Mizoram, India

Serchhip town in Mizoram


Mizoram is one of the seven small states (called Seven Sister States) in northeastern India. Covering 21,081 sq km (8,139 sq mi), Mizoram is bordered by Tripura to the northwest, Assam to the north, Manipur to the northeast, the international border with Bangladesh to the west, and the international border with Myanmar to the east and south.

Mizoram has a population of slightly exceeding 1 million people (2011 estimate). Its capital and largest city is Aizawl. The official languages here are Mizo and English. As with the rest of India, it is five and a half hours ahead of Coordinated Universal Time (UTC+5:30).

The Biate people in traditional attire


The geography of Mizoram is characterised by undulating hills with valleys in between. Within this small state are twenty-one major hill ranges or peaks though the majority averages just around 1,000 meters (3,281 ft). The highest peak in Mizoram is Phawngpui Tlang, also called the Blue Mountain, at 2,210 m (7,251 ft).

The close association between Mizoram and neighboring Myanmar means that many areas are contiguous. The biggest river in the state, the Chhimtuipui, starts in Chin State in Myanmar while Rihdil, the most significant lake in Mizo history, is today located within Myanmar. The Mizo people believe that departed souls pass through the lake on their way to Pialral (heaven).

Kaladan River between Mizoram and Myanmar


Mizoram has its own culture that is different from the rest of India. Among the festivals of Mizoram include Mim Kut (Aug-Sept), Chapchar Kut (March) and Pawl Kut (Dec). The state also has a number of folk dances, the most colorful being Cheraw, a bamboo dance that is performed to seek a safe passage for the soul of mothers who died in childbirth. Other traditional dances include Khuallam and Chheih Lam.

How to go to Mizoram

You will need a special permit (called the Inner Line Permit) to visit this part of India. This is obtainable at the Mizoram House in Delhi, Kolkata, Guwahati, Shillong and Silchar. As a foreign tourist, you also need a Restricted Area Permit (RAP), obtainable from the Indian Embassy in your own country.

The Lengpui Airport near Aizawl is the only airport serving Mizoram. There are regular flights from Kolkata. The flight takes about an hour to reach Mizoram.

Vantawng Fall, Mizoram

Main Cities in Mizoram

Main Sights in Mizoram

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