Wuya Kachui : A Misty Paradise for Nature Lovers

L. Ashok Kumar *

Full many a gem of purest ray serene, The dark unfathom'd caves of ocean bear: Full many a flow'r is born to blush unseen, And waste its sweetness on the desert air.
- Thomas Gray,
An Elegy Written In A Country Churchyard

In such a situation depicted above, we come to know that lots of beautiful wildflowers are born to blush unseen all over Wuya Kachui Hill with a few local men to see and appreciate their beauties and their fragrances. Being a nature lover, I readily agreed when one of my friends invited me for a trip to this Hill, an almost unexplored place. I was excited when he informed me that the hill is covered all over with beautiful flowers. My mind was obsessed with the trip and the lines of John Keats "Heard melodies are sweet, but those unheard are sweeter" came to my mind.

The Trip

It was in the early morning of July 16, 2016, when the Imphal Team aka Team Keiraak comprising of 6 members including me left Imphal for the destination. Rain made the trip more adventurous and challenging as landslides at two places - one before Litan and another before Finch's Corner blocked our way. But, rain can't dampen the spirit of the team. Ukhrul Team aka Team IHAO warmly received us at Finch's Corner and after exchange of few pleasantries, we moved forward for the destination.

Wuya Kachui : A Misty Paradise for Nature Lovers :: Pic Credit - Deepak Oinam

After riding 88 km from Imphal, we reached Shingcha Village, the place where Wuya Kachui Hill rises. The village lies between Shangshak and Kamjong of Ukhrul District. A wet and cool weather welcomed us there. We had a break for breakfast with hot ginger tea and boiled eggs at Rest House run by Jane of all Trades, an Ukhrul based one-stop-shop.

It is rendering services and logistic support at the base of Wuya Kachui Hill. It provides food, travel guide, some basic necessities and a place to rest to the visitors. In short, it is like a small base camp.

A picturesque landscape at Shingcha Village

we found a place we had never seen before – just like a dreamland, a place fully covered with sweet pink flowers. Around 3 km radius from the peak we immediately saw a full carpet with lush pink flowers. We could see full many a pink flower born to blush unseen at the lofty height of the Wuya Kachui.

I have visited many beautiful places but never had I been at such a beautiful place. It is indeed a misty paradise for nature lovers. As per report of the villagers, the flowers is in full bloom for a short period of two weeks starting from the second week of July though the flowering period spans for around 20 days. We enjoyed a good time

Team Keirrak sscaling the height

The Exploration

After having breakfast we moved up to scale the hill. The hill is misty with patchy drizzle. Cold breezes that touched our body uninterruptedly made us shivered with cold. Visibility became lesser and lesser as we climbed higher and higher; even we can't see each other if we were few meters apart.

After 30 minutes climb, there taking photographs at different beautiful spots. The beauty and fragrance of the flower refreshed our exhausted body and mind.

The Explorers all smile atop Wuya Kachui

The Recognition

After our exploration, the hill and the flower started to get publicity. Print Media, Electronic Media and Social Media have published stories about the place and the flower. Even, Flowers of India has identified the flower and included the flower in their list.

As per their identification, the common name of the flower is Pink Orchid Ginger and it is called "Shingcha Wuyawon" in Tangkhul dialect. They even declared this flower as the flower of the month of July. The accuracy of their identification may be examined by the experts of the State for its confirmation.

The author in the midst of blushing Shingcha Wuyawon

The Farewell

After exploring the paradise, we came back to the Rest House of Jane of all Trades. Because of rain and no sunlight, our drenched clothes and shoes did not get dry soon. We took rest for some minutes and were ready for the delicious lunch of rice, pork and some curry items cooked in traditional style that had been the day's special.

Boiled organic vegetables and sauce made of hot chilies, vegetable herbs and spices helped us regain our energy. After we exchanged some words of our memorable moments, we prepared to leave the place. But we were not willing to leave 'the misty paradise'. Ultimately we bid farewell to the dreamland with sweet memories still lingering in our mind. The urge to visit the place again in the coming years stilled filled our mind.

A violet by a mossy stone

The Future

With its scenic location, cool summer climate and hospitality of the local populace, the future of this misty paradise is bright. It will definitely be one of the most promising new destinations for the tourists in Manipur. Attention of the Manipur Tourism, Manipur Forests and District Administration may be drawn to develop the place in a suitable way.

In next season, this misty paradise may be jam-packed with tourists. May the beauty and fragrance of Shingcha Wuyawon bring peace and happiness to all !