Call it an obsession to learn and getting lost, I found myself tiptoeing solo along the countryside of Manipur, this summer – one of the states in northeastern India, known for its exotic beauty. As a traveler, who vowed to travel with the bare minimum, I took a bus from Guwahati (Assam) to reach CHAHONG KHULLEN Village in Ukhrul district of Manipur.
Recommended by one of my friends from Manipur, with whom I stayed – CHAHONG KHULLEN village was worth the visit. The village is home to around 130 families and has a literacy rate of 77.9%, higher than most average in India.
The best way to reach Ukhrul district is to take a bus from Guwahati or a direct flight to Imphal then a 3-hour bus ride to Ukhrul. People traveling by train can travel to Dimapur and then the similar 3-hour bus ride to Ukhrul district. There are private taxis available which comes at a nominal rate of INR 250-400/person.
People expecting nightlife should refrain from visiting and is not exactly a vegetarian’s paradise as well. However, one must try their hands on the local handicrafts and garments with tribal designs and artwork, which are absolutely stunning and can be carried as souvenirs.
Honestly, I wouldn’t be able to discuss the hotels available as I didn’t check into one, but I’m sure there must be quite a few guesthouses. Visiting places here require no cost and few of the places offer camping facilities as well.
The top places to visit include:
- Shirui Kashung Peak
- Khayang Peak
- Kachouphung lake
- Khangkhui lake
Here are a few of the pictures from my visit
