Mizoram ("land of the Mizo people") is one of the Seven Sister States in North Eastern India, sharing borders with the states of Tripura, Assam, Manipur and with the neighbouring countries of Bangladesh and Myanmar. Mizoram became the 23rd state of India on 20 February 1987. Its capital is Aizawl.Mizoram has a mild climate, comfortable in summer 20°C to 29°C (68°F to 84°F) and never freezing during winter, with temperatures from 11°C to 21°C (52°F to 70°F). The region is influenced by monsoons, raining heavily from May to September with little rain in the dry (cold) season. The agro-climatic conditions of Mizoram having both temperate and semi tropical climates with tropic and temperate zones,is conducive to a wide variety of crops. Mizoram has well-distributed rainfall of 1900 mm to 3000 mm (75 to 118 inches) spread over eight to ten months in the year and agriculture is the mainstay of the Mizos. More than 70% of the total population is engaged in some form of agriculture. The age-old practice of Jhum cultivation is conducted by most people living in rural areas. Recently, Godrej Agrovet Limited has entered into a new venture wherein Oil Palm and Jatropha cultivation, for biofuels is being promoted. A low calorie sugar substitute, Stevia rebaudiana, known as 'sweetleaf', has also recently been grown to improve economical agricultural diversity. Young Mizos are leaving traditional customs and adopting new ways of life which are greatly influenced by Western culture. Christmas is probably the biggest festival and local communities contribute towards large feasts, typically organised by nearby churches, where many hundreds in a local community would eat together. Traditional Mizo social gatherings revolve around the agricultural calendar. Pawl Kut,Chapchar Kut,Mim Kut. Dances of Mizorzm Cheraw,Khuallam,Chheih Lam Mizo is the official language but English is widely used in Mizoram being important for education, administration, formalities and governance.The Mizo community is an amalgam of several indigenous tribes who have unique identities and distinctive dialects. The Duhlian dialect, also known as the Lusei was the first language of Mizoram and it continues to evolve. The Lusei language is mixed with other dialects like the Mara, Lai and Hmar. Christian missionaries developed the Mizo script. Writing is a combination of the Roman script and Hunterian transliteration methodology with prominent traces of a phonetics based spelling system. Mizo is an official language of India. 8th schedule of the Indian constitution. Until 1894, when the missionaries introduced elementary education, Mizos were illiterate without any written language. The first primary school was set up in 1898 at Aizawl. In 1901 it was thought that literacy was only 0.9% but by 2005 census had reached 89%. Today Mizoram is second only to Kerala for literacy in India at 95%. There are several educational establishments under the umbrella of the Ministry of Education, including universities, colleges and other institutions. Within Mizoram University, there are 29 undergraduate colleges including 2 professional institutions affiliated with the university. The total enrollment in these institutions is approximately 5200 students. The National Institute of Technology for Mizoram is currently operating under NIT Nagpur and is expected to function in Mizoram soon. Indian Institute of Mass Communication has also plans to start a campus. ICFAI Mizoram University also offers Business studies in Aizawl. Plans are underway to start a Medical College by the Mizoram Government. The College of Veterinary Sciences & Animal Husbandry, Selesih, Aizawl, Mizoramis the premier institute of Veterinary Medicine catering the needs of north-eastern states of India.

By air Mizoram has an airport, Lengpui Airport, near Aizawl and this is linked from Kolkata - a 40 minute flight. Inclement weather conditions mean that at certain times the flights are unreliable. Mizoram can also be reached from Kolkata via Silchar Airport, which is about 200 km. (124 miles, around 6 hours) from Aizawl. By rail There is a rail link at Bairabi rail station but it is primarily for goods traffic. The nearest practical station to Mizoram is at Silchar in Assam - some 6 hours drive from Aizawl. Bairabi is about 110 km (68 miles), and Silchar is about 180 km. (112 miles) from the state capital. Plans are underway to link Bairabi with Aizawl. By Road Mizoram has a road network of around 4000 km (2,486 miles) or minor or village roads and a small number of national highways. The village roads are primarily single lane or unmetalled tracks that are typically lightly trafficked. The State is connected to the Indian network through National Highway 54. Another highway, NH-150 connects the state with Seling Mizoram to Imphal Manipur and NH-40A links the State with Tripura.A road between Champhai and Tiddim in Burma has been proposed but the Burmese authorities are unwilling to complete the link. Water ways Mizoram is in the process of developing water ways with the port of Akyab Sittwe in Burma along Chhimtuipui River. India is investing $103 million to develop the Sittwe port on Burma's northern coast, about 160 km (99 miles) from Mizoram. Military government of Burma has committed $10 million for the venture, which is part of the Kaladan Multipurpose project. Though the connection is arguably of limited use.

