Aizawl: Best Time To Visit, History, How To Reach, Places To See

Name:	Aizawl (Mizoram state capital)
Location:	Aizawl District, Mizoram, India
Climate:	Summers: 460 C (Max), 300 C (Min) | Winters: 280 C (Max), 060 C (Min)
Best Time to Visit:	October to May
Nearest Airport:	Lengpui Airport (Domestic airport, 32 km from Aizawl)
Railway Station:	Barirabi Railway Station (168 km) – Bairabi city in Kolasib district, Mizoram
Must Visits:	Mizoram State Museum, Durtlang Hills, Bung, Paikhai and Tamdil Lake
Language Spoken:	Mizo, English
STD Code:	0389

Aizawl is a bustling town in the remote northeast part of India. It is the scenic capital of the northeastern state of Mizoram. It is the largest city in the whole state with an area of 3576 square kilometers. Aizawl literally stands for “the home of the highlanders”, which has been rightly proved by the beauty and people of the city. The city comes under the administrative district of Aizawl and is thus, the center of all prominent government offices, state assembly house and civil secretariat. Aizawl is positioned at an altitude of 1,132 meters above the sea level, on the north of Tropic of Cancer. The city makes a nature delight with River Tlawng flowing softly in the east and serrated hills of Durtlang in its north. Aizawl has a rich tribal cultural burlesque and is blessed with natural beauty. It is well known for its exotic handicrafts worldwide.

Due to its location, Aizawl has a humid subtropical climate with mild summers (20° C – 30° C) and cool winters (11° C – 21° C). The best time to visit this naturally blessed town is from the month of October to May. The whole state of Mizoram was the part of Assam until 1987, when it became a specific Union Territory. Although it is located in the remote areas of north-east of India, it is well connected to the other parts of India. Lengpui Airport is situated near Aizawl that connects it with other cities’ airport like Kolkata‘s Netaji Subhash Chandra Bose International Airport and Guwahati Airport by various connecting flights. By road, you can reach Aizawl through National Highway 54 that connects Silchar, National Highway 40 that connects Agartala and National Highway 150 that links Imphal.

Tourism is one of the prominent businesses for Aizawl but most of its economy is sustained by government services and several major banks. Aizawl has some remarkable picturesque landscapes, which ideally attracts nature lovers to this remotely located tourist destination. It is an eminent religious and cultural hub for people of Mizoram called Mizos. Apart from the landscapes, it boasts of a variety of other places famous for sightseeing like Bara Bazar (shopping paradise), Luangmual Handicrafts Centre (for handicrafts), Mizoram State Museum, Durtlang Hills, Bung (a picnic spot), Paikhai and Tamdil Lake. If you wish to have a peaceful vacation far away from the tootles of metropolitan cities, take a trip to this enchanting place.

Best Time To Visit Aizawl

A trip to Northeastern India is incomplete without a visit to the picturesque capital city of Mizoram, Aizawl. To experience the rich tribal culture and vibrant essence of Northeast, you must visit Aizawl – The Home of the Highlanders. The exotic beauty and extravagant climate of the city not only allures people from India but from around the world. Standing high on the east by the sylvan valley of the River Tlawng, a trip to the place takes you away from that polluted and nettlesome city life. The colorful hills in the midst of clean air makes you feel calm and relaxed. Serving as one of the ideal hill stations in India, a family vacation in the city makes for an ideal getaway. Although the city enjoys a blissful climate, make sure to visit the place during the most agreeable season when the city is at its scenic best. To know more on when to visit Aizawl, go through the writing below.

When To Go To Aizawl

Weather

Due to its strategic position and close proximity to the Himalayan range, Aizawl mainly experiences a sub tropical climate. Like most other parts in India, Aizawl too witnesses three major seasons, namely summer, winter and monsoon. However, being a hill station, the summers here are usually cool with the mercury level never exceeding beyond 30° C. The rainy seasons extending from June to September brings in heavy rains. Winters, extending from November to February, are cold and extremely foggy with temperatures oscillating between 11° C to 21° C.

Best Time To Explore Aizawl

Although there is no particular time to explore the beauty of Aizawl, the city looks extremely gorgeous and welcoming from November to March, when the temperature is moderate and pleasant. The brilliant blue sky, cool misty mornings and wonderful calm nights make for a real visual treat. What’s more, winter is the best time to enjoy the regional festivities and delve deep into the rich culture of the state. The Chapchar Kut celebrated during the month of February or March is a grand harvest festival that gives you a sneak-peek into the lifestyle of the people of Mizoram. The Pawl Kut celebrated during December of January is other noted festival of the region, which is celebrated with great vigor. To enjoy the colorful culture coupled with attractive climate, do visit Aizawl anytime between November to March.

