http://www.thehindubusinessline.com/life/2006/12/29/stories/2006122900150300.

htm

Around Mizoram in three days

Preethi J
Learning to live life the Mizo way... during a trek in the North-eastern State.
The people are a quiet, peaceful lot and can speak both Hindi and English with ease.

GRACEFUL TIMING: Mizo women dance to the rhythmic beat of bamboo poles.

Jenny R. Lalremliani the name may not ring a bell, but she won the gold medal at a World Female Boxing Championship this year. And she is
from India from the north-eastern State of Mizoram. The 23-year-old was received with a joyous welcome by her fellow citizens the streets of
Aizawl were brimming over with fans and banners proclaiming the State's pride streaked above.
Standing in the airport, it struck me that North-East India had made a mark in the global sports scene a singularly large achievement. After one
cancelled flight, a last-minute booking on another to Guwahati, a bus to Silchar, which passed via Shillong, and finally a car to Aizawl Mizoram's
capital, I arrived exhausted and cold.

The fresh air, cheerful locals with their round faces and shy smiles, and the soothing strum of guitars did much to enliven me. The national trekking
body, Youth Hostel Association of India, had organised a trek in the State for the first time and I was part of a group of 36 ebullient adventurers who
stomped into the State.
We were welcomed by the Chief Commissioner for Scouts and Guides, who gave a moving speech about "being Indian too". He proposed to increase
the length of the trek and the number of trekkers to 500, next year. He flagged us off and we plunged into the forests, crossing the State's longest
river, Tlawng, around mid-day.
The Mizo youth are sporty and, as one of the organisers put it, "mentally balanced", which enables them to participate in activities such as cave
exploration, scuba diving and trekking. The people are a quiet, peaceful lot and can speak both Hindi and English with proficiency. Their genuine
excitement at meeting outsiders, and polite handshake while saying "Chibai" (Hello) impressed us.
Walking alongside our guide, a 40-year-old fit-as-a-fiddle man who chewed paan throughout, I sought to understand the peace in their lives why
one did not come across a single face that was in distress, why there were no quarrelling couples, no angry, raised voices, etc. What was the secret to
their youthful looks and quiet eyes? It could be the beauty of nature that moulded them that way, said one trekker. Another opined it was the ban on
liquor throughout the State (it's true!), while yet another said it was their simple dedication to work that kept them out of trouble. Whatever it was, it
has inspired me to turn quiet too, to smile at strangers and reach out, shake hands.
The adventure begins
The three days in Mizo land did not once make me feel that I was in a different universe altogether, nor did I feel I had travelled about 2,500 km from
home to walk those streets. The days flew by, and were real, with tangible incidents and many experiences. It is enough to say that my learning curve
wiggled out of the plateau that it had fallen into, thanks to routine.
The bunch of trekkers walked sometimes in groups, at times alone, sometimes tagging along, and sometimes running ahead. We spoke and
laughed, and watched the landscape change from a jeep trail to a dense forest and the fabulous Reiek peak ("Natural A/C here, look," said Zoe, a cave
climber, as he threw his scarf over the edge of the cliff and saw it twirl back into his arms) and finally back to civilisation.
We endured the climate from a cool, breezy morning to bright, scorching day, which turns dark by 5 p.m. We shivered through bone-chilling
winter nights in our tents, clasping the mug of Bournvita as if it were redemption. We huffed up a peak, and crawled on our bellies in a puk (cave)
and stared at spiders the size of our palm, while frogs the size of a coin backed into the mould in the walls of the cave.
Cave exploration is an exciting activity, requiring dexterity and confidence. Some experienced trekkers made it through 500 metres in a dim and
slimy cave called Kuangcherapui, which required talent in what is called "chimney climbing", where you push your body against one wall, and your
hands and feet against the other and sidle across. The drop is a 40-ft nightmare and since it was the first time this was being conducted in Mizoram,
there was no safety harness. The rest of us clambered into the cave from the "exit" and cheered as the `cavemen and women' made it through.
We also had an opportunity to meet the locals at Ailawng village, where we were invited into homes and offered fruits with refreshing hospitality.
Dance programmes organised left us awed by the grace of Mizo women and the synchrony of the bamboo pole wielders, who were clapping the poles

