Aizawl
Most travellers passing through Mizoram’s state capital State capital Aizawl are not even aware that the Tropic of Cancer passes through it. Let your mind wing back to your schoolroom days and remember this is the most northerly circle of latitude on Earth at which the Sun can be directly overhead, which happens on the June solstice! From its lofty perch on a ridge the city literally meaning ‘a field of wild cardamom’, overlooks the luxuriant verdure of the Tlawng River valley to the west, the Tuirial River to the east, and the Durtlang hills towards the north.
Though the two great Mizo chieftains Lalsavunga and Thanruma had set up villages here in the 19th century, by the time the British made their appearance it had been abandoned. The establishment of their military outpost “Fort Aijal” in 1890, firmed up the base for a permanent settlement here.
The State Museum is a good place to start your explorations as the collection of costumes, artifacts, and historical relics opens up a window to Mizo culture, which distinctly shows Western influences. In Bara Bazar pick up souvenirs for friends and family. What makes a lovely gift is the traditional puan, an unstitched wrap-around fabric, one amongst the many homemade textiles the Mizos are famed for. This one is popular for its vibrant hues, motifs, and intricate weaves. Their basketry work too is irresistible and quite light to take back.
On weekends locals love to mount family excursions to Bung and Paikhai, two popular picnic spots, just 16 km from Aizawl.
Reiek
Blessed by spectacular surrounds this pretty hill town in Mamit District, 30 km away from Aizawl, has always been a magnet for nature lovers. Set at an elevation of 1,584m it’s also a natural hub for a slew of nature-centric adventures including a hike to Reiek Peak, waterfall viewing, and trekking. The Reiek Tourist Resort, a model heritage village maintained by Mizoram Tourism is a big attraction here. It features traditional huts of the various Mizo sub-tribes, the chieftain’s residence, a bachelor’s dorm, and a widow’s house.
Lunglei
Located in southern Mizoram the hills station of Lunglei (1,222m) is the state’s second most populace city; it also serves as the headquarters of Lunglei district which shares nestled by the Bangladesh border on the West. It’s a magnet of its unspoiled beauty and unpolluted environs. As ascertained by Greenpeace India it’s the only Indian city with PM levels under the World Health Organisation’s prescribed level of 20/ug/m3 (micrograms per cubic meter). Visitors will enjoy its captivating uncrowded vibe as they follow trails trodden by locals to pretty hamlets and forest glades rich in floral wealth. Places of interest include the Lunglei Bridge. The BCM Church, with its lovely surrounds, the Nghasih Rivulet, a tributary of the Tlawng River, and the Thorangtlang Wildlife Sanctuary. The provenance of a Buddha image, discovered near Mualcheng village, about 50 km from the town, continues to remain an intriguing mystery as no other Buddhist links have been found in the region.
Thenzawl
Renowned for Mizoram’s fabled natural beauty this charming hill station is the perfect getaway from the hustle and bustle of Aizawl, 112km away. The drive itself, which takes you through some of the prettiest landscapes of Mizoram. is a treat. You should take a small break at Falkawn, a replica of a traditional ancestral Mizo village.
Located in Serchhip District, it’s an idyllic spot for a round of golf, at the swanky Thenzawl Golf Course and Resort. Tourists also delight in the rural vibe of the hill town with its forested trails and pretty hamlets. It’s the perfect escape for some eco-friendly adventures. On the town outskirts, you can explore the Chawngchilhi Cave infused with the atmospherics of an ancient Mizo legend of the love between a maiden and a snake. Join local picnickers at the Tuirihiau Falls 5km from town. The falls are created by the Vanwa River. Mizoram’s highest waterfall, Vantawng Khawhthla or Vantawng Falls, again a gift of the Vanwa River, is situated amongst dense bamboo groves and tropical forests.
Tamdil
A natural waterbody, the Tamdil Lake is located 85km away from Aizawl and attracts both locals and visitors from afar. The bountiful availability of fish and prawns is a big allurement. Occasionally popup snack stalls will cater to hungry picnickers. Boat rides and soft safari drives around the nearby jungle trails for a bit of wildlife spotting should be on your to-do list. The resort village of Saituai is just 10 km away.
