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Why Mizoram should be your next Travel Destination

Destinations, Domestic, Explore

Sitting pretty between the country of Bangladesh and Myanmar, Mizoram is the fifth smallest state of India that is rich in its history and culture. The state has been marked by the evergreen ranges of the Mizoram hills that showcase stunningness of nature’s beauty. The steep terrains, rivers, caves and peaks are perfect to spend some soul-enriching time. Though Mizoram sadly doesn’t make it to many tourists travel bucket list due to lack of information. So, let’s go throught the following famous places to visit in Mizoram that will certainly make a place not only in your travel bucket list but we are sure that also your heart.

Aizawl

The capital of Mizoram, Aizawl is adjudged as the largest city that is located 3715 feet above sea level surrounded by the Tlawng and Tuirial river. In 1972 Mizoram was a union territory that was created as part of Assam, with Aizawl as the administrative centre. In 1987, when Mizoram was marked as a state, the city of Aizawl was marked as its capital. The capital has many serene spots to roam around, like the popular Tamdil Lake that is located near the Saitual village. A tourist visiting here will have to board a cab or taxi as the lake is around 110 km away. And one would definitely would wanna see the places that Aizawal has to offer-

  • The Tamdil lake is renowned for being the largest lake in Mizoram. The lake offers great boating facilities too. Sitting on the boat and relaxing while getting to witness the blue waters and Leptolalax frogs.  
  • The Durtlang hills is another great natural spot that is great for visiting. The spot offers the perfect view of the entire Aizawl city. Since it is considered as one of the highest and steepest hills of the state you can also trek your way up to the top of the hill. 
  • Another popular spot, the Khawnglung Wildlife Sanctuary is around 170 kilometres away from Aizawl. Visitors get to spot animals such as the tiger, Sambar, Barking Deer, Hoolock Gibbon, Serow and various other kinds of birds too.

Lunglei

A drive of five and a half hours from Aizawl will land you to another paradise-like spot of the state of Mizoram, Lunglei. It is considered as one of the essential seven districts of Mizoram as it is the second largest town of Mizoram. Lunglei also is known as Lungleh is rich for its flora and fauna. 

  • The popular Thorangtlang Wildlife Sanctuary is one such primitive example of the rich diversity. The elephants that have inhabited the sanctuary for years have been known to wander off from our neighbouring country, Bangladesh. Not just a herd of elephants, the sanctuary is inhabited by wild dogs, barking deers, leaf monkeys, tigers, leopards, Sambar, porcupine, Hoolock Gibbon and many more. Anyone planning to visit the Thorangtlang Wildlife Sanctuary should visit here any time between October to March. 
  • Wildlife enthusiasts should also visit another famous sanctuary nearby called the Saza Wildlife Sanctuary. It stretches up to 15 sq. km. of serene nature exquisiteness. 
  • Another great place for tourists to spend in Lunglei is the Saikuti hall. The Saikuti hall comprises of auditoriums, restaurants, museums and libraries. Artists and admirers of artworks are going to enjoy strolling the floors of this place as it has one of the rarest artefacts and statues that proficiently symbolise aspects of Mizo art and culture. Avid book readers should visit the fourth floor of the Saikuti Hall as it has a massive book collection of 21,000 rare books.

Mamit

Mamit is the fourth largest district of the state of Mizoram that is regarded as one of the most beautiful places which one should surely not miss exploring and witnessing its lush greenery and admiring the blue skies. Not just greenery, Mamit lets tourists explore their own adventure. The place will only leave you wanting more.

