| EXPLORE MIZORAM |
The Land
Mizoram, a mountainous region which became the 23rd State of the Indian Union in February, 1987, is sandwich between Myanmar in the east and the south and Bangladesh and Tripura in the west with its northern frontiers touching Assam and Manipur States. Mizoram Literally translated means "Land of the highlanders". It occupies an area of great strategic importance in the north eastern corner of India. The hills are steep with an average height of about 900 metres. Its green thick forest is rich in flora and fauna. Mizoram has an area of 21081 sq. km.
The People
The Mizos are former head-hunters and the Majority of the Mizos are christian by faith. The literacy percentage is 88.06 %, the 2nd highest literacy rate in the country. The people are mainly non-vegetarian and their staple food is rice. The Mizo people are a close-knit society with no class distinction and discrimination on grounds if sex, status or religion. They are hospitable, sociable and love music, singing and dancing. The population of Mizoram, according to 1991 census, is 6,89,756.
The Climate
Mizoram has a mild and very pleasant climate of 11o C to 21o C in winter and 20o C to 30o C (max) in summer. The entire area is under the influence of south west monsoon. It rains heavily from May to September and the average rainfall is 254 cm per annum.
Mizos are basically agriculturists, practising what is known as "Jhum cultivation". All their activities revolve around this cultivation and their festivals are also connected with such agricultural operations.
Chapchar Kūt
Among many other festivals, Chapchar Kūt or Spring Festival is the most popular festival, celebrated after completion of their most arduous task of jungle clearing for "Jhum" operations. On this day, people of all ages, young and old, men and women, dressed in their respective colourful costumes and head-gears, assemble and perform various folk dances, sing traditional songs accompanied by the beating sound of drums, gongs and cymbals.
Places of Interest
Aizawl
The state capital Aizawl is located at an altitude of 4000 ft. above sea level. It has a thin population of approximately 2 lakhs only. Standing on a high ridge surrounded on the east by the deep green valley of river Tuirial and on the west by river Tlawng, with its lush green deep villages, and on the north protected by beautiful high craggy hills of Durtlāng, it stands like a huge citadel. Adorned by picturesque scenary and peaceful surroundings with mild and enjoyable weather, Aizawl is an ideal hill station for the tourists looking for solitude, clean air and new destination.
In and around Aizawl
The many places of tourist interest in Aizawl include :-
Places to stay in Aizawl
Just a Short Distance Away
Tamdil Lake
A natural beautiful lake, 85 kms from Aizawl near Saitual village is in the midst of cool, virgin forest that offers an ideal picnic spot for tourists. It has boating facilities for the tourists and accomodation is available at the Tourist Lodge, Saitual only 7 kms away.
Vantawng Water Falls
It is 137 kms from Aizawl, located near an idyllic beautiful town of Thenzawl. The fall is 750 ft. high, surrounded by a lush green tropical forest filled with bamboo groves.
Champhai
It is a district headquarter on the Indo-Myanmar border, 192 kms away from Aizawl. Cool and healthy, Champhai and its surrounding hilly glens present tourists with a view of the hills of Myanmar. The town is a developing venue for Indo-Myanmar border trade and an ideal place for marketing all kinds of goods. The legendary Rihdil (lake) is 22 kms away inside Myanmar. Accomodation is available at Tourist Lodge (Tel : 03881-2015) and Holiday Home.
Lunglei
Lunglei, a district headquarter town of south Mizoram is 235 kms from Aizawl. It has great natural beauty of landscape and is rich in flora. The scenic beauty, cool pleasant climate and peaceful atmosphere make Lunglei, a beautiful hill station in the South for tourists. Accomodation is available at Tourist Lodge, Zotlāng, Lunglei (Tel : 0372-21365). Picnic Spots are Khawiva and District Park at Zobawk.
Banks in Aizawl
How can I go to Mizoram
From Calcutta
"Lengpui", Aizawl is connected by Alliance Airline Service from Calcutta every Tuesday, Thursday and Saturday. Indian Airlines operate daily Flight service from Calcutta to Silchar (except on Sunday). The Bus/Taxi journey from Silchar to Aizawl along National Highway 54 takes usually 5 - 6 hours.
From Guwahati
Day and night service of private and government buses are available from Guwahati to Aizawl via Shillong. Within the State, one can move about by the State Transport Bus system, private buses and Tourist Taxies. Buses and Maruti Taxies are available for travelling in and around Aizawl city with reasonable fare. Aizawl is connected by satellite station for STD/ISD facilities.
Entry Formalities
For Domestic Tourists
One has to procure Inner Line Permit (ILP) from any of the Liaison Officers posted in Mizoram House at various places. Two passport size photographs are required to be attached on prescribed form available at Mizoram House, and signature has to be put in the register maintained for this purpose.
For Foreign Tourists
For a group of 4 members or more, Restricted Area Permit (RAP) can be obtained from the Resident Commissioner, Mizoram House, New Delhi. Otherwise, permit is to be obtained from Minsitry of Home Affairs, Government of India, New Delhi.
Address of Liaison Officer, New Delhi
Mizoram House, Circular Road, Chanakyapuri, New Delhi - 110021. Tel : (011) 3016408/3010548/3015951
For all more information, please e-mail us at cep_98@lycos.com
© Centre for Environment Protection (CEP), A - 88/1, Tuikual South, Aizlawl - 796001, Mizoram, India. Tel : 91-0389-324483. E-mail : cep_98@lycos.com http://angelfire.com/trek/cep98