Things To Do

The lush tapestry of sylvan valleys, scenic hills and streaming lakes makes Aizawl a perfect nature retreat. Flecked with umpteenth attractions, this archaic city, dotted with tiny timber houses, beautiful blooms and contoured hills looks postcard perfect. Apart from its beautiful countryside and other scenic splendors, this tribal city offers a host of other attractions like sumptuous cuisine, salubrious weather and fun-filled festivals that makes the city come alive. To savor real Mizoram, do pay a visit to Mizoram State Museum which is chockfull of ancient relics and gorgeous artworks. If you are a shopping freak, then hitting the market lanes of Bazaar Bungkawn, Ritz Market, Burma Lane and New Market would tempt you to loosen your purse strings and indulge. After shopping and sightseeing, savoring the local delicacies is strongly recommended.

How To Reach

Nestled in the corner of the north-eastern region of the country, Aizawl is a picturesque dale and a perfect holiday destination for the tourists. With its sub-tropical climate, mesmerizing views, friendly atmosphere and colorful culture, Aizawl has many unexplored layers to it. From its hundred year old stronghold to its fresh variety of colorful blooms and modest timber made domiciles, Aizawl has a complete bucolic flavor to it. While you are in the city, you must ensure to visit the State Museum and the Mini Zoological Garden in your itinerary. The museum offers interesting and in-depth information on the way of life of the ‘Mizo’ tribe. The Zoological garden is a small little sanctuary that is home to some of the rare species that is commonly found in the region. Aizawl does have quite a few handicraft products that the place is famous for such as bamboo products, straw hats, cane items, flower vases, soft light woolies in vivid colors etc. Most of these items can be found in Bara Bazaar at throw away prices. While you are in the city of Aizawl, make sure to work up an appetite as the city has some of the most scrumptious food to offer. Aizawl is well connected to the nearby states. Scroll down the article to know more about how to reach Aizawl.

Traveling To Aizawl

By Air

The city of Aizawl is well connected by air. The closest airfield to Aizawl is Lengpui Airport situated 32 km away from the heart of the city. The Lengpui airport is one of the largest airports in the province. The runway authorities operate regular flights from Kolkata, Guwahati and alternative air flights to Imphal. The Lengpui airline is well known for its connectivity to its nearby airports in the north-east region. For those traveling from Assam to the capital of Mizoram can avail Silchar airport to reach Aizawl. Go Air, Jet Airways, JetLite, Jet Airways, SpiceJet and Air India are some of the domestic air carriers that commute to this region. However, Air India and Kingfisher are the only two domestic aircrafts that travel to this region regularly.

By Rail

Trains are the best and easiest way to commute in the sub-continent. With its large network of trains in the country, the city of Aizawl can be easily reached by railways. The nearest railway junction from Aizawl is in Silchar. Silchar is located 140 km away from Aizawl. Once you reach Silchar, you can hire a cab and take the NH 54 route to reach the place. A journey by the local train is said to be an ideal way to commute, to catch a glimpse of the beautiful scenery of undulating terrain and interact with the local inhabitants in the region.

By Road

Aizawl is also connected through national highways. The NH 45 route connects Silchar to Aizawl while the NH 40 and 150 connects the city to Agartala and Imphal respectively. The roads are quite well maintained and there are several taxis available in the region. Since Aizawl is a hilly terrain with narrow roads, deluxe buses are not a common sight in the region. Instead you will find several mini buses and vans along with yellow and white taxicabs. Most of the mini buses and cars in the region are operated by private travel agents.

Places To See In Aizawl

Surrounded by the Tuirial and the Tlawng rivers and lush green gorges with fragrant blooms that add color to the landscape, Aizawl is not just the capital but the pride of Mizoram. This tiny little hill state is not just know for its salubrious weather, fresh mountain air and beautiful striking orchids but also for its rich heritage, diverse art and craft and colorful festivals. Aizawl does have quite a few tourist attractions, the most prominent ones being the Mizoram State Museum, Bara Bazaar, Luangmual Handicraft Centre and Mini Zoological Garden. Visit the state museum to get an insight on the Mizoram culture that is uniquely found in the region or head straight to Bara bazaar to stuff your shopping bags with loads of handicraft products that Aizawl is famous for. For all those who can’t seem to get enough of the adventure thrills can go trekking up the wildlife reserves and if you are lucky you may just catch a glimpse of Hoolock Gibbon or Assamese Macaque swiftly swinging on tree-tops or see the wild elephants, leopards and the Indian bison lazing around. Read the article to know more about the places to see in Aizawl.

Tourist Attractions In Aizawl

Mizoram State Museum

The Mizoram State Museum is an interesting place to visit in Aizawl. The museum is said to be situated on the Mc Donald Hill, which forms the central part of the town. The storehouse throws light on the life of the ‘Mizo tribe’ and has an array of collection on weapons, utensils, textiles and other traditional objects. The state museum is certainly an educative tour that you can look forward to while visiting the city.

Aizawl’s Bara Bazaar

Most of you would agree that you cannot experience the true charms of a place without delving on the local produces popularly found in the region, even if it means going to a remote hamlet. Bara Bazaar is a well known flea market in the city of Aizawl. You can shop for a variety of bright colorful traditional garments, multihued woven shawls, stoles, handmade wicker baskets, wooden artifacts and many more interesting things. Although Aizawl does not have any hi-end shopping malls, it is quite a unique experience shopping in this open mart.

