in Ukhrul district, Manipur, about 86 kilometers northeast of the capital city of the state Imphal. Non-native visitors are required to carry an inner line permit documents while his or her travel within the state. The permit can be obtained by applying online or even physically.

Nearest Airport

The region is served by Bir Tikendrajit International Airport in Imphal which  90 kilometers away from the destination but easily accessible by road. The fully functional airport has connectivity with major cities of the country via Guwahati.

Nearest Railway Station

Since Manipur as a state doesn’t have any rail-head apart from a narrow gauge as of now, the nearest railway station is in Dimapur, Nagaland, located 210 kilometers away. From Dimapur, taxis and buses are easily available though it is more convenient to reach Imphal first.

Where to stay?

Although easily accessible by vehicles there are no hotel facilities made available in Phangrei. Travellers and visitors have to get rooms from the many standard hotels, lodges and homestays in Ukhrul headquarter which is around 22 kilometers from the destination. From there one can hire taxis to visit the site.

Ideal time to visit

The climate of the district is of temperate nature with a minimum and maximum degrees of 3 degrees Celcius to 33 degrees Celcius. The two driest times to visit Phangrei are in the summer season (April – May) and the winter season (November – March) though regardless of when you visit, you’re guaranteed a visual treat.

Nearby Attractions

Phangrei is not only gratifying for those seeking quietude but also a perfect fit for adventure seekers, nature lovers, botanists, hikers, trekkers, and explorers. The nearby attractions of the destination include the famous Shirui Lily peak, Khayang waterfall, Khangkhui cave, and Harva khangai, a historical place where World War II battles were fought.

The region is studded with stunning pastures, cascading waterfalls, and glittering lakes all throughout. With mesmerizing vistas, a pleasant climate, and unique indigenous the region holds a lot of tourism potentials.