  • The Dampa Tiger Reserve is a popular wildlife sanctuary of Mizoram that attracts tourists from all parts of the country. It has been a known home to many Tigers, Leopards, Indian Python, Sloth Bears, Barking Deers and birds. The name Dampa means lonely men that were left in the region after many females among the native female population passed away. Stretched up to an area of 500 square kilometres, the flora and fauna have been preserved as part of the Project Tiger that has been funded by the Government of India. The sanctuary received the status of a tiger reserve in 1994. 
  • Mamit is also a popular spot for great cave tours. Adventure enthusiasts should surely explore the beautifully carved caves of Pukzing. The Pukzing cave is regarded as the biggest cave of Mizoram that is visited by a flock of tourists around India. The caves have a legend, myth or folktale attached to them.  
  • Another popular cave is the Kungawrhi Puk Cave that is located at a distance of 30 km from Aizawl. It ranges up to a length of 162 m that fascinates many people. Would you like to explore it by yourself?

Kolasib

Kolasib in Mizoram is regarded with some stunning natural beauty that has been inhabited by a prominent tribal population that is known for its unique cuisine and culture. It is located on the north and northwest by Hailakandi district of Assam state, on the west by Mamit district, on the south and east by Aizawl district and the northeast by Cachar district of Assam state.

  • River Tlwang in Kolasib is 185 km long and is considered as one of the most peaceful spots to relax and soak in the beautiful surroundings. Many tourists choose to spend their time next to the river banks. Some tourists also choose to bring their fishing rods to explore the river waters for some luck. Many locals also popularly call River Tlawng as  River Katakha and Dhaleswari. 
  • Many locals and tourists choose to also wander next to the waters of the Tamdil Lake. You can enjoy the waters more by taking a boat ride or fishing.  
  • If you love exploring the mountains then don’t forget to visit the Blue Mountain that is considered as a dwelling of Gods by the locals. The people of Kolasib grow various kinds of crops and herbs on the mountain range. Visit here for a great hike day. 

Reiek

Located at a distance of 29 km from Aizawl are the popular Reiek mountain ranges that range up to a great height of 1600 metres that make it one of the highest hills of Mizoram. The hills are considered one of the most unexplored spots of Mizoram. The hills are surrounded by tall trees and bushes. Since the hills have been unknown, your entire hike will be full of peace and tranquillity. When you walk up to the top of the hill then you’ll get to enjoy the beautiful surrounding of the valleys and plains. It will also offer you with an amazing top view of Bangladesh.

Vantawng Falls

Located at a distance of 137kms from Aizawl is the popular Vantawng Khawhthla or Vantawng Falls. The name has been derived from Vantawnga who was one of the great swimmers that were praised for his fish-like swift skills. Sadly, during his swimming performances, a log fell on him and killed him. The falls are marked as the highest of Mizoram with a great recorded height of 750 feet. Though you will not be able to get up close to the waterfall because of the forested hillsides, you can still manage to get a beautiful view of the Vantawng Waterfall from the tower that has been specially constructed for tourists to enjoy. The best months for people to visit here is from September to January.

Falkawn

Falkawn in Mizoram is a small village that is located in the city of Aizawl. The Falkawn village is visited by tourists all over the country to witness the rich culture of the Mizo people. The Mizo people form the biggest tribe of the state. The Art Culture Department, Government of Mizoram Department has set up a Cultural Centre known as Zokhua at Falkawn in 1992. The centre is a mini live-museum where Zawlbuk the Dormitory), Lal In which is regarded as the Chief’s house, Pum the blacksmiths) and other Mizo typical houses are built. There are freedom fighter memorial stones and the Taitesena commemoration stone too for tourists to witness.

Phawngpui  Peak

The Phawngpui or the Blue Mountain is regarded as the highest peak of the state of Mizoram. The mountain is at a pristine nature’s spot next to the Myanmar border that is enhanced by its overview of the grand Chhimtuipui River and the hilly steep landscapes of the state. The exoticness and tropical-ness that one gets to witness from the Phawngpui is a sure treat to both your eyes and soul. People visiting Mizoram should surely get on this trek of the Phawngpui Peak that is located right next to the Phawngpui National Park that oversees a wonderful landscape full of deep crevices and amazing cliffs. Every adventure or trek love will fall in love with this place seeing the natural greatness that one gets to witness.

