Mizoram is a power house of exquisite natural beauty with
its fascinating diversity of landscape consisting of hilly terrains,
meandering streams, deep gorges and a whole lot of flora and fauna. The land
of the Blue Mountains lies to the southern most part of North East India
bounded by the neighbouring countries of Myanmar and Bangladesh. The
stunning vistas of the Tlawng River Valley and the craggy hills of Durtlang
gives it an amazing look.
The Mizos are known to have migrated from China land some 3 centuries ago
in search of pastures and finally settled in the Mizo hills, more commonly
called the Lushai Hills. Annexed to Assam in the19th century under the
British rule as the Lushai Hill District, it was later declared the 23rd
state of Indian union in the year 1972.
Climate
During the rainy seasons, the lower hills are humid while the higher hills
are cool and pleasant. Violent storms occur in the month of March and April.
Temperature varies from about 12o C in winter to about 30oC in summer.
November to February is the best period to visit the place.
Attractions
» Aizawl -The morning mists of Aizawl, the capital
city of Mizoram greets its visitors with a breath taking sight of the
Mizoram mountains which extends beyond the horizon. The city is crested on
the top of the legendary blue hills coloured with greenery and fringed with
flowers. It is the modern Shangri-la of the north east well differentiated
by their traditional dress wear.
» Phawngpur -Nicknamed as the Blue mountains of
Mizoram and situated near the Myanmar Border is this highly revered peak.
The high rise peak is considered to be the abode of the Gods. It is the
highest mountain peak in Mizoram, about 2165 metres and famous for orchids
and rhododendrons. The peak presents a fairy tale picture of the blue hazed
hills. Nearby, to the western side, is a semi circular cliff known as
Thalazuang Khammen circled by bamboo grooves and vegetation
» Sibuta Lung -A memorial stone lie in the Tachip
village some 20 km from the town of Aizawl which was raised by a Palitan
chief about 3 centuries ago. The memorial depicts a story of love and
revenge. Legends say, that the young orphan Sibuta was adopted by the chief
of the Palitan who was later murdered by Sibuta to become the head of some
2,000 houses. But the chief was jilted by his lady love Darlai, whom he
killed and put in a pit alive. The memorial stone was bathed with sacrifices
and Darlai was gutted alive below the stone.
» Lungvandawt -The significance of the stone is that
it stands for the path leading to heaven. The tall chiseled pillar made from
the cuttings of stone is 75 cm in diameter and about 3 meter in height. The
stone pillar is situated between Biate and Lungdar in the eastern part of
Aizawl. It is believed to be a memorial stone of a chief of the Biate tribe
who was the inhabitant of the region before the Lushais came and defeated
him. The Biates went to the plains of Cachar for settlement.
» Pangzawl -The village of Pangzawl in the district
of Lunglei speaks volume of the tragic folklore of Chawngungi, who was a
beautiful girl wanted to be married by many. She was won over by the Chief's
son taking the help of magical drugs. Soon after the marriage, Chawngungi
died leaving her husband to lead a life of madness. Sawngkhara, her husband
lived the rest of his life mourning the death of his beautiful young wife.
» Wildlife
¤ Dampa Wildlife Sanctuary - The sanctuary
situated in the Kolasib District is at a distance of 130 km from the
state capital of Aizawl. The sanctuary is surrounded by lush green
vegetation with thick tracts of forests covering the hilly terrains. The
beautiful location, profusely covered with blooming orchids, is an ideal
destination for the nature lovers.
¤ Ngengpui Wildlife Sanctuary -The Ngengpui
Wildlife Sanctuary is spread over an area of 110 sq km, near the
Indo-Bangladesh border ranging in an altitude from 200 m to about 1200 m
above sea level. Sub-tropical evergreen forests are found in the
Ngengpui. Wildlife that are found in this sanctuary are tiger, clouded
leopard, elephant, gaur, barking deer, sambar, wild boar, hoolock
gibbon, rhesus macaque, leaf monkey, common langur. Few rare species of
birds are also found like the hornbills, pen-pheasants, tragopans,
flower-peckers and sun-birds .
Shopping
Bara Bazaar is the main shopping center selling garments and music
cassette. In the main bazaar, people in their traditional costumes sell
products from farms and homesteads in little wicker baskets. The Weaving
Centre is above the Bata Shoe Shop where you can watch the women at
their looms weaving traditional shawls. The ceremonial bamboo hat
'Khumbeu' made out of Handicrafts using waterproof wild' Hnahthial'
leaves is a good product to buy.
Accommodations
The state of Mizoram has hotels of star and non star category catering
to the needs of the tourists visiting Manipur. Besides a number of
private hotels there are plenty of government run lodges that cater to
all budgets such as Tourist lodge, Chaltlang, Berawtlang Tourist
complex, Travellers's Inn.
How to Reach
» By Air - Nearest airport is Aizawl which is
connected to Kolkata and Imphal by daily flights. Major Indian airlines
connect Aizawl to rest of India.
» By Rail - Nearest railhead is Silchar which is
in Assam at a distance of 184 km. From Guwahati one can travel to
Silchar by Barak Valley Express, Cachar Express or the Tripura
Passenger.
» By Road - NH no - 54 connects the capital city
of Aizawl with the rest of the country. Buses and taxis are available
from Silchar to Aizawl. Aizawl can also be approached by road from
Shillong and Guwahati.
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North
India States
