Mizoram
If you are planning for a holiday amidst peaceful nature, cascading fountains, serene watersides, towering mountains and green forests then Mizoram can be the best choice to meet your expectations. Though Mizoram is one of the smallest states of India but it is undeniably rich in its rare collection of flora and fauna. In the entire north-eastern India, Mizoram is the only state that has showed such diversified hilly territory. Along with the Mizoram capital Aizwal, and other cities like Kolasib and Vairengle of this state has a number of places which attract many visitors throughout the year.
Location
Mizoram is located at the extreme corner of the northeastern hilly region of India comprising an area of approximately 21,087 sq km. The state of Mizoram shares its borders with Manipur, Tripura and Assam. This state also shares 722 km of its international border with Bangladesh and Mayanmar.
Places to see
Phawngpui: Phawnhpui or the Blue Mountain of Mizoram is considered to be the most magnificent peak of this hilly region which is believed to be the residence of god by the localites. Phawngpui, the highest peak of Mizoram rises approximately 2165 m high at Chhimtuipui District near the Mayanmar Border. Along with its majestic height, Phawngpui is also famous for its orchid and rhododendron collections.
Phulpui Grave: Phulpui Grave is another popular tourist spot of Mizoram. A folk love story is related with this lake which generates public interest towards this place and therefore, attracts a large number of visitors every year.
Pangzawl: Pangzawl is a village of Mizoram which is located in Lunglei District. A catastrophic myth is related to this village which speaks about the tragic end of an attractive lady called Chawngungi. The story relates the marriage of Chawngungi with the chief’s son, her death at an early life and how her husband lived rest of his life in remembrance of his beautiful wife.
Sibuta Lung: Sibuta Lung is located at Tachhip Village, 20 km away from the capital city Aizwal. This memorial stone was founded by a Palian chief approximately 300 years back. A majority of the population believe in the folklore that, this monument is an evidence of betrayal and revenge.
Memorial of Chhingpui: Memorial of Chhingpui is another memorial stone which holds a legendary love tale of a gorgeous lady called Chhingpui and her husband Kaptluanga. Chhingpui was abducted and killed by enemy chiefs during the war period and Kaptuanga committed suicide as he could not bear the pain of his wife’s death. Memorial of Chhingpui is situated between Chhingchhip and Baktawnf village which is positioned on the Aizwal-Lunglei road of Mizoram.
The Tomb of Vanhimailian: The tomb of Vanhimailian is also a popular tourist destination which is located at a distance of 194 km from Aizwal. This tomb was built in memory of Chief Vanhimailian Salio who once ruled Champhai. The gigantic height of this tomb is still a matter of surprise for many visitors.
Lungvandawt: Lungvandawt is a towering pillar made of stone which is located in Aizwas District of Mizoram.
Mangkahia Lung: Located at Champhai in Aizwal District Mangkahia Lung is another must to visit tourist spot. According to the records, Mangkahia Lung was built approximately during 1700 AD in the fond memory of the Ralte Tribe Chief Mangkahia. This monument stone is situated near the Mayanmar boarder therefore, sightseers who come to visit Mayanmar border never miss the opportunity to visit this historical place called Mangkahia Lung.
Tualchang: Tualchang is located in the eastern region of Aizwal District of the north eastern state Mizoram. Tualchang is basically a line of blocks or slabs placed near the Tualchang village. Tualchang is the largest block of stone that can be found in Mizoram.
Buddha's Image: Buddha's image is a carved figure of Lord Buddha along with a couple of dancing girls on either side of the image which was discovered from Mualchen Vilage and is located 50 km away from Lunlei town. This village is situated much closer to the Chittagong Hill Tracks of Bangladesh which was once influenced by Buddhists. Therefore, it is believed that this image of Lord Buddha was crafted by some visiting Buddhists from the neighboring country.
How to reach
Accessibility has always been a vital obstruction to the development of tourism in the whole of North East India including Mizoram which is rich in its unparallel natural beauty. However, the increasing interests of national and international tourists have encouraged the Government to develop the tourism industry and road connectivity. At present Mizoram is well connected by air and road.