Hmuifang

Near the capital city of Aizawl lies another great spot for tourists to visit known as Hmuifang. Not more than 50 km away, the Hmuifang Mountain is at a great elevation of 1619 metres that has been entirely covered of virgin forests that have been reserved since the days of the Mizo chiefs. The popular Hmuifang Tourist Resort is a preferred stay location for many people. The resort catches many people’s eyes because of its perfect peak top location. It was built by the former land of the erstwhile Mizo chief that offers six double rooms and a cafeteria for snacks. The Hmuifang Mountain can be your next spot for its rich green patches of grasslands that make it apt for spreading a picnic mat or having a bonfire night with your group of friends. Annual festivals such as the Anthurium Festival and Thalfavang Kut are also held at this spot that gives a peek into Mizo culture. The resort is managed by the Mizoram Government. 

Serchhip

A small town of Mizoram, Serchhip is not so known among people around. It lies between River Mat and River Tuikum. The waters of the River Tuikum give access to the public of Serchhip in the form of drinking water. Whereas the water of the River Mat acts as a source of irrigation water for Zawlpui, the rice bowl of Serchhip. Agriculture is regarded as one of the important occupations as it is a great producer of cash crops in the entire state of Mizoram. Apart from that, it is also known for the production of cabbages and mustards. Despite being small in size, Serchhip is one of the few spots with a high literacy rate. Located 112 km away from Aizawl, Serchhip means ‘citrus-on-top’ that has derived from the citrus trees that are trees found on top of the first hill of the then Serchhip village.

Champhai

The border town of Mizoram, Champhai is marked highly on the map as it acts as the main business corridor for India and Myanmar. Champai is also called the ‘Rice Bowl of Mizoram’. The town is surrounded by the stunning view of the blue Myanmar hills and the quaint villages. It also houses some of the prestigious monuments and monoliths that embark a rich history of the Mizo tribes. 

  • Tourists have numerous places in the town to fully explore, like the famous heart-shaped lake known as Rih Dil lake that has been surrounded by hills, terrains and blossoming orchids. Other lakes include the Tiau Lui, Lianchhiari Lunglen Tlang and more. 
  • The Thasiama Seno Neihna is another great spot to go on a trek. It is believed that many tribal communities that currently reside in various parts of Mizoram once resided in Champhai. From the Hmars to the Raltes and Sailo have left their footprints in various forms on the land of Champhai. 

Saiha

The town of Saiha is famous for being one of the largest towns of Mizoram. Saiha has been derived from the Mara language where saiha means elephant and ha means tooth, hence the elephant tooth. The name Siaha was given to the town after a huge number of elephant teeth were found. However, it is traditionally called Saiha. The town is occupied by many people of the Mara trip and Myanmarese. 

  • People visiting here are known to visit the Palak Wildlife Sanctuary that is known to showcase the impeccable diversity of the place. Though it only spreads up to a land of 15.50 sq km only, it is highly known for inhabiting a huge variety of species of sambar, barking deer, leopard, elephant and rhesus macaque. 
  • Another great spot to explore near Saiha is the Palak Dil also known as Pala Tipo. Derived from the Mizo language, the Palak Dil means ‘swallowing lake’.  The Palak Dil is famous for being the largest lake of Mizoram. The lake is an essential part of the Palak Wildlife Sanctuary hence you will get to witness the phenomenal range of flora that it is surrounded by. 

How to reach Mizoram? 

Airport- Aizawl has a domestic airport and is well-connected to many cities like Guwahati, Imphal and Kolkata through regular daily flights. Flights to Dimapur and Agartala also operate from Aizawl.

Railways- Railhead in Bairabi in Kolasib District is well connected.

Road- Mizoram is connected through National Highway 54 from Silchar, Assam. Mizoram State Transport buses ply regularly from Aizawl to Guwahati, Silchar and Shillong.  

Also Read:- DESCENT TO THE MYSTIC ABODE OF CLOUDS – SHILLONG

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