PLACES OF INTEREST

Aizawl City

Aizawl »
The tropic of Cancer runs through the very heart of Aizawl, Mizoram's capital city which is an ideal hill station for tourists looking for solitude, an environment which is clean & fresh with a temperate climate throughout the year.

This 112 - years old citadel-like city, with its timber houses and profusion of flowers is set on a ridge at approximately an altitude of 4000 ft above sea level. With a population of approximately 2 lakhs, it's cloudless blue skies, dewy mornings and sunlit days carry a promise of unforgettable holiday pleasures practically all year round. Even the monsoon months are pleasant and gentle.

From Aizawl, visitors can enjoy the stunning vistas of the lush emerald Tlawng River Valley in the west and the Turial River Valley in the east. Facing north, the rugged visage of the beautiful high craggy hills of Durtlang are encountered, another slice of Mizoram's legendry natural beauty.

Aizawl is the political and cultural centre of Mizoram. It is the seat of the Government and all important Government as well as Public Sector offices are located at Aizawl. It is also the commercial hub of the State with all economic activities centered here.

Before taking off to explore the breathtaking natural beauty of the countryside (Bung, 16 km, is a popular picnic spot and Falklawn Mizo Village, a tourist attraction is 18 km away), spend time at the State Museum on Mcdonald hill, Zarkawt, whose collection of costumes, artifacts and historical relics tell you something about Mizo culture. You will encounter another colourful facet of Mizo tradition in the shops around Aizawl.

Mizo women are expert weavers, a tradition handed down the generations - so do take colourful reminders of your visit in the form of traditional textiles such as puan with its intricate weave in the many colours, readily available in places such as Bara Bazar the main market.

Mizo men are skilled craftsmen, working the native cane and bamboo into an inventive range of baskets and cane & bamboo items.
The love of music amongst the Mizo's is amply evident on the streets of Aizawl as youngsters gather in throngs to listen to a rapt guitarist or a duet sung on a street corner; the music shops are abuzz with activity. Being in the city during one of their traditional festivals such a Chapachar Kut, Min Kut and Pawl Kut is a real treat. You will encounter some of the most fascinating vignettes of Mizo culture underscored by a magical joi de vivre, which touches even the fleeting visitor with its vigour. The dexterous footwork and colourful costumes of the famous Cheraw (bamboo dance) are spectacular.

Tamdil »
Pick a picnic basket and head out for Tamdil (Tam Lake). This natural lake is reputed for its fish and prawns and is an 85 km drive from Aizawl. The drive gives you an excellent opportunity to see some of the prettiest areas of Mizoram. Go for boat rides, relax by the tranquil waters and if you can bestir yourself, take a drive into the nearby jungles, which are home to an assortment of fascinating flora and fauna. You can also stay here overnight. The resort village of Saituai is just 10 km away.

Vantawang »
Surrounded by a vast stretch of thick bamboo forests close to Thenzawl hill station is Mizoram's highest waterfall Vantawang (750 ft.). Located 152 km from Aizawl, this popular water body is worth a visit. If you can't get enough of it you can stay overnight for it's equipped with a cafeteria and cottage for hire.

Champhai »
Drive along the fertile plains of Champhai, about 200 km from Aizawl to enjoy the stunning vista of emerald rice fields bordered by the smoky hills of Myanmar. This bustling commercial hub on the Indo-Myanmar borderline also attracts nature lovers by the droves.

Phawngpui »
One of the finest encounter with Mizoram's splendid vistas is Phawngpui , its highest peak, which is extremely popular with trekkers and adventure enthusiasts. The Blue Mountain, as it is often referred to, is 300 km from Aizawl and close to the Myanmar border. Fragrant herbs and rare species of orchids and rhododendrons are found here.

Under the protection of State Government's conservation programme, entry is monitored, but allows access to trekkers, picnickers and campers. Accommodation is available in Sangau and Vawmbuk village. You need a four-wheel drive to access Phawngpui.

Saiha »
Saiha is an angler's paradise on the Chhimtuipui, Mizoram's biggest river, 378 km from Aizawl. Overnight stay can be arranged at the tourist lodge at Saiha. Phawngpui (Blue Mountain) is 30 kms away.

Drive another 45 km to the popular Lake Palak, the largest in Mizoram and highly reputed for its varieties of wild duck, crabs and large fish. Tiger, bear, deer, and wild pig populate the forests of the wildlife sanctuary around the lake.

Lunglei »
Situated in South Mizoram, this district headquarter town is a popular hill station offering fascinating vignettes of Mizoram's legendary natural beauty.