Monday, September 30, 2019

Travelogue Mizoram



Travelogue Mizoram



Planning the Trip


Since we desired to see something new and unexplored, we decided to visit Mizoram. Planning was not easy. The time is May – June when schools are closed for long vacation and children start pestering you to take them out. However, in Mizoram monsoon starts in May and goes up to Sept. Twice in the past, we had to abandon the idea due to this reason. However in 2019, when fully retired I decided to take this up again.

After googling extensively, we made list of places which we would like to visit but not many tour operators were keen. The tour operators list on internet was not very helpful as we didn’t get any response. Here, we had made itinerary based on my study of Mizoram geography but didn’t know how to proceed further. Ultimately, we visited Mizoram House in Chankyapuri  for discussion and found that my itinerary was completely wrong and needed correction. It was suggested that we must attempt to attend Chapercharkut festival in March. I also obtained information on reliable tour operators.

Things improved after that, I got positive response from Evergreen Tours and Mr. Maliana suggested some changes in the itinerary based on his experience. He also suggested that accommodation in Homestay or travel lodges where ever possible. Hotels are not available in all the places in Mizoram. The day of travel from Delhi was fixed as 28 Feb. 2019 as Chapcherkut festival is scheduled on first Friday of March i.e. 01 March 2019.

Then came second hurdle that there was no flights to Aizwal on Thursday. Jet had withdrawn its daily flight service from Delhi. Mr. Maliana suggested us to travel to Silchar. He even arranged the road journey from Silchar airport to Aizwal.

Day 1 - Arrival in Aizwal

We reached Silchar via Kolkatta. On reaching Silchar airport, we found Mr. Rina waiting for us with placard. On entering the border of Mizoram, we took ILP (Inner Line Permit) which is mandatory requirement. It was observed strictly in the past but since situation has improved, now nobody cares, Rina explained. Soon it started raining. Our journey through hills was cumbersome and tiring. When we reached our place of stay in Aizwal – ZRS Homestay, we were relieved. The ZRS Homestay was excellent ,much better than any 3 star hotel room. We took dinner and went to sleep.

Day 2 - Chapchar Kut Festival

We got ready around 9.00 AM. Mr. Maliana came and talked to us for some time. He intimated that a guide will accompany us throughout the trip. All our apprehensions got erased by this one sentence. He said that Rina will act as guide for first 2 days. Rina came after a short while and we left in his car to Assam Rifles parade ground right in the heart of Aizawl where festival was being held.

Chapchar Kut literally means - a festival held during the period when the bamboos and trees that have been cut down are being awaited to dry to be burnt for jhumming. The festival is celebrated in the month of March. The Chapchar Kut festival evolved sometime between 1450 -1600 A.D. when the Mizo forefathers inhabit Lentlang. In the olden days, the festival could last for days

On this day people of all ages, young and old, men and women get dressed up in their colorful costumes with head gears and jewelries Various folk dances and traditional songs are accompanied by beating of drums, gongs and cymbals. They dance in blissful celebration of life, each team displaying the preeminence of its region.

Bamboo dance (also known as the Cheraw dance) is another feature which is performed with the help of long bamboo staves. It is considered as the most colorful and distinctive dance of the Mizos and this dance form requires skill and an alert mind. One is captivated at the sight where thousands of young girls, dressed in traditional Mizo outfits called 'Puanchei', are dancing to the beats of bamboo, While the men were seen sitting on the ground and beat the bamboos.

Different styles of dance performances take place amid beats of drums. Khuallam, Chheihlam, Chai and Sarlamknce are other dances performed during this festival. Some dances are firmly martial dance performed by warriors with their weapons and trophies.  
                                               

                                         
                                                            Chapchar Kut 


In the olden days, liquor was mandatory part of celebration but the modern version of Chapchar Kut have done away with liquor. In fact, Mizoram has been a dry state for years; the Young Mizo Association (YMA), the largest NGO in the state, is combating drug and alcohol on a war footing and they are also very much a major player in organizing Chapchar Kut.


After 2-3 hours of skits in Mizo language followed by traditional dance performances, stage was set for pop music performances. The crowd went berserk when the choicest of the Mizo pop divas performed Mizo songs. We witnessed that right from toddlers to policemen, who were supposed to keep watch, were practically dancing.

We also witnessed different mizo delicacies as well as fast food being available to satisfy the appetite. Exhibition and sale of native Handloom and Handicraft products were also organized.

