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Mizoram, bordered by Burma to the east & south, Bangladesh to the west along with the Indian state of Tripura, and the Indian states of Assam and Manipur to the north, was the former Lushai hills. It is one of the bio diversity zones which have largely remained unexplored. Mizoram is known for great scenic landscape and its hospitable people. With a literacy rate of 88% Mizoram stands second highest in the country.

The state capital Aizawl is located at an altitude of 4,000 feet above sea level. Mizoram has a pleasant weather throughout the year as the Tropic of Cancer passes through the middle of the state. Summer temperature is 20-30 degree Celsius and winter is 11-21 degree Celsius.

Mizoram is also known for its famous bamboo dance called Cheraw. It is the most popular dance of the Mizos.

After Assam and Arunachal, Mizoram is the wildlife hotspot in the North East India with three national parks including a Tiger reserve and four wildlife sanctuaries. It is one of the last homes of the Serow.

Sightseeing in Mizoram:

AIZWAL:

The scenic Aizwal, having an altitude of 4000ft. above sea level, is the state capital of Mizoram. Apart from enjoying the pleasant weather, scenic beauty and fresh air one can visit Luangmual Handicrafts Centre to have a firsthand experience of the rich handicrafts of the Mizos. The local market called the Bara Bazar and the State Museum are a must visit.

TAMDIL LAKE:

Located 85 km from Aizawl, Tamdil Lake is a beautiful natural lake. It is in the midst of untouched good forest cover offering an ideal getaway for the tourists. One can enjoy boating here in addition to the breathtaking natural beauty.

VANTAWNG WATERFALL:

With a height of 750 ft Vantawng Waterfall is the highest waterfall in Mizoram. Located amidst tropical forests and bamboo groves this fall is near the beautiful town of Thenzawl and 142 km away from Aizawl.

CHAMPHAI:

Champhai is located on the Indo-Myanmar border at a distance of 192 km from Aizawl. It is another treat for the nature lovers. The town is fast developing as a venue for Indo-Myanmar border trade. Champhai is an important agricultural centre of Mizoram. The traditional Ruantlang village which is located just 5 km away from Champhai is the place where one can see the ancestral way of life of the Mizos.

PHAWNGPUI PEAK:

Phawngpui, literally meaning the ‘Blue Mountains’, is the highest peak in Mizoram with an altitude of 2,165 meters. Located in South Mizoram, 300 km from Aizawl, it is known to be rich in medicinal herbs. Besides it is home to a number of birds, wild animals, beautiful orchids and wild flowers. It is a protected area and open to nature lovers and can be accessed only by trekking and hiking.

SAIHA:

Saiha, with its picturesque landscape, is located 388 km away from Aizawl in South Mizoram. The fresh waters of Chhimtuipui River are ideal for angling. The beautiful Palak Lake is located 45 km away from Saiha.

Wildlife:

Dampa Wild Life Sanctuary (ProjectTiger)

Dampa Wild Life Sanctuary which is a Project Tiger is situated at the western part of Mizoram along the international border with Bangladesh at a distance of 127 Km from the capital of Aizawl.

It is situated at 920 13’ 12’ – 920 27’ E and 230 32’ 42’ – 230 41’ 36’ N at an altitude of 200m – 2100m above sea level. Dampa consists of moist deciduous forest at lower reaches and evergreen and semi-evergreen forests with natural grassland at higher altitudes. It is the largest sanctuary of Mizoram notified in 1985 covering an area of 500 Sq.km which later became a Project Tiger in 1994. The list of animals found in the area includes Tiger, Sloth Bear, Leopard, Elephants, Sambar, Barking Deer, Hoolock Gibbon, Giant Squirrel, Flying Squirrel, Wild Dog, Wild Pig, Porcupine, Slow Loris, Gaur, Leaf monkey, Capped langur, Rhesus macaque, and some species of small cats. So far 215 birds have been recorded here and an ardent birder is likely to find more.