to a rhythm. On the final day of the trek, the Sports Minister himself came to bid adieu and a party was arranged where Karaoke and dance made us
forget our aching muscles. The Mizo dance style is at once simple and complicated. It looks like all you have to do is bend your knees and swoop
keep your arms low and look to your side. The youth did it with grace, but imitation only led to the knowledge that our thigh muscles were not as
developed as required, and we ended up looking like crippled ducks!
After much laughter and camaraderie, we loped off to the campfire, and persuaded the kitchen staff to play us a Mizo song. We joined the chorus of a
song about celebration and being happy a harvest song from the mouths of collegians who listen to rock.
It was the morning of my last day in Mizoram. I awoke to the sound of rain. Immediately my brain screamed a warning that the flight could be
delayed due to fog. Everyone's face had the same anxious look. But we had learnt to deal with the uncertainty with peace, the Mizo way. The
flight came before its scheduled time, and I was there to see Jenny bring home the world title. It was a wonderful way to spend a week. Kalome
(thank you in Mizo).
preethij@thehindu.co.in
More Stories on : Domestic Travel | Other States
Article E-Mail

:: Comment :: Syndication :: Printer Friendly Page

History
Oral tradition reveals (there is no known recorded history) that the Mizos migrated from their homeland in China about 3 centuries ago, in search of new pastures and settled in
these remote Mizo Hills (Lushai Hills). In the nineteenth century this region was annexed to Assam, under the British rule, as the Lushai Hills District and in February 1972, it became
the 23rd state of the Indian Union. From the 19th Century, the Christian Missionaries have played a dominating role in the State, 85.73% of the population are Christians
(Presbyterians, Baptists, Roman Catholic, Salvation Army, Seventh Day Adventists, United Pentecostal Church, and other denominations) and are greatly responsible for the
westernization of its social life. There has also been a concerted effort by the young to propagate their ancient cultural strains by clinging to their traditional roots resulting in bringing
to the limelight some of the most vibrant ancient Mizo traditions, cultural heritage and colourful customsAs the heritage goes, in the tidy ambiance the Christian inhabitants lead a
peaceful life. Though Indian one would not fail to see the Thai-Chinese human features. The tribe and the inhabitants have an out of nowhere kind of life style that hardly goes in
hand with the others with whom we are quite acquainted. Mizoram is rightly called the songbird of the north-east. The mizo culture imbibes the intrinsic heritage showcased through
the various festivals; culture, religion and the ethnic cross currents.

Return to Top
Geography & Climate
Pacing southward from the hills of the northeastern sates we rich the land of Blue Mountains, the careless artifice of the creators frenzy called Mizoram. The deep blue is pinned
against the patch of lush green with a tinge of grey in between, towering bamboo hedges. It stands surrounded by it neighbors manipur, Assam and Tripura which extend in the
tranquil heritage of this little state. Mizoram is located in the northeastern part of India. It is bound by Assam and Manipur in the north, Myanmar in the east and south and Tripura
and Bangladesh in the west. The Tropic of Cancer passes through the middle of Mizoram and therefore the climate of this area is neither very cold in winter nor very hot in summer.
The average winter temperature ranges between 11 and 21 degree Celsius. The summer temperature ranges between 20 and 30 degree Celsius. The State has thick bamboo
forests and boasts of a number of streams and rivers. Wild animals found in the State are barking deer, blyths, tragopan, stump tailed macaque, swamp deer, tiger, leopard,
elephants, hoolock gibbon, sambar, wild boar, wild cats, hornbill, pheasant etc. Over 300 varieties of butterflies in different colours can also be seen in the state. "Mizo" in local
language means a highlander (Mi=man, Zo=hill or high altitude. The Christians make up a solid 84% of the Mizo population while 7% are Hindus and 1% Muslims. Mizos are very
fond of music, singing and dancing. Among many other festivals,

