Sirohi National Park

Sirohi National Park: India's Only Lily Sanctuary and Ukhrul's Highland Treasure

In the mist-clad highlands of Ukhrul district in northern Manipur, where the hills touch the border of Myanmar and the Tangkhul Naga people have lived for centuries in intimate relationship with the land, blooms a flower found nowhere else on Earth. The Shirui Lily — Lilium mackliniae — blossoms each year on the upper slopes of the Shirui Kashong Range only during May and June, its pale bluish-pink petals catching the highland light in a display that draws scientists, pilgrims, botanists, and travellers from across the world.

To protect this irreplaceable flower and the rich mountain ecosystem it inhabits, the Government of India established Sirohi National Park (officially also known as Shirui National Park or Shirui Kashong National Park) on 11 April 1982. The park covers approximately 41 sq km of the Shirui hills and their surrounding slopes, sheltering tigers, leopards, Blyth's Tragopan, Mrs. Hume's bar-backed pheasant, and an extraordinary array of Himalayan flora. For those who make the journey to this remote highland sanctuary — 97–103 km from Imphal — the combination of the lily, the landscape, and the living Tangkhul Naga culture creates an experience of rare, almost sacred intensity.

Overview of Sirohi National Park

Key Facts at a Glance

• Official Name: Sirohi National Park (also: Shirui National Park, Shirui Kashong National Park)
• Location: Ukhrul District, Manipur (northeastern Manipur, near Myanmar border)
• Area: Approximately 41 sq km
• Established: 11 April 1982
• Key Species: Shirui Lily (Lilium mackliniae) — found nowhere else on Earth; Blyth's Tragopan; Tiger; Leopard
• Altitude: Shirui Kashong Peak — 2,835 m above sea level
• Shirui Lily Bloom Season: May–June (peak May 15 – June 5)
• Distance from Imphal: ~97–103 km (approximately 3–4 hours by road)
• Distance from Ukhrul Town: ~18 km
• Nearest Airport: Imphal International Airport (103 km)
• Nearest Railway Station: Dimapur (~215 km from Imphal)
• Cultural Significance: Sacred to the Tangkhul Naga tribe; site of the annual Shirui Lily Festival
• State Flower: Shirui Lily — declared Manipur's State Flower in 1989

The Discovery of the Shirui Lily

The Shirui Lily's Western scientific discovery is credited to Jean and Frank Kingdon-Ward, a husband-and-wife botanical team who came to Manipur in 1946 and set up their base in Ukhrul — in a building they memorably named 'Cobweb Cottage alias Bug Bungalow.' Frank Kingdon-Ward, one of the greatest plant hunters of the twentieth century, identified the lily as a new species and named it Lilium mackliniae after his wife Jean Macklin. The species name honours Jean's contribution to the expedition.

However, for the Tangkhul Naga people of Ukhrul, the flower was never unknown. They had known and revered it for centuries as 'Kashong Timrawon' — a name carrying deep spiritual meaning. According to Tangkhul tradition, a protective spirit resides on the Shirui Peak, and the flower is this spirit's earthly manifestation. The lily is believed to represent kindness, protection, prosperity, and a happy life. Local legends weave the flower into stories of star-crossed lovers, divine daughters, and ancient covenants between humans and the mountain.

Historical and Conservation Background

The establishment of Sirohi National Park in 1982 was directly motivated by concern for the Shirui Lily's conservation. Pressure from intense tourism, waste and plastic dumping, plucking, and uprooting of plants had pushed the species toward endangerment. Bamboo invasion from lower slopes has further compounded the threat. Today the lily is listed as an endangered species.

The Shirui Lily was declared Manipur's official State Flower in 1989. The Shirui Lily Festival was inaugurated for the first time in May 2017, celebrated annually in Ukhrul town and Shirui village to raise conservation awareness and promote responsible tourism. In 2015, the National Institute of Bio-resources and Sustainable Development successfully transplanted 375 Shirui Lily plantlets grown in vitro to the Shirui Hill Peak — a landmark in ex-situ conservation of this precious species.

Geography and Ecology

The Shirui Kashong Range

The Shirui Kashong Range is a prominent ridge system in Ukhrul district, running roughly north-south near the Myanmar border. Shirui Kashong Peak, at 2,835 m above sea level, is the dominant summit and the primary habitat of the Shirui Lily. The peak is 18 km from Ukhrul town and approximately 97 km from Imphal. Most major rivers serving Ukhrul district originate from the crevices and slopes of the Shirui Range — the peak is a hydrological hub of profound regional importance.

