MIZORAM YATRA Location : North-eastern part of India Capital City : Aizwal Major Attractions : State Museum, Falklawn Mizo Village, Tamdil Lake Mostly Visited For : Picturesque surroundings, Wildlife, Bamboo dance

Mizoram - The Nightangle of North East

Mizoram Hills : A Paradise For Nature And Trek Lovers

In Mizoram, they say ‘Say It With Flowers’. The tiny hill state tucked at the North Eastern tip of India, invites you to relax in its picturesque hills and dales, enjoy its salubrious climate and meet its simple and cordial people bubbling with their glorious heritage of arts and crafts and colourful festivals that reflect their ancient faith in the inexorable power of nature. Contoured by thickly forested hills aflush with a variety of exotic orchids, Mizoram is flanked by Bangladesh in the west and Myanmar in the east and south, sharing around 722 km with these foreign countries.

Offering a perfect habitat to nature, Mizoram offers a newer secret to reveal in every corner of its mist clad hills. Relish a mug of fresh herbal tea with the denizens, known locally as ‘Mizo’, or the Man of the Hills (Mi:man, Zo: hills). They rank third in the country as far as percentage of literacy is concerned - the state with 87% literacy rate is just behind Chandigarh and Kerala. And what more, their festivals are one of the most vibrant and colourful in nature tht enchants every visitor. Are you thinking for a plan? Come on, plans themselve get decided once you are in Mizoram.

The Paradise City of Aizwal

Aizwal, The Paradise City on The Lap of Mizo Hills

Conceived as a fortofied post in the late 19th century, Aizwal today has grown into a handsome city that presides as the capital over the beautiful state of Mizoram. Perching on top of a 4,000 ft high ridge, surrounded by verdant valleys and shimmering Tuirial and Tlawng rivers that wash its shoulders, Aizwal today has grown into an important commercial and recreational centre that has a true Indian heart. This 112 - years old citadel-like city, with its timber houses and profusion of flowers surely makes for a perfect holiday with its clean & fresh, temperate climate throughout the year. Spend your afternoon visiting the State Museum and the Mini Zoological Garden located at the heart of the city. The museum on Mcdonald hill, Zarkawt, offers an interesting array of traditional artifacts and an indepth knowledge about the unmatched lifestyle of the Mizo tribes.

Stuff your bags with handy items before you leave for Bung (16 km), a popular picnic spot with breathtaking natural beauty of the Mizo countryside. Plan a trip to the Falklawn Mizo Village, located at 18 km from Aizwal downtown to see another colourful facet of Mizo tradition. Relish on their delicious cuisine while experiencing their traditional way of cooking. Wander around the bustling markets of Aizwal (Bara Bazaar) to pick up some exquisite textiles such as ‘puan’ with its intricate weave in the many colours for your near and dear ones.

Nearby Temptations on The Hills

The best way to explore Mizoram is by trekking, camping and staying close to the heart of nature as much you can. For a perfect family merriment, pick up your picnic basket and leave for Tamdil (Tam Lake), situated at 85 km from the capital at Aizwal. Known for a rich culture of fish and prawns, the lake also entices everyone with its picturesque surroundings and refreshing ambience. Enjoy boating on the pristine waters with your loved ones while munching some of the spicy nuts of this region. Shout with the roaring waters at the Vantawang waterfalls, located in the vicinity of the thick bamboo forests close to Thenzawl hill station. Located 152 km from Aizawl downtown, this amazing downpour is the highest in the state. Add a tint of adrenaline by trekking at the Blue Mountains and scaling the heights of Phawngpui, the highest peak in the region. Believe us, the vista that it provides from the summit is mindblowing.

Once in Mizoram, you just cannot miss the thrill of visiting the womb of nature at the Dampa Tiger Reserve, the largest wildlife sanctuary in the state. Nestling in the western part of the state at 127 km from Aizwal, the tiger reserve is an amazing place to explore. Scale the steep precipitous hills and go down with deep valleys, jump to cross the ripping rivulets that comes in your way, and enjoy a few moments of solitary stay beside the natural salts licks. Keep an eye on the tree tops to capture some Hoolock gibbon or Assamese macaque in action. Go for a memorable jungle safari to see herds of wild elephants tresspassing your way. If lucky, you can even encounter agile leopards chasing herds of gaurs (Indian Bison) before your peeled eyes.

Fairs and Festivals of This Blue Land

Girls Engaged In Traditional Bamboo Dance

As in everywhere else in India, festivals of Mizoram are an essential part of the socio-cultural life of the people. The moments of merriment revolve mainly around agriculture and celebrated with ritualistic gaiety either to thank god for his providence or to pray for a bumper harvest. The festivals of Mizoram mirror the people, their culture, their artistic genius and skill in music and dance which is a vital element in the life of every tribe.

Plan your holiday trip during March to be a part of the colourful Chapchar Kut or Spring Festival, celebrated after trimming the dense forests, called ‘jhum’ locally. You will be overwhelmed to see Mizo people in beautiful clothes and head gears performing impressive folk dances on the hypnotic tunes of traditional Mizo music accompanied by the beating sound of drums, gongs and cymbals. Don’t miss the extravagant Cheraw or the ‘bamboo dance’, a colourful and distinctive dance popular in these hilly sectors. The unbelievable dance form on long bamboo staves is a fruit of immense practise that leads to a jaw-dropping euphoria.

Drive Your Way To Heaven on Earth

Mizoram is linked with the rest of the country by Air, Rail and Road Transport. Though railway services are limited, the state is well connected by air and road ways. Aizawl, the capital town of Mizoram is linked by Alliance Air Service everyday to Kolkata, (1 hr 45 min) , Guwahati (40 min) and Imphal (30 min). The nearest railhead is at Lengpui. If you are planning to come by train, disembark at Silchar Station in Assam, located at 184 km away from Aizwal, connected to Guwahati by regular train services. NH 54 connects Aizwal with the rest of the country through Silchar. Get into a State Transport bus and you can reach Aizwal in 6-8 hrs from Silchar. Night-coach services are also available from Shillong (450 km) and Guwahati (506 km).