Return to Top
Arts & Culture
People of Mizoram are delicate as they have a knack for the handlooms and the handicrafts. Shawls, bags and bamboo handicrafts are in vogue in the city and suit the tribal choice.
Mizoram has rich and colourful range of handlooms. However, of all these the 'Puan' occupies a place of pride in a Mizo lady's wardrobe. A Mizo lady is more fond of her "Puan"
than any of her other dresses as the Puan consists of a colorful and breathtaking display of intricate designs. 'Puanchei', this is one of the most beautiful dresses worn by the Mizo
girls. This is worn on occasions such as weddings and festivals such as 'Chapchar Kut' and 'Pawl Kut'. In earlier times, these were all hand woven but nowadays these are mostly
machine made. They are made from cotton and the colors are made by a thing called 'Ting'. Along with this, a blouse which is of the same pattern is usually worn.
Ngotekherh is worn in all festivals such as 'Chapchar Kut', 'Mim Kut' and 'Pawl Kut'. The colours used in this cloth are black and white. These are also hand - woven and are made
of cotton. The black portion of the handloom is made from some kind of an artificial fur.

Puandum is one of the most important handlooms of the Mizos. These are made from cotton and are handmade. This traditional hand-woven cloth called 'Puandum' is also
wrapped over the shoulders while performing 'Khuallam', one of the famous traditional dances of the Mizos. A Puandum consists of black, red, yellow and green stripes. Significantly,
Puandum is an indispensable item which every girl has to take along with her when she gets married. It is used to cover her husband's body when he dies. This is an integral part of
the Mizo marriage and failure to bring the cloth entails punishment leading to a reduction in the bride price. Hnika is also worn on the various festivals. It is one of the finest
handlooms of the Mizos. It is made from silk and cotton and were all hand-woven in the olden days, but nowadays they are all machine-made. It has its origin among the Pawi tribe.It
is equivalent to the 'Puanchei' cloth among the Pawi tribe. They wear it while performing the various dances such as Cheraw and Sarlamkai during the 'Kut' festivals.
Hmaram is also known as 'Kawkpui zikzial' and are mostly worn by the children and girls. They are worn on the occasions such as 'Chawn Day', 'Chhawnghnawh Day' and
'Chapchar Kut'. This is one of the first handlooms made by the Mizos. They are usually made of cotton and they are hand-woven. Kawrchei is worn on every 'kut' such as 'Chapchar
Kut', 'Mim Kut' and 'Pawl Kut'. It is one of the most beautiful blouses worn by the girls. Like other clothes they are hand-woven and are made from cotton. This are usually worn along
with 'Puanchei' and while performing the various dances of the MizosPeople of Mizoram are delicate as they have a knack for the handlooms and the handicrafts. Shawls, bags and
bamboo handicrafts are in vogue in the city and suit the tribal choice.
Culture of Mizoram: Sociable, hospitable and fun loving with very strong community bonds-the Mizos are often referred to as the Songbird of the North east. This reputation is well
entrenched as they are considered to be one of the finest choir singers in North east India. The term 'Mizo' is a compound of two words: 'Mi' means People and 'Zo' means Hill.
Thus Mizo connotes "hill people" and this term gives a racial and distinctive ethnic identity to the people of the state. Clinging to their identity and culture, despite external
influences(which threatened Mizo culture during the turbulent period after Indian independence), Mizos have ensured that it continues to thrive with unabated enthusiasm and vigour.
Every major Mizo village now has an YMA (Young Mizo Association) centre, dedicated to infuse society with its traditional lifestyle and customs. Some of the most colourful
aspects of this revival are witnessed amongst the folk and community dances that have been handed down from one generation to the next. It is reflected in the important harvest
festivals that are an intrinsic part of Mizo culture. Although Christianity brought about a near - total transformation in the Mizo lifestyle and outlook some customary laws have stayed
on. The efforts of the Missionaries, so it seems, were not directed at changing the basic customs of the Mizo society presumably because they saw nothing much wrong with them.
The customs and traditions which they found meaningless and harmful were abolished by persistent preaching. Thus tea replaced ZU as a popular drink among the Mizos.
Zawlbuk had been replaced by modern education. Animal sacrifices on ceremonial occasions, which were once an integral part of Mizo religious system, are now considered
anathema. But such traditions as the payment of bride price are still continued and encouraged and so are some other customs and community traditions.