The terrain of Sirohi National Park ranges from dense broadleaf forest at lower elevations through sub-alpine forest to open summit grasslands and rocky ridgetops where the Shirui Lily finds its niche. The altitude range — from park boundaries at roughly 1,500 m to the 2,835 m summit — creates a dramatic ecological gradient supporting correspondingly diverse habitats.

Flora: Beyond the Lily

While the Shirui Lily commands all attention, the park's flora is remarkably diverse:

• Shirui Lily (Lilium mackliniae): Grows at 1,730–2,590 m; found only on the Shirui Hill Range; pale bluish-pink petals with seven colours visible under microscopy; 1–3 feet tall with 1–7 flowers per plant
• Rhododendron species: Multiple species blooming in spring, carpeting the upper slopes
• Oak (Quercus species): Important component of the mid-elevation broadleaf forest
• Pine (Pinus species): At certain elevations and aspects
• Bamboo: Dense stands at lower and mid-elevations (also an invasive threat to the lily at higher elevations)
• Wild orchids: Multiple species throughout the forest
• Medicinal herbs: Known to Tangkhul traditional healers
• Ferns and mosses: Rich diversity in moist, shaded aspects
• Alpine grasses and herbaceous plants: On open summit ridges and slopes

Fauna

Mammals

• Bengal Tiger (Panthera tigris): Confirmed presence — can be seen on forested slopes
• Indian Leopard (Panthera pardus): Present in the park's denser forest zones
• Wild Boar (Sus scrofa): Common
• Deer species: Including barking deer and other forest-dwelling deer
• Various smaller mammals: Squirrels, civets, mongooses, etc.

Birds — Spectacular Highland Avifauna

The highland forests and open ridges of Sirohi National Park are home to some of the most sought-after bird species in northeast India:

• Blyth's Tragopan (Tragopan blythii): One of the region's most spectacular pheasants; near-threatened globally; found in the forested slopes
• Mrs. Hume's Bar-backed Pheasant (Syrmaticus humiae / 'Nongin'): A beautiful, shy pheasant species of the Eastern Himalayas
• Multiple species of eagles, falcons, and owls
• Forest warblers, thrushes, laughingthrushes, and other Himalayan forest birds
• Various rare birds nesting on and around Shirui Kashong Peak

Butterflies and Insects

Sirohi National Park is a paradise for butterfly enthusiasts, with numerous species of vibrantly coloured and rare butterflies found in the park's diverse habitats. The combination of flowering plants at different elevations supports an exceptional butterfly diversity throughout the bloom season.

The Shirui Lily in Detail

Scientific Description

Lilium mackliniae is a shade-loving lily growing at elevations of 1,730–2,590 m on the upper slopes of the Shirui Range. The plant stands 0.3–0.91 m (1–3 feet) tall and produces 1–7 flowers per stem. The petals are pale bluish-pink in visible light but reveal seven distinct colours when examined under a microscope — a botanical marvel. The lily is a seasonal flowering plant, blooming annually during May and June, with the peak bloom period from approximately May 15 to June 5.

Conservation Concerns

The Shirui Lily is threatened by: tourist plucking and uprooting; plastic and waste dumping on the hillside; bamboo invasion from lower slopes encroaching into lily habitat; and climate change affecting bloom timing and altitude. Conservation measures include the 1982 national park establishment, the 2015 in-vitro transplantation programme, the annual Shirui Lily Festival (since 2017), and ongoing research by the National Institute of Bio-resources and Sustainable Development. The festival returned in May 2025 after a two-year hiatus caused by the 2023 conflict in Manipur.

Local Legend

Multiple Tangkhul Naga legends surround the lily. The most poetic tells of a princess who lived on the hill with her lover Shirui — and after her death, she continued to wait for him, the flower growing from the soil of her resting place. Another legend holds that Philava, daughter of a goddess named Lily, protects the hills. A third tells of two lovers who leaped to their deaths, the flower springing from the ground where they fell. All the legends affirm the flower's role as a protector spirit of the Shirui hills.