In the evening, we came back completely fulfilled. In the evening after dinner, we sat on the terrace and looked at the beautiful sight of sky filled with stars. Also the sight of Aizwal city in the night was enthralling.

                                               


                                                              Aizwal by night.


Day 3 - Aizwal Local

Today was the day devoted to local sightseeing. We started with Mini Zoo. While going through the city we noticed that 90% of the market and business were run by the women section of the society.

Rina explained that Mizoram is casteless society where women enjoy equal status as men in Mizoram. Mizoram is second least populated state of India after Sikkim. The population density is 52 persons per square kilometer. The sex ratio of the state is 976 females per thousand males, higher than the national ratio 940. The literacy rate of Mizoram in 2011 was 91.58 % higher than the national average 74 % and third best among all the states of India. Elders are very much respected in Mizoram.

The Mizo Society is basically patriarchal in nature where male dominance is prevalent with the husband, being the head of the family. In the past, women were not treated as equal to their male counterparts. The status of the Mizo women in the family was wretched. The right to inherit the property was denied to the women. A girl child, right from her childhood, made herself available to the parents and assisted them as much as she could. Dowry, or bride price, was also practiced by the Mizo society. The girl was purchased and the price was distributed among the relatives of both paternal and maternal lines.

Old Mizo sayings:

“Crab’s meat is not counted as meat, as women’s word is not counted as word.”

“Bad wife and bad fence can be changed. But the unthreatened wife and unthreatened grass of the fields are both unbearable”.

describe the women’s status in the past.

However, the advent of Christianity and the expansion of education brought tremendous changes in the status of the Mizo women. Women are no longer considered inferior to their male counterparts. Women, today, are self-confident and self-reliant. The bride price is still prevalent because they seek to preserve the customs that were once practiced by their grandparents.

Today women’s participation and suggestions are respected by men. Women hold respectable jobs from primary school teachers to officers’ rank in government services and universities. From running vegetable markets to garment stores, drug stores and restaurants , women power is visible everywhere. Women constitute about 59% of the state’s workforce. The only places where you will see men working are at hardware shops, automobile shops and in the transport businesses. 

 Mini Zoo

The visit to Mini Zoo was however boring practically walking up and down with few enclosures of monkeys. The ambiance was good with greenery everywhere. My wife was however excited to see local plant varieties and poured her knowledge of botany over my head. I kept a straight face and tried hard to nod regularly to look interested. 

                                                                 



                                               Walk in the mini zoo

 Solomon Temple

Solomon's Temple is situated at the hilltop called Kidron Valley, Chawlhmun, on the western outskirts of Aizawl It was constructed by a religious group called Kohhran Thianghlim (Holy Church). The church was founded by Dr. L.B. Sailo (who is also the director of animal husbandry and veterinary department under the Mizoram government) . According to his words -

"In the year 1991, God had shown me Solomon's Temple in my dreams. I never thought of Solomon's temple ever before, nor had any dream of constructing it. As soon as I woke up, I wrote down the temple as I saw in my dream"

The construction of this historic monumental multi-storied temple commenced on December 25, 1996, setting a time frame of 20 years for its completion. It also paved way to a successor to the original Solomon's Temple of Jerusalem mentioned in the Old Testament.

Jews across the world had been looking forward to the rebuilding of King Solomon's temple on the Temple Mount in Jerusalem, which will be the third temple. The first temple was built by Solomon in ancient Jerusalem which was destroyed following the siege of Jerusalem in 587 BC. It was replaced with the second temple in 6 BC, which was again destroyed in 70 AD.

According to L.B. Sailo, God has "shifted" the site of the Solomon Temple from Jerusalem to Mizoram.

The name Kidron has special significance in Christianity as it is the name of a ravine E of Jerusalem, leading to the Mount of Olives: traditionally identified by Jewish, Christian, and Muslim religions as the Valley of Decision, the place of final judgment. According to the New Testament, Jesus crossed the valley many times traveling between Jerusalem and Bethany. The valley contains the Garden of Gethsemane, where Jesus prayed the night before he was executed. The name Kidron was mentioned in John 18:1.

The construction of the temple costed Rs 8 crore, which was a gigantic task for the Holy Church whose members account for less than 1 per cent of the Christian population in Mizoram.

