Manipur Hills, Geography, Flora, Fauna, Tribes, Peaks

The Manipur Hills are one of the most scenic and culturally rich hill regions in Northeast India. Surrounding the central valley of Manipur, these hills are known for their lush greenery, tribal heritage, biodiversity, and breathtaking landscapes. The Manipur Hills form a major part of the eastern Himalayan extension and play a crucial role in the region’s ecology, climate, and culture.

About Manipur Hills

The Manipur Hills cover nearly 90% of the geographical area of Manipur, forming a ring around the central Imphal Valley. These hills are part of the Purvanchal Range, an extension of the greater Himalayan system, and are characterized by moderate to high elevations, dense forests, and winding rivers.

• The terrain is highly rugged with steep slopes, narrow valleys, deep gorges, and dense forest cover, making it difficult for large-scale infrastructure development.
• The altitude generally ranges from 900 meters to around 3,000 meters, with the highest peak being Mount Iso (about 2,994 meters).
• Important hill ranges influencing the region include the Patkai Range, Naga Hills, and Mizo Hills.
• Notable highland areas include Shirui Hills, famous for rare species, and Dzukou Valley, known for its scenic beauty and seasonal flowers.
• The climate is subtropical to temperate, with mild summers, cool winters, and heavy monsoon rainfall, supporting thick vegetation and biodiversity.
• The hills act as a major watershed region, giving rise to several rivers including tributaries of the Barak River and other seasonal streams.
• The forest cover includes tropical evergreen, semi-evergreen, subtropical pine, and temperate forests, making the region ecologically rich.
• Dominant vegetation includes bamboo, cane, oak, pine, teak, and chestnut trees, along with a wide variety of medicinal plants and herbs.
• The hills are globally recognized for their rich orchid diversity and rare endemic species like the Shirui Lily, which blooms only in specific conditions.
• The fauna includes mammals like deer, wild boar, clouded leopard, and primates such as hoolock gibbons, along with diverse bird species including hornbills and migratory birds.
• The endangered Sangai, though mainly found in valley wetlands, is ecologically connected to the hill ecosystem.
• Important protected areas include Keibul Lamjao National Park (world’s only floating park), Sirohi National Park (Shirui National Park), Yangoupokpi-Lokchao Wildlife Sanctuary, and Jiri-Makru Wildlife Sanctuary.
• The hills are inhabited by various tribal communities including Naga, Kuki, and Zomi tribes, each having distinct languages, customs, and traditions.
• Tribal societies are largely community-based and depend on agriculture, forest resources, and traditional practices for livelihood.
• Shifting cultivation (jhum farming) is widely practiced, along with terrace farming and horticulture in some areas.
• Cultural richness is reflected in festivals like Lui-Ngai-Ni and Kut, traditional dances, music, and handicrafts such as bamboo work and handloom weaving.
• The region has economic importance due to forest resources like bamboo and timber, as well as growing eco-tourism and adventure tourism potential.
• The hills hold strategic importance as they form a natural international boundary with Myanmar.

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