Aizawl is the largest city and capital of the state of Mizoram in North East India. Situated on a ridge 1132 meters (3175 ft.) above the sea levels in the northern part of Mizoram, Aizawl has Tiawng river valley and Tuirial river valley on the west and eastern sides respectively.
A beautiful city with several notable tourist places, it hosts multiple communities of Mizo tribe maintaining peaceful coexistence as the main theme. A host of jungle products, monuments, legends, and folklores are the major tourist attractions in this fascinating city. Picturesque and peaceful, the city also has views of exotic landscape of verdant hills stretching across the horizon.
Aizawl was chosen as the site of fortified post in 1890 on the recommendation of Mr. Dally of Assam Police in a bid to punish Lianphunga for raiding Chittagong hill tracts. Literal meaning of ‘Aizawl” is ‘a field of wild cardamom’. The city was set up at its present site by great Mizo chefs Lalsavunga and Thanruma in the early 19th century. By 1892-95, Aizawl became accessible by fair weather road through Silchar. Till 1966, it was only a large village but after creation of the state of Mizoram in 1987, it quickly turned into a city. Today over 25% of the people of Mizoram reside in the city of Aizawl.
While most of the hotels have their own restaurants, finding high styled independent restaurants is difficult. Mizo people love non-vegetarian delicacies that are boiled. Among vegetarian food, Bai is a popular local dish i.e. boiled vegetables with a pinch of salt. Eating in the hotel where one stays is the best option for visitors. In family restaurants, one can find north Indian, tandoor, and Chinese foods. Hotel Royale and Hotel Chef are some of the good family restaurants.
Main shopping centre in Aizawl are Millennium Centre, Bara Bazaar, and Solomon’s Cave where one can find all types of garments, cosmetics, shoes, and even vegetables and poultry items. One can visit Hnam Chhantu Pawl run by an NGO and located in Electric Veng near Grace Hospital. Major handicraft centres are Zohanco in Zarkawt where one finds good bamboo caps and most of the handicrafts are available at MKVI, Sales Emporium in Zarkawt. Prices however do not vary much com
Some of the important places nearby Aizawl are:
- Imphal: This is the capital city of the state of Manipur well known for its lakes, falls, parks, and wildlife
- Agartala: This is the capital city of the state of Tripura and a hill station known for its temples and wildlife
- Shillong: This is the capital city of the state of Meghalaya and another hill stations known for gardens, falls, and lakes
- Kohima: This is the capital city of Nagaland and famous for hills wildlife and museum.
- Baktawng Village: Located approximately 70 km. from Aizawl, Baktawng is the habitation of the world’s largest family of Pu Ziona with 39 wives, 94 children, 14 daughters, and 33 grant children.
- Tamdil: This is a natural lake reputed for fish and prawns located at a distance of about 6 km. from Saitaul which is near to Aizawl.
- Hmuifang: Located around 50 km. from Aizawl, Hmuifang is perched as high as 1619 meters. This reserved forest has lush green landscape.
- Reiek: A popular tourist spot around 12 km. from Aizawl, Reiek is located at an elevation of 1548 meters from the sea levels. Surrounded by thick bushes and trees, Reiek hills house a variety of birds and rare wildlife species.
- Khuangchera Puk: This is a cave in Ailawng near Reiek; it is located about 30 km. from Aizawl.
Some more places to explore nearby include:
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Vantawng waterfall, a picturesque fallsurrounded by thick greenery located near to Aizawl
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Saiha, which is located on thebiggest river of Mizoram
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Dampa located about 100 km. awayfrom Aizawl is a reserve forest in Phaileng district