How to Reach Sirohi National Park

By Air

The nearest airport is Imphal International Airport (IMF), approximately 97–103 km from the park. Imphal is connected by regular flights to Kolkata, Delhi, Guwahati, Aizawl, and Agartala. From Imphal, proceed by road to Ukhrul town (~86 km; 3–4 hours) and then onwards 18 km to Shirui village/park area.

By Rail

The nearest railway station is Dimapur in Nagaland, approximately 215 km from Imphal. From Dimapur, travel to Imphal by road (approximately 4 hours) and then proceed to Ukhrul. Alternatively, take the train to Guwahati and fly to Imphal.

By Road

From Imphal, take the National Highway towards Ukhrul district. The Imphal–Ukhrul road (~86 km) is a State Highway through scenic hill terrain, taking approximately 3–4 hours depending on road conditions. From Ukhrul town, Shirui village (the trailhead for the park) is 18 km further, accessible by local taxi or motorcycle. Adventure tourism operators in Imphal and Ukhrul organise motorcycle tours to the park — a popular and exciting way to approach this highland destination.

💡 Tip: The road from Imphal to Ukhrul passes through spectacularly scenic hill country. Start early from Imphal to allow time at the park and return before dark. Road conditions can be variable — check locally before departure.

Best Time to Visit Sirohi National Park

May to June: For the Shirui Lily (Peak Season)

The single most important reason to visit Sirohi National Park — witnessing the Shirui Lily in bloom — requires a May or June visit, with May 15 to June 5 being the absolute peak bloom period. The hillsides are covered in the delicate pink-blue flowers, and the Shirui Lily Festival (held in Ukhrul in May/June) adds cultural festivities to the botanical spectacle.

October to April: For Wildlife and Trekking

October to April offers excellent conditions for wildlife watching, trekking to Shirui Kashong Peak, and experiencing the broader natural beauty of the Ukhrul highlands. This period brings clear skies (particularly November–February), comfortable temperatures, and superb views from the summit. Blyth's Tragopan and Mrs. Hume's pheasant are most actively seen during this period.

December to February: Winter Clarity

Winter at Sirohi is cold (the park can experience snow near the summit) and starkly beautiful. Clear skies and snow-dusted ridges create extraordinary landscape photography opportunities. Wildlife activity in the lower forest zones remains good.

Monsoon (July–September): Dramatic but Challenging

Post lily season, the park receives heavy monsoon rains. The hills come alive with extraordinary botanical diversity — rhododendrons, orchids, and wildflowers — but trails become slippery and access can be difficult. For botanical enthusiasts comfortable with challenging conditions, this period has its own unique rewards.

Activities at Sirohi National Park

Trekking to Shirui Kashong Peak

The signature activity at Sirohi National Park is the trek to Shirui Kashong Peak (2,835 m). The trail begins from the Shirui village / Statue of Unity trailhead in Ukhrul district and is described as a moderate to challenging out-and-back route of approximately 4.1 miles (6.6 km), with an elevation gain of approximately 634 m (2,083 ft). Average completion time is 3 hours 23 minutes for the full route. The summit rewards trekkers with panoramic views of clouds drifting over the Ukhrul valley, distant forests, and villages below.

Shirui Lily Viewing

During May and June, the primary reason for visiting is to witness the Shirui Lily in its natural habitat on the upper slopes of the Shirui Range. Guided botanical walks on the summit plateau and upper ridges during the peak bloom period (May 15–June 5) offer the most reliable sightings. Guides emphasise that lilies must never be touched, plucked, or photographed with flash.

Birdwatching

The highland forests of Sirohi support some of the most exciting birding in northeast India. Blyth's Tragopan — among India's most spectacular pheasants — is the star species. Early morning walks in the forest below the treeline offer the best encounters. Mrs. Hume's bar-backed pheasant, rare eagles, and diverse forest birds reward patient observers.

Wildlife Spotting and Photography

Tiger and leopard are present in the park though sightings are naturally rare in these dense highland forests. Wildlife photography on forest trails below the summit focuses primarily on birds, butterflies, and botanical subjects.

Shirui Lily Festival

The Shirui Lily Festival, inaugurated in 2017 and held annually in May/June in Ukhrul town and Shirui village, is a vibrant cultural celebration featuring traditional Tangkhul Naga music, dance, food, handicrafts, and conservation awareness events. It is the most festive time to visit Ukhrul and combines perfectly with lily viewing in the national park.

