MIZORAM- “Land of the Highlanders.”

Mizoram is one of the states of Northeast India, with Aizawl as its capital. The name is derived from Mi (people), Zo (hill) and Ram (land), and thus Mizoram implies “land of the hill people”. It became the 23rd state of India, a step above Union Territory, on 20 February 1987, with the Fifty-Third Amendment of the Indian Constitution, 1986. The Mizos are called the Song bird of  North east India and they are considered to be the finest choir singers in India. It is the southern most landlocked state sharing borders with three of the seven sister states, namely Tripura, Assam, Manipur. The state also shares a 722 kilometer border with the neighbouring countries of Bangladesh and Myanmar.

Aizawl the capital of  Mizoram literally means “a field of wild cardamom”, a name which originated during the days of the great Mizo chiefs Lalsavunga and Thanruma who had set up villages in and around the present site of Raj Bhavan in the early nineteenth century. Aizawl is the largest city as well as the capital of the state of Mizoram in India. The City is located north of the Tropic of Cancer in the northern part of  Mizoram and is situated on a ridge 1132 metres (3715 ft) above sea level, with the Tlawng river valley to its west and the Tuirial river valley to its east. The area, however, was deserted when the British administration established a military outpost “Fort Aijal” in the spring of 1890, following which it became a permanent settlement and eventually, the headquarters of Mizoram.  Aizawl is also the political and cultural centre of Mizoram. It is the seat of the state government and the public sector as well as the commercial hub of the state. The Mizo people are mostly Christians( Presbyterian in the north and Baptists in the south), and lead westernized life-style. They are warm and hospitable to visitors. With its moderate Aizawl is an ideal destination for people looking for fresh environment and the feel of nature.

How To Reach:

1. By Air: Aizawl the capital of Mizoram has a domestic airport and is well-connected to many cities like Guwahati, Imphal and Kolkata through regular daily flights.
2. By Train: Mizoramis connected through its rail head in Bairabi in Kolasib District wwhich is connected to other major Railway Stations of other states.
3. By Road: Mizoramis connected through National Highway 54 from Silchar, Assam. Many on road transportation are available from Shillong, Nagaland, Guwahati.

Places of interest:

PHAWNGPUI: The highest peak in Mizoram(Height of 2,165 mtrs), Phawngpui or the Blue Mountain is situated near the state’s south-eastern border overlooking the bend of the mighty Chhimtuipui River and the hill ranges of Myanmar.   It is located in Lawngtlai district, in the southeastern region of Mizoram near the Myanmar border. It is considered to be the abode of the Gods. Abounding with diverse flora and fauna, Phawngpui has been declared a National Park covering an area of about 50 sqkm. Exploring the park requires trekking and one can get the most exciting views of Mizoram from the cliffs of Phawngpui. Phawngpui is also home to an amazing variety of birdlife including the rare Blyth’s Tragopan, Dark Rumped Swift and Hume’s pheasant, and endangered mammals like the Slow Loris, Tiger, Leopard, Leopard Cat, Serow, Goral, Asiatic Black Bear, Stump-tailed Macaque and Capped Langur.

THE STATE MUSEUM:

Located right in the centre of the city, this museum displays the rich heritage of Mizoram.Along with the numerous archaeological artifacts, photographs and natural history specimens,  an entire gallery here is dedicated to the Mizo tribes. This ethnological museum is a house of over 2,500 items that depict the rich culture of Mizoram. There are five galleries: Textile Gallery, Ethnology, History, Anthropology, Natural History, and Archeology Terrace.
Mizoram State Museum was established in the year 1977 on Macdonald Hill, near the Chief Minister’s bungalow.  In 1989 it came under Art and Culture department, up till now.

Timings:

Luangmual Handicrafts Centre:

It is handicraft centre for local culture. Luangmual Handicrafts Centre, located 7 km away from the main Aizawl town, is a popular centre specializing in the handicrafts of local artisans depending on the local bio-resources in the region. It is at this centre that the famous ceremonial hat, called Khumbeu is made using waterproof  wild hnahthial leaves, which are found exclusively in the hilly terrain. The hilly terrain adjacent to this centre also give you an opportunities to making trekking.

Journey from the city centre to the site takes not more than half an hour by a car or taxi.