Murlen National Park

Murlen National Park is located in the north east corner of Mizoram bordering Myanmar. It is 245 Km east of Aizawl at 230 32’ – 230 42’ N and 920 13’ – 920 27’ E. It is close to Chinhills of Myanmar.

Murlen covers an area of 150 Sq.km and has an altitudinal variation of 400 meters to about 1900 meters above sea level. The Sub tropical, Semi evergreeen and Sub montane Forests of Murlen are home to a rich variety of Flora and Fauna. About 15 species of mammals, 150 species of birds, 35 species of Medicinal plants. 2 species of bamboos & 4 species of orchids so far have been recorded in this Park.

The list of animals include Tiger, Leopard, Himalayan Black Bear, Hoolock Gibbon, Sambar, Barking deer, Wild pig, Gaur, Serow, Goral etc and birds like Crested Serpent Eagle, Wreathed hornbill, Great Hornbill, Brown Hornbill, Oriental Pied Hornbill, Mrs.Hume’s Pheasant, Kalij Pheasant,White Crested Laughingthrush, Black-capped Kingfisher, White-rumped Vulture etc.

Phawngpui National Park

Named after a famous highest Peak in Mizoram the Blue Mountain called Phawngpui which is inside the park, this park is located in the south eastern part of Mizoram adjacent to Myanmar. It covers an area of 50 Sq.Km with a general forest type of Sub-Tropical forest. The list of Wild animals include Goral, Serow, Barking Deer, Sambar, Leopard, Hoolock gibbon, Common langur, Rhesus macaque, Stump tailed macaque and varieties of birds like Blyth’s Tragopan, Kaleej pheasant etc.

Ngengpui Wildlife Sanctuary

Ngengpui Wildlife Sanctuary is situated in South Western part of Mizoram close to Myanmar and Bangladesh border. Covering an area of 110 Sq.Km this sanctuary has an altitudinal variation of 200 meters to about 1200 meters above sea level. The main wildlife of this sanctuary are Tiger, Clouded leopard, Elephant, Gaur, Barking deer, Sambar, Wild pig, Hoolock gibbon, Rhesus macaque, Leaf monkey, Capped langur etc and a host of birds.

Lengteng Wildlife Sanctuary

Lengteng Wildlife Sanctuary is located in the North Eastern corner of Mizoram. Covering an area of 80 Sq.Km., Lengteng is close to Murlen National Park. The main animals found in this sanctuary are Tiger, Leopard, Sambar, Barking deer, Goral, Serow, Hoolock gibbon, several species of Monkeys, Wild pig etc and birds like Mrs.Hume’s pheasant, Kaleej pheasant etc.

Khawnglung Wildlife Sanctuary

This sanctuary is located at the central part of Mizoram about 150 Km from Aizawl, the state capital. It is the smallest wildlife sanctuary of the state covering an area of 35 Sq.km. The main animals found in this sanctuary are Tiger, Leopard, Barking deer, Sambar, Sloth bear, Hoolock gibbon, Wild pig, Serow etc.

Tawi Wildlife Sanctuary

Tawi Wildlife Sanctuary is located 101 Km from Aizawl in the central part of Mizoram. It covers an area of 50 Sq.km consisting of Sub-tropical and Semi-Evergreen forests. Tiger, Leopard, Barking deer, Sambar, Hoolock gibbon, several species of Monkeys, Wild pig etc and varieties of birds are found in the sanctuary.

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 Dampa. The Sanctuary covering an area of 50 sq.km acts as a corridor for elephants which migrate from Bangladesh. Important animals found in this Sanctuary are Tiger, Leopard, Hoolock gibbon, Leaf Monkey, Sambar, Barking Deer etc, and a host of Birds.

Entry formalities. With effect from 1st January 2011 Protected Area Permit (PAP) required for foreign nationals has been withdrawn from  the North - East Indian States of Mizoram, Manipur and Nagaland for a year. However, the tourists have to register themselves with the Foreigner's Registration Officer of the district they travel within 24 Hours of their arrival.