Cultural Interaction with Tangkhul Naga Communities

Ukhrul district is the heartland of the Tangkhul Naga tribe, one of northeast India's most artistically accomplished indigenous communities. Village visits, interactions with traditional artisans (Longpi village is famous for black pottery; Hunphun for traditional shawls), and participation in cultural events add a deeply human dimension to any visit.

Entry Fees and Regulations

• Entry fee applicable (amount variable — confirm with park management)
• Camera fees apply: different rates for still cameras, video cameras, and professional equipment
• Drone photography permitted with special permission
• Camping permitted within designated areas (restricted zones exist)
• Hotels available in the park area and Ukhrul town
• All wildlife protection regulations apply: no hunting, trapping, or collection of flora
• Do not touch or pluck the Shirui Lily under any circumstances — it is a legally protected endangered species

Nearby Attractions

Ukhrul Town (~18 km from the park)

The district headquarters of Ukhrul district, this charming hill town is the cultural and administrative centre of Tangkhul Naga country. The Ukhrul market, local restaurants serving traditional Tangkhul cuisine, craft shops, and the Shirui Statue of Unity (the trekking trailhead) are key points of interest.

Khayang Waterfall

A serene and beautiful waterfall located near Ukhrul town, accessible as a short excursion. Particularly impressive during and just after the monsoon season.

Hundung Mangva Cave (~25 km from Ukhrul)

A natural limestone cave with fascinating geological formations located approximately 25 km from Ukhrul town. Guided exploration of the cave's chambers and stalactite formations is available.

Lui Phangane Cave

A captivating cave system in Ukhrul district known for its stalactite and stalagmite formations. Requires some physical fitness to navigate the narrow passages.

Phangrei Picnic Spot

A scenic area near the park offering beautiful views of the surrounding Ukhrul hills — ideal for picnics and casual nature walks. Popular with local families and visitors.

Longpi Village (Pottery)

Famous for its distinctive traditional Tangkhul black pottery made from a unique locally sourced stone and clay mixture. Longpi pots are featured in major Indian museums and are a prized cultural product.

Keibul Lamjao National Park (~150 km from Ukhrul)

Manipur's other national park — the world's only floating national park and home of the Sangai dancing deer. An excellent complement to a Sirohi visit as part of a comprehensive Manipur wildlife itinerary.

Accommodation Options

In the Park Area

Hotels and camping facilities are available within the park area. Some guesthouses near Shirui village accommodate visitors during the lily festival season. Camping in designated areas within the park is permitted (with restrictions on specific zones).

In Ukhrul Town (~18 km)

Several guesthouses, circuit houses, and basic hotels in Ukhrul town serve as the most practical base for visiting the national park. The district administration's circuit house is available for advance-booked visitors. Local homestays provide the most culturally immersive accommodation.

In Imphal (~97 km)

Imphal provides the widest range of accommodation options — from comfortable business hotels (Hotel Classic Grande, Hotel Meitei) to budget guesthouses. Many visitors base themselves in Imphal and make a day trip or overnight excursion to Ukhrul and Sirohi.

Essential Travel Tips

• Plan your visit for May 15–June 5 if the Shirui Lily is your primary motivation — this is the absolute peak bloom window
• Check the current security and travel situation in Manipur before booking — the state has seen periods of unrest
• Book accommodation in Ukhrul well in advance for the Shirui Lily Festival period — demand exceeds supply
• Hire a local guide from Ukhrul for the Shirui Kashong Peak trek — they know the trail, the lily habitat, and the birdlife
• Never touch, pick, or photograph with flash the Shirui Lily — it is endangered and protected
• Start the Shirui Peak trek early (before 7 AM) to reach the summit before afternoon cloud build-up obscures views
• Carry warm, layered clothing — temperatures near the 2,835 m summit can be significantly colder than in Ukhrul
• Pack sturdy, waterproof trekking boots — trails can be wet and rocky
• Carry sufficient water and snacks for the full day — no food options on the trail
• Respect the sacred character of the Shirui hills for the Tangkhul Naga people — it is a spiritual landscape, not just a tourist destination
• Mobile connectivity may be limited in the park area — download offline maps before departure

Frequently Asked Questions - Sirohi National Park