A church member who showed us around emphasized that no support from any Government agency was sought, "Most of the funds are contributed by the church members. Donation was also collected worldwide, but that has been minimal. Visitors from time to time, donated considerable amount of money to the Temple authority, which is worthy of appreciation. However, there is no compulsory collections/entry fee/charge to the visitors. High quality marble was imported from outside, to make the temple the first and only temple in Mizoram with a marble structure.
                                                           


                                                       Solomon Temple 

It is said that Solomon’s temple looks similar to the namesake church of Jerusalem spoken of in the Old Testament. The Temple area accommodates 2,000 people within the main hall and ten thousand people within its courtyard. A verandah (called porch of Solomon’s Temple’.) is attached to the exterior of the main hall on all four sides. Above the porch, on all four sides, there are tall pillars, carrying Seven David’s stars representing angels/messengers of the Seven Churches of Revelation (Rev. 1:20).
Within its compound, the temple complex has natural park covered by various forest trees to shade and fruits for bird and squirrel of different kinds meant for their sanctuary,

The Temple was officially inaugurated on Christmas day in 2017. The Temple has become a major tourist attraction/destination in Mizoram particularly for Aizawl.


We wanted to spend more time with the splendid building and wanted to know more. But the church member present either was not knowledgeable or was not interested. He asked us to read the information on the board and went away. I wish somebody who is more knowledgeable is tasked to interact with the visitors and provide the information.

 Mizoram State Museum

The Mizoram State Museum is essentially an ethnographic museum with multipurpose collections on display. There are five galleries - Textile Gallery , Ethnology Gallery , History Gallery , Anthropology and Zoology Gallery. It is well maintained and exhibits are well presented. We enjoyed the rich collection and information about Mizo history and culture. We found History and Anthropology galleries more informative than others. Photography was not permitted.

 K.V Paradise

“It is our Taj Mahal”, our guide Rina said.

We were in front of a two storeyed building on a hill top called Durtlang. This building is called KV Paradise. It is a landmark that depicts a man's affection for his better half.

 The name K.V Paradise comes from the initials of the names of the couple. Khawlhring (K) Chhawnthuama & Rosanpuii Varte (V).When Khawlhring's wife Varte passed away in a road accident in 2001, he chose to assemble a commemoration for his better half close to his home. The KV Paradise is around 45 minutes drive from the Aizwal city and a couple of minutes from Durtlang Hills. Rina told us that Mr. Khawlhring runs a motel at his old place which is only a short distance from here.

The monument was completed around the year 2006. The ground floor contains the erected memorial along with a huge painting of Mrs. Varte and the upper floor contains a gallery where accessories of Mrs. Varte like her footwear, dresses and photographs depicting various phases for her life are kept. Even the photos of her marriage to her husband Mr. Khawlhring are displayed here.  
   
                                                             

                                                       
                                                     KV paradise


There is a certain opulence to this structure as it was built with marble and granite and the beautiful stained glass windows were specially made for it. The locals like to look at it as their own little version of the Taj Mahal.

He didn’t spare any effort and cost to make it grand and memorable. The granite and marble flooring came all the way from Rajasthan, the specially designed tinted glasses (12 mm thick) were brought from Chennai and the spectacular fountain near the tomb was sourced from Calcutta. The marble fountain-patio has wonderful views of Aizawl on a facing ridge.


Frankly speaking, we were quite moved with building which depicts man’s love for his wife.

Durtlang Hill

 We moved to Durtlang hill to view the panoramic view of Aizwal. We couldn’t see the sunset as it was cloudy.
                                             

                                  Panoramic view of Aizwal from Durtlang Hill.


In the evening after dinner, we reflected on KV Paradise as it had emotionally affected us.


Day 4 - Visiting Serlui Hydel Project

Mr. Maliana came at 10.00 AM along with a girl Ms Zodin who was to act as our guide for next 2 days. Since we were to spend night at dam site, we had packed one suitcase for overnight stay. We started in 15 minutes. 

 We were surprised to find the markets as well as streets deserted. Zodin explained that today being Sunday, all people go to Church for mass. Majority of people follow it religiously. We had problem in locating a functioning petrol pump since most of them were closed due to this reason.

Zodin said that Serlui dam site is around 110 KM and journey will take around 5 hours. Serlui B Dam is basically an earthen dam with three units, each with a capacity to generate 4 MW of power . Normal tourists don’t go there as it is is upcoming. Otherwise it is beautiful sight specially for nature lovers.