Luangmual Handicrafts Centre

The Luangmual Handicraft Centre is an interesting place to visit. The centre specializes in handicraft objects found in the region. One of its specialties are the popular ‘Khumbeu’, the ceremonial hat made from waterproof wild Hnanthial leaves that are grown in the hilly terrain. This handicraft centre is located 7 km away from the main city centre.

Mini Zoological Garden

The zoological garden in Aizawl is said to be located on a hill known as Bethlehem Vengthlang. The sanctuary shelters several species of mammals and birds. The wildlife found in the zoo is unique to the hilly region. The Sun Bears are known to be a major attraction in the zoo that lures tourists to this place. Mini Zoological Garden is a place that people of all age group would enjoy visiting.

Durtlang Hills

Durtlang Hills are a rocky mount that provides a breathtaking view of the entire city of Aizawl. Situated on the northern side of the city, the hill-top is often trekked by tourists and locals who want to catch a panoramic view of the city. Once you reach the highest point of the hill, you are sure to find the view worth trudging the rocky trail.

Berawtlang Tourist Complex

Berawtlang Tourist Complex is yet another important tourist spot and is 7 km away from the capital. The complex is an entertainment centre that hosts a number of cultural activities. The Berawtlang Tourist Complex is a popular avenue that conducts several ceremonial functions and fairs. During the peak season, the building also provides accommodations to the local people. So, the next time you are in the city, make your bookings in advance so that you don’t miss out a single moment of the entire ritual practices carried out.

Bung and Paikhai

Paikhai is located 16 km away from the main town and is an ideal picnic spot. You can find many tourists and local people who come to Paikhai to spend a private gathering with friends and loved ones. Bung is located close to Paikhai and is another beautiful and isolated green patch in the hills. So, what are you waiting for, pack that picnic basket and head out to either of the place to enjoy a nice lazy afternoon under a shady tree.

Shopping In Aizawl

Aizawl is a simple city that effortlessly bowls you over with its incredible charm and beautiful landscape. Contoured hills, colored rhododendrons, clear blue skies and swirling mist elevates the beauty of this scenic place to dizzying heights. The quaint city of Aizawl is all about natural splendor, great music, festive jubilations and lip-smacking cuisine. Although there is not much to do and explore here, the bait of trekking down the hills or camping in the sylvan valleys truly makes for an incredible vacation experience. Besides touring, another great way to while away your time is by strolling down the famous bazaars and picking up some regional specialties of this place. Although Aizawl doesn’t boast of too many shopping attractions, regional attractions like wicker baskets, hand woven traditional attires, finely woven shawls and bamboo souvenirs definitely tops the list of must-buy attractions. Some of the best places to shop in Aizawl are New Market, Ritz Market, Bazar Bungkawn, Thakthing Bazar and Solomon’s Cave. However, the best place to shop in Aizawl is inarguably Bara Bazaar. To know all about the shopping places in Aizawl, read on.

Shopping Places

Bara Bazaar

Bara Bazaar is the main shopping hub in Aizawl and one of the primary attractions among tourists. The vibrant market lanes are lined up with various kinds of shops selling cosmetics, garments, vegetables traditional handicrafts, household products and lots more. Early evenings generally gets crowded with tourists and local inhabitants. The handlooms articles found here are good and appealing. Some of the popular selling items of this market is textile bags, shawls, bamboo works, woolen sweaters, etc.

Luangmual Handicrafts Centre

Luangmual Handicrafts Centre, positioned 7 km away from Aizawl, is a good place to buy Khumbeu or Mizo hat, a ceremonial hat made out of Hnahthial leaves. This attractive hat is waterproof and durable. Besides hats, check out other range of artifacts such as jewelry baskets made out of bamboo, wicker baskets, wooden articles and hand woven purses, to name a few.

Solomon’s Cave

Soloman’s Cave, located in Zodin Square, has a good collection of apparels, music, cosmetics, shoes, etc. The youth of Aizawl and shoppers gather at this famous store to check out the interesting assortment of souvenirs. Another good place to hit for cane products and bamboo crafts is Ritz Market.

Hnam Chhantu Antu Pawl

To buy authentic handicraft products, head over to Hnam Chhantu Antu Pawl that is situated in Electric Veng. Finding this place is not a difficult task since it is an important landmark in the city. Interesting knick-knacks, bamboo baskets, purses, hats, etc are stored here. The top picks of this shop include paper weights made out of teakwood, wooden boots, pen stands, bamboo flower vases and bamboo tea coasters.

Millennium Center

Millennium Center is the major shopping complex in Aizawl and can be easily reached. The younger crowd love to gather over here to hang out with their friends and have a gala time by indulging in shopping. Branded apparels, handicrafts, gift items, accessories for women, watches, etc. can be bought from here. This attractive 3-storeyed building is a nice place to roam around leisurely.