Ukhrul District is one of the nine administrative districts of Manipur. This district of Manipur is bounded by Myanmar in the east, Chandel District in the south, Imphal East and Senapati Districts in the west and Nagaland in the north. The terrain of the district is basically hilly with varying heights of 913 metres to 3114 metres above the mean sea level. Ukhrul is the administrative headquarters of Ukhrul District. Ukhrul, the district headquarter, is 2,020 metres above the mean sea level. Ukhrul District was first marked out as a sub-division in the year 1919. Later it was upgraded to a district in the year 1969 by the Government of India. Administration of Ukhrul District has five sub-divisions. In addition to these administrative units Ukhrul District has four Sub-Deputy Collectors Offices.
Geography of Ukhrul District
Ukhrul District has monsoon type of climate and moderate temperature. The climate of the district is of temperate nature with minimum and maximum degrees of 3 degree Celsius to 33 degree Celsius. The rainy season in the district lasts from May to beginning of October. The hill range that lies in the district headquarter Ukhrul Central sub-division has got very cold climate in winter while other parts of the vast hilly areas of the district have got moderate climate throughout the year. The coldest months of the district are December and January. Geography of Ukhrul District includes some major rivers. Most of the major rivers originate from the crevices and slopes of Shirui Peak. The terrain of the district is rippled with small ranges and striped by few rivers. Thoubal River runs through the Ukhrul North and Ukhrul central sub-divisions. It is the longest and biggest river in the district. Chammu and Chingai rivers are running through Ukhrul North sub-division. These rivers are useful for fishing and irrigation.
Ukhrul District is gifted with rich flora and fauna. The tropical forests of this district are also the habitat of diverse species of birds and animals. Few minerals are found in the district like Limestone, Chromite and Asbestos. The alluvial soils and some of the residual soils in the valley contain clay.
Culture of Ukhrul District
Ukhrul District is a land of beautiful mountains interspersed by numerous tribal habitats. Thus, the culture of this district is basically tribal in nature. The life and art of the Tangkhul Tribe, which is one of the major tribal groups of this district, are attractive and captivating. Tangkhuls are music lovers and their songs are soft and melodious. Musical instruments used by them Tingteila (Violin), Tala (Trumpet), Phung (Drum), Sipa (Flute), Kaha Ngashingkhon (Bamboo pipe), etc. Corresponding to the rhythmic composition of the songs, the dances of the Tangkhuls are also rhythmic and these are eventful and vigorous.
The festivals of Ukhrul District are associated with sacred religious rituals. Some of the popular festivals of the people here are - Luira (seed sowing festival), Yarra (ante-cultivation festival), Mangkhap (Post-trans-plantation festival), Darreo (pre-harvest festival) and Chumpha (festival of thanksgiving for rich harvest).
Tourism in Ukhrul District
Tourism in Ukhrul District offers visits to several places of interest that are worth visiting. The popular attractions of Ukhrul District are -Khayang Peak (3114 metres), Shirui Kashung Peak (2,835 metres), Khangkhui Cave (natural limestone cave) Shirui (located at 39 kms from Ukhrul) Khangkhui Mangsor (cave) and Kachouphung Lake. These tourist places attract people from different parts of the country.
In Ukhrul District, around 22,000 hectares area is under cultivation. Rice, Maize, Potato, Pulses, Cabbage, chillies, Groundnuts, etc. are the main agricultural products of the district.
