AIZAWL
If you want to know where the Tropic of Cancer passes through India, head for Aizawl, Mizoram’s capital. Set upon a craggy perch, at 4,000ft, this languid, laidback town offers gorgeous views of the verdant Tlawng river valley. Look north and you can see the sprawling canvas of the hills of Durtlang, the gateway to Aizawl. On your way from Lengpui airport, hop off at the zoological garden for a leisurely stroll. At the Mizoram State Museum you will enjoy the window into Mizo culture with the collections of costumes, culture, artefacts and historical relics on display. Pick up woven textiles, such as puan, with its intricate weave in many colours, which are sold in Bara Bazar. Aizawl is connected by air through Lengpui Airport, about 40km away.
VANTAWNG WATERFALL
These waterfalls, located in Mizoram, may not be the tallest in India at 750ft, but is certainly one of the most boisterous and impressive up close. Folklore mentions a swimmer named Vantawnga, after whom the waterfall has been named, who would grace its pool with a display of stunning acrobatics. One cannot help but wonder—how could a swimmer master such a restless realm? Once here, you will also no doubt soak up the surrounding lush greenery and bamboo groves, while enjoying a view of the thunderous falls. The state tourism department has made a comfortable viewing tower for tourists. Facilities for accomodation are available at the tourist lodge at Thenzawl, about 75km away, and is known for its handloom products. Vantawng is located on the Vanva river, 137km from Aizawl.
CHAMPHAI
Champhai is a charming commercial town located 194km away from Aizawl, near the border with Myanmar. Perched at a height of about 1700m, this breezy beauty overlooks the stunning blue hills on the other side of the frontier. Verdurous mountains imbued with rhododendrons, orchids and other wild flowers are just some of the sights that you will encounter here. There’s even a winery in Zote, a small village about 2km from Champhai. Known for manufacturing Zawlaidi, a bubbly wine made from the crisp blue lubrusca variety of grapes, this beautiful vineyard village is definitely worth a visit when you are in Mizoram. If you’re in the mood for some adventure, head to the beautiful heart-shaped Rih Dil lake. The lake has an important status in Mizo culture. Just a few kilometers away from Zokhawthar, the last Mizo village , this lake is technically in Myanmar. However, you can get permits to visit the lake quite easily.