 Aizawl Zoological park:

Aizawl Zoo the  Only Zoological Park in Mizoram, It is Governed under Environment & Forest Department, Wildlife Division, Aizawl. It covers an area of 65 Hac..

This Zoological Garden on the Lengpui Airport  road  is worthwhile place to visit during your stay in Aizawl. The Aizawl Zoological Garden has made a significant success in preserving mainly four endangered species viz., Humes Pheasant, Hoolock Gibbon, Asian Brown Tortoise and StumpTailed Macaque.

SIBUTA LUNG: It is a historical stone found at Tachhip Village. It is 20 kms. from Aizawl City. This place is famous for Sibuta Lung who  was raised by a Palian Chief about 300 years ago. The memorial Sibuta Lung offers a story of jilted love and lust for revenge.

It is believed that this adopted son Sibuta failed in his love life and was jilted by a girl. Sibuta went mad for revenge and he put a young and beautiful girl, Darlai, in a big pit on which he wanted to erect a memorial for himself. The huge rock was pulled with great pains from the bed of the Tlawng river, 10 Km away. The stone was bathed with the blood of three human beings who were sacrificed. The stone was raised putting Darlai alive on the pit below the stone.

CHAMPHAI:

It is one among the eight districts of  Mizoram.  Champai is 194 kms away from Aizawl. These include a cave called the Kungawrhi Puk, a river called Tiau Lui, Rih Dil Lake, Lianchhiari Lunglen Tlang and a few more.  Believed to be the entry point and settlement of the first Mizo migrants to India. It has monuments and monoliths that depict success in war, hunting, personal grieves and achievements. Also preserved are landmarks wherein legends and folk lore’s were spun. It’s beautiful landscape, the mingling overawe of history and legend and images of modern day development that subtlety blend together makes Champhai an ideal tourist destination both for the adventurous and the holiday maker opting for relaxation and recreation. Surrounded on all sides by undulating hills, is a wide expense of rice field, popularly known as the rice bowl of Mizoram, which viewed from Champhai is a spectacular scene, one of the most awe-inspiring views of Mizoram.

LUNGVANDAWT:

Lungvandawt in Mizoram is located between Biate and Lungdar in the eastern part of Aizawl District. Lungvandawt is a pillar stone reaching heaven. It is a very tall beautiful chiseled pillar made of stone which is about 75 cms in diameter and 3 mtrs. in height. It is believed that, in ancient times this stone pillar was very tall, almost touching heaven.

Lengteng Wildlife Sanctuary:

Lenteng Wild Life Sanctuary  which is located in the district of Champai  is an alpine forest and it  contains the second highest peak in Mizoram. It covers an area of 12,000 ha (30,000 acres).  The most notable birds are the dark-rumped swift, grey sibia, Mrs. Hume’s pheasant, grey peacock pheasant, Oriental pied hornbill, rufous-bellied eagle, and white-naped yuhina. It was declared a national wildlife sanctuary by the Indian Ministry of Environment and Forests on 31 May 2001.

Murlen National Park:

Murlen National Park is another of the sanctuaries in Mizoram, It comes under Champai district and is located around 245 kms. away from Mizoram and close to the Myanmar border. The Murlen National Park covers an area of 150 sq. kms. and its altitude ranges from 400 meters to 1900 meters. The park lies very close to the Chin Hills and has five villages surrounding it. A village by the name of Murlen lies close to the park wherein resides around seventy families. There have been records of 15 species of animals, 150 species of birds, 35 species of medicinal plants and 4 species of orchids to be found in this park. One can reach Murlen Park by hiring a tourist vehicle from Aizawl (245 km).
There is also the Thumkhuai Kham, a large cave, within the perimeter of the park.

BARA BAZAR:

Bara Bazaar in Aizawl is one place where you can get an array of goodies, ranging from cosmetics, shoes to souvenirs and garments. The market is lined with shops selling almost everything and anything under the sun and all you have to do is to brush up your bargaining skills to get the best of deals.

On one street, you may find it crowded with people selling garments and clothes while in the next street, you may see nothing but fishes and vegetables. Most of the inhabitants of the city, who produce and sell their home-made as well as market-purchased items, are found dressed up in their traditional attire, which so distinctly depicts the culture of the state capital. Bara Bazar is centrally located in the town of Aizawl, and hiring a local taxi would take you right to the middle of the market.