THE HIGHLANDER'S HAVEN
Proving true to its name as "the home of the highlanders," Aizawl, the
capital of the northeastern state of Mizoram, is located at an altitude
of 3500 feet above sea level. It is the seat of a rich tribal cultural
extravaganza and is famous for its handicrafts. The town is blessed with
exotic natural beauty. While the river Tlawng flows quietly on the east,
on the north one can see the jagged hills of Durtlang.
LOCATION AND
TIME TO VISIT
Aizawl is situated
towards the central part of the state and is flanked by rivers and
rapids. It is at a distance of 466 km from Guwahati, 366 km from
Shillong, and 140 km from Silchar. The Durtlang Hills constitute a
natural barrier immediately south of Aizawl, their high ridges
punctuated by Mizo villages and Christian missions, and provide pleasant
rambling country. Aizawl perches precariously on the steep slopes of a
sharp ridge, straddling the watershed between the Tlawng and the Tuirial
river valleys at an altitude of 1100 m. Although it may lack a snowy
Himalayan backdrop, it has something of the feel of a Himalayan hill
station. It is generally cool during the summers with temperatures
ranging from 20 to 30°C and heavy rains during the months of May to
September. Winter temperatures range from 10 to 20°C. Fog is
commonplace, and the first rays of the sun drive it away to make way for
the mountain peaks-a sight that often attracts many tourists.
PLACES TO VISIT
The State Museum at Babu
Tlang is worth visiting and one can have a glimpse of Mizo dresses,
implements, historic relics, and other traditional items. The mini zoo
has some rare Asian animals in it and the most important one is the
endangered sun bear. The Cultural Sub-Center is a good retreat center
from the cacophony of modern life and is provided with modern amenities,
while providing alluring natural sights. There are a few other
attractions as well. These include the zoological garden, Bung picnic
spot, MAHCO Showroom, Treasury Square, Vengthlang, and Bethlehem.
SITES NEARBY
Tamdil Lake is located
at distance of 85 km from Aizawl and is a good picnic spot with boating
facilities. For an admirer of natural beauty, Vantwang Falls are at a
distance of about 137 km, providing a breathtaking sight of water
falling amidst bamboo forests. To take a fantastic view of the Myanmar
hills, one can visit Champai, about 192 km from Aizawl. Luangmual is at
a distance of 7 km from Aizawl and is a small village known for its
handicrafts center.
FAIRS AND FESTIVALS
Mizoram is known for its
jhum crops and the people of the region celebrate the festivals related
to it with traditional gay and pomp. In the months of February to March
the clearing of the jungles to make way for sowing is celebrated through
the festival of Chapchar Kut. The harvest festival is celebrated during
the month of December and is called Pawl Kut. Another festival, Mim Kut,
is celebrated after the maize harvest in September in honor of the
departed souls. The birth of Christ, and New Year's Day are also major
festivals.
The Mizos are famous for
their Bamboo dance. Cheraw, Chheih Lam, Solakar or Sarlamkai are other
famous dances.
WHERE TO SHOP
Aizawl can prove to be a
shopper's delight and the Bara Bazaar is a good stopover. This
northeastern town is famous for its handicrafts, bags, weavings and
other traditional items. The Weaving Center, Handloom Emporium, Bazaar
Bungkawn, Thaakthing Bazaar, Ritz Market, Burma Lane, New Market, and
Solomon's Cave are other important marts. Bamboo items, including cane
furniture, are good buys.
HOW TO REACH
It is connected to
Silchar via National Highway No. 44 and the nearest major rail junction
is at Lumding, a further 180 km north of Silchar. There are regular
flight of Indian airlines from Aizawl to Calcutta and the journey takes
approximately two hours time.
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