PLACE TO VISIT - Mizoram

Mizoram, the ‘southernmost’ North-Eastern part of India is a beautiful land of rolling hills, rivers and lakes and a storehouse of natural beauty. The state of Mizoram in India is close to both the Indo-Bangladesh border and the Indo-Myanmar border. The closeness to the numerous international borders has made Mizoram a blend of various tribes that migrated from China, Myanmar and the other parts of the Northeast. Some Mizo tribes may have formed a part of the people who lived in the Tao valley in northwest China. They slowly proceeded towards the border of Tibet and Myanmar and around 1700 AD, these tribes shifted to what is known as Mizoram today.

The social and cultural life in the Mizo society has undergone enormous changes over the years. The Mizo people belong to a Mongoloid race associated to the Shaans of Myanmar, who were originally the believers of the Pathan (good spirit). With the immigration of the British and consequently the settling of the Christian missionaries in the region, most native people converted to Christianity. Thus, due to the influence of the British in this region, most of the population speaks in English besides Mizo.
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The People
The Mizos are an impregnable society with no class difference and no discrimination on the grounds of sex. 90% of the populace is into cultivation and the village seems like a big family. Birth of a child, marriage in the village and death of a person in the village or a community feast organized by a member of the village are prime events in which the whole village takes part. The people of Mizoram are known by the generic name of Mizo, which literally means people (mi) of the hills (zo). It is believed that people from far-flung regions made the hills of Mizoram made their home and from the hills, they derived their name.

There are numerous different tribes under the general ethnic broad group of Mizo. The people of the Mizoram region have acquired a multiple-cultural from multiple tribes, who came from different parts of the eastern countries in the past. The Chinese, Burmese and Tibetan cultures influenced the people of this region to form their own lifestyles and the own craftsmanship. The absence of outside influences helped the inhabitants of Mizoram to preserve their ancient cultures and traditions of craftsmanship. Thus we can find that, the women still carrying on old traditions of weaving and the men, of basket weaving.

The traditional crafts of Mizoram are weaving, cane and bamboo work. The Mizo women weave intricate traditional designs and patterns on their looms. For example, the shawls carrying tribal clan motifs woven into them and are passed down the generations. Mizo food is simple, basically made up of lentils, bamboo shoots and fish. Pork, chicken and wild game meat and rice are hot favorites.

The music and dance of Mizoram are basically performed during the festivals and recreations. Most of the dance and music of Mizoram are performed in groups. The popular traditional dances of Mizoram are:

  • Cheraw or Bamboo Dance - This is the most colourful and distinct dance of the Mizos. Long bamboo staves are used for this dance, therefore many people call it 'Bamboo Dance'.
  • Khuallam - This is a dance performed by a group of dancers, in colorful costumes, tapping their feet to the tunes of gongs and drums. Originally Khuallam was a dance performed by honoured 'invitees' while entering into the area where community feast used to take place.
  • Chheihlam - This dance is performed over a round of rice beer in the cool of the evening. The lyrics in triplets are normally fresh and spontaneous. On-the-spot compositions are made, recounting their heroic deeds and escapades and also lauding the honored guests present there.
Visiting Mizoram
The capital of Aizawl is situated towards the central part of the state and is flanked by rivers and rapids. It is at a distance of 466 km from Guwahati, 366 km from Shillong, and 140 km from Silchar. The Durtlang Hills constitute a natural barrier immediately south of Aizawl, their high ridges interspersed by Mizo villages and Christian missions. Mizoram is connected to Silchar via National Highway No. 44 and the nearest major rail junction is at Lumding, a further 180 km north of Silchar. There are regular flights from Aizawl to Calcutta. The nearest airport is Aizawl.

NH - 54 connects Aizawl with the rest of the country through Silchar. Buses and taxis, even at night, are available from Silchar to Aizawl ( 6-8 hrs ). Aizawl is also accessible by road from Shillong and Guwahati.

There are certain restrictions for entry of foreign tourists to visit some place in Mizoram. Restricted Area Permits for foreign tourists can be obtained from the Ministry of Home Affairs, Foreigners' Regional Registration Offices and Immigration offices at Airports at New Delhi, Mumbai, Kolkata and Chief Immigration Officer, Chennai. Foreign tourists are allowed to visit the above places for a maximum period of 10 days and in groups of 4 or more persons. However, married couples are allowed.

Inner Line Permits are required for Indian tourists. These can be obtained from Resident Commissioners and Representatives of the above states at New Deli, Kolkata, Mumbai and Chief Immigration Officer, Chennai and at border crossings.

In and Around Mizoram
Taxis are the chief mode of transport in the city and rates are negotiable. Buses ply on route within the state. Mizoram offers the tourist several interesting places to visit that speak volumes about the culture of the state:

Bara Bazar :
This is the main shopping center with stalls selling garments and other commodities. You can see natives in their traditional costumes selling produce from farms and homesteads including river crabs with little wicker baskets.

Luangmual Handicrafts Centre :
The Luangmual Handicrafts Centre can be reached by a 30 minutes car journey. The 'Khumbeu' ceremonial bamboo hat is made here using waterproof 'hnahthial' leaves

Mizoram State Museum :
This museum is situated at McDonald Hill in the town center. It is open on all days except Sunday, and holds an an interesting collection of historical relics, ancient costumes and traditional implements.

Durtlang Hills :
These beautiful, craggy hills offer a good view of Aizawl.

Mini Zoo :
The zoo is home to exotic species of animals and birds found only in the hills of Mizoram

Berawtlang Tourist Complex :
This is a recreational center situated 7 kms away from Aizawl City center, with several eating joints and tourist cottages.

In addition to the above tourist spots, Mizoram offers small and simple yet amazingly beautiful recreational spots:
  • Bung and Paikhai: Beautiful and enchanting picnic spots ideal for a family


  • Tamdil: A natural lake surrounded by cool virgin forests. Tamdil is the largest lake in Mizoram cultivated as a fish farm. Tourists can also enjoy boating.


  • Dampa: At the tri-junction of Bangladesh, Tripura and Mizoram, this wildlife sanctuary is home to the tiger, elephant, bear, bison and birds species.


  • Kolasib: Kolasib's main attraction are the Bairabi Hydel project and fishing in the Tlawng river in the state.


  • Vantawng: It is the highest and most beautiful waterfall in Mizoram


  • Champhai: This is a busy commercial town and a naturalist's paradise. It is an important agriculture and sericulture centre. At a distance of 5 km from Champhai is the Ruantlang village where glimpses of the ancestral way of life of the Mizos can still be seen.


  • Lunglei: This rapidly developing town is an excellent place to visit the interiors of South Mizoram.


  • Phawngpui: Literally meaning 'Blue Mountain’, Phawngpui is located at a height of 2165 metres. Rich in exotic flowers, orchids, and medicinal herbs, it is preserved by the Government of Mizoram and is open only to trekkers and hikers.


  • Saiha: With its picturesque landscape and the Chhimtuipui river rich in fish, Saiha is a paradise for anglers.