Return to Top
People & Lifestyle
The people of Mizoram are known by the generic name of Mizo, which literally means people (mi) of the hills (zo). It is believed that people from far-flung regions made the hills of
Mizoram made their home and from the hills, they derived their name. There are numerous different tribes under the general ethnic broad group of Mizo. The people of the Mizoram
region have acquired a multiple-cultural from multiple tribes, who came from different parts of the eastern countries in the past. The Chinese, Burmese and Tibetan cultures
influenced the people of this region to form their own lifestyles and the own craftsmanship.

Today, Mizos include following tribes - Ralte, Paite, Dulien, Poi, Sukte, Pankhup, Jahao, Fanai (Molienpui), Molbem, Taute, Lakher, Dalang, Mar, Khuangli, Falam (Tashous),
Leillul and Tangur. The three main sub groups in Mizoram are Lushais, Pawis and Lakhers. You can easily find those influences in the clothes worn by the women of Mizoram,
the patterns and style woven and also in the woodcarvings produced in there. The fabric of social life in the Mizo society has undergone tremendous changes over years. Before the
British moved into the hills, for all practical purposes the village and the clan formed units of Mizo society. The Mizo code of ethics or Dharma moved around Tlawmngaihna, an
untranslatable term meaning on the part of everyone to be hospitable, kind, unselfish and helpful to others. Tlawmngaihna to Mizo stands for the compelling moral force which finds
expression in self-sacrifice for the service of the others. The old belief, Pathian is still use in term God till today. The Mizos have been enchanted to their new-found faith of
Christianity with so much dedication and submission that their entire social life and thought-process been transformed and guided by the Christian Church Organisation and their
sense of values has also undergone drastic change.

The Mizos area close-knit society with no class distinction and no discrimination on grounds of sex. Ninety percent of them are cultivators and the village exists like a big family. Birth
of a child, marriage in the village and death of a person in the village or a community feast arranged by a member of the village are important occasions in which the whole village is
involved. The absence of outside influences helped the inhabitants of Mizoram to preserve their ancient cultures and traditions of craftsmanship. Thus we can find that, the women
still carrying on old traditions of weaving and the men, of basket weaving. The Influence of Christianity in Mizoram The social and cultural life in the Mizo society has undergone
enormous changes over the years.
The Mizo people belong to a Mongoloid race associated to the Shaans of Myammar (Burma). The Lushai, Hmars, Paithes, Raltes, Pang, Mara, Lakher, Kukis and Pawis of
Mizoram are the tribes who were originnally the believers of the Pathan (good spirit). With the immigration of the British and consequently the settling of the Christian missionaries in
the region, most people got converted to Christianity. Thus, due to the influence of the British in this region, most of the population speak in English besides Mizo. Mizo is written in
Roman script.
The nomadic Chakmas practice a curious mix of Hinduism, Buddhism and Animism. Book a tour to Mizoram
The Art of the Mizos Although the advent of Christianity brought about a big change, the colourful culture of the Mizos has remained intact. The traditional crafts of Mizoram are
weaving, cane and bamboo work. The Mizo women weave intricate traditional designs and patterns on their looms. For example, the shawls carrying tribal clan motifs woven into
them and are passed down the generations. The Food of the Mizos Mizo food is simple, basically made up of lentils, bamboo shoots and fish; pork, chicken and wild game meat
and rice are hot favourites. Maize is widely grown and eaten

Return to Top
Fairs & Festivals
The festival frenzy people follow a wide no of festivals and they are like the