Buddha's Image:An engraved image of Lord Buddha has been found about 8 Km away from Mualchang village and 50 Km from Lunglei town. On either side of the Lord's image there are images of dancing girls. On another slab of stone there are engravings of foot marks and various articles like spear head and dao. It appears that these engravings were done by metal chisels as there are marks in nearby stones which indicate the sharpening of metal implements. Mizoram State Museum:Mizoram State Museum, Mizoram State Museum travel, Mizoram State Museum tourism, Mizoram State Museum Historical Place, travel to Mizoram State Museum MonumentThis museum is settled at Mc Donald Hill at the center of the town. Though small, it has an interesting array of historical relics, ancient costumes and traditional implements. Open Monday - Friday from 9:00 A.M to 5 PM. Saturday 9 AM to 1 PM. Thangliana Lung:Thangliana Lung, Thangliana Lung travel, Thangliana Lung tourism, Thangliana Lung Historical Place, travel to Thangliana Lung MonumentCaptian T.H.Lewin was one of the first Englishmen to come to Mizoram. The District Commissioner of the Chittagong Hills Tracts, who entered Mizoram by way of Demagiri (Tlabung) in 1865, became so popular with the local tribesmen that as a mark of respect, he was called Thangliana which meant 'greatly famous'. He lived with the Mizos for nine years and authored the first Lushai book. His memorial stone at Demagiri remains as evidence of the extent of his popularity with the Mizos. His memorial stone at Demagiri shows how the Mizos held him in great esteem. Mangkahia Lung:At Champhai in Aizawl district, near the Burma border, there is a very large memorial stone called Mangkahia Lung( Mangkhaia's stone). It is 5m high with heads of mithun engraved on it. This was erected around AD 1700 in memory of Mangkhaia who was a very prominent chief of the Ralte tribe. Tamdil:Pick a picnic basket and head out for Tamdil (Tam Lake). This natural lake is reputed for its fish and prawns and is an 85 km drive from Aizawl. The drive gives you an excellent opportunity to see some of the prettiest areas of Mizoram. Go for boat rides, relax by the tranquil waters and if you can bestir yourself, take a drive into the nearby jungles, which are home to an assortment of fascinating flora and fauna. You can also stay here overnight. The resort village of Saituai is just 10 km away. Aizawl:The tropic of Cancer runs through the very heart of Aizawl, Mizoram's capital city which is an ideal hill station for tourists looking for solitude, an environment which is clean & fresh with a temperate climate throughout the year. This 112 - years old citadel-like city, with its timber houses and profusion of flowers is set on a ridge at approximately an altitude of 4000 ft above sea level. With a population of approximately 2 lakhs, it's cloudless blue skies, dewy mornings and sunlit days carry a promise of unforgettable holiday pleasures practically all year round. Even the monsoon months are pleasant and gentle. From Aizawl, visitors can enjoy the stunning vistas of the lush emerald Tlawng River Valley in the west and the Turial River Valley in the east. Facing north, the rugged visage of the beautiful high craggy hills of Durtlang are encountered, another slice of Mizoram's legendry natural beauty. Aizawl is the political and cultural centre of Mizoram. It is the seat of the Government and all important Government as well as Public Sector offices are located at Aizawl. It is also the commercial hub of the State with all economic activities centered here. Before taking off to explore the breathtaking natural beauty of the countryside (Bung, 16 km, is a popular picnic spot and Falklawn Mizo Village, a tourist attraction is 18 km away), spend time at the State Museum on Mcdonald hill, Zarkawt, whose collection of costumes, artifacts and historical relics tell you something about Mizo culture. You will encounter another colourful facet of Mizo tradition in the shops around Aizawl. Mizo women are expert weavers, a tradition handed down the generations - so do take colourful reminders of your visit in the form of traditional textiles such as puan with its intricate weave in the