Mizoram Travel Guide

Known as the "Land of hill people", Mizoram became an independent state only during 1972. Until then, it was part of Assam. Today, the beautiful state is surrounded by the neighbouring countries of Bangladesh and Myanmar and by states like Tripura, Assam & Manipur all over. Mizo is the official language of the state, as it the local language spoken by the Mizo tribes of the state, the predominant community of the state. An interesting feature of about the state is that 91% of its area is covered by forests. Bamboo is cultivated on close to 44% of the state's lands.

Around 87% of the people in Mizoram are Christians, followed by around 9% Buddhists and around 3% Hindus. Festivals celebrated by locals are known as Kuts here. Some of the most common Kuts celebrated here are Chapchar Kut, heralding the arrival of the spring season, ThalfavungKut, celebrating the wedding of crops and Pawl Kut, announcing the end of harvest season. Mizos love to sing and dance merrily during functions. Guitar is one of the most loved and most played instruments here. Some of the tribal dances that are performed by men and women during festivals and weddings are Cheraw, Khullam, Chai & Chheihlam.

• Trek to Durtlang hills and witness the majestic panoramic view of Aizawl from there.
• Visit beautiful Solomon's Temple, located at Aizawl.
• Visit Baktawng Village, to meet 'Pu Ziona' and his largest family comprising of 39 wives, 94 children, 14 daughters-in-law and 33 grandchildren.
• Visit 'Vangchhia' located near Myanmar border and witness the remains of ancient lost civilization.
• Visit 'Champhai' - The Rice Bowl of Mizoram and witness the of beautiful landscape and hills.
• Trek to Phawngpui hills and witness the beauty of azure Myanmar hills.
• Visit Chhingpuii memorial built in memory of 'Chhingpuii'.
• Participate in 'Chapchar Kut' Spring festival celebrated in the first week of March.

It is best to visit the Mizoram is from November to March. During these months the climate is pleasant and extremely beautiful.

Food is one of the most attractive features in the state of Mizoram. There is a unique taste and flavour to the dishes cooked here. Mizos are predominantly non-vegetarian. Most of the vegetables are steamed and eaten along with fish and meat here. Duck meat is a delicacy that you have to try when you visit Mizoram. Fish is usually cooked in mustard oil, which lends an authentic taste to the cuisine here. The dishes that are the specialities of Mizoram are:

• ArsaBahuchiar – Rice & chicken cooked with special herbs.
• Bai – Boiled or steamed vegetables eaten along with bamboo shoots, pork and spinach.
• Vawksa Rep – Smoked pork cooked with wonderful and aromatic herbs, green chillies and other greens.
• Sanpiau – Rice porridge topped with lots of coriander, spring onions, fish sauce and pepper.
• Misa Mach Pura – Shrimps cooked with flavours of lemon, onion, coriander leaves and peppercorns.
• Lubrusca&Zu – Two of the most authentic drinks of Mizoram. While the former is a type of grape wine, the latter is a kind of tea.

Handcrafted items made by the local artisans make Mizoram a haven for lovers of these artefacts. The local women of Mizo wear a colourful skirt known as Paun. If these skirts catch your fancy, you can shop for them from the local markets at affordable prices. Also, don't forget to buy the classic Bamboo hats (trademark of Mizoram) when you go from this state. Apart from hats, you can buy a whole range of baskets, furniture, jewellery and vessels made from bamboo and cane by the local artisans of the state.

You can also shop for freshly woven handicraft and silk fabrics from almost all the malls and local markets in the state. If you want to get a taste of the local markets, visit the Burra Bazaar and Luangmuai Handicrafts Centre in the capital city of Aizwal. Some other places where you get to shop for excellent handicrafts at a great bargain are Ritz Market, Thakthing Bazaar, Burma Lane, Solomon Cave& Bazaar Bungkawn. Jackets, shawls, stoles, bags, jewellery and all kinds of hand-crafted items are found in plenty at these markets.