Mizoram, also known as the "Songbird of India," is a small state in northeastern India. Mizoram has one of the country's highest literacy rates. It is located in the extreme south of northeastern India and is a country of everlasting natural beauty with a diversified flora and fauna. The word Mizo means "highlanders" in Mizo.
This little state is bordered on the west by Bangladesh and Tripura, and on the east by Burma. It is nestled between the lush green Lushai Hills. Mizoram is a brilliant treasure trove for discriminating travellers, with its astonishing range of cultures, festivals, dances, handicrafts, and lush flora and fauna.
With spectacular celebrations and happy people dressed in colourful traditional costumes, Mizoram invites you to discover its beauty and bounty. Don't forget to pay a visit to the tribal artists and be blown away by their incredible skill, as well as purchasing a traditional shawl as a souvenir. Non-vegetarians will enjoy the state's cuisine, while vegetarians will have to choose from a dizzying assortment of options.
The state is bordered by towering mountains that climb to a height of around 2000 metres from north to south. The state's highest mountain peak is the beautiful Blue Mountain, which reaches to a height of 2165 metres. The Sonai, Tlwanag, Kolodin, and Kamaphuli rivers are only a handful of the state's major rivers.
The Mizo Tribe inhabits Aizawl and its neighbouring areas, which are lush with undulating hills and abundant flora. Agricultural items, as well as ethnic handicrafts and clothes, are popular in the region, as they are throughout the state. The state capital of Mizoram in northeast India, Aizawl, is located at an elevation of 1132 metres above sea level. An Inner Line Pass, commonly known as an ILP, is required for admission into Mizoram and can be obtained via Guwahati, Silchar, Shillong, New Delhi, or Kolkata. Tourists in the area, which is home to the Mizoram State Museum and a few other tourism complexes, have few options for sightseeing tours. A tour of the adjacent mountainous areas of Hmuifang, Durtlang Hills, Reiek, Solomon Temple, Tamdil Lake, and Chanmari is also available.
Serchhip has long been regarded as one of the nicest spots to visit in Mizoram. It has the highest literacy rate in Mizoram state, which will please you. Without a doubt, you will be greeted with unique and exciting experiences. Learn about the Serchhip communities' long-term viability. Neihloh and Buangpuri, two of Serchhip's most famous villages, will greet you with huge smiles. Chhingpuii Thlan, Hriantrengna Lung, and Khawla Waterfall are among the other attractions.
Lunglei is a fantastic off-the-beaten-path resort for anyone looking for a mix of natural scenery and adventurous sports. Lunglei attracts visitors for a range of activities, including trekking, bird watching, and camping. Lunglei, a biodiverse area, is home to Thorangtlang Wildlife Sanctuary and Saza Wildlife Sanctuary.
It is the administrative centre of the Champhai district, which is located close to the Indo-Myanmar border on Mizoram's eastern border. The natural beauty of Champhai and the neighbouring surroundings, as well as the wide rice-field valleys, are well-known. Because it is a significant rice-growing area, it is known as the 'Rice Bowl of Mizoram.' It also features a vibrant seasonal orchid bloom, which adds to the romantic and beautiful mood. Champhai is home to a number of tourist attractions, the bulk of them are located in natural settings. Kungawrhi Puk Cave, Tiau Lui River, Lianchhiari Lunglen Tlang, and other places are among them. Another well-known natural feature in Champhai and Mizoram is Rih Dil Lake. Trekking is available in the Thasiama Seno Neihna, which is located around 83 kilometres south of Champhai.
This location has a variety of attractions, and most nature enthusiasts like visiting Mamit. The Dampa Wildlife Sanctuary is one of the greatest sites to watch peacocks, Malabar pied hornbills, crested serpent eagles, and emerald-doves. If you prefer being in the wilderness, this is the place to go. The rhesus macaque and the leaf monkey, two of the rarest creatures on the planet, may be observed here. Saitlaw, West Phaileng, and Pukzing are the best places to visit in the area.
Given Mizoram's lush nature, it's only natural to come across a diverse range of fauna and flora. If you want to spend some quality time away from the rush and bustle of city life, though, Phawngpui is the place to go. This area is home to a variety of wild creatures, including leopards and tigers. For bird aficionados, this is one of the greatest places to see Falcons, Sunbirds, Dark-rumped Swifts, Mountain Bamboo Partridges, Oriental pied hornbills, Larks, and Pipits. This lively community will add to your journey's enjoyment.
Also known as India's Amazon Forest, Murlen National Park is one of the country's most well-known national parks. This densely forested national park is home to a broad assortment of flora and fauna. The branches are so dense that just around 2% of the rays reach down even on the brightest of days. For mountaineers and nature enthusiasts alike, it is a must-see.
Mizoram's cultural boundaries is significant in its own right, as it is mostly based on the Mizo tribal communities who inhabit this enticing state. The many tribes and communities here each have their own individual traits, and the region is known as a place where people of various tribes and races cohabit.
