Mizoram – The Region of the People of Hills

Mizoram is one among the eight sister states of the Northeast which are a part of Incredible India. The city of “Aizawl” is the capital of Mizoram. The state is believed to have derived its name from the words ‘Mi (People) Zo (a Lofty Place) and Ram (Region/Land)’ which implies ‘Mizoram – the land of the people of hills’. As per 2011 census report, the city population was 1,091,014. Mizoram Tourism has beauty and bounty and the undisputed surroundings will be etched forever in your memories. The weekend escape will rejuvenate your soul and you will feel the urge to explore more of “Mother Nature”. Come and rest in the magical hill station because our Earth has a lot to offer its denizens.

History of Mizoram – The Formation

The earliest civilization of the ‘Mizo’ hills and its history is accredited to the ‘Kukis’ followed by the ‘Lusei’ clan. Later in the British era when the British took the reign of the land, numerous Christian missionaries came to the region with the gospel of Jesus Christ, which influenced the people and their religious sentiments.

Mizoram was freed from the reign of British in 1947 and later in the year 1971, the government of India converted the region into a Union Territory, and Mizoram came into origin in the year 1972. The glorious history will amaze the tourists.

Geography of Mizoram

The landlocked state of Mizoram is situated in the North East India and spreads across an area of 21,087 km². Its coordinates on the maps are 21°56’N to 24°31’N and 92°16’E to 93°26’E. The landscape has an immature topography and lies in the seismic zone V. The region comprises mostly hills and valleys. Mizoram is divided into 8 tehsils which are further divided into buzzing towns and simplistic village life. The geography consists of lush green forests, rippling rivers, lovely waterfalls, and the hills.

Biodiversity of Mizoram

Mizoram is rich in biodiversity and is among the states with widest forest cover. The state is one of the important tropical rain-forests in India. Its vegetation can be divided into Tropical Moist Deciduous, Tropical Semi Evergreen, Subtropical Pine Forests and Subtropical Broadleaved Hill. Bamboo is common in the state.

Mizoram harbors numerous species of birds and wildlife which include rare and endangered species too. The commonly spotted birds include Ciconiidae, Phasianidae, Threskiornithidae, Anatidae, Ardeidae, Phalacrocoracidae, Pelecanidae, Accipitridae, Rallidae, Falconidae, Otididae, Turnicidae, Heliornithidae, Ploceidae, etc.  Slow Loris, Red Serow, Tiger, Clouded Leopard, Goral, Stump-tailed Macaque, etc. are among the commonly spotted mammals.

Climatic Conditions of Mizoram

Mizoram enjoys a pleasant climate which renders cool summer weather with a temperature range of 20° to 29 °C and moderate winter weather with a temperature range of 11°-21° C. Mizoram experiences heavy rainfall and the rainy season extends from May to September.

The best time to visit Mizoram is from November to March. It is a brilliant time for enjoying the view of the hills covered in mists. You can also enjoy the climatic conditions of the enchanting place by trekking on the hills.

Mizoram Culture

The culture of the people is deeply enrooted in their religious beliefs and simplistic social expectations. The customs, traditions and rituals have evolved over the years and still continue to change. The widely spoken regional language of Mizoram is ‘Mizo’ followed by English.

Interesting Facts about Mizoram

• The population density of Mizoram is 52/Km²
• Mizoram happens to be the 2^nd least populated state of India.
• The state animal of Mizoram is ‘Serow’.
• The state bird of Mizoram is ‘Mrs. Hume’s Pheasant’.
• The state flower of Mizoram is ‘Red Vanda’.
• ‘Phawngpui Tlang’ (Blue Mountain) is the highest peak in the state.
• 68% of the state’s area is covered in forest.
• ‘Dampa Tiger Reserve’ is the largest wildlife sanctuary in the state.
• The biggest river in the state is ‘Chhimtuipui’.
• The biggest Lake in the state is ‘Palak Lake’.
• The ‘World’s Largest Existing Family’ lives in ‘Baktawng Village’ (39 wives, 14 daughter-in-law, 94 children & 33 grandchildren).
• The regional folklores and legends mostly comprises of scary places and ghost stories.

Mizoram Tourism: Best Tourist Attractions

Besides being a major birding destination, the state of Mizoram is a place that offers breathtaking scenic views of the hills and valley that overlook the majestic forests, lakes, rivers and waterfalls of the region; all of which make it one of the best vacation spots in India. Efforts are being made to develop tourism in Mizoram which will in turn into benefits of Indian tourism. Always consult a reliable travel guide before you book your tickets and rooms for hotels and resorts.

