Mizoram is one of the states of Northeast India, with Aizwal as its capital. The name is derived from Mi (people), Zo (Belonging to the people of Mizoram/Lushai Hills) and Ram (land), and thus Mizoram implies “land of the hill people”.
In the northeast, it is the southernmost landlocked state sharing borders with three of the Seven, now with the addition of (Sikkim,) Eight sister states, namely Tripura, Assam, Manipur. The state also shares a 722 kilometre border with the neighbouring countries of Bangladesh and Myanmar.
Like several other north-eastern states of India, Mizoram was previously part of Assam until 1972, when it was carved out as a Union Territory. It became the 23rd state of India, a step above Union Territory, on 20 February 1987.
Mizoram is a mountainous state nestling in the southern tip of the north-east region, where the blue mountain serenades. Covered with verdant forests dominated by thick bamboo groves, teeming with vibrant flora –fauna, sheer cliffs and breath-taking waterfalls – MIZORAM beckons.
Dotted with unique landmarks of myriad folklores and picturesque villages of houses built on wattle interlaced with twigs and branches, Mizoram is a land of dramatic seas of morning mists that enfold islands of hills and peaks. This is the land of the highlanders or the Mizos.
Once in Aizwal, places of tourist interest include Solomon’s temple, Kidron valley, Viewing gallery of Tiangnuam, famous Aizwal Zoological park near Lungverh, Mc Donald hill, historic state museum, Durtlang and Science centre at berawtlang.
Other tourist attractions within Mizoram include Tam Dil which is a beautiful natural lake, roughly eighty-three kilometres near Saitual town. It has boating facilities and accommodation are also available at lakeside cottages.
Mizoram also houses the highest waterfall, 13th highest waterfall in India – Vantawng falls with a height of 750 feet. In proximity to Vantawng falls is Tuirihiau falls a beautiful cascade surrounded by lush forest.
Champhai with its beautiful colourful tribal traditions, orchids and butterflies, boasts a fabulous view of Myanmar hills. A commercial town located near the Myanmar border, the breezy lush hills around here are strewn with rhododendron blossoms.
Some villages adjacent to Champhai, are of historical significance where the age-old Mizo way of life is still preserved.
Phawngpui mountains , the highest peak in Mizoram, is situated in the south-eastern part of the state near the International border overlooking the natural meander and bend of the mighty Chhimtuipui river and the hilly ranges of Myanmar. Also known as the Blue Mountain, in the Lushai hills, the ridge stretches nearly 10 kms in the north-south direction and escalates to a height of 2157 meters at the peak in the southern end.
Phawngpui is surrounded by sheer precipices and cliffs, of which Thlazuang kham is the most spectacular one. A virtual garden of beautiful flowering trees and orchids of various hues, the lofty ridge offers splendid views of the blue hazed hills extending to the horizon all around.
National park adjoining the area is home to an amazing variety of birdlife including the rare tragopan and dark rumped swift along with endangered mammals like leopard, serow, Asiatic black bear and macaque.
Pala Tipo or Lake palak is one of the largest natural lake in Mizoram, situated near Phura in the southern Mizoram. Legends abound about the origin of the lake. Nature lovers are attracted by surprisingly great variety of wildlife to be found in this remote area contiguous to the Myanmar forests.
Castle of Beino is a geological marvel with a craftsmanship of nature. It is a sprawling alley of rocks on both sides of the river Kolodyne that resembles a castle. A pioneer place for the Christian Missionaries is Serkawr. J. Herbert Lorraine and FW Savidge first landed here to preach the gospel in 1907. Their descendants still live here in their villa “Lorrainville” which is more than a hundred years old. One can witness the history in all its charms.
The Great Entrance way (Kawtchhuah Ropui / Vangchhia) is a natural heritage site marked with numerous carved stones. The 171 menhir stones in the village became Mizoram’s first protected archaeological site in 2012.
A monument to commemorate Mio poets is Hla Kungpui Mual (Mizo poet’s square). It was set up in 1986 at the southern edge of Khawbung village. In Hlakungpui, monuments of Mizo laureate poets and scholarly writers were erected at interval of ten years. The origin of these monuments sprang from the village people of Khawbung wherein it was decided by the executive committee of YMA resolved to commemorate Mizo poets.
A visit to Reiek peak, is a must for any tourist visiting Aizwal, well known for flowers like anthurium and chrysanthemum. Anthurium festival is the peak season of the exotic blossom of anthurium. It is a three day extravaganza of culture, music dance, handlooms and handicrafts.
The festival of Chapchur kut , celebrated annually on the first Friday of every March in Aizwal. The culture and tradition of the various tribes of Mizoram comes alive on this occasion.
Second week of December annually witness Thalfavang Kut at tuirial area near Aizwal. Apart from showcasing the traditional dances and folk songs, events such as hot air ballooning, paragliding, Motosports, racing, archery aero modelling etc can be witnessed.
Just in Print recommends its’ tourist travellers: “Mizoram” beckons for anyone looking for a quiet holiday or outdoor activities in pristine and peaceful environment; this is a destination worth your while.
