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Aizawl
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The tropic of Cancer runs through the very
heart of Aizawl, Mizoram's capital city
which is an ideal hill station for tourists
looking for solitude, an environment which
is clean & fresh with a temperate climate
throughout the year.
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.
From Aizawl, visitors can enjoy the stunning
vistas of the lush emerald Tlawng River
Valley in the west and the Turial River
Valley in the east. Facing north, the rugged
visage of the beautiful high craggy hills of
Durtlang are encountered, another slice of
Mizoram's legendry natural beauty.
Aizawl is the political and cultural centre
of Mizoram. It is the seat of the Government
and all important Government as well as
Public Sector offices are located at Aizawl.
It is also the commercial hub of the State
with all economic activities centered here.
Before taking off to explore the
breathtaking natural beauty of the
countryside (Bung, 16 km, is a popular
picnic spot and Falklawn Mizo Village, a
tourist attraction is 18 km away), spend
time at the State Museum on Mcdonald hill,
Zarkawt, whose collection of costumes,
artifacts and historical relics tell you
something about Mizo culture. You will
encounter another colourful facet of Mizo
tradition in the shops around Aizawl.
Mizo women are expert weavers, a tradition
handed down the generations - so do take
colourful reminders of your visit in the
form of traditional textiles such as puan
with its intricate weave in the many colours,
readily available in places such as Bara
Bazar the main market.
Mizo men are skilled craftsmen, working the
native cane and bamboo into an inventive
range of baskets and cane & bamboo items.
The love of music amongst the Mizo's is
amply evident on the streets of Aizawl as
youngsters gather in throngs to listen to a
rapt guitarist or a duet sung on a street
corner; the music shops are abuzz with
activity. Being in the city during one of
their traditional festivals such a Chapachar
Kut, Min Kut and Pawl Kut is a real treat.
You will encounter some of the most
fascinating vignettes of Mizo culture
underscored by a magical joi de vivre, which
touches even the fleeting visitor with its
vigour. The dexterous footwork and colourful
costumes of the famous Cheraw (bamboo dance)
are spectacular.
Tamdil
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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.
Vantawang
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Surrounded by a vast stretch of thick
bamboo forests close to Thenzawl hill
station is Mizoram's highest waterfall
Vantawang (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.
Champhai
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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
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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.
Under the protection of State Government's
conservation programme, entry is monitored,
but allows access to trekkers, picnickers
and campers. Accommodation is available in
Sangau and Vawmbuk village. You need a
four-wheel drive to access Phawngpui.
Saiha
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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 kms away.
Drive another 45 km to the popular Lake
Palak, the largest in Mizoram and highly
reputed for its varieties of wild duck,
crabs and large fish. Tiger, bear, deer, and
wild pig populate the forests of the
wildlife sanctuary around the lake.
Lunglei
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Situated in South Mizoram, this district
headquarter town is a popular hill station
offering fascinating vignettes of Mizoram's
legendary natural beauty.
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