• Churches: Christianity is the major religion in Mizoram and therefore the states abounds in beautiful Churches. Mizoram Presbyterian Church, Roman Catholic Church, United Pentecostal Church, Kohhran Thianghlim, Congregational Church of India, the Seventh Day Adventist Church, Independent Church of India, Evangelical Free Church of India and Lairam Isua Krista Baptist Kohhran are some of the popular churches.
• Temples: Chandranath Temple, Kararhat Kali Mondir, Nabagraha Temple and Sita Kunda are some of the famous Hindu temples and among the best tourist attractions in Mizoram.
• Historical Places: Lungpher Puk, Far Puk, Mura Puk, Lamsial Puk Benkhuaia Thlan, Lungkeiphaw Tial  Chhura Chirawt Lung, Chawngvungi Chuaibengi Dungtlang and Mizoram State Museum are among the popular historical places and frequented sightseeing places in the state.
• Hill Stations: Mizoram is a land of hills and therefore it abounds in beautiful hill stations. Durtlang Hills, Hmuifang Tlang, Reiek Tlang, Tan Tlang, and Champhai are among the popular hill stations of the state which also serves as honeymoon destinations for newlyweds.
• Romantic Places: Besides the hill stations and waterfalls places like Chawngchilhi Puk, the Vineyards of Hnahlan and Rejek are among the perfect romantic places for couples.
• Lakes and Waterfalls: The lakes and waterfalls of Mizoram are among the best tourist attractions of the state. Palak Dil, Pala Tipo, Tam Dil, and Rih Dil are some of the most beautiful lakes of Mizoram while the two-tiered Vantawng Falls and Tuirihiau are two of the most scenic and picturesque waterfalls of Mizoram.
• Shopping Hunt: Bara Bazar is the main shopping destination in Aizawl. The lanes of Zion Street have numerous stalls that sell garments, traditional costumes and other accessories. Import items from China are found in abundance in the Burma lane. The Solomon Cave and Ritz are also popular shopping hubs in Mizoram. The Millennium Center is also a shopping destination which harbors one of the popular shopping malls of the area.
• Wildlife Sanctuaries and National Parks: Mizoram is rich in biodiversity and the state has taken the required steps to protect it. The 6 wildlife sanctuaries – Lengteng Wildlife Sanctuary, Tawi Wildlife Sanctuary, Khawnglung Wildlife Sanctuary, Ngengpui Wildlife Sanctuary, Dampa Tiger Reserve and Thorangtlang Wildlife Sanctuary are present in Mizoram. The 2 national parks in Mizoram are The Blue Mountain National Park and Murlen National Park.
• Adventurous Places: Puanvawrh Puk is a natural cave and is a popular trekking hunt. Besides trekking joints and river rafting zones, the haunted places in Mizoram are also popular as adventurous places among the curious tourists. The Mizo Village, Berawtlang Tourist Complex, Solomon’s Temple, and the haunted places in North East India are some of the hyped tourist spots of Mizoram.

People of Mizoram

The varied characteristics of the ethnicity arise from the fact that people of different religions and tribes are an active part of the Mizoram society. The major religions of the state are Christianity, Buddhism, Islam, Hinduism, Sikhism and Jainism.

Mizoram Food

The food platter of the state is a combination of North Indian and Chinese cuisine. Most of the popular dishes are non-vegetarian. Phoron Tarari, Chhum Han, Koat Oitha,Vawksa Rep, and Arsa Buhchiar are some of the popular Mizoram food. Bamboo plays an important role in the most of the recipes.

Major Festivals in Mizoram

Mizoram is chiefly an Agrarian state and therefore most of its festivals are harvest oriented. Christmas is one of the major festivals of Mizoram while Bizu, Chapchar kut, Mim kut and Pawl Kut are among the other important traditional festivals of the state. Popular fairs are organized every year during the times of major festivals.

The regional songs and various dance forms are an important part of the social and cultural celebrations of Mizoram. The Bizy Nach of Chamka Tribe, Khuallam, Chheihlam, Chai, Chheih Lam, and Solakar or Sarlamkai are some popular folk dance forms of the state. The regional songs are sung in soft tunes and are usually performed while dancing.

Clothing Trends in Mizoram

Both men and women are up-to-date with the latest clothing trends while traditional dresses like Puran, Paunchei, Kawrchei, Zakuolaisen, and Puon Pei for women. Red and White Coat, Pagri and Long Piece of Cloth are worn by men during traditional festivals.

Present Scenario

Necessary steps are being taken by the governmental authorities for the growth and development of the state. The urbane youth of the North East are known for their sense of fashion; both men and women are updated with the latest fashion trends of the season. The impeccable fashion sense of the denizens of Mizoram reflects the modern thoughts.

Mizoram is the second best state in India when it comes to literacy as the literacy rate of the state was 91.33% according to the 2011 consensus. The Mizoram capital and its magnificent surroundings make this state a perfect tourist hub. The best of tourism in Mizoram can be experienced in just a few bucks. So waiting for what? Book your tickets, block the dates, pack your bags and land in this land full of hospitality. Happy Exploring!

Districts of Mizoram