We stopped for lunch around 2.00 PM at the way side restaurant. The eating places are not clean neither the food was very good quality specially for us who are used to dhabas all along highway. I remembered what Zodin said in the beginning that it is upcoming. Perhaps, more facilities will get developed when the sight becomes more popular. We survived on Lays chips and bananas.

The approach road to dam site is also not developed. It took a bit of off- roading to reach the place. We directly went Tourist Lodge which was very good and then to dam site. Our fatigue evaporated on reaching the dam site. The dam is located at an untouched serene place and was quite exciting for nature lovers like us. 
                                                               

                                                               Serlui Dam Site

                                                                     

                                                                         Serlui Dam Site

We spent about an hour roaming around there and enjoying the ambiance. The Tourist Lodge was very good and dinner was specially prepared for us. We spent around 2 hours after dinner in the balcony on the river side enjoying the surrounding.

Day 5 - Visit to Model Mizo Tribal Village

Morning, we took boat ride in the river and went up to island to see the facilities like cottages being developed for the tourists. Later we started back for Aizwal. Zodin told us that we shall visit model mizo tribal village at Falkwan before going to Aizwal. This got us excited since we had read quite a lot about mizo tribes, mizo warriors, head hunters etc. Even though with spread of education, old tribal culture has almost vanished, Govt. has developed the model village to showcase old tribal way of life.

The present Indian state of Mizoram (literally- Mizoland  was called the Lushai Hills or Lushai Country and was defined as an excluded area during the British Raj  and a district of Assam in independent India. The people of the Lushai Hills demanded a distinct political territory when India achieved independence. Due to continued efforts by its people to gain autonomy, the national government approved Mizoram in 1972 as a Union Territory and in 1987 as a full-fledged state.

The people of Mizoram mainly comprises of various groups of Kuki tribe such as Hmar, Lushai, Ralte, Pawi, Thadou and Zou. However with a sense of unity they prefer to call themselves as Mizo as most of the tribes speak Mizo Tawng, the common language.

The warrior tribes regularly raided neighboring villages mainly for loot and slaves but also took the heads of their enemies back home with them. These heads were then hung on trees or atop bamboo posts as trophies at the village entry.

For the Mizo warriors, the act of bringing home an enemy’s head was a way to prove their achievements. Head-taking was done for a number of reasons among the tribes. They did it not only to prove their superiority over enemies but also to appease evil spirits and attain paradise after death. Moreover, successful headhunters had a better chance of finding prospective brides and earning the respect of the bride’s family.



Falkawn is a small village situated 18 km. south of the main city of Aizawl. Depicting the lifestyle and culture of a typical Mizo village, this site is frequently visited by tourists. Art & Cultutre Department, Government of Mizoram Department has set up a Cultural Centre (Zokhua) at Falkawn in 1992. 

The centre is a mini live-museum where Zawlbuk (Dormitory), Lal In (Chief’s House), Pum (Blacksmiths) and other Mizo typical houses are erected. There are freedom fighter memorial stones and Taitesena commemoration stone.

Zodin explained that a typical village was usually set on the crest of a hill with the chief’s hut at the centre. We saw the chief’s (Lal In) house with animal head at the entrance. She said that chief’s house is bigger than other houses. The village elders used to live in nearby houses.                                                                


                                                         Tribal Chief’s house



The bachelors’ dormitory (called Zawlbuk) , was an important part of village. Here all the young men gathered at dusk and slept at night. The dormitory was located in the open space on the highest pint of village opposite the Chief’s house. It has no door but a 2-3 feet high wooden wall at the entrance.

  In case of emergency like an attack by rival tribe, the bachelor warriors would take their arms and jump the wall. They were ever ready for any emergency such as fire, tribal war etc. Training on the art of tribal warfare, wrestling, hunting and village governance were imparted to the youths. It was also used as a rest house for visitors to the village. 

                                                                 
                                                                   
                                             Bachelor Dormitory


Many house had bamboo platform adjoining the front verandah. It was used by the women folk sit, chitchat and do their weaving, while the young men lied at their ease and flirted with charming girls .

Today in the dinner, we were served Mizo Bai as a side dish. The lady of the house (Mrs. Konga) explained that it is special mizo recipe containing vegetables specially boiled in mizo style. It was delicious.


Day 6 - Aizwal – Baktwang: Visiting largest family in the world

Today we embarked on journey to Baktwang to meet largest family in the world living under one roof. It is world record. Bhaktwang is around 70 KM from Aizwal. The journey took around 5 hours through mountainous road. It was quite scenic.

