Mizoram

Mizoram lies in the southernmost outpost of North Eastern India, the land of the Blue Mountains. Manipur, Assam and Tripura bind the northern end of this little island of tranquility with neighbouring countries Myanmar and Bangladesh nestling most of the state between them.

Evergreen ranges of Mizoram hills with blooms of exotic flora and dense bamboo jungles rise sharply from the plains of Assam in a north south direction. These hills and plunging gorges are criss-crossed by gushing rivers and sparkling waterfalls. Highest among its several peaks is the Phawngpui The Blue Mountain

Districts

Mizoram is divided into 8 districts:

* Aizawl

* Lunglei

* Kolasib

* Mamit

* Serchhip

* Saiha

* Champhai

* Lawngtlai

Cities

Aizawl,Lunglei,Kolasib, Champhai & Saiha

Understand

Mizoram is a kaleidoscopic ‘pleasure trove’ for the discerning visitor with its wide array of festivals and dances, handicrafts, flora and fauna, breathtaking natural beauty and temperate climate. The Mizos are friendly and very hospitable. English is one of the Commonly spoken languages. The joyful enthusiasm and gregarious spirit of the local populace has been vastly responsible for establishing some of the most attractive tourism features in this beautiful state.

Today, Mizoram is a dazzling mix of this cross-cultural vibrancy with 87 percent literacy (second highest in India- a fact in which every Mizo takes genuine pride), gender equality and a vigorous pursuit of its ancient cultural traditions and social mores.

Transport

Roads

Mizoram has a network of around 4000 km or minor or village roads and a small number of national highways. The village roads are primarily single lane or unmetalled tracks that are typically lightly trafficked. The State is connected to the Indian network through National Highway 54. Another highway, NH-150 connects the state with Seling Mizoram to Imphal Manipur and NH-40A links the State with Tripura.A road between Champhai and Tiddim in Burma has been proposed but the Burmese authorities are unwilling to complete the link.

Air Service

Mizoram has only one airport, Lengpui Airport, near Aizawl and this Airport can be reached from Kolkata by Air within a short period of 40 minutes. Mizoram is also accessible from Kolkata via Silchar Airport, which is about 200 km. from the state capital of Mizoram.

Railway

There is a rail link at Bairabi rail station but it is primarily for goods traffic. The nearest practical station to Mizoram is at Silchar in Assam – some 6 hours drive from Aizawl. Bairabi is about 110 km, and Silchar is about 180 km. from the state capital.

Water ways

Mizoram is in the process of developing water ways with the port of Akyab Sittwe in Burma along Chhimtuipui River. India is investing $103 million to develop the Sittwe port on Burma’s northern coast, about 160 km from Mizoram. Military government of Burma committed $10 million for the venture, which is part of the Kaladan Multipurpose project [8]. Though the connection is of limited use.

See

* Aizawl: This 112 – years old citadel-like city, with its timber houses and profusion of flowers is set on a ridge at approximately an altitude of 4000 ft above sea level. With a population of approximately 2 lakhs, it’s cloudless blue skies, dewy mornings and sunlit days carry a promise of unforgettable holiday pleasures practically all year round. Even the monsoon months are pleasant and gentle.

* Tamdil: Pick a picnic basket and head out for Tamdil (Tam Lake). This natural lake is reputed for its fish and prawns and is an 85 km drive from Aizawl. The drive gives you an excellent opportunity to see some of the prettiest areas of Mizoram. Go for boat rides, relax by the tranquil waters and if you can bestir yourself, take a drive into the nearby jungles, which are home to an assortment of fascinating flora and fauna. You can also stay here overnight. The resort village of Saituai is just 10 km away.

* Vantawng Fall: Surrounded by a vast stretch of thick bamboo forests close to Thenzawl hill station is Mizoram’s highest waterfall Vantawng (750 ft). Located 152 km from Aizawl, this popular water body is worth a visit. If you can’t get enough of it you can stay overnight for it’s equipped with a cafeteria and cottage for hire. See Picture herep

* Champhai: Drive along the fertile plains of Champhai, about 200 km from Aizawl to enjoy the stunning vista of emerald rice fields bordered by the smoky hills of Myanmar. This bustling commercial hub on the Indo-Myanmar borderline also attracts nature lovers by the droves.

* Phawngpui: One of the finest encounter with Mizoram’s splendid vistas is Phawngpui , its highest peak, which is extremely popular with trekkers and adventure enthusiasts. The Blue Mountain, as it is often referred to, is 300 km from Aizawl and close to the Myanmar border. Fragrant herbs and rare species of orchids and rhododendrons are found here.

* Saiha: Saiha is an angler’s paradise on the Chhimtuipui, Mizoram’s biggest river, 378 km from Aizawl. Overnight stay can be arranged at the tourist lodge at Saiha. Phawngpui (Blue Mountain) is 30 km away.

* Lunglei: Situated in South Mizoram, this district headquarter town is a popular hill station offering fascinating vignettes of Mizoram’s legendary natural beauty.

District(s)         8

Established       20 February 1987

Capital             Aizawl

Largest city       Aizawl

Governor          M M Lakhera

Chief Minister   Pu Lalthanhawla

Legislature (seats)         Unicameral (40)

Population

• Density          888,573 (27th)

• 42 /km2 (109 /sq mi)

Language(s)      Mizo, English, Hindi

Time zone         IST (UTC+5:30)

Area     21,081 km2 (8,139 sq mi)

ISO 3166-2     IN-MZ

Website            mizoram.gov.in