Champhai
Visitors, looking for uncrowded vacation spots have started showing up in the picturesque setting of Champai in the rural expanses of these fertile plains. Located on the Indo-Bangladesh border it unfolds exotic panoramas of the Myanmar hills clear days. Spread over 3185.83 sq. km it is rapidly growing as “the fruit bowl of Mizoram”. It’s a historic spot too as it is believed to be the entry point of the first Mizo migrants into the Northeast. Points of interest in the area are the string of hamlets, monuments, and monoliths that depict success in war, hunting, personal grievances, and achievements. Aizawl is about 194 km away. Visitors can stay at the Tourist Lodge or Tourist Cottages here.
Murlen National Park
Located in Champhai district, the national park spreads across an area of 200 sq km, in proximity to the Chin Hills. It is home to about 15 species of mammals, 150 species of birds, 35 species of medicinal plants, 2 species of bamboo, and 4 species of orchids. Visitors can look forward to sightings of tigers, leopards, goral, serow, and wild boar—and avian species such as Mrs. Hume’s pheasant, Khaleej pheasant, Bhutan peacock pheasant, Pied hornbill, Imperial pigeon, crested serpent eagle and many more. Other areas in these surrounds worth exploring are Lamsial Puk, Hnahlan, Zokhawthar, and Tan Tlangis. The massive Thumkhuai Kham cave attracts lots of visitors for wildlife spotting.
Phawngpui
The alluring natural beauty and the challenge of climbing Phawngpui’s hilly terrain have long been a magnet for hikers, trekkers and birding enthusiasts. Botanical buffs too find plenty to attract them for repeat visits. About 300km away from Aizawl ‘the Blue Mountain’ Phawngpui Peak Mizoram’s highest elevation (2157 m) lies close to the Myanmar border 300 km, from Aizawl. Located in the Lushai Hills, it is a part of the much larger Arakan Mountain range along the Indo-Myanmar border. Phawngpui is an important resource for medicinal herbs which are found aplenty in this fertile terrain. It is also fabled for its species of orchids and rhododendrons, which fall under the state government’s conservation program. Entry is restricted to eco-friendly trekkers. One can stay at a forest lodge at Phawngpui National Park (50 sq km), one of Mizoram’s two national parks for further explorations. Phawngpui Peak and Phawngpui National Park can be visited from October to April with stays available at a tourist lodge in Sangau, about 35 km away.
Saiha
An angling hot spot, Saiha nestles by the Chimtuipui River, 378 km from Aizwal. Birders also arrive for the migratory season at Lake Palak, 45km away. The lake, located in the Indo-Myanmar biodiversity hotspot, is also famous for its varieties of wild duck, crabs, and fish which can grow to huge proportions One can safari through the adjoining jungles of the Palak Wildlife Sanctuary, spread over 15.50 sq km, for wildlife viewings of tiger, bear, deer, and wild boar. Saiha is the district headquarters of the Mara Autonomous District Council. A cultural hotspot for the intermingling of the Mara people and even neighbouring Myanmarese people it’s a bustling commercial hub.
Dampa Tiger Reserve
Straddling the trijunction of Mizoram, Tripura, and Bangladesh, the tiger reserve reigns over an area of 550 sq km of lush verdure. The highest point of the reserve is the Chhawrpialtlang at 1095m. Other peaks are Dampatlang (869 M) and Pathlawilunglentlang (780 m). The reserve is drained by the River Khawthlangtuipui to the West and the Teirei River to the East. About 127 km away from the state capital it’s a hot spot for wildlife spotting and avifaunal adventures in the Lushai Hills. Amongst the unique inhabitants to be found here are the endangered Hoolock gibbon, Phayre’s leaf monkey, capped langur and slow loris, pigtail macaque, and stumptail macaque. Dampa is connected with the Thorang Wildlife Sanctuary.
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