On reaching there, we were greeted by one of the daughter in law's who made us comfortable and offered us tea. She intimated that father in law Mr. Ziona Chana has 94 children by 39 different wives, 14 daughters-in-law and 33 grandchildren. Thus total 181 members are living in this four storey house with 100 rooms.
The Kitchen is common and is always full of activity. The male members are involved in business of furniture, which is roaring success. There is a furniture workshop where every body works. The family also has a football ground where regular match takes place between family members.

The father in law considers himself fortunate to be head of such a large and close knit family. We were featured in Ripley’s Believe It or Not! top 11 strangest stories for the year 2011 and in 2013's Ripley Believe It or Not book 9.  
                                                         

           Mr. Ziona Chana sitting room (Photo of Mr. Chana is in background)

She showed us kitchen, the furniture workshop and the football ground. She explained that living quarters on upper floors are out of bounds for visitors and even photography is not allowed to protect the privacy. On our special request, she allowed us to take one photograph of sitting room.

While taking leave, I asked her how does she feel living with 39 mother in laws. She gave a hearty laugh.

While coming back we were thinking that where there are couples who separate from parents within first few years of marriage, Mr. Chana has kept together and is managing such a large family. It is truly wonderful.

Today on our request, we were served Mizo Bai as one of the dishes.

Day 7 - Visiting Reiek mountain

Today we packed our luggage for 2 days stay outside. After breakfast we started for Reiek with Rina as our guide. The Reiek Hill is one of the highest in North Mizoram. It is around 35 KM from Aizawl.

Anthurium Plantation

On the way we first visited Anthurium plantation. Anthurium is tropical ornamental plant and is cultivated for its colourful, long-lasting flowers or the attractive foliage. They have Gained importance as major cut flowers of the modern world. Mizorum has come up very well for its cultivation and export. They are exported to Dubai and other countries too. For the internal market, the flowers are first shipped to Kolkata and then to Mumbai, Delhi and Bangalore.


Zopar is a Bangalore based Exports Pvt Limited that has a nursery in Aizawl. They have specially fabricated greenhouses with drip irrigation facilities. We saw large greenhouses, each housing a different varieties of flowers. 
                                                         



                                              Anthurium cultivation



Reiek Summit

In Reiek tourist lodge we were allotted a cottage having full fledged apartment with 3 bedrooms and drawing cum dining hall. We had lunch and immediately started for Reiek summit. The trail started right from the tourist lodge. The trail was slippery and we almost slipped few times.

                                                                 

                                                      Journey to Reiek summit

The road to Reiek summit is a trekkers' delight. It goes through thick forest, enchanted with the songs of birds. In the past, we had not encountered so many birds at the same time. It is a heaven for bird watchers. The thick forests surrounding the peak are few of the virgin forests that have remained as they are considered sacred. Many a times it became totally silent only to be interrupted by insect chirping and fresh bird songs. Strangely, you feel as if you are part of the surrounding.

After about an hour of walk through the forest, we reached the peak. We saw around and felt as if forest has just vanished. The rocky mountain peak ended bluntly into a sharp cliff. There was green forest on one side and the steep rocky cliff with yellow grasses on the other. But it gave a good view of the surrounding hills. On the peak, there was a viewing tower and a bench to relax and feel the ambiance and view the sunset. The forest looked beautiful and pristine. 

                                                    


                                                         Reiek summit 


We didn’t wait for sunset as it was cloudy and started back.


Day 8 - Dampa Tiger Reserve

We left Reiek immediately after breakfast with Rina as our guide. By lunch time, we reached a tourist lodge run by a family. After lunch, we left for Dampa. On reaching there, we got down and were told that we shall now take a walk in the forest with a local guide.

We were stranded for words, standing there bewildered. I again asked -”We are walking in a tiger reserve?”

Rina smiled sheepishly and said- “It is totally safe. The tiger and other animals are quite shy and don’t come out.”

“Tigers are shy” was something new to us. So we took a walk through dense bamboo forest towards the hill for 1 hour and then we came back. On the way, I asked local jungle guide whether he had seen any wild animal here. He just smiled. It was good refreshing nature walk. However only animals we encountered were few rats.



                                                                 

                                                            Dampa forest walk.


We came back to our lodge and slept after dinner.

I feel Mizoram Tourism must promote Dampa forest for only nature walk and picnic spot, not as tiger reserve.

