Mizoram, the land of Highlanders-the Mizos nested to the southern most part of NorthEast India. Sharing boarder with Assam, Tripura and Manipur and two neighboring counties Bangladesh and Myanmar. Mizoram has 11 districts with different ethnic identity. It is a place not only to visit for its natural beauty but also for the rich and colorful traditions of different Mizo tribes.
Geography :
Mizoram is a land of rolling hills, valleys, rivers and lakes. As many as 21 major hill ranges or peaks of different heights run through the length and breadth of the state, with plains scattered here and there. The average height of the hills to the west of the state are about 1,000 meters (3,300 ft). These gradually rise up to 1,300 meters (4,300 ft) to the east. Some areas, however, have higher ranges which go up to a height of over 2,000 meters (6,600 ft). Phawngpui Tlang also known as the Blue Mountain, situated in the south-eastern part of the state, is the highest peak in Mizoram at 2,210 meters (7,250 ft). About 76% of the state is covered by forests, 8% is fallows land, 3% is barren and considered uncultivable area, while cultivable and sown area constitutes the rest.
How to Reach :
Mizoram is linked with the rest of the country by Air, Rail and Road transport.
By Air
Aizawl, the capital of the state is air-linked by daily Air India Service from Kolkata and Guwahati and also Air Deccan from Kolkata. It is also connected to Imphal by air. The airport Lengpui is only 30 kms from Aizawl.
By Train
Train link to the state is Bairabi, a few kilometers away from Kolasib. The nearest major railway station is Silchar, Assam, 184 kms from Aizawl.
By Road
National Highway 54 connects Aizawl with the rest of the country through Silchar. Buses, taxis and Sumo services are available from Silchar to Aizawl(6-8 hrs). Night services are also available. Aizawl is also accessible by road from Shillong and Guwahati.
Road Distances from Aizawl : Guwahati – 523 kms; Silchar – 180 kms; Shillong – 420 kms; Imphal – 374 kms; Kohima – 479 kms; Agartala – 443 kms.
Domestic Travellers
Inner Line Pass is required for entry into Mizoram for persons other than Government employees and has to be taken from Liaison Officer, Government of Mizoram, For further information please contact Mizoram House at Silchar, Shillong, Guwahati, Kolkata or New Delhi. Inner Line Permit can also be obtained on arrival at Lengpui Airport.
ILP can be obtained online from – https://ilp.mizoram.gov.in.
Foreign Tourists
For a group of 4 or more persons, Restricted Area Permit (PAP) can be obtained from the Government of Mizoram through the Liaison Officers at New Delhi, Kolkata and Guwahati. For less than 4 persons, RAP has to be obtained from the Ministry of Home Affairs, Government of India.
Major Destinations of Mizoram:-
1. Aizawl
Aizawl is the capital city of Mizoram with an elevation of 1132m above sea level. With steep ridges, hills, valleys and surrounded by lush greenery, Aizawl is the perfect place to enjoy the local food, culture and handicrafts of Mizos. There are several ready to explore tourist spots in Aizawl such as Solomon’s Temple, State Museum, Reiek Tlang (Peak), Falkawn model village, KV paradise, Durtlang hills, Tamdil (lake), etc.
Solomon’s Temple: Located on the Western side of Aizawl city, it is one of the most beautiful church in the hills constructed by Kohhran Thianghlim which is rendered ‘The Holy Church’ in English. It is a non-denominational church founded by Dr. L.B. Sailo in 1984. Intended as a re-creation of the Temple of Solomon in Jerusalem, it’s a white-marble square with towering facades on each of its 37-metre sides and steeples at each corner. The Temple area accommodates 2,000 people within the main hall and ten thousand people within its courtyard. The valley in which the temple is built is named as ‘Kidron Valley’ which is 10 km from the heart of Aizawl City. Within its compound, the temple complex has Natural Park covered by various forest trees to shade and fruits for bird and squirrel of different kinds meant for their sanctuary.
Mizoram State Museum:
KV paradise : Situated in Durtlang near Aizawl city on a hill top.
Hmuifang Tlang : Located at a distance of 50 kms to the south of Aizawl, Hmuifang Mountain with an elevation of 1619 metres, is still covered with virgin forests reserved since the days of the Mizo chiefs. Hmuifang Tourist Resort, located at the scenic peak of the mountain, has been created and maintained by the Department of Tourism.
Best time to visit: – November to March
2. Champhai
Champhai is the district headquarter of Champhai district and is located close to the Indo-Myanmar border. One of the most amazing destinations in Mizoram, Champhai offers a magnificent view of the blue Myanmar hills, several trekking trails, etc. Murlen National park, Rihdil (lake), Champhai park, Thasiana Seno Neihna (trekking), Lengteng Wildlife Sanctuary are some of the major attractions of Champhai and its surrounding areas.
Distance from —– Aizawl : – 187Km.
3. Serchhip
Serchhip is the district with highest literacy rate in Mizoram. It gives every traveller unique and vibrant experiences of Mizo village life. One can visit villages such as Neihloh, Buangpuri, etc. Some other nearby natural wonders such as Vantawng water fall, Chhingpui Thlan, Hriantrenga lung, Hmuifang etc. can also be explored from Serchhip town. Hmuifang is another most popular tourist hotspot which can be explored in the route from Aizawl to Serchhip. Paragliding is one of the famous adventure activity to be done at Serchhip.
Distance from: – Aizawl – 107Km.
4. Lunglei
Lunglei is the second most populous district after Aizawl. Literally meaning “the Bridge of rock”, Lunglei is an ideal destination for nature lovers and adventure activities. The whole district boasts for its vast biodiversity. Trekking, bird watching, camping, etc are popular adventure activities in this scenic district.
Distance from: – Aizawl — 169Km.
5. Saiha
Saiha which also means “Elephant tooth” is the southernmost district in Mizoram. The small town is famous in between the fishing and angling enthusiasts. Tourists, staying at Saiha can also explore Phawngpui National park where one can also go for trekking and camping.
Distance from: – Aizawl —- 302Km.
