Travel Guide To Mizoram, The Pristine Mountain State

The southernmost of India’s northeastern states, Mizoram is one of the “Seven Sisters”. With evergreen hills filled with exotic flowers, dense bamboo jungles, and gushing waterfalls, this pristine destination is a unique experience. If you’re looking for Mizoram travel information, this travel guide is here to help you. 

How to get to Mizoram

Everyone who enters Mizoram (except Government employees) must have the Inner Line Pass. This can be obtained from Liaison Officers in most major cities, or at the Lengpui Airport upon arrival. Foreign nationals also have to register at the Office of the Superintendent of Police in Aizawl.

By Air

Most people looking to travel to Mizoram enter through its only airport, Lengpui Airport at Aizwal. Daily flights are available from Kolkata and Guwahati, which have well connected national and international airports. Lengpui Airport is one hour away from the main city, Aizwal.

By Road

If you are willing to travel by road, there are plenty of cabs available. You can arrange to rent a cab based on your specific requirements. Enter via National Highway 54 from Assam.

By Train

The closest railway station is at Bairabi in the Kolasib District.

Things to do on your Mizoram Travel

Once you land in the beautiful state of Mizoram, you will have at your disposal all of its natural beauty to explore. There are few famous spots to visit, so just make the most of the scenic beauty and cool weather when you plan your Mizoram travel adventure. Among the places that you should visit are:

1. Aizawl

Aizwal is the capital of the state of Mizoram and is filled with timber houses and lots of flowers. Set at an altitude of 4000 ft above sea level, it usually has cloudless blue skies and sunlit days. The Mizo people are very friendly and hospitable, and English is widely understood.

2. Tamdil

Tamdil, or Tam Lake, is located near Aizwal. The tranquil lake is known for its diverse ecosystem, as well as the nearby jungles. Go for a bot ride in the lake, or explore the nearby resort village of Saituai.

3. Vantawang Falls

The highest waterfall in Mizoram at 750 feet high, the Vantawng Falls is a breathtaking experience. Its surrounding bamboo forests even have a cafeteria and a cottage where you can spend the night. 

4. Pristine Forests

The forests of Mizoram provide the perfect environment for trekking. You can also go camping or birdwatching. 

5. Phawngpui

Highest among the many hills and mountains of Mizoram is Phawngpui, “The Blue Mountain”. Located near the border with Myanmar, it is home to many rare species of orchids and rhododendrons, as we as lots of wildlife.

7. Dampa Wildlife Sanctuary

A wildlife reserve located in West Phaileng district, at Dampa you can spot many different animals and birds. You can spend the night here at the government lodge, but make sure to book in advance and obtain a permit from the Forest Department. Avoid visiting in the monsoon when the forest is infested with leeches. Also, keep a lookout for tigers, Sumatran rhinoceroses, and elephants.

8. Reiek

Located near Aizwal, this town is known for its model Mizo Village. There are also well-furnished government cottages to stay at.

Customs and Festivals

Mizoram has a population of just over 1 million, a third of which live in Aizwal. Most of this population is made up of several linked tribes, collectively knows as Mizos.

Traditionally, festivals in Mizoram are associated with agriculture and the seasons. Four types of festivals, called Kut, are celebrated here. These are Chapchar Kut, Pawl Kut, Mim Kut, and Thalfavang Kut. These festivals are celebrated to mark the arrival of different stages of agriculture. However, with the spread of Christianity, they began to slowly die out. 

Chapchar Kut, the colourful festival of spring, involves dancing and feasts. People of all the age groups participate in the celebration by adorning themselves colourful clothes. It was recently revived and is usually celebrated in February or March and is definitely worth a visit.

Best Time to Visit

As Mizoram is a hilly area, the winters are likely to be quite cold, especially at night. We recommend that you plan your trip between March and September. This will mean you don’t need to carry extra winter clothing.

Read more: Travel Guides to other Northeastern States of India.