Day 9 - Return to Aizwal

We started for Aizwal in the morning. On the way we observed the pavement shops without shopkeeper. On the pavement, white pumpkins (petha) were kept arranged in a heap. People were taking the pumpkins leaving money in a box. 

Rina explained that it is quite common here to leave things like that with rate list if items are varied or without any list in case of single item with known rate. Even in established shops, shopkeeper may be absent for few hours. People take items and put the money in box as per rate list. People here are honest to the core. We were amazed.

We also observed that houses were not locked but doors were closed with a stick connected to ground. Rina informed us that the stick signifies that there is nobody in the house. These are great wonders for persons from metro city like Delhi.

Today we had some spare time so Rina took us to a souvenir shop. The shop was totally managed by young beautiful girls. My wife purchased some items for memory as well as gifts while I talked to girls.

Day 10 - Visiting Thenzawl

As our departure to Delhi was nearing we were becoming more and more in love with Mizoram. Today, we embarked on journey to beautiful Thenzawl.

Thenzawl town is 90 KM from Aizawl in Serchhip district. It is one of the excellent towns in Mizoram and is popular tourist destination.. It is also prominently known for its conventional Mizo handloom industry. The popular tourist spots include - Tuirihiau Falls and Vantawng falls. 

We came across the line of Tropic of Cancer which passes through Mizoram. It means that at this place the sun is directly overhead at noon on June 21. We just stopped for photograph.
                                               


                                                       Tropic of Cancer 


Tuirihiau Fall

This spectacular waterfall is located in Vanva river near Thenzawl. It is upstream of Vantawng falls The waterfall literally invites you and you are compelled to go towards it. Normally, you have to see waterfall from a distance, but here you may even touch the fall of water. 

Another uniqueness of this waterfall is that you it see from behind as it caves in behind the fall like an arc. Not many falls are like that. I remember Shivasundaram fall in Karnataka which comes in this category.


I accepted the invitation and went and touched the falling water. Being Cancerian (water element), I am attracted by water. I decided to wet myself and take bath. I went behind the shrub, came to my underclothes and took bath under the fall. I even called my wife, who pretended not to hear. After changing clothes, when I went to her, she looked at me with disapproving eyes. I pretended not to see.

                                                              

                                                          Tuirihiau Falls



Vantawng Fall

The Vantawng Fall is the highest waterfall in Mizoram and is ranked 13th among the highest waterfalls in the country. Located in Vanva river near Thenzawl, it is about 137 KMs from Aizawl and 5 kms from the village of Thenzawl. It is a two-tiered waterfall that falls from a height of 229 meter. It is the most spectacular of all the waterfalls and cascades in the fast flowing rivers of Mizoram.

The fall gets the name from Vantawng, a remarkable swimmer who could swim like a fish in the water collected at the base of the fall, but was tragically killed by a drifting log.

Approaching close to the fall is difficult due to lush greenery and difficult stoney terrain. However visitors can enjoy the natural beauty of fall from a viewing post set up  by the tourism department.
                                         
                                                             

                                                             Vantawng Fall


Rina informed us that due scanty rain last year, the full force and real beauty of fall is not visible. The best view will be in Sept to Dec. After viewing the fall, we waited for the sun set view which was spectacular.

                                                       


                                                        Sunset at Vantawgn

Apart from the magnificent nature made waterfall, we also enjoyed the vast stretch of thick bamboo forest close to Thenzawl hill station.

The food at Tourist Lodge was very good and well served. We took after dinner walk around the lodge to enjoy the sky full of stars. In the morning, we took a walk to enjoy the surrounding. We saw so many colourful birds and butterflies.

Day 11 - Back to Aizwal via Hmuifang

Rina intimated that while returning to Aizwal, we shall visit first Sialsuk hill and then Hmuifang. We shall be back in Aizwal by late afternoon.

Sialsuk Tlang

Hill is called Tlang in mizo language. Sialsuk comes before Hmuifang as you drive from Thenzawl to Aizawl. 

Sialsuk is a Village in Aibawk Block in Aizawl District. It is 43 KM from Aizwal. We parked our vehicle near the PWD Bungalow. Rina said that it was built during the British Raj.We decided to walk from here.There is a petty shop near the PWD Bungalow. Rina said that there is are no shops beyond this. Accordingly, we purchased some water bottles.

