Mizoram –
Overview
Mizoram formerly known as the ‘Lushai Hills’, is an enchanting
land endowed with pristine natural beauty and sociable, hospitable and fun
loving people as well. Situated on the tip of the north-eastern border of
India, Mizoram is bestowed with an endless variety of landscape that include
steep hills and deep gorges and rich flora and fauna, criss-crossed by
rivers like Sonai, Tlawang, Tuivawl, Kamaphul and Kolodine.
One of the seven sister states in north-eastern India, Mizoram is
sandwiched between Myanmar in the south and east and Bangladesh in the west.
It shares domestic borders with the states of Assam, Manipur and Tripura,
while the Tropic of Cancer runs through its heart. Mizoram spreads over an
area of 21,081 sq. kms and according to 2001 census report the population of
the state stood at 888,573. The state boasts a literacy rate of 88.8%, the
second highest after the Indian state of Kerala. Cultivation is the main
occupation of the Mizo people and the main crops are lemon, oranges, passion
fruit, papaya and pineapple.
On the whole, with its galaxy of natural beauty and ancient traditions,
colourful fairs and festivals, folk dances and songs, Mizoram is a
kaleidoscopic ‘pleasure trove’ for the discerning tourists. It’s
true, Mizoram is a mountainous state, so travelling in the state is pain
staking and little hazardous some times, but holidaying in the state has its
own distinct charm. Hence, just plan a trip to this picturesque land and
enjoy a memorable vacation in the lap of mother nature.
Mizoram – History
Like most tribes in the north-eastern India, the history of Mizos is
shrouded in mystery. It is believed that the Mizos were part of a big
Mongoloid wave of migration from China that later entered to India. Most
probably the Mizos came from Sinlung or Chhinlungsan situated on the banks
of the river Yalung in China. According to Mr. K. S. Latourette, great
political upheavals took place in China in 210 B.C, due to that Mizos left
China and shifted to Mizoram. They settled themselves in the Shan State
around 5th century and lived for about 300 years, before they settled on the
Kabaw Valley around the 8th century. The Mizos changed their settlement many
times, moving from the Shan State to Kabaw Valley to Khampat in Burma (now
Myanmar). In the early 14th century, the Mizos settled at Chin Hills on the
Indo-Burmese border. Later they moved to Mizo Hills.
The history of Mizoram in the 18th and 19th centuries is marked by several
instances of tribal raids and retaliatory expeditions. In 1895, the Mizo
Hills were declared as a part of British India. In the year 1898, north and
south hills were united into Lushai Hills district and Aizawl was declared
as its headquarters. Further, under the 1919 Government of India Act, the
Lushai Hills along with some other hill districts in the region was declared
a ‘Backward Tract’. In 1935, the Lushai Hills were declared ‘Excluded
Area.’ During the British rule a political awakening arose among the
Mizos in Lushai Hills that take the shape of the first political party, the
Mizo Common People’s Union on 9th April, 1946. Later the party was
renamed as the Mizo Union. Although India got independence in 1947 but
Mizoram was not given the status of state. On 21st January, 1972 the Union
Territory of Mizoram came into being and it was declared a state on 20th
February, 1987.
Mizoram – Tourist Destinations
Though Mizoram is small state but the state is home to a number of
enchanting places which have been designated as ‘must see’ for
tourists. The state capital, Aizawl boasts of several tourist attractions
and it is also an ideal base to discover the magical offerings of the abode
of the highlanders. Just 16 kms from Aizawl, Bung and Paikhai are popular
picnic spots. Apart from these, many historic monuments and fabled caves are
scattered across the state.
Mizoram – People & Culture
Majority of the state population comprised ethnic Mizos. The Mizos are
divided into several tribal group, the Lushai is the largest group amongst
them and comprises around two-third of the state’s population. Other
Mizo tribes are Mara, Pawi, Hmar and Ralte. Beside, the Riang (a sub tribe
of Tripuri) and the Chakma of Arakanese origin are non-Mizo tribes living in
the state.
Around 87% of Mizoram’s population is Christian that includes almost
all ethnic Mizos. Major Christian denominations are the Baptist,
Presbyterian, Roman Catholic, Salvation Army, Seventh- day Adventist and
Pentecostals. In last few decades some of tribes in the state have claimed
themselves as Jews. This group is known as the Bnei Menashe and they believe
themselves to be ethnically Jewish, descendants of one the Lost Tribes of
Israel. Several hundreds of tribes have also converted to Orthodox Judaism.
The Chakma tribe follow Theravada Buddhism mixed with elements of Hinduism
and Animism.
Over the years, the social life in the Mizoram has undergone numerous
changes. Broadly the Mizos are a close-knit society and there is no class
distinction and no discrimination on grounds of sex. About 90% of the Mizos
are dependent on cultivation and the villages exist like a huge family. In
fact, in all the important occasions like birth of a child, marriage in the
village or death of a person the whole village gets involved. Songs, folk
and community dances are highlight of Mizoram and they provide a glimpse of
the state’s rich culture. Some of famous dance are the Khullam,
Solakia, Chheih Lam and Cheraw (bamboo dance).
