General Information
Location : Located in the extreme south of the north east of India.
State Capital : Aizawl
Best Time to Travel : Through out the year.
Official Language : English, Mizo, Hindi.
Tribes : tribes - Ralte, Paite, Dulien, Poi, Sukte, Pankhup, Jahao, Fanai (Molienpui), Molbem, Taute, Lakher, Dalang, Mar, Khuangli, Falam (Tashous), Leillul and Tangur. The three main sub groups in Mizoram are Lushais, Pawis and Lakhers.
Weather Conditions : The Tropic of Cancer runs through the middle of Mizoram. The climate therefore is temperate with cool summers and not-so-cold winters. The state experiences heavy rains from May to September. Winter is very pleasant; the skies are wonderfully blue and the sunshine is immensely enjoyable. Annual rainfall: 250 cm. Average temperatures are 11°-21° C in winter and 20°-29° Celsius in summer.
Introduction
Mizoram
Mizoram is an out-of-the-way destination in India. If you are expecting a quiet holiday in the middle of the idyllic atmosphere, this is the place to be. Serene lakesides, cascading waterfalls, flourishing hills covered with bamboo forests, morning mists and blue skies, humming pine clusters, quaint villages and houses built on stilts and more.... are the characteristics, which makes Mizoram the "land of highlanders."
The History
The Origin of Mizos
The origin of the Mizos, similar to those of many other tribes in the North Eastern India is obscure. The people of Mizoram are generally accepted as part of a great Mongoloid wave of migration from China and later moved out to India to their present habitat - now Mizoram.
It is believed that, Mizos (the inhabitants of Mizoram) came from Shinlung or Chhinlungsan situated on the banks of the river Yalung in China. It is quite possible that, they first settled in the Shan State and moved on to Kabaw Valley to Khampat and then to the Chin Hills in the middle of the 16th century.
It is believed that they are descendants of Tibetan-Burmese-Mongoloid tribes. The ancestors of the Mizo people are said to have migrated through China, then further past Burma, to finally settle down in the north-eastern part of India some 300 years ago.
Places of Attraction
Mizoram which has a montane landscape, dense bamboo forest, unexploited streams and a mild climate throughout the year is a travel place where anyone would love to explore. Aizawl perched on a altitude, about 4000ft.high ridge surrounded by the lush valleys of the rivers Tuirual on the east and Tiawng in the west. Palak Lake with its water lilies, Mizoram State Museum and Falklawn Mizo Village are the ideal places where the adventure-seeking people looking for greener pastures literally can find. Aizawal of today has grown into an important commercial and recreational centre attracting many tourist all the year round.
Fairs and Festivals
Mizoram is a land of vibrant culture and their ethnicity is seen to the fullest during the time of their festivals. These festivals are all associated with the agriculture practiced in the state. The reason is that most of the Mizos (people of Mizoram) are agriculturists in occupation. Though there are many festivals in Mizoram, mention can be made of the liveliest and colourful Chapchar Kut, Mim Kut, Pawl Kut and Thalfavang Kut.
Dance and Music
The state has also a variety of folk dances depicting the way of life of the people. The most widely seen and popular among them are the Cheraw and Khuallum Dance. The people dance and enjoy the festivals in much enthusiasm, which is the indication of their rich tradition and vibrant people. The male performer usually wears shirt that are sleeveless and wrap-around-traditional clothes. The female wears a longer wrap-around and shirt with sleeves. But depending upon the dance they may or may not wear a headgear.
Arts and Crafts
From time immemorial, the Mizos' craftsmanship had been recognised by their work in bamboo and cane craft. The best artistry of Mizoram craft can be depicted in weaving, pipes, jewellery, musical instruments, bamboo and cane craft. Weaving has become an integral part of Mizos' life.
The peculiarity of their craftsmanship is a continuous improvement and inventions that well fits into the changing time.
Shopping
The main shopping area of the city is Bara Bazaar that offers unique souvenirs of the state. Some of the good buys include handloom shawls, bags and bamboo handicrafts. But the best buy among them is the Mizo Hat made with bamboo and leaves. It can be also taken home as a souvenir. State Govt. Emporium offers good quality of these products.
Excursions
Vantawang
(152 kms from Aizawl) is the Mizoram's highest waterfall which is close to the Thenzawl hill station.
Phawngpui
(300 kms from Aizawl) is a must-visit for the trekkers and adventure-seekers for it is the highest peak in Mizoram. It is very popular in Mizoram and is also known as the Blue Mountain .
Saiha
(378 kms from Aizawl) on the Chhimtuipui, Mizoram's biggest river, is much know for its fresh environ and beautiful scenic splendor. It also have must scope for angling on the river.
Permit to Visit
Foreign tourists trevelling Mizoram require a Restricted Area Permit. If the permit is for four or more people, it can be obtained from any of the Indian mission abroad or liaison officers at New Delhi . For less than 4 persons RAP has to be obtained from the Ministry of Affairs, Govt. of India, New Delhi .
Domestic tourists require an Inner Line Permit issued by the liaison officers at Mizoram in New Delhi for travelling to Mizoram.
Accommodation
Tourist lodges at Aizawl, Kolasib, Champhai, Saitual and Travellers Inn at Valrengte maintained by the Directorate of Tourism, Mizoram is the best option for the visitors in the state.
Accessibility to the State
By Air
Aizawl is connected by Indian Airlines from Kolkata and Imphal (Capital of Manipur) which take a time of one hour and forty-five minutes from Kolkata and thirty minutes from Imphal respectively.
By Rail
The nearest railhead is in Silchar ( Assam ), 180 kms away, which is connected to Guwahati. Whereas Guwahati - 397 km from Silchar, is the most convenient railhead connected to the other major towns of India . Many Express trains connect Silchar with Guwahati.
By Road
Aizawl can be reached through Silchar on the NH-54. Regular buses and taxis run from Silchar to Aizawl taking around 6-8 hours. Night-coach services are also available. Aizawl is also accessible by road from Shillong and Guwahati.
Local Transport
Taxis are the chief mode of transport, they are mainly used for commuting within the state (negotiable rates).