As we climbed earthy brown hill, we saw hills emerging one after the other. Ultimately we reached the top. The views from Sialsuk Tlang were simply amazing.                                                           

                                                               
                                                      


                                                                     
Sialsuk Tlang

We also come across a few graveyards with tombstone as old as 1930.

We were informed that this was one ideal place for dating of love birds in rural Mizoram in absence of cinemas and malls.

For this reason, Sialsuk Tlang was unofficially called “Ngei Ngei Tlang”.
“Ngei Ngei Tlang” means “The love making hill”. This name is not liked by Sialsuk residents.

Rina told us that there are more sights like Batling Tlang, Darkhuma Prayer Cave and many more. One can spend whole day exploring the place. We wished that we could spend more time watching layers of unending mountains. But we departed after spending about an hour.

We had hardly gone for 5 minutes then Rina received a phone call from Thanzawl Tourist Lodge that perhaps we have left behind one of our suitcases. It was found in the parking lot. We checked and indeed one suitcase was missing. My wife blamed me for the carelessness and I thought it better to keep quiet.

Rina explained that there is transportation service, by which the suitcase can reach Aizwal city by 8.00 AM tomorrow morning. It will cost some money but rest assured the item will be delivered to the office of transportation service by 8.00 AM and he will get it collected well before your departure time from Aizwal to Delhi. 

Silently, I appreciated the honesty and effort taken to locate the owner of suitcase by the staff of Thanzwal Tourist lodge.

Hmuifang Tlang(Hill) and Tourist Resort

Hmuifang Tourist Resort is 50 kms from Aizawl. The resort sits on top of the peak at an elevation of 1619 metres; the highest mountain around here. It is ideal location for picnics.

 Apart from the beautiful pristine forest, the steep cliffs offer stunning view of the surrounding hills. Just beyond the resort is forest, kept as it was from the time of the Mizo chiefs. It is one of the better preserved forest in Mizoram. The resort is a wonderful place to unwind in the lap of nature, especially for adventurers and nature lovers.

The first thing we came across from the entrance is a beautiful rest house-cum-cabin, surrounded by forest. It has also a bonfire site with seats surrounding the fireside. A group of Army persons were there for picnic, preparing lunch, dancing with music playing. 

We went past them to forest and just 2 minutes after that 3 army persons came to us casually and started talking to know about us. Our sudden appearance must have raised their antennas. They also walked with us in forest for some time to be sure about us. We silently appreciated the alertness of our army.

Hidden among the woods are four fanciful tree houses. 

                                                               

                            Tree House Hmuifang Tourist Resort

We went through the virgin forest with many small footpaths crisscrossing. There were no giant trees but the tree trunks had gathered mosses and it looked lovely as light trickled in through the thick leaves and branches. We also came across two iron suspension bridges and going through them was very exciting as they swayed with our weight. 

                                                                     


                                       Hmuifang Forest with Suspension Bridge
.
We also encountered a 15 m-high viewing tower in the middle of the park. The terrace like tower is quite spacious and has a shed as well. The building towers above the treetops and offers a beautiful sight of the unspoiled forest. The forest looked old and mystic, yet charming.
                                                                
                                                          


                                 Viewing Tower Hmuifang Tourist Resort

After spending around exciting 2 hours, we took tea in the resort cafeteria and started for Aizwal.

After reaching ZRS Homestay and refreshing, we paid visit to Mr. Konga, owner of the Homestay for general gupshup as it was our last evening in Mizoram. Mr. Konga had illustrious work profile in Govt of Mizoram. We enjoyed our interaction and  promised to keep in touch. While taking leave, Mr. Konga presented us a book - Golden History of Lushai Hills. We were touched by this gesture.

Before sleeping, my wife again reminded me of carelessness. I knew it was partly her responsibility as well but thought better to keep quiet. Between husband and wife the ownership of fault lies with husband.

Day 12 - Departure for Delhi


Mr. Maliana came with suitcase around 9.00 AM to my relief. We had just finished breakfast. We said Good Bye to everybody and promised to visit again. Rina came to see us off at the Lengpui airport. We came back with so much of knowledge and sweet memories.

https://kantscorner.blogspot.com/2019/09/travelogue-mizoram.html

at 1 comment:
Subscribe to: Posts (Atom)

GOSWAMI TULSIDAS – A GREAT SOCIAL REFORMER OF HIS TIME

  GOSWAMI TULSIDAS – A GREAT SOCIAL REFORMER OF HIS TIME This Blog is respectfully dedicated to Babujee (my late father) who, in my childh...