Aizawl, a 112 year old city is the capital of the Indian state of Mizoram. The name is derived from Mi (people), Zo (hill) and Ram (land), and thus Mizoram implies “land of the hill people”. It’s a mountainous state nestling in the southern tip of the north-eastern region of India, sandwiched between Myanmar and Bangladesh. Aizawl literally means “a field of wild cardamom”.

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The state has a pleasant climate throughout the year and is a land of great natural beauty having rich variety of flora and fauna. The scenic landscapes of bluish hills and mountains, steep rocky cliffs, serene lakes and deep valleys of gurgling rivers and its spectacular waterfalls makes the state an ideal destination for nature lovers.

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It was an adventure of a different kind in my mind. This was the first time I was going to land on a table-top runway and that excited me. From my window seat, the views of the the valley were mesmerizing as the flight touched down safely, turned around and came to a halt.

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The weather was cool, it was a sunny day and the ‘Lengpui Airport’ looked nice and cute. It felt happy to be in Aizawl as we walked towards the terminal building, picked up my luggage, availed a cab and within an hour was at my hotel, with more visual delights on the way as we covered the 35 kms ride to the city.

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Hotel Arini, a semi boutique hotel is located in a peaceful area near Bible House and Baptist House in the central and green zone of Aizawl, in close proximity to the Governor’s Residence & Chief Secretary’s Bungalow. My room with its decor and space gave a laid back and calm ambiance along with a picturesque view of the hills. ‘Curry Pot’ a Mughlai, Indian & Chinese Restaurant, arguably the best in Mizoram, is located next door which made me even more happy.

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My first journey to the city

It was my first trip and once again like many a times before a business trip spaced out over three days. We were expanding in the state and needed motivated people to join us as executives and business associates. Next two days were going to be hectic but the first afternoon after settling down provided opportunities. To explore the city a bit.

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The Solomon’s Temple modeled on the temple by the same name in Jerusalem, lies on the western borders of Aizawl and is a white marble structure that is completely surrounded by greenery. Spread over 3,025 sq m, the temple has four towers that are topped with a crown each and indicate the four virtues ideal for mankind – Salvation, Righteousness, Life and Overcomer. The area surrounding the temple has also been renamed as Kidron Valley, after the vast plains that lie adjacent to the Old City of Jerusalem in Israel. It is around 10 kms away from the center of the city.

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The Mizoram State Museum in the city is an ethnographic museum with multipurpose collections on display. There are five galleries: Textile, Ethnology, History, Anthropology, Natural History and an Archaeological Terrace.  The collection occupies four floors. Museums have always fascinated me for the insight they provide about a place and its culture and beliefs and this one was no different. My next destination was the ‘Bara Bazar’.

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Bara Bazar is an extremely popular market of Aizawl. This market functions as the lifeline of the town. Narrow roads lined up with shops and stalls on either sides, where you can find traditional clothes, garments, works of handicraft, food items and almost every other thing is what makes the place so vibrant and colorful. Loved my walk through the busy connected streets observing the sellers, all in their traditional attire and the buyers, trying to get a good deal without me actually buying much except a nice wall hanging made of bamboo.

Time for some refresher & food

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Rice is the staple food of Mizoram, while Mizos love to add non-vegetarian ingredients in every dish. Fish, chicken, pork and beef are popular meats among Mizos. Meals tend to be blander with less oil and more vegetables. Soups are a regular feature too. I quite enjoyed the chicken meal. A favorite dish of Mizos is the Pumpkin Leaves Stew.

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Next two days were busy with all interviews and meetings scheduled in the hotel itself without my having to go out. The following morning I was at the airport waiting to be back home.

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Man proposes God disposes

God had other plans. The weather wasn’t good at all. Cloudy and dark. And then came the announcement. The flight was cancelled. The only flight of the day. The professional in me said, a day wasted. Nothing much to do. The traveler said, it’s God sent. Go explore! So I was back to the hotel, checked in again and after a couple of coffees later was back on the cab again. Hungry for more. The weather had cleared up completely with a lovely blue sky.

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Mizoram is a mix of this cross-cultural vibrancy with 92% literacy (the second highest in India) which every Mizo is proud of, gender equality and a vigorous pursuit of its ancient cultural traditions and social ethics. Almost everybody in the state is a Christian by religion and yet they haven’t allowed their distinct Mizo culture to fade. Women are an integral component of the work force in Mizoram. So what better than to start off the day with the green campus of ‘Mizoram University‘ located at Tanhril which is around 12 kms away from the city.

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Beautiful destinations nearby

Durtlang Hills

The Durtlang hills are located to the north of Aizawl around 7 kms away and the way to the hill top is extremely fascinating as it offers great scenery along a steep slope. The view from the top of the hills is absolutely breathtaking as it gives an overall view of the dramatic countryside. The cool waterfalls cascading down the slopes and fluffy clouds towering the hills are a delight for visitors. There are trails for trekking and hiking.

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K V Paradise, situated on a slope of Durtlang hills, is a new age Taj Mahal that is a testimony of love. Most travelers flock to this epitome of beauty during the evening hours before sunset. The Vantawng Waterfall located close to the hills is a major sightseeing attraction for explorers.

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Back to the hotel after a lovely day it was time for an early dinner, having missed a proper meal during the day. The next morning weather was an indicator and soon came the message. The flight had been cancelled again. This time I was delighted to stay back for another day and prayed for the weather to clear up. It did in a couple of hours giving me the opportunity to explore more.