Mizoram – Cuisine
Mizos are basically non-vegetarian and they love cuisine prepared from
meat. Pork is extensively used in most of the Mizoram’s cuisine and
eaten with boiled rice. Food of Mizoram is not much spicy and is cooked in
such a way that nutritive values remain intact. People like bakery products
like breads, cakes and Pizzas. Locally made wine is favorite among people,
besides, Zu (tea) is a popular drink. In addition to these, Mizoram has many
restaurants serving Chinese, Japanese and Korean cuisine.
Mizoram – Fairs and Festivals
Mizoram is a culturally rich state and the state’s people celebrate
many fairs and festivals all through the year. The traditional repertoire of
fairs and festivals offer visitors a wonderful insight into the tribal
heritage of Mizo culture. Some of the most popular fairs and festivals of
Mizoram include Chapchar Kut (March), Mim Kut (August/ September) and Pawl
Kut (December). Chapchar Kut is the three-day spring festival marked by
singing and dancing, while Mim Kut and Pawl Kut are harvest festivals. In
addition to these, the state also celebrates the festival of Thalfavang Kut
every November.
Mizoram – Wildlife
Mizoram is bestowed with variety of forests that include Sub-Tropical,
Semi-evergreen forest and Sub-montage forest. The forests of Mizoram house
some of the rare varieties of orchids which are found only here. Due to
varied forest types, Mizoram is home to interesting range of floral and
faunal species. Mizoram houses a number of national parks and wildlife
sanctuaries namely - Dampa Tiger Reserve, Murlen National Park, Blue
Mountain National Park, Ngenpui Wildlife Sanctuary, Khawnglung Wildlife
Sanctuary, Tawi Wildlife Sanctuary, Lengteng Wildlife Sanctuary and
Thorangtlang Wildlife Sanctuary. In these national parks and wildlife
sanctuaries, you can spot wild animals such as Tiger, Leopard, Tragopan,
Elephant, Serrow, Ghoral, Sambar, Barking Deer, Himalayan Black Bear, Sloth
Bear, Hoolock Gibbon and variety of birds like Humes bar-tailed pheasant.
Mizoram - Adventure
It is true that Mizoram doesn’t offer much in the name of adventure,
but the caves, lakes, valleys and mountains of the state are enough to
satisfy your adventure urge. Amongst the adventure options, the caves of
Mizoram are quite popular, some of the noted caves are Pukzing Cave, Milu
Puk, Kungawrhi Puk and Lamsial Puk. Mizoram has a number of picturesque
lakes scattered in various parts of the state. Palak, Tamdil, Rungdil and
Rengdil are the most important lakes of Mizoram. You can enjoy boating and
fishing in these lakes alongwith the distinct and lovely sights.
Mizoram has many deep valleys endowed with spectacular surroundings, which
offer excellent and exhilarating options of trekking. There are around 21
peaks in Mizoram varying in altitudes from 1,179 mts to 2,157 mts, above sea
level. You can undertake climbing and mountaineering expedition across these
mountains.
Mizoram – Shopping
Shopping constitutes an important part of any tour to the state of Mizoram.
Like other north-eastern states of India, Mizoram encompasses a rich
tradition of handlooms and handicrafts that make shopping an enjoyable
affair for you. From ancient time, Mizos are known as great weavers. The
age-old tradition is deeply rooted in their tribal consciousness, the
influence of which can be found in certain pattern of designs and motifs. In
addition to weaving, the Mizos are traditionally skilled in making bamboo
products such as furniture, baskets, hats, utensils and flower vases.
Visit the famous Bara Bazaar where you will find a wide selection of
handloom shawls, bags and bamboo handicrafts. If you are looking for variety
and better quality crafts, then the State Government Emporium is an ideal
place to start your shopping spree. New Market, Ritz Market, Thakthing
Bazaar, Burma Lane, Bazaar Bungkawn and Solomon Cave are some of the famous
markets of Mizoram. While you visit Mizoram taking home a water-proof Mizo
hat (Khumbeu) made with bamboo and leaves, as a souvenir is a must.
Climate
Mizoram enjoys a pleasant climate, the temperature varies from 11oC to 21oC
in winter and ranges from 20oC to 30oC in summer. Winter season begins from
November and ends by February. Winter is followed by the spring season which
starts by late February and continues till early April. In the month of
April the summer starts and ends by the month of June. Monsoon arrives the
state in late June and remain till October.
Best Time to Visit
From October to March.
Mizoram – Transportation
Airlines: Aizawl airport is the only airport of Mizoram
which is connected to Imphal (30 mnts) and Kolkata (1 hr 30 min). Indian
Airlines (Alliance Air) flights ply to and from Kolkata and Aizawl (Tuesday,
Thursday and Saturday) and Kolkata – Aizawl – Imphal – Aizawl
– Kolkata (Monday, Wednesday and Friday).
Railways: Nearest railhead is located at Silchar in Assam
at a distance of 184 kms from Silchar. From Guwahati, reach Silchar by Barak
Valley Express, Cachar Express or Tripura Passenger. The journey will take
around 19 hrs.
Roadways: National Highway No. 54 connects state capital,
Aizawl with rest of the country through Silchar (Assam). Buses are available
from Silchar to Aizawl, the journey will take 6 to 8 hrs. Bus services are
available during night too. You may also reach Aizawl by hiring a taxi.
Aizawl is also accessible by road from Shillong and Guwahati. Road distances
of some of the important destinations from Aizawl are Guwahati (506 kms),
Imphal (374 kms), Agartala (443 kms), Shillong (450 kms) and Kohima (479
kms).
