Makhel
The ancestral village from which the Naga tribes are said to have dispersed
About this place
Makhel, near Mao in Senapati, is held by many Naga communities to be the place from which their ancestors dispersed. The site holds the sacred Chüthe wild pear tree, a megalithic stone said to mark the parting of the tribes, and a cave shrine. Ceremonies drawing communities from across Nagaland, Manipur and beyond are still held here.
How to reach
Around 105 km from Imphal on NH-2, turning off near Mao; a hired vehicle for the last stretch is best.
Local tips
- Ask the village council before photographing the megaliths or the sacred tree.
- A local guide adds enormously; the stones mean nothing without the oral history.
- Combine with Mao Gate, 10 km away.
Gallery
On the map
Makhel village, near Mao, Senapati district · 25.4667°N, 94.1000°E
Makhel
Makhel village, near Mao, Senapati district
25.4667°N, 94.1000°E
Nearby places
Within an easy detour of Makhel.
VillageSenapati
Mao Gate
Mao, NH-2, Senapati district
The cool Naga hill town on Manipur's northern doorstep
- Distance from Imphal
- 110 km from Imphal
- Time to allow
- 2 hrs
Entry: Free entry
Photo: Shylock Taishya / Google Maps
HeritageSenapati
Maram Khullen
Maram Khullen, near Maram on NH-2, Senapati district
One of the oldest and largest Naga settlements in the state
- Distance from Imphal
- 69 km from Imphal
- Time to allow
- 2 hrs
Entry: Entry details on page
HillSenapati
Dzukou Valley
Mount Iso approach, Senapati district (Manipur–Nagaland boundary)
A seamless green bowl of seasonal flowers on the Manipur–Nagaland border
- Distance from Imphal
- 110 km from Imphal
- Time to allow
- 1 day
Entry: Entry from ₹100
Photo: Apam Shithung / Google Maps
HeritageSenapati
Willong Khullen Megaliths
The Stonehenge of Manipur
Willong Khullen, Maram–Peren Road, Senapati district
Standing stones no two people ever count the same
- Distance from Imphal
- 73 km from Imphal
- Time to allow
- 2 hrs
Entry: Entry details on page