Nestled 3,715 feet above sea level, amidst the verdant hills of Mizoram, Aizawl is home to natural splendour. As the capital and largest city of the state, itoffers several experiences for travellers seeking an escape into serenity. Whether hiking through lush forests, exploring ancient temples, or simply soaking in the peaceful ambience, Aizwal tourism promises an unforgettable journey into northeastern India's heart. So, pack your bags and begin an adventure to discover the city’s breathtaking beauty and cultural treasures. Explore the seat of a rich tribal cultural extravaganza through this Aizwal travel guide.
How to reach Aizawl
- By air: Lengpui Airport (AJL), situated approximately 32 km south of the city centre, serves as the gateway to Aizawl. The airport has only one terminal that caters to all flights to Aizawl and from it.
- By road: Aizawl is well-connected to neighbouring states and cities by road. National Highway 54 provides access to Aizawl from Silchar in Assam, while National Highway 150 connects it to Imphal in Manipur. Several state-run and private bus services ply these routes, offering comfortable travel options.
- By train: Aizawl does not have any railway station. The nearest railway station to Aizawl is in Silchar, Assam, about 184 km away.
- Local transport in Aizawl: Once in Aizawl, getting around is convenient with various local transportation options. The city boasts shared taxis and a local bus network, providing easy access to parts of Aizawl. Auto rickshaws are also available for shorter distances.
Places to visit
Reiek Hills
Adventurous trails, tribal culture, and panoramic vistas.
Exploration time: 3-4 hours
Falkawn Village
Exploration time: 2-3 hours
The Mizoram State Museum
Exploration time: 1-2 hours
Durtlang Hills
Exploration time: 2-3 hours
Kankaria Lakefront
Exploration time: 2-3 hours
Solomon's Temple
Exploration time: 1s-2 hour
Aizawl Zoological Park
Exploration time: 1-2 hoursView All 7 places
Places to eat
Aizawl offers a variety of dining options, ranging from local Mizo cuisine to international fare. Here are some popular places to eat in Aizawl:
Agashiye
Located in Chanmari, David's Kitchen is known for its good food and traditional Mizo dishes. They are reasonably priced and have a good ambience.
Popular dishes: Cantonese noodles, momos, and thukpa.
Swati Snacks
Satiate your craving for sweet treats with some freshly prepared pastries and cakes. You can also try their savoury items.
Popular dishes: Personalised wedding and birthday cakes.
Magnolia Restaurant
A fine-dining restaurant, Magnolia is a fantastic place to visit. The tasteful décor and good food draw tourists and locals in great numbers.
Popular dishes: Pasta, sausages, and egg benedict
Zamzo Grill & Kitchen Restaurant
Zamzo Restaurant is known for serving delicious Mizo cuisine. The restaurant offers bamboo shoot-based preparations, dishes of fish, and other traditional delicacies.
Popular dishes: Sizzler, drums of heaven, and crispy potatoes.
Chopstix
Chopstix is a comfortable place known for its delicious Chinese and Thai dishes, perfect for a flavorful dining experience.
Popular dishes: Momos and thukpa.
Things To Do
The capital of Mizoram offers a mix of cultural, natural, and historical attractions. Here are some things to do while in Aizawl:
Cultural tour
Nature walk
Museum visits
Trekking excursion
Best time to visit
While Aizawl experiences comfortable temperatures throughout the year, March to May is the best time to explore the city.
Most commonly spoken languages
Mizo, English, and Hindi are the most commonly spoken languages, reflecting the city's diverse linguistic landscape.
Shopping
Shopping in Aizawl offers a unique experience, focusing on local handicrafts, textiles, and traditional Mizo products. Some popular shopping destinations in Aizawl include:
- Bara Bazaar: The primary market of Aizawl, Bara Bazar, is known for its wide range of products, including clothes, accessories, handicrafts, and local food items.
- Thakthing Bazaar: Thakthing Bazaar is known for traditional Mizo textiles, including handwoven shawls, stoles, and fabrics.
- Solomon's Cave: A popular shopping complex, shops here sell various goods, including clothes, accessories, and souvenirs.
- Ritz Market: Ritz Market is a great place to shop for local handicrafts, including bamboo products, wooden carvings, and tribal jewellery.
Festivals
Aizawl celebrates several festivals that showcase the region's rich cultural heritage. Some of the major festivals celebrated in Aizawl include:
Chapchar Kut
Chapchar Kut is a harvest festival celebrated in March to welcome the spring season. It is marked by traditional dances, music, and feasts.
Mim Kut
Mim Kut is a festival celebrated in August/September after the maize harvest. It is a time of thanksgiving, celebrated with traditional dances and feasts.
Pawl Kut
Pawl Kut is a festival celebrated in December to mark the end of the harvest season. It is celebrated with cultural performances and feasting.
Thalfavang Kut
Thalfavang Kut is a festival celebrated in November to promote peace and harmony among different tribes of Mizoram. It is marked by cultural performances and community feasting.
Christmas
Christmas is celebrated enthusiastically in Aizawl, with churches beautifully decorated and special services held. The city comes alive with lights and decorations during this time.
More reasons to visit
There are several compelling reasons to visit Aizawl. Here are some more:
- Tamdil (Tam Lake): Tamdil, also known as the Tam Lake, is a scenic natural attraction in the city. Surrounded by lush green forests and rolling hills, it is renowned for its tranquil ambience and breathtaking beauty.
- Luangmual Handicrafts Centre: Luangmual Handicrafts Centre is a hub for traditional Mizo handicrafts. Artisans showcase their skills in crafting hand-woven shawls, bamboo products, and tribal jewellery. Visitors can witness the creation process and purchase authentic Mizo souvenirs, making it a must-visit for those interested in local crafts.
