Ukhrul is the district headquarters of Ukhrul district of the state of Manipur.
Ukhrul History:
Ukhrul district as a major part
of Manipur not only stands for administrative work but is also a place
where all traditional institutions of the Tangkuls are located. The
district was first formed as a sub division in 1919 by the British India
of that time. Later on it was upgraded to an administrative district in
the year 1969 by the Government of India.
Ukhrul Geography:
The district is located 84 kms towards
the north east of Imphal. The district occupies an area of 4544 sq kms.
The terrain of the Ukhrul district is hilly with varying heights of 913
meters to 3114 meters and valleys and rivers flowing by these hills. The
highest peak in the district is the Khayang Peak at a height of 3114
meters above sea level, even though the Shirui Kashung Peak with a
height of 2,835 is more popularly known. The Ukhrul district stands at
an average altitude of 2020 meters.
There are hill ranges like
Somrah Angkoching range, Shangshak-Phungyar range,
Shokvao-Mapithel-Kasom range, Tampak Ngashan range lying adjacent to
each to each other in irregular order. There are also a number of rivers
like Sanalok, Nambalok, Tuyungbi, Taret Lok, and Thoubal, Iril rivers
which originate and flow through these mountain ranges. The Thoubal
driver originates from this district and is the longest and biggest
river in the district.
Climate of Ukhrul:
The district experiences a
sub tropical monsoon and temperature climate. The average annual
temperature ranges from a maximum of 33 degrees C in summers and a minimum of
3 degrees C in winters. The average annual rainfall is 1763 mm. The rainy season
in this district prevails from May to beginning of October. The coldest
months are December and January.
Ukhrul Demography:
According to
2011 census, the Ukhrul district recorded a population of 183115. The
district has a population density of 40 inhabitants per sq km. The
literacy rate is 81.87% and the sex ratio is 948 females for every 1000
males. The Tangkhul Nagas form the majority ethnic tribe of this
district.
Economy of Ukhrul:
Agriculture is the main occupation of the
people of this district. Crops like rice, maize, potato, pulses,
cabbage, chilies, groundnuts etc are grown in this district. Fruits are
also grown by the people.
Education in Ukhrul:
The first school in
Ukhrul was set up by the then missionary Rev. William Pettigrew in 1896.
There are a number of schools like the Sacred Heart Higher Secondary
School, Alice Christian School, and Little Angels School, Holy Spirit
school, Blesso Montessori School, Patkai Academy, Junior Academy,
Sentinel College, Saint John school and Pettigrew College.
How to reach Ukhrul:
By Road: The National Highway 150 connects Ukhrul with the state
capital Imphal and Kohima. The Ukhrul district can be said to be the
highest hill station of Manipur.
By Air: The nearest airport is in Imphal.
By Rail: The nearest railway station is the Rangapahar Crossing Railway Station
located at a distance of 116 kms away and Dimapur Railway Station
located 119 kms away.