Shirui National Park
Sirohi National Park or Shirui National Park (Manipuri: Shirui Leipaakki Lampaak) covers the slopes of the Shirui hills (Siroy hills) in Ukhrul, northern Manipur in India. It is famous for being the home of Shirui Lily (Lilium macklineae) (Manipuri: Shirui Tharo), which is found nowhere else on earth. The national park is a major tourist attraction in North Manipur. It draws over thousands of tourists (including botanists) every month.
The term "Sirohi" is also spelled as Shiroy, Siroy, Shiroi, Siroi, Shirui or Sirui.
Understand
Shirui peak is one of the highest peaks in Northeast India. The best time to visit the NP is the 3rd or the 4th week of May when the yearly Shirui Lilies are in full bloom.
Local villagers took active interest as well as responsibility to make the national park secure and clean.
History
Shirui peak was established as a national park in 1982.
Landscape
The greatest landmark in the park is the snowy slopes of the Shirui hills (Manipuri: Shirui Ching). It bounds with flowers during the monsoon season and is a veritable paradise.
Flora and fauna
Shirui NP hosts a rich and diversified population of floras and faunas.
The Shirui Lily is the heroine of the national park.
Rare birds like Blyth's Tragopan and Mrs. Hume's bar-backed pheasant (Manipuri: Nongin) inhabit the NP.
Visitors could also see the tigers (Manipuri: Kei) as well as leopards (Manipuri: Kabokkei/Kabokei) among the snowy mountains.
Climate
The climate is usually cold and snowy. However, during summer, the hill slopes get washed with abundant sunlight.
Get in
By bus - Nearest city is Imphal, 103 km away from the NP. One can also reach the NP from Dimapur.
By air - Nearest airport is in Imphal city (103 km away from the NP). Imphal is connected to Kolkata, Delhi, Guwahati, Agartala and Aizawl by regular flights.
By rail - The nearest railway station is Dimapur. Dimapur is connected by trains from Guwahati and Silchar. Another railway station is at Jiribam. Jiribam is the second nearest but its journey to the NP is a little bit indirect as compared to that from Dimapur.
By motorcycle - Another way to reach Shirui NP from Imphal (103 km away from the NP) is by riding a motorcycle either in solo or in a group. Such tours are operated by various adventure tourism firms in Manipur.
Fees and permits
The costs vary depending on the type of your hotel.
There are extra fees for carrying camera (still or video) inside the park. The fees are different for Indians and foreign tourists. The charges are also different for amateurs and professionals depending on the level of equipments you bring in.
Get around
There are many ways of getting around inside the Shirui National Park. One is through hiking.
See
Looking at the plant life from the top of the Shirui peak may make the visit the most exciting. Carrying a good pair of binoculars will be helpful for watching the flora species. Operating the flying drones are also permitted.
Do
- Do hiking through the greenish slopes of the hill, either during snowy season or sun washed season.
Buy
Different handloom and handicraft products as well as varieties of eatables are sold in and around the Shirui NP. Most notable handloom products are the traditional shawls. Local traditional potteries as well as breweries are also available.
Eat
Restaurants have their own facilities for food. Here, one can dine in the local cuisine.
Drink
There are liquor shops around the park. Here, local made brews are available. Chilled bottles aren't usually sold since the park is already very cold.
Sleep
There are hotels in the park.
Camping is permitted inside the park area, though there're some restricted areas also.
Stay safe
During the COVID pandemic, please obey all the guidelines for safety, including wearing a mask, keeping social distancing and others.
Go next
- Keibul Lamjao National Park - This is the world's only floating national park as well as the last and the only natural habitat for the Sangai or "dancing deer" (Cervus eldi eldi). This national park is also in Manipur.