Chapchar Kut- the three-day spring festival or the Cheraw, the bamboo dance that has a mass participation. Mizoram has an ancient and incredibly rich tradition with
dances which reflect the amalgamation of centuries of cross-cultural inputs. The indigenous festivals of this beautiful state mirror it's diverse heritage during the celebration
of the seasonal cycle of sowing and harvesting. 'Kut' is the Mizo word for 'Festival'. Since Mizos are agriculturist in occupation, all the festivals are closely associated

with agricultural activities. The major festivals of the Mizos are Chapchar Kut(March), Mim Kut & Pawl Kut (November/December) and Thalfavang Kut (November).
Various indigenous musical instruments used during these festivities as accompaniments such as the "tingtang" (Guitar), a string instrument and the "Phenglawng" ( a
flute). The revivalist movement of old traditions has been the reappearance of love songs and lullabies originating from the time of the great migrations from
Burma. Chapchar Kut At the end of February, when winter starts receding, the Mizos prepare the land for fresh planting. There are few days of relaxation before the
serious business of sowing starts and that is when the Chapchar Kut festival is celebrated with gaiety and fervour. A spring festival, this is the most important festival and
the only one regularly observed during the first week of March in Mizoram. On this day people of all ages, young and old, men and women dressed in their colorful
costumes and distinctive head gears and jewelries, assemble and perform various folk dances, singing traditional songs accompanied by beating of drums, gongs and
cymbals. They dance in joyous celebration of life, each team displaying the best of its region. These are generally group dances with a lot of bonhomie and courting woven
into them. Some dances are strictly martial danced by strong virile warriors with their weapons and trophies. One dance perennially popular is the Cheraw or the "bamboo
dance" so called as long bamboo staves are used for this dance. This is the most colourful and distinctive dance of the Mizos requiring skill and an alert mind to perform.
The other main dances performed during Chapchar Kut are Khuallam, Chheihlam, Chai and Sarlamkai. "Khual lam" is an auspicious dance performed by a group of
dancers celebrating new beginnings. It is also a welcome dance for guests during community festivities. To attain a position of distinction, a Mizo had to go through a series
of ceremonies and perform many feats of heroic deeds. These ceremonies are always accompanied by a feast and to this feast, friends from nearby villages are invited hence, Khuallam is the dance for the visitors or guests. The "Chheih lam" is another community dance performed by both men and women. The war dance "Solakia", a
prerogative of the male population of the community, is accompanied by rhythmic beating of the drums. Exhibition and sale of indigenous Handloom and Handicraft
products and other tourist attractions like flower show, food festival, musical competition and different traditional games are also organized during the Chapchar Kut
festival.
Mim Kut & Pawl Kut These festivals are celebrated in the last week of November or the first week of December (part of the tourist season) to celebrate the completion of
the harvesting season. The entire community joins in the celebration with great enthusiasm, joy and feasting. Traditional folk dances, songs and games are performed
during the festival.

Thalfavang Kut Mizoram celebrates the festival of Thalfavang Kut every November. This festival is celebrated after the completion of weeding of the land in preparation
for the forthcoming harvesting season. This festival also depicts the cultural heritage and the traditional games of the Mizo. It has given the community an opportunity to
come together and renew old bonds and ties.

Christmas Since the majority of the population is Christian, Christmas is one of the most important events of the Mizos. This festival is usually celebrated from 24th
December to 26th December. Christmas Eve is celebrated on the 24th followed by celebrations in the church on the 25th of December. On the last day a great feast is
organized where everyone from children to adults take part with great fervor and festivities.

Return to Top
Places To Visit
Aizawl: The capital of Mizoram city sits high up in porch-like carved out of the hill. The tropical of cancer passes through the state of Aizawl. This city is
all beset with zoological gardens and the colorful aircrafts and ethnic costumes of the tribal choice and culture. Some of the other adjacent areas of the
states capital are: Vantawang: It is Mizorams highest waterfall. It is surrounded by a vast stretch of thick bamboo forest. Champai: It is a fertile plain

