Mizoram – Songbird of the North East

Mizoram, land of the blue mountain, lies in the southernmost outpost of the North Eastern states. Neighbors Manipur, Assam and Tripura bound this tranquil little state, but a part of it slips down between Myanmar and Bangladesh. Evergreen, flush with blooms of exotic flora, its hilly expanses are criss-crossed by gushing rivers and their tributaries and a cobweb of silvery streams.

The forested Mizo hills with their thick bamboo jungles running in north-south direction rise sharply from Cachar Plains in Assam. Highest amongst its several peaks is the Phawngpui – the Blue Mountain. Rice is grown in a few plain areas in the state, such as the Vanlaiphai and the fertile Champhai Plains east of the capital Aizawl, extending to Myanmar.

Oral tradition reveals (there is no known recorded history) that the Mizo people migrating from their homelands in China about 3 centuries ago in search of new pastureland, settled in these remote Mizo hills (Lushai hills). It was absorbed into British rule between 1891-95 and in February 1987, it became the 23rd state of the Indian Union. From the 19th century the Christian Missionaries played a dominating role in the state and were greatly responsible for the westernization of its social life. Today, the state has 87 percent literacy and gender equality is promoted vigorously.

Clinging to their traditional roots, there has been a concerted effort by the young to propagate their ancient cultural strains. It has also resulted in bringing back to limelight some of the most colourful and joyous aspects of the gentle Mizo culture, which may vacationers ahs found most appealing….

Mizoram Cities

Aizawl	Champai	Mamit
Lunglei	Kolasib	Vairengte

Tourist Attractions in Mizoram

Phawngpui : A trekker’s paradise, Mizoram’s highest peak Phawngpui (2157 m) is just 300 km from Aizawl and close to the Myanmar border.

Saiha : Saiha, on the Chimtuipui River, is rich in fish and an angler’s delight. It is 378 km from Aizawl. Just 45 km further away is the popular Palakdil (Palak Lake) famed for its varieties of wild duck, crabs and fish of massive proportions.

Bung and Paikhai : Located close to each other, Bung and Paikhai are popular picnic spots, just 16 km from Aizawl.

Tamdil (Tam Lake) : Tamdil, a natural lake is 85 km from Aizawl. Famed for fish and prawns it is also a popular picnic place where you can go for a boat ride and even opt to take a drive into the nearby jungles, which are home to some wildlife. The resort village of Saituail is just 10 km away.

Vantawang : Close to Thenzawl hill station lie Mizoram’s highest waterfalls Vantawang (750 ft high), located 152 km from Aizawl. It is beautifully located amongst dense bamboo groves and tropical forests.

Wildlife in Mizoram

Dampa Sanctuary : Just 133 km from Aizawl, the Dampa Sanctuary straddles the borders of Mizoram, Tripura and Bangladesh. Established in 1976, it is inhabited by tiger, bison, elephant, bear, and a vast number of avian species.

Handlooms and Handicrafts in Mizoram

Taking home a water-proof Mizo hat (Khumbeu) made with bamboo and leaves, as a souvenir of Mizoram is a must. You will find a good selection of traditional handloom shawls, bags and bamboo handicrafts in Bara Bazar. If you are looking for variety and better quality crafts, the State Government Emporium is a good place to start your shopping spree. Some of the other markets you can explore are New Market, Ritz Market, Bazar Bungkawn, Thakthing Bazar, Burma Lane and Solomon Cave.

Fair and Festivals in Mizoram

The traditional repertoire of festivals and folk and community dances offer visitors a delightful insight into the tribal heritage of Mizo culture in all its richness and variety. Surprisingly, some of the most popular dance like the Cheraw (bamboo dance), Khuallam, Solakia and Chheih Lam were never created for stage – rather they evolved out a spontaneous community spirit and participation.

Recommended Tourist Circuits

1. Aizawl, and excursions in the areas around.

Access : Aizawl, the capital is within reach of Silchar, which is connected by air to Kolkota. Silchar is also the nearest railhead. Aizawl is connected by road via Silchar to Guwahati, Imphal, Kohima, Shillong and Agartala. Aizawl is connected by air, thrice a week to Kolkota by Alliance Air.

Temperature : In Summer, ranges from 20 C to 30 C, and in winter, from 11 C to 21 C.

Best Time to Visit : From October to March

How to reach Mizoram

By Air : Nearest Airport : Aizawl. Aizawl is connected to Kolkata, (1 hr 45 min) and Imphal (30 min). Indian Airlines (Alliance Air) flights Kolkata-Aizawl-Kolkata (Tue, Thurs, Sat). Kolkata-Aizawl-Imphal-Aizawl-Kolkata (Mon, Wed, Fri)

By Rail : Nearest railhead: Silchar in Assam (184 km). From Guwahati, travel to Silchar by Barak Valley Express, Cachar Express or the Tripura Passenger. The journey takes about 19 hrs.

By Road : NH-54 connects Aizawl with the rest of the country through Silchar. Buses and taxis are available from Silchar to Aizawl (6-8 hrs). Night services are also available. Aizawl is also accessible by road from Shillong and Guwahati.