Aizawl

En route to Aizawl, the road winds through gentle pine-laden slopes, and then along to spectacular ridge that falls away into the Bangladesh plains. A wafting coolness, and suddenly you find yourself above the cloud-line…

Aizawl – in fact, Mizoram in general – is a jewel of a destination. But on a visit there, because of low exposure and connectivity, you have to make things happen for yourself. Browse through the main squares and streets, meet people, mark your own interest.

Clearly a Christian domain, Aizawl has unexceptional modern churches in every neighbourhood. Every evening, a symphony of church bells ring out across the hills, announcing the 6 pm service. The town winds up in time to make it to the service. In the deepening darkness, the surrounding hills then come alive with dancing forest fires.

The persistent crowing of roosters wakes you early. If you climb out of bed you’re rewarded with a brilliant dawn sky. Before sunrise, a hint of green smudged with smoke from Jhum fires (for slash-and-burn cultivation) stains the hills. You feel part of a different world as you start a day in Aizawl.
People are friendly, but most speak only Mizo. So, language is a problem and you’ll find yourself mostly getting by with sign language.

Chanmari is the hub of young people. School and college kids hang out here. Hundreds of youngsters throng the walkway. Music is intrinsic to Mizoram. Throughout, you’ll see youngsters toting guitars, ready to jam.
The tiny State Museum has a dusty collection of wildlife specimens and tribal weapons.
Tlangnuam, 6 km south of Aizawl offers views of the capital. There's an interesting church nearby. On the way, nearby Kulikawn, you see village women selling piglets in baskets. Chaltlangis, 3 km away from the centre and at 3,713 ft is the highest point in the city.

For a fun picnic and great night views of the city, there’s Berawtlang Tourist Complex (9km). En route, Zemabawkhas a tiny picturesque wooden church magically lit up at night. Bung and Paikhai(16 km) are also popular picnic spots. Falkawn(18km) is a traditional Mizo village. Visit with a local.

Festivals and dances - The spectacular Chapchar Kut in March celebrates the completion of Jhum clearing.  Mim Kut (harvest time) is in Aug-Sep and Pawl Kut (post-harvest) in Dec-Jan.

Around Aizawl

Tamdil Lake (85 km) is a popular camping site for a night in the forest with stars shining above. There is a café, boating and cottages (Mob: 09862775342; Tariff: Rs 300) to stay in too.