that is the place of rice fields. It is place bustling in commercial transaction that even haunts the nature lovers. Saiha: It is called anglers Paradise. Lunglei: It is in South Mizoram. It
is a popular hill station. Tamdil remains the prominent lake 85 k.m from the capital. This daunts to the picnic place with boat ride and a hunt into the jungles. Phawngpui is the place
to quench the thirst of the trekkers mania. The winding tracts not only pacify the trekkers but it is too the hub of medical herbs. Dampa the sanctuary forwards the wide range of
animals like the tiger, bison, elephant, and a vast variety of birds in gleaming colors. But the calls of the wild amidst the dense lush green vegetation make the heart skip a beat and
leads to the open wildlife to admire the nature. The city has certain other visits that mark it with its specialty and they are Sibutalung, Mangkahia Lung, Memorial Chhimipui, Tomb of
Vanhimailian and Tualchang.The other adventure that call the tourists are the Caves of Mizoram, Lakes of Mizoram and the trekking and mountaineering. MIZORAM NATIONAL
PARKS & WILDLIFE SANCTUARIES : Ngengpui Wildlife Sanctuary The Ngengpui Wildlife Sanctuary is situated in South-Western Mizoram. It is close to Indo-Myanmar and IndoBangladesh border. The total area of the Sanctuary is 110 Sq. Km. and ranges in altitude from 200m to about 1200m msl. The wild animals found in this Sanctuary are Tiger,
Clouded leopard, Elephant, Guar, Barking deer, Sambar, Wild boar, Hoolock Gibbon, Rhesus macaque, Leaf monkey, Common langur, etc. Khawnglung Wildlife Sanctuary The
Khawnglung Wildlife Sanctuary is situated approximately 170 km from Aizawl. It covers an area of about 35 Sq. Km. and ranges in altitude from 400m to 1300m. Animals commonly
found here are Wild boars etc. Lengteng Wildlife Sanctuary The Lengteng Wildlife Sanctuary is situated in the Eastern part of Mizoram adjacent to Murlen National Park. The
approximate area of the Sanctuary is 60 Sq. Km. and ranges in altitude from 400m to about 2300m above msl. Within this park is the second highest Peak in Mizoram. The
important wild animals and birds found in this Sanctuary are Tiger, Leopard, Sambar, Ghoral, Serrow, Hume's Bartailed Pheasant, Kaleej Pheasant, Barking deer, Wild boar, Hoolock
gibbon, Rhesus macaque, etc. Thorangtlang Wildlife Sanctuary The Thorangtlang Wildlife Sanctuary is situated approximately 240 km from Aizawl via Thenzawl village in the
Western Part of Mizoram and is adjacent of Dampa. The Sanctuary acts as a corridor for elephants which migrate from Bangladesh. The area of this Sanctuary is 50 Sq. Km.
Important animals found in this Sanctuary are Tiger, Leopard, Hoolock gibbon, Leaf Monkey, Sambar, Barking Deer, and variety of Birds, etc. Phawngpui National Park The
Phawngpui National Park is situated in South Eastern Mizoram adjacent to Myanmar border. The highest peak in Mizoram, the Phawngpui (2360m) is located within this Park. The
total area of the Park is 50 Sq. Km. The important wild animals and birds found in this Park are Ghoral, Serrow, Barking deer, Sambar, Leopard, Blyth's tragopan, Kaelej Pheasant,
Hoolock Gibbon, Common Langur, Rhesus macaque, Stump tail macaque and variety of birds and orchids.

Return to Top
Cuisine
The main dotting point, which draws the attention, is the food habit. They generally have a twice meal program with no sort of lunch, breakfast, dinner as specified. Zingchaw is the
morning meal and Tlaichaw is the evening meal. The rice remains the staple crop with diced chilies remains the favourites. Rice goes with the delicious fish curry so to get the fresh
water fish on need to visit the banks of Saiha River to suit the anglers delight. The people of the state relish non vegetarian dishes like meat. The staple food of Mizos is Rice served
withh pork meat. The cuisine of Mizoram is distinct from other as the Mizos do not use spices while cooking the dishes. Their food is simple made of lentils, bamboo shoots, pork,
chicken and meat. People enjoy the local wine, Zu (tea).The cuisine of Mizoram is different from the rest of the country. The authentic Mizo cuisine is a blend of Chinese and north
Indian cuisines. The delicious dishes are served on fresh green banana leaves. The usual meal is less spicy and plain in taste, retaining the nutritive value of the food. The popular
dish is Bai, eaten with rice. It is made from boiling spinach with pork and bamboo shoot. The locally made wine is their favorite beverage. Sawchair made of rice cooked with pork or
chicken is also a tasty dish

Return to Top
Language
Languages spoken by the people of the state are English and Mizo. English is primarily spoken in the governmental and official organizations.