many colours, readily available in places such as Bara Bazar the main market.Mizo men are skilled craftsmen, working the native cane and bamboo into an inventive range of baskets and cane & bamboo items. The love of music amongst the Mizo's is amply evident on the streets of Aizawl as youngsters gather in throngs to listen to a rapt guitarist or a duet sung on a street corner; the music shops are abuzz with activity. Being in the city during one of their traditional festivals such a Chapachar Kut, Min Kut and Pawl Kut is a real treat. You will encounter some of the most fascinating vignettes of Mizo culture underscored by a magical joi de vivre, which touches even the fleeting visitor with its vigour. The dexterous footwork and colourful costumes of the famous Cheraw (bamboo dance) are spectacular. Phulpui Grave:There are two graves at Phulpui village in the Aizawl district of Mizoram India. It is said that, Zawlpala, Chief of Phulpui village, married the legendary beauty, Talvungi of Thenzawl. Talvungi was subsequently married to the chief of Rothai, Punthia. But, Talvungi could not forget Zawlpala, her previous husband. After many years when Zawlpala died, grief stricken Talvungi came to Phulpui, dug a pit by the side of Zawlpala's grave and asked an old woman to kill her and bury her in the grave. The love story, the graves ( of Zawlpala and Talvungi )and other related places at Phulpui are attractions to the visitors coming to Mizoram. Vantawang :Surrounded by a vast stretch of thick bamboo forests close to Thenzawl hill station is Mizoram's highest waterfall Vantawang (750 ft.). Located 152 km from Aizawl, this popular water body is worth a visit. If you can't get enough of it you can stay overnight for it's equipped with a cafeteria and cottage for hire. Champhai:Drive along the fertile plains of Champhai, about 200 km from Aizawl to enjoy the stunning vista of emerald rice fields bordered by the smoky hills of Myanmar. This bustling commercial hub on the Indo-Myanmar borderline also attracts nature lovers by the droves. Phawngpui:One of the finest encounter with Mizoram's splendid vistas is Phawngpui , its highest peak, which is extremely popular with trekkers and adventure enthusiasts. The Blue Mountain, as it is often referred to, is 300 km from Aizawl and close to the Myanmar border. Fragrant herbs and rare species of orchids and rhododendrons are found here. Under the protection of State Government's conservation programme, entry is monitored, but allows access to trekkers, picnickers and campers. Accommodation is available in Sangau and Vawmbuk village. You need a four-wheel drive to access Phawngpui. Lunglei:Situated in South Mizoram, this district headquarter town is a popular hill station offering fascinating vignettes of Mizoram's legendary natural beauty. Saiha :Saiha is an angler's paradise on the Chhimtuipui, Mizoram's biggest river, 378 km from Aizawl. Overnight stay can be arranged at the tourist lodge at Saiha. Phawngpui (Blue Mountain) is 30 kms away. Drive another 45 km to the popular Lake Palak, the largest in Mizoram and highly reputed for its varieties of wild duck, crabs and large fish. Tiger, bear, deer, and wild pig populate the forests of the wildlife sanctuary around the lake. Phawngpui:One of the finest encounter with Mizoram's splendid vistas is Phawngpui , its highest peak, which is extremely popular with trekkers and adventure enthusiasts. The Blue Mountain, as it is often referred to, is 300 km from Aizawl and close to the Myanmar border. Fragrant herbs and rare species of orchids and rhododendrons are found here. Under the protection of State Government's conservation programme, entry is monitored, but allows access to trekkers, picnickers and campers. Accommodation is available in Sangau and Vawmbuk village. You need a four-wheel drive to access Phawngpui. Tomb of Vanhimailian:Situated at Champhai in Aizawl district, near the Myanmar border. Champhai is about 194 km from Aizawl in Mizoram. Vanhimailian Sailo was a great chief who ruled over Champhai. A tomb was erected in his memory overlooking the vast Champhai plain. Champhai is situated in the Aizawl District and is about 194 km from Aizawl in Mizoram India.