Flight cancelled, my holiday continued..

Reiek

Reiek is a mountain and tourist spot 29 km from Aizawl. It rests at an elevation of 1548 m overlooking Aizawl and offers a view of the surrounding valleys and hills. On a clear day the plains of Bangladesh can be seen from the top of the hill. Reiek Hill is surrounded by thick lush green temperate trees and bushes.

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Reiek has a typical Heritage Mizo village consisting of the distinctive traditional huts of the different Mizo sub-tribes, Mizo chieftain’s house, a bachelor’s dormitory and that of a widow that has been created and maintained by Govt. of Mizoram.

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The houses are fully furnished giving the visitor a peek into the glorious past of the valiant highlanders. A few Mizo modern houses have also been constructed nearby to show the changes that have taken place in the Mizo way of life in keeping pace with the modern developments. There is a cafeteria and a resort providing decent food and accommodation. This is also the venue for the annual Anthurium festival and the best time to visit would be in April.

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Hmuifang

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.

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Hmuifang Tourist Resort, located at the scenic peak of the mountain, has been created and maintained by the Mizoram Government. Based on reviews, returning back to Aizawl is a better option after visiting the place.

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Back to Aizawl there was still time to take a spin around to these two locations nearby to enjoy some wonderful views again. Chaltlang & Melthum.

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Village Tour of Mizoram

Mizoram is a state which is surrounded with greenery and wilderness. Villages are found in bountiful in this part of the country. Any person visiting this state should never miss out on visiting at least a couple of villages.

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The Lakes of Mizoram

Tamdil Lake

Tamdil lake, a natural lake is situated 64 kms away from Aizawl. The name ‘ Tamdil’ is derived from ‘Lake of Mustard plant’. Legendary stories of the place tell that once upon a time, there was a huge mustard plant in the place where the lake lays today. However, the plant was cut off and this resulted in spraying of water from the plant thus forming the lake.

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Palak Lake

Palak Dil or Palak Lake is the largest natural lake in Mizoram and is situated near Phura village which is about 391 kms to the south of Aizawl in Saiha district. Oval in shape, it covers about 1 square km and is surrounded by lush virgin forests rich in flora and fauna. It is believed that the lake was created as a result of an earthquake or a flood. The local people believe that a village which was submerged still remains intact deep under the waters.

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Rih Dil Lake

“Rih Dil is the largest lake in Mizoram, but is situated in Myanmar. It is situated at a distance of about three kms from Tiau which is the boundary river between Mizoram and Myanmar and is within the village area of Rihkhawdar in Myanmar. The village itself is an establishment of adventure that lures the visitor to explore the mysterious and supposedly demon-haunted lake. The lake is 186 kms from Aizawl and around 22 kms from Champhai, a district of Mizoram.

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The Adventures of Wildlife

Mizoram is thickly wooded and has a lot of flora and fauna. Ranging from varied colored birds to a variety of animals and plants, the forests in Mizoram are an explorer’s delight. The sanctuaries here include Phawngpui National Park, Murlen National Park, Tawi Wildlife Sanctuary, Ngengpui Wildlife Sanctuary, Khawnglung Wildlife Sanctuary, Lengteng Wildlife Sanctuary, Thorangtlang Wildlife Sanctuary, Palak Wildlife Sanctuary and Dampa Wildlife Sanctuary. The forest area here is inhabited by swamp deer, tiger, leopard, elephant, Sambar, Leopard, Common Langur, Rhesus macaque, Stump tail macaque, hoolock gibbon etc. Can you imagine what lies in store if you love the woods.

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Festivals & Fun

Mizoram is a land of diverse tribes and races of people living together. These different tribes and communities have unique features of their own in addition to their distinctive dance forms, culture and craft forms. The state’s culture is highly affected by Christianity, with it being the religion of a major part of the population. Dance and music are important part of the people’s lives here. All important festivals of India are celebrated in Mizoram with great fervor. Apart from those there are regional festivals.

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Anthurium Festival, a successful tourism promotion venture is celebrated every year at the tourist resort in Reiek Village at the foothills of the mystic Reiek Mountain in September every year. The festival is held amidst nature during the peak season of the beautiful and exotic Anthurium blossom.

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Crafts & Creations

The Mizo people are very good with handicrafts. They are amazing craftsmen and weavers. Bamboos are used in abundance to craft bags, hats, stool, utensils and other items. The Mizo women weave wonderful shawl, jacket and other attires.

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Soccer & Mizos

The people of Mizoram are active people who take to sports from a very young age. Soccer is the most popular game in Mizoram. A lot of emerging footballers from India are from the state. 

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Travel requirements

Inner Line Pass (ILP) is required for entry into Mizoram for all tourists including domestic tourists. Tourists arriving by air can obtain passes from the Security Officer on arrival at Lengpui Airport, Aizawl. All foreign nationals have to register themselves at the office of Superintendent of Police (CID/SB) Mizoram who is the designated Foreigners Registration Officer (FRO) of the State within 24 hours of arrival. For complete details you could check here.

To plan your travel, do connect with Mizoram Tourism for more information. Although Mizoram has public transport, I recommend the use of a hired cab to get the best out of your trip.

Mizoram, Hidden Gem of the Northeast. And Aizwal, this picturesque mountain town will stay in your heart forever.

If you loved traveling to Mizoram with us, PIN it to plan for later!

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