Return to Top
Transport

HOW TO GET By Air - The airport is equipped with domestic flights where there are regular flight services offered by Indian Airlines between Aizawl and kolkata. By Rail - The
major and the nearest train station at Lumding, is about 180 km north of Silchar. By Road - Mostly people visiting Aizawl come by road for there is a National Highway between
Aizawl and Silchar.There are number of private transports which operate over night along with the state transports in the day time. The minibuses that run between central Aizawl
and the suburbs head from the top of town near the GPO and Zodin Square to Chandmary in the north

Return to Top
Shopping
Taking home a water-proof Mizo hat (Khumbeu) made with bamboo and leaves, as a souvenir of Mizoram, is a must. You will find a good selection of traditional handloom shawls,
bags and bamboo handicrafts in Bara Bazar. If you are looking for a variety and better quality crafts, the State Government Emporium and Hnam Chhantu are good places to start
your shopping spree. Some of the other markets you can explore are New Market, Ritz Market, Bazar Bungkawn, Thakthing Bazar and Solomon's Cave in Aizawl. Shopping centers
at Lunglei, Saiha, Champhai, Kolasib and other towns are also good places to shop.Dont miss visiting HNAM CHHANTU PAWL which sells local handicraft items at very reasonable
rates than Govt owned stores. It is located in Electric Veng, Aizawl. Its a very famous store, so you can ask local people and they will guide you. Alternately, you can reach them on
hnamchhantu@rediffmail.com

Return to Top
Restaurants
EAT OUTS The restaurants are mostly associated with hotels providing all kinds of Indian and Continental food. In places like Bara Bazaar and Zodin Square you can look out for
the local food. Some of the popular places to eat are Davids Kitchen - Chanmari Curry Pot - Upper Khatla Moonlight Restaurant - Chanmari Chhungte International Electric Veng
Hotel Ritz Eureka Restaurant

Return to Top
Road Map

Return to Top
Important Informations
Medical service: to meet up with the medical emergency one may have an access to the range of hospitlals.Civil Hospital
Aizwal,tel:2322318(Casualty),PresbyterianHospital, tel:2361222/2362241,GreenwoodHospital tel:2341395/2341397,Adventist Hospital tel:2340326/2341544,Bethesda Hospital &
Research Centre tel:2341960/2341833 and many more. ENTRY FORMALITIES FOREIGN TOURISTS: For a group of 4 members or more, Restricted Area Permit (RAP) can be
obtained from the Resident commissioner, Mizoram House, New Delhi. Otherwise, permit is to be obtained from the Ministry of Home Affairs, Government of India, New Delhi.

DOMESTIC TOURISTS: Indian tourists need an inner Line Permit to visit Mizoram. The application is to be made out in a prescribed application and presented in person with two
passport size photographs to any of the Liaison officers posted in Mizoram Houses in selected cities and towns. However, tourists arriving by flight may obtain permit at Lenpui
Airport, Aizawl. Addresses and Telephone numbers of Mizoram Houses in India are given below: Mizoram House Mizoram House Circular Road, Chanakyapuri 24, Old Ballygunge
Road
New Delhi- 110 021. Kolkata- 700 019. Ph -(011) 23010595 / 3010548 Ph -: (033) 24757034 Fax 4757887 Mizoram House Mizoram House Christian Basti, G.S. Road
Tripura castle Road, Guwahati-781006 Shillong- 793003 Ph -(0361) 2529626/224087 Ph -(0364)2520315/520149 Mizoram House Mizoram House Sonai Road, Sathurvachari P/II
(nearShiva Lodge) Silchar - 788005 Vellore - 632009(Tamil Nadu) Ph - (0146) 2256823 Ph - (0416) 2256823