Aizawl
It is a beautiful, bustling 112 year old city capital of Mizoram, the fifth smallest state of India set on rigdges of steep hills. It is the largest city of the state located north of the Tropic of Cancer in the northern part of Mizoram.
Situated on a ridge 1132 meters (3715 ft) above the sea level it flanked by the Tlawng River Valley to the west and the Tuirial River Valley to the east. Located on the sides by the craggy peaks of Durtlang on the north the hill city cozily overlooks the valley of River Tlawng and the series of spectacular blue hills beyond as far as the eyes can see.
Aizawl offer plenty tourist attractions to tourists and habitants alike. The capital city houses all important Government offices including the State Assembly and the Civil Secretariat. Mizoram is considered one of the safest places to travel in India. The Mizos are peace loving and hospitable by nature, and the state is conveniently free from insurgency and tribal conflicts which are often witnessed in other northeastern states.
The State Museum at McDonald Hill, Beraw Tlang Tourist Complex, Science Center, Beraw Tlang, Aizawl Zoological Park, Lungverh, Durtlang Hills; KVI Handloom and Handicraft Sales Emporium, Zarkawt; MAHCO Showroom, Treasury Square; ZOHANDCO Showroom, Chaltlang; Horticulture Centre, Chite; K. V. Paradise, Durtlang; Martyr's Memorial, Luangmual; LAD Park, Muthi and Muthi Hilltop are some interesting places to visit in and around Aizawl.
How to reach
Aizawl is airlinked by daily flights from Kolkata and Guwahati. It is connected to Imphal by air and is equally accessible from Shillong, Guwahati and Silchar by road.
By Air
Lengpui Airport is 1 hour drive from Aizawl and is well connected by Air to Kolkata, Guwahati and Imphal
By Train
Nearest Railhead is Silchar in Assam which is about 6 hours drive from Aizawl. Maxi Cabs are available from Zarkawt, Aizawl.
\By Road
NH 54 connects Aizawl with the rest of the country through Silchar. Buses and taxis ply from Silchar to Aizawl (6-8 hours). Night services are also available. Aizawl is also accessible by road from Shillong and Guwahati.
Entry Permits
Domestic tourists require Inner Line Pass (ILP) to enter Mizoram other than government employees. ILPs can be obtained from the Liaison Officers posted at Mizoram Houses from New Delhi, Kolkata, Mumbai, Guwahati, Shillong, Silchar, Vellore and Bangalore. It can also be obtained on arrival at Lengpui Airport. Two passport size photos and a photo identity is required for obtaining ILP.
Foreign nationals do not require Restricted Area Permit (RAP). Instead they need to register themselves at the office of the Superintendent of Police (CID/SB) Mizoram within 24 hours of arrival. However, citizens of Afghanistan, China and Pakistan require prior approval from the Ministry of Home Affairs before entering the state.
Best time to visit
Throughout the year, September to April being the most favorable period when the skies are clear, the temperature moderate and pleasant, the jungles easier to access and more colorful, and the entire landscape looks breathtakingly pleasing to the eye.
Climate
In summer, temperature ranges from 20-30 degrees Celsius, and in the winter 11-21 degrees Celsius.
Mizoram has a pleasant and moderate climate which is in sharp contrast to the other hilly areas in the North East India. It is tolerably warm in summer and not so cold in winter. During winter there is no snow even in the highest peaks, though some ground frost may occur in a few places, and the temperature varies from 9 degree C and 20 degree C, the minimum level lasting practically for a few days only and hardly rising above 30 degree C even in summer.
Winter starts from November and lasts up to February the next year, which is followed by spring that usually ends in the middle of April. Around this time, storms start to come occasionally heralding the coming of summer, during which the hills and mountains are shrouded in a mystique world of bluish hazes. With sporadic drizzles to counteract it, the heat even at this time is temperate and bearable. The period from June to August is known as the rainy season. The average rainfall in Mizoram is 208 cm. The climate is most pleasant during autumn which stretches from September to October, during which the air begins to be clear and one can get good views of the distant mountain ranges from a vantage point.
Boarding & Accommodation
At Aizwal one can find hotel accommodation offering a good experience to a moderate stay and may choose from a string of hotels all available at short distances. Hotel Chief, Hotel Ritz, Hotel Tropicana, Millennium Hotel, Hotel Ahimsa, Hotel Regency, Hotel Royale, Hotel Floria, Hotel David’s Clover, Riak Maw Inn, Chawlhna Hotel, Hotel Sangchia and The Grand Aizawl are some one can comfortably choose from.
Restaurants
Mizoram cuisines offer both vegetarian and non-vegetarian delicacies. One of the main specialties of the food is that it is very different from the food available in other parts of the country. The Mizos generally do not prefer spicy and oily spreads.
Mizoram in general is a dry state. However, the Liquor Prohibition Act has been amended to allow only the locally brewed grape wine called “Zawlaidi” meaning “love potion” in English. Zawlaidi is available in the market at a price of INR 145 per bottle.
Restaurants offering Indian, Chinese and western style platters can be found in Aizwal. One may check out David's Kitchen, Chanmari; Sivermoon Thali, near Ramhlun Indoor Stadium; Curry Pot, Upper Khatla; Cozy Den, Khatla; Crown Restaurant, Temple Square; Jojo's Cafe, Zarkawt; Aizawl Masala, Zarkawt; Zote Bakery, Dawrui; Silvermoon Restuarant, Chanmari; Pemarin Corner, Mellinenium Center; Top Chef near Vanapa Hall; Hotel Regency, Zarkawt and Hotel Ritz, Dawrpui for a great eat out while in Aizawl.