Mizoram: The Land of Rolling Hills

With its comfortable summers and never freezing winters, Mizoram is a land of rolling hills valleys, lakes and rivers. As many as twenty-one hill ranges and peaks run in the state. The land of Blue Mountains lies in the southern most outpost of North Eastern India. Exotic flora and dense bamboo jungles rise sharply from the plains. The hills and plunging gorge are criss-crossed by rivers and sparkling waterfalls. Phawngpui in the Blue Mountains is the highest among its several peaks. In sharp contrast to the dense jungles and steep hills is a rugged quilt of lush paddy fields from the center of the state towards the Myanmar border. Mizoram is a dazzling mix of cross-cultural vibrancy.

The tropic of Cancer runs through the heart of Aizawl which is the capital of Mizoram. Its clear blue skies, dewy mornings and sun-drenched days carry a pledge of treasured holiday pleasures almost all year round. Aizawl is a 112-yr old castle like city, with plethora of flowers set on ridges at an altitude of 4000ft above sea level approximately and its timber houses. Explore the incredible natural beauty of the countryside -Bung, is a popular picnic spot and Falklawn Mizo Village, a tourist attraction is 18 km away from Aizawl , 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 colorful facade of Mizo tradition in the shops around Aizawl. Pick a picnic basket and head out for Tamdil (Tam Lake). This natural lake is reputed for its fish and prawns. The drive up to the lake gives you an opportunity to see some of the prettiest areas of Mizoram. Champhai, Phawnphai, Vantawang, Saiha and Lunglei are some of the places worth the visit. Mizo women use hand loom to make clothing and cloth handicrafts. The local products are even combined with other materials to give them fashionable and stylish designs. Mizos are fond of colorful hand woven wrap-around skirt called puan chei, and a matching beautiful top called Kawr chei. A multi colour Mizo traditional bag called Khiang kawi, which is creatively knitted out of bright colored wools, is a welcome possession. A typical Mizo blanket known as Pawnpui is also used.

Basket weaving is also common. Baskets known as Em are used and Thlangra - a plate for cleaning rice etc. are made from bamboos. In fact, a typical Mizo house is crafted out of bamboos, dry grasses, mud and wood. A traditional Mizo village has been reconstructed at Reiek - a few kilometers away from Aizawl. Though modern houses made with bricks, concrete and tin sheets are now the norm.

Quick facts of Mizoram:

Capital: Aizawl

Population: 1,091,014

Getting there: Closest airport - Lengpui Airport, Aizawl

Top attractions:

1. The Blue Mountain (Phawngpui)
2. Sibuta Lung
3. Phlpui Grave
4. Lungvandawt
5. Aizawl
6. Dampa Sanctuary
7. Tamdil
8. Lunglei Town

Official languages: Mizo and English