By Air: The only airport of Mizoram is located in the capital cityof Aizwal. Regular flights are accessible from Imphal, Guwahati and Kolkata.
By Rail: Railway station at Silchar is the nearest railhead from Aizwal. The distance of Silchar railway station from Aizwal is approximately 184 kilometers.
By Road: National Highway 54 connects the capital with Silchar. Smooth road connectivity is also there from Guwahati and Shillong to Aiswal. Public and private transports networks are available to cover long distance journeys. Another reliable mode of communication in Mizoram is taxi. A fair percentage of taxis share the load of transportation along with buses in Mizoram.
What to do
Adventure
Mizoram is an ideal place for adventure lovers, a number of caves are there to explore by enthusiastic tourists. Mizoram hosts a wide array of caves which are located at different corners of the state. One interesting fact is that many myths and folktales are associated with these caves. Pukzing Cave is one of the famous and grooviest caves of Mizoram which is 25 m long inside and known to be the biggest cave of the state. Kungawrhi Puk is another cave which is huge in size and situated on the top of a hill located between two villages namely Farkawn and Vaphai of Aizwal District. Milu and Lamsial are two other famous caves of Mizoram which are generally visited by tourists.
Trekking and Mountaineering
One can even enjoy expeditions like trekking and mountaineering in Mizoram which is undoubtedly exciting and outstanding. Rock climbing on the Mizo peaks is a never before experience for adventure sport lovers. Visitors who are fond of trekking can take on the charm of trekking at Champai base. ‘Blue Mountain’ the highest peak of Mizoram situated at 7,100 feet sea level is the best spot for mountaineering.
Wildlife
Dampa Wildlife Sanctuary which is located in the Kolasib District of Mizoram is known for its picturesque beauty and wildlife variety. The entire forest reserve area is covered with lush green vegetation and offers a calm environment to the tourists. Visitors who have special interest in orchids should definitely visit this forest which will definitely satisfy their quests about orchids.
Ngengpui Wildlife Sanctuary situated in Mizoram covers an area of approximately 110 sq km and is adjacent to the Indo-Bangladesh border. This Sanctuary is famous for its wildlife variety. This wild life sanctuary houses a number of animals like tigers, elephants, sambar, wild boar, leaf monkey, gaur, clouded leopard, hoolock gibbon, common langur, resus macaque etc. It is a happy home for many a rare birds like tragopans, flower-peckers, pen-phseasants, hombills and sun-birds etc. Bamboo can also be found in great quantity in this tropical forest area.
Lakes of Mizoram
This state hosts a number of beautiful lakes which inhabit at different parts of the territory. Small, medium and large lakes can be seen at almost all the parts of the state which certainly provide a picturesque beauty to this land but only a few of them are basically perfect for activities like boating and fishing. Some of the lakes which are worth a visit in Mizoram are Palak Lake, Tamdil Lake, Rengdil Lake and Rungdil Lake.
Best time to visit
The most surprising fact is that Mizoram never gets too cold during winter. Therefore, the ideal time to explore Mizoram can be from October till March when the climate remains moderately pleasant. However, a visit to Mizoram is advisable at any point in time other than months between May to September as monsoon downpour is in full flow during this period.
History
The inhabitants of Mizoram are normally recognized as a group of the Mongoloid community, who once moved out of China and eventually, came down to India and formed their present habitation which is known as Mizoram.
Climate
Mizoram is famous for its pleasant weather. Summer witnesses a comparatively cooler climate though it is usually not very cold in winter. Monsoon is very prominent in Mizoram and soaks this hill station from May to September. Blue sky with no rainfall indicates the advent of winter in the beginning of October.
As Mizoram is slowly emerging as a tourist destination therefore; the hotel industry is not very developed here. Accommodation facilities are available in Government guest houses, Government hotels, circuit houses and in quite a few hotels. Private hotels are very few in number and majority of them are budget hotels. Very few hotels in Mizoram offer modern facilities and metropolitan luxuries. Hence, the true reason why Mizoram attracts tourists lay beneath its magnificent natural beauty; tribal life style and tribal culture.
