Mizoram is the ideal destination for all those adventure seekers who are looking to explore undiscovered wonderlands. As it is one of the lesser-known members of the Seven Sisters of the Northeast, it has managed to fight off the waves of homogeneity brought by globalization and has preserved its uniqueness. This state is a haven for all the soul-searching travelers out there and a valuable treasure for all the natives.
Mizoram is home to a diverse spectrum of tribes that belong to various religious sects and enjoy being a part of the distinct yet rich culture. This gem of a state is also endowed with a good mix of rugged terrain with twisting paths and endless lush green fields that scream serenity. From mountain biking to celebrating local festivals, here are the 7 exciting things to do in Mizoram that will add a zing to your entire trip.
Nestled in the district of Lunglei in the western part of Mizoram, the Saza Wildlife Sanctuary is a heartthrob of many nature lovers. This sanctuary welcomes all those who want to escape from their stressed-out city lives and unwind in the midst of a glorious landscape. Saza not only protects, but also preserves the wild variety of plants, animals, and birds that are a part of this region. Hiking along the mesmerizing routes of Saza lets you explore the majestic hills and the lush green landscape.
The hiking trail that winds through the national park is certainly one of a kind. That’s because it offers all the hikers an opportunity to stroll through the enchanting bamboo groves and the entire place has a magical vibe to it. Moreover, if your luck is by your side, you might be able to witness flocks of migratory birds and the rarest of animals roaming around in the woods.
You might also be able to spot animals like rhesus monkeys, deer, leopards, etc., as you traverse through the mesmerizing bamboo groves. Don’t forget that the Saza Wildlife Sanctuary is literally a paradise for birdwatchers. So make sure that you carry your pair of binoculars with you when you go for this unforgettable adventure.
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Nestled between the Chhingchhip and Baktawng villages on the Aizawl-Lunglei Road rests the Memorial of Chhingpui which symbolizes the undying love between a young couple. In fact, there’s an extremely fascinating story behind the establishment of the memorial.
There used to live an incredibly beautiful maiden in this region who was named Chhingpuii. She belonged to an aristocratic family that was extremely wealthy. Naturally, several young men were ready to do anything she said in order to win her hand in marriage. However, Chhingpuii had her heart set on a young man named Kaptluanga. Eventually, she got married to Kaptluanga and both lived happily for a few years.
After some years, a dreadful war broke out that caused the destruction of life and property across the northeast. Unfortunately, Chhingpuii was kidnapped and killed during this war and this broke Kaptluanga’s heart. The entire village mourned for Chhingpuii and Kaptluanga could not bear the grief associated with the loss of his wife. Grief-stricken, this young man decided to take his own life so that he could be with Chhingpuii till the end of time. If you’re visiting Mizoram with your loved ones, don’t forget to pay your respects at the Memorial of Chhingpui.
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You might think that traveling to the hills and forests and visiting waterfall sites is a common touristy thing to do. Let us tell you that witnessing the majestic Vantawng Falls must be one of the things to do in Mizoram, no argument about it! Known to be the highest waterfall of Mizoram and the 13th highest waterfall of India, the Vantawng Falls attracts tourists with its charm.
Found in the Vanva River which is famed for its raging rapids and located just near Thenzawl, the Vantawng Falls is an example of all the hidden gems of the Northeast. You should know that you’ll have to look at the waterfall from a distance as it’s simply impossible to reach the base of the waterfall. That’s because the entire waterfall is surrounded by dense forests that shield the natural beauty of the waterfall.
Nestled between the breathtaking valleys and the lush green woodlands, the water comes down from a great height. The water appears as though it’s a river of milk due to its shiny and frothy nature. Do try to go there during the afternoons as that’s when the waterfall looks at its best and you end up getting some great pictures for your feed and of course, your memories too!
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Mizoram is famous for offering beautiful trekking routes to all those adventure seekers who are looking to conquer new peaks every year. Also known as the Phawngpui National Park, this area is actually a gorgeous conservatory forest in the heart of Mizoram. Not only is it home to diverse and rare species of flora and fauna, but it is also decorated with lush green woods. The view of the ribbon-like rivers and the magnificent hills definitely adds to the beauty of this park.
As we already mentioned, this park is a treat for all those who trek through forests to get a glimpse into the wildlife. Don’t be surprised if you end up spotting animals like the Asiatic black bear or the black eagle. Adding to the overall charm of the trek are the different species of orchids and rhododendrons that are scattered all across the park. Great weather ensures that the trekkers are able to take in all the beauty of their surroundings and enjoy the trek to its fullest.
What in fact makes the Blue Mountain National Park a must-visit for all trekkers is that it houses the Phawngpui Peak, which is the highest mountain peak in Mizoram. To add to that, the park covers a massive chunk of land which means that the hikers/trekkers get to go for a long hike along a scenic route and spot rare varieties of plants, animals, and birds.