Because of the different tribes who call Mizoram home, the state's culture is diverse and vibrant. Mizoram's people are traditional and simple, and they still follow rules that are not based on technology. There are no caste or gender distinctions in Mizoram. Mizoram is India's second-most sparsely inhabited state.
The Mizo people are made up of several ethnic groupings. The ethnic makeup of these groupings follows past immigration patterns. Mizoram's principal tribes include the Hmar, Ralte, Lai, and Lusei. The most generally practised religion is Christianity. The population of Mizoram is made up of 87.16 percent Christians of various denominations. Buddhists make up the largest minority, accounting for 8.5 percent of the population, while Hindus make up 2.7 percent. Muslims make up around 1.3 percent of the state's population. The remaining 3,000 individuals are Sikhs, Jains, and members of various faiths.
Mizo women dress in a wide range of traditional outfits. The Puan is the most popular, resembling a churidar and kurta and consisting of three items of clothing: a shirt, leggings, and a head scarf that resembles a dupatta. Weddings and important occasions are when Puanchei is worn. It's a two-piece outfit that consists of a long skirt on the bottom and a top or shirt on top. During dances, women wear a headpiece, which is a gorgeous feature of the Mizo Lusei clothing. It's composed of coronal, a brass-based substance, and coloured cane. The upper borders of these headgears are embellished with green parrot feathers and feature porcupines on them. During dances, Mizo women wear Kawrchei and Ngotekherh, two gorgeous blouses worn above Puanchei. Kawrchei is typically weaved by hand from cotton. Another wonderful blouse is Zakuolaisen, which has crimson stripes. This is worn by unmarried females. Puon Pie is a traditional wedding cake worn by married women.
A cloth-piece approximately 7 feet long and 5 feet wide is worn by Mizo men. In the winter, a second layer of fabric is worn on top of the first, as well as a white coat that spans from the neck to the thighs. White and crimson ribbons packed with patterns embellish the sleeves of these coats. The traditional puan ngotekherh is worn around the waist. It was initially a men's puan, but now both men and women wear it. Hmar am is a tiny handwoven cloth composed of handspun cotton that has been indigo stained. Both men and women wear the Mara's Cyhna Hno, a lovely embroidered silk puan.
This condition of natural beauty is home to one of the most intriguing dance genres. People in Mizoram like dancing to make their lives as cheerful and vibrant as possible. The majority of these dances are performed in groups at festivals. The state's most popular dances include Cheraw, one of Mizoram's three most prominent dances, Chonglaizon, and Khoalalam.
The Mizoram people place a high value on music. Their music is calm and gentle. The guitar is the most popular instrument in Mizoram music. Apart from that, the locals use drumming, blowing, and string instruments. Tingtang, Lemlawi, and Tuiumdar are some of the most common musical instruments. Drums are also utilised to play Talhkhuang, Khuang, Dar, Bengbung, and Sek music, among others. The wind-created Mizo music is recognised by a variety of names. This form of music can be heard in Hnahtum, Mautawtarawl, Rawchhem, and Tumphit.
Fairs and Festivals of Mizoram:
The ideal opportunity to learn about Mizoram's history, dance forms, and music is during one of the state's festivals. Because the vivid festivals take place in their totality across villages, counties, and large arenas, they are a joy to be a part of. The festivities attract a considerable number of tourists each year.
Mizoram's cuisine is moderate, influenced by Chinese and North Indian cuisines. Rice is a staple cuisine in this state, as it is in most of the North East, and it is typically eaten with non-vegetarian fare, particularly fish. Mizoram's cuisine is known for its unique banana-leaf presentation manner, which accentuates the flavour and smell of the dish.
Some of the most well-known dishes are listed below:
Market locations in Mizoram are quite busy, especially around holidays. Due to its big tourist population, it attracts a considerable number of visitors outside of holidays. The finest buys in Mizoram are primarily handcrafted items. The people that live here are amazing weavers and artists. Their things may be purchased in Mizoram markets, and they have a high level of professional craftsmanship.
By Air – Lengpui Airport is the only airport near Aizawl, and it is served by flights from Kolkata, Guwahati, and Imphal. Mizoram may also be reached from Kolkata via Silchar Airport, which is 200 kilometres from Aizawl. Pawan Hans has begun operating a helicopter service between Aizawl and Lunglei, Lawngtlai, Saiha, Chawngte, Serchhip, Champhai, Kolasib, Khawzawl, and Hnahthial.
By Railway – Aizawl does not have a railway station. The closest possibilities are Manu (75 km) and Silchar (180 km), from which you can rent a cab and go to the city.
By Road – Mizoram has an extensive road network that connects the state's major cities and villages. Mizoram is connected to Silchar and Shillong via the National Highway 54. NH-150 connects the state to Seling Mizoram and Imphal Manipur, and NH-40A connects it to Tripura. Guwahati is 506 kilometres away from Aizwal, whereas Imphal is 374 kilometres away, Kohima is 479 kilometres away, Shillong is 450 kilometres away, and Agartala is 443 kilometres away.
