Mizoram: Land Of The Hill People

The 23rd state of the Indian Union, Mizoram, is a land claimed aeons ago by the region's people and named thus. Mi is for people, zo for higher ground, such as a hill, and ram for land, hence Mizoram, or the land of the hill people. With its current capital at Aizawl, Mizoram was part of the state of Assam until 1972, when it was carved out as a Union Territory, and in 1987, it was granted statehood.

Here are a few snapshots of the state's natural beauty and culture. 

Aizawl, The State Capital

Aizawl district is one of the eight districts of Mizoram. It is bound on the north by Kolasib district, on the west by Mamit district, on the south by Serchhip district, and on the east by Champhai district. The Lengpui Airport is situated near Aizawl.

The State Bird

The endangered bird is named after Mary Ann Grindall Hume, the wife of the British naturalist in India Allan Octavian Hume. It is found in Mizoram, the Patkai Range, Yunnan and northern parts of Myanmar and Thailand.

Hmuifang Mountain

At a distance of 50 kilometres south of Aizawl, at an elevation of 1,619 metres, and still covered with virgin forests reserved since the days of the Mizo chiefs, lies the Hmuifang Mountain. This is also the venue of the annual Anthurium Festival, and the Thalfavang Kut. From here, you can visit the Mizo villages situated on the hillsides.

Rih Dil (Lake)

Rih Dil is situated aout two miles from Tiau River, which is the boundary between Mizoram (India), and Myanmar, and the lake is within the village area of Rihkhawdar in Myanmar. A characteristic of the lake is that it becomes deep abruptly at the water’s edge.

Vantawng Khawhthla (Vantawng Fall)

At 750 feet, it is the highest waterfall of Mizoram, and is located on the Vanva River near Thenzawl. It is named after Vantawnga, who was said to be an excellent swimmer, but he perished in the same river, during a diving performance.

Tlawng River

It is a tributary of river Kaladan, and originates from Zopui Hill near Zobawk, near Lunglei, at an elevation of 1,395 metres. It flows north direction to enter into Assam. Aizawl lies in the Tlawng valley, and the river is a major source of potable water for the district.

Handloom Of Mizoram

Its people, from various ethnic tribes, deeply attached to their territory, mark themselves separate by the colours and motifs of their textiles. Their ancient traditions of weaving on the loin loom exist to date, and the Mizo people are skilled weavers, especially the women. The textiles of Mizoram constitute one of the region's most influential art and crafts. Thenzawl, in Serchhip district, 43 km from the capital Aizwal, is often called Handloom City, with its products reaching across the country and abroad.

The Information

Best time to visit: Winter.

Permits: 

Domestic tourists: Inner Line Pass (ILP) is required for entry into Mizoram and can be obtained from the Liaison Officer, Government of Mizoram from the following cities: Kolkata in West Bengal, Silchar and Guwahati in Assam, Shillong in Meghalaya, and New Delhi. Tourists arriving by air can obtain passes from the Security Officer at Lengpui Airport, Aizawl.

Two types of ILP can be issued:

Temporary: This is issued for 15 days at a time, and renewable once, for another 15 days.

Regular: This is issued for six months and is renewable twice, for another six months each. However, sponsorship from a local resident or a government department is required for this permit.

Foreign tourists: All foreign nationals have to register themselves, within 24 hours of arrival, at the office of the Superintendent of Police (CID/SB), Mizoram, who is the designated Foreigners Registration Officer (FRO) of the State.

How to get there: 

By air: Indian Airlines operates daily flight services from Kolkata to Lengpui airport, Aizawl. 

By rail: The nearest railhead is at Bairabi, in Mizoram, about a four-hour drive from Aizawl. There are taxis available for the remainder of the commute.

By road: NH 306 and NH 54 connect Aizawl with the rest of the country through Silchar. Buses and taxis are available from Silchar to Aizawl, a six-to-eight-hour journey. NH 150 and NH 102B connect the state through Churachandpur, in Manipur, which is about a 13-to-15-hour drive from Aizawl. The NH 108 connects the state capital through Panisagar, in Tripura, and is around a five-to-six-hour drive. Private and state transport buses from Guwahati are available to Aizawl via Shillong. 

For more information, contact Mizoram House at Shillong, Silchar, Guwahati, Kolkata and New Delhi, or check the website, and here, and this. 

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