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Shopping for the local items is something all travelers end up doing so as to carry them back to their homes as memories. If you want to go shopping in Mizoram, then there’s no better place to visit other than the Luangmual Handicrafts Centre. Known for being the perfect place to find the traditional handicrafts of Mizoram, this is where you will find all the souvenirs you need to buy before you go home.
Located roughly 7 km away from the Aizawl, the streets of this place are dotted with collections of various types of handicrafts that are indigenous to the state of Mizoram. You can purchase traditional dresses, bamboo works, bags, hats, shawls, etc., and not empty out your pockets as these items are all reasonably priced. If you happen to find the traditional and ceremonial hats that are worn by the Mizo people, don’t forget to buy them.
When tourists visit this Centre, they mainly come looking for the Khumbeu which is a traditional hat made out of bamboo and the hnahthial leaves which are waterproof in nature. The reason this hat is very famous is the fact that these waterproof leaves are available exclusively in Mizoram. Apart from all the shopping for traditional and pretty Mizo handicrafts here, you’ll also get a chance to interact with the locals. These locals will indulge you in interesting stories that let you get an insight into the rich cultural heritage of the Mizos and how these handicrafts fit within their culture.
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What’s the use of traveling to a mountainous terrain and not participating in adventure sports? If you’re not very scared of heights, you can try your hand at paragliding at Serchhip, which is the most literate district in the country. Although visiting the village Serchhip will let you enjoy the tranquility and peace but paragliding and soaking in the beauty of Mizoram with a stop of the state is a complete game-changer.
Known for being the only location for paragliding in Mizoram, it attracts several adventure junkies during the peak season. If you want to paraglide, all you have to do is drive to a place known as Chuanhnuai which is nestled between two villages namely, Keitum and Serchhip. The paragliders jump off the ridge from Chuanhnuai, soar through the winds and land in a mesmerizing valley of Zawlpui Leilit.
Although paragliding was a relatively new sport in Mizoram, it quickly rose to popularity. It became so popular and attracted so many people that the locals ended up hosting a Paragliding Festival. Add paragliding at Serchhip to your list of things to do in Mizoram without fail if you want to experience something unlike anything you have experienced before.
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What better way to get an insight into the indigenous culture of Mizoram, learning about their beliefs and understanding the important elements of their life than taking part in their festivals and events? A festival is like an event tightly packed with all the different aspects of a particular culture and celebrating them gives you nothing other than joy. There are several festivals that signify different things and are organized throughout the year.
Celebrated during the spring season, the Chapchar Kut Festival is one of the most important events of Manipur. Celebrated around March, the pompous festivities last a week and are a visual treat for all the outsiders. The locals wear traditional, colorful attires along with their headgears and perform their native dances.
Another festival that you shouldn’t miss out on is the Mim Kut festival which is a harvest festival. Another interesting fact about Mim Kut is that the locals celebrate the life of those who have passed away and also the love they have for their dear ones.
What Is The Famous Food Of Mizoram?
If you’re up for experimenting with your taste buds, you should certainly try out Mizo cuisine. Unlike the rest of the country, the Mizo love to keep the usage of oil and spices to the minimum because of which their food might be termed as bland. Nonetheless, if you’re in Mizoram, you must try out their famous local dishes like Bai, Vawksa Rep, Arsa Buhchiar, and a variety of soups.
Is Mizoram Safe For Tourists?
Mizoram is regarded as one of India's safest travel destinations. The Mizo people are extremely hospitable, friendly as well as peace-loving folks. That’s why Mizoram is relatively devoid of tribal conflicts and insurgency problems that are more common in the rest of the northeastern states.
What Is The Famous Dance Of Mizoram?
Chailam is one of the most famous dance forms of Mizoram that is performed during the celebrations of some of the major events in Mizoram like the Chapchar Kut festival. While performing this dance, men and women alternately stand in circles, and the women are supposed to place their hands around the waists of men while the men place their hands on the shoulders of women.
How Can I Enter Mizoram?
Mizoram is well connected to major north-eastern cities like Guwahati and Kolkata which makes it really easy for tourists to enter Mizoram. Here are the three ways in which you can reach Mizoram:
Do We Need A Permit To Visit Mizoram?
Indian tourists do not require any permit to enter Mizoram. On the other hand, foreigners are required to register themselves at the office of the Superintendent of Police (CID/SB) in Mizoram within 24 hours of their arrival.
How Can I Go To Aizawl From Guwahati?
The quickest way to get to Guwahati from Aizawl is to take a flight from the Lengpui Airport in Aizawl. You can rest assured that you will reach Guwahati in about 1 hr 10 min by flight. To add to that, you can choose to take a flight by the airline of your choice as many flights (Go Air, AirAsia, Spicejet) are available here.
Which Is The Largest Religion In Mizoram?
Christianity is the largest religion in Mizoram.