Shirui National Park

Shirui National Park In Manipur, India

Shirui National Park, located in the Ukhrul district of Manipur, is a breathtaking biodiversity hotspot spread over 100 square kilometers, nestled in the Shirui Hills of the Eastern Himalayas at an altitude ranging from 1,500 to 2,835 meters above sea level.

The park is renowned for the rare and exotic Shirui Lily (Lilium mackliniae), which blooms only in the monsoon months of May and June and is the state flower of Manipur. This delicate pinkish-purple flower, found nowhere else in the world, adds to the park’s charm and attracts botanists and nature lovers from all over. Apart from its floral wonders, Shirui National Park boasts a rich diversity of wildlife, including leopards, Asiatic black bears, wild boars, barking deer, and the elusive Himalayan serow, a unique goat-antelope species.

The park is also a birdwatcher’s paradise, hosting several rare and endangered bird species such as Blyth’s tragopan, Mrs. Hume’s pheasant, and the dark-rumped swift, making it a crucial habitat for avian biodiversity. The lush forests, rolling grasslands, and cascading streams further enhance the park’s scenic beauty, creating an enchanting environment for exploration and adventure.

Apart from its ecological significance, Shirui National Park holds deep cultural importance for the Tangkhul Naga tribe, the indigenous community of the region, who consider the Shirui Hills sacred and believe in the mystical legends associated with the area. The park offers excellent trekking opportunities, with its trails providing breathtaking panoramic views of the surrounding valleys, mist-covered mountains, and far-stretching greenery, making it a haven for hikers and adventure enthusiasts.

Flora And Fauna

• Tragopan
• Tiger and Leopard