Mizoram-State of India

The presentation covers all the aspects related to tourism from culture to food .

1. MIZORAM TOURISM (PEACE PAYS)

2. “ LAND OF THE HILL PEOPLE ”

3. MIZORAM AT A GLANCE Mizoram is a mountainous state nestling in the southern tip of the north-east region of India. Covered with verdant forests dominated by thick bamboo groves, teeming with vibrant wildlife, sheer cliffs and breathtaking waterfalls, dotted with unique landmarks of myriad folklores and picturesque villages of houses built on stilts, a land of dramatic seas of morning mists that enfold islands of hills and peaks. This is the land of the Highlanders, or the Mizos. For anyone looking for a quiet holiday or outdoor activities in pristine and peaceful setting, this is a destination worth your while. Standing aloof from the adjacent plains of Assam and the other neighboring states, Mizoram remains an exotic location sharing more than one-third of its boundary with Bangladesh and Myanmar and its capital, Aizawl is still one of the least-frequented cities in India.

4. The origin of the MIZOS , like those of many other tribes in the northeastern India, is shrouded in mystery. The people living in the Mizo Hills were generally referred to as the Cucis or Kukis by their neighbouring ethnic groups which was also a term adopted by the British writers. The claim that 'The Kukis are the earliest known residents of the Mizo hills area,' must be read in this light. The Lushais were the last of the Mizo tribes migrate to India. The Mizo history in the 18th and 19th Century is marked by many instances of tribal raids and retaliatory expeditions of security. Mizo Hills were formally declared as part of the British-India by a proclamation in 1895. Like several other northeastern states of India, Mizoram was previously part of Assam until 1972, when it was carved out as Union Territory . It become 23rd state of India, a step above Union Territory, on 20th February 1987 . . HISTORY OF MIZORAM

5. AIZAWL is the capital of the state of Mizoram in India. Aizawl was officially established on 25 February 1890 . The population of Aizawl strongly reflects the different communities of the ethnic Mizo people . Aizawl is connected by air transport through Lengpui Airpo rt which it is situated near Aizawl. State’s Capital - AIZAWL

6. Chawngvungi Lungdawh Chawngvungi Lungdawh is a natural large rock on which embossed figures of buffalo's heads and humans were curved. Historical & Heritage Sites in Mizoram Tomb of Vanhimailian Tomb of Vanhimailian is dedicated to the memory of a great chieftain named Vanhimailian . He was the chief of Champhai plain which is located in the Aizawl district. It is about 194 km from Aizawl in the north eastern state Mizoram.

7. Lamsial Puk Lamsial Puk is a cave situated in proximity to the Farkawn village, in Champhai district of Mizoram. The cave stood witness to one of the most fatal wars that was fought in the region. A large mound of skeletons was discovered from the cave which belonged to the warriors who lost their lives in the war. These remnants have still been preserved inside the cave along with the artillery used in the war. Puk Zing, Mamit District Literally "A Cave of Shouting Stone" , Pukzing is located near Pukzing village which is 30kms to the North - West of Aizawl. A spacious cave, it has three chambers of about 4 sq.metre each connected with narrow passages. A legend goes that in the olden days the villagers used to hear evil spirits shouting inside the cave.

8. Solomon's Temple, Aizawl A non denominational church founded by Dr. L.B. Sailo in 1984 built Solomon’s Temple. They are known as ‘Kohhran Thianghlim’ locally and the ‘Holy Church’ in English. Architectural Attractions K V Paradise K V Paradise is also considered as Taj Mahal of Mizoram and it symbolizes love as well. Situated at a hilltop in Durtlang near Aizawl city (approximately 10 kms away from city), K V paradise was built in the memory of Mrs. Rosangpui Varte who died in a tragic road accident in 2001.

9. Vantawng Falls, Aizawl The highest waterfall in the state and the 13th highest in the country, the Vantawng Waterfalls is one of the most mesmerizing waterfalls of the North East. Vantawng falls are the pride of Mizoram and one of its prime attractions. The waterfall which is located 137 km away from the capital city of Aizawl is a gem in its own right. Phawngpui Peak, Aizawl The highest point in the state, Phawngpui Peak is a revered mountain among the tribes of the state. The beautiful blue mountain located some 300 km south of Aizawl is a wonderful place to be and to bring out the adventure enthusiast in you. The peak is located within the Phawngpui National Park and oversees a wondrous landscape full of deep crevices and magnificent cliffs. NATURAL BEAUTY

10. Dampa Tiger Reserve, Aizawl Dampa Tiger Reserve , a splendid Wildlife Sanctuary, is located amidst the deep and dense forests of Mizoram in India. The forests are located about 125 kilometres from Aizawl and are rich with a variety of flora and fauna that draw tourists and nature lovers to the North-eastern state of India from all parts of the world. The name Dampa was derived from the lonely bachelors (Dam Pa meaning Lonely Men) left in the region after the passing of a majority of the female population. Rih Dil (Lake) Rih Lake is the largest lake in Mizoram, and is often contested to be situated in Myanmar. It is a beautiful heart shaped lake , believed to be the passage of souls to their eternal abode and is 14 miles from Champhai in Mizoram and 63 miles from Falam, a town of Myanmar.

11. LENGTENG WILDLIFE SANCTUARY Located to the Northeast of Aizawl, Mt. Lengteng and its surroundings have been declared a wildlife sanctuary. The second-highest mountain in the region is clothed in broad leaf and tropical evergreen forests, and sheer rocky cliffs. This paradise is home to the endangered state bird, Vavu (Mrs. Hume's Pheasant) , hornbills, etc. and endangered mammals like the slow loris, the leopard, the leopard cat, the serow, the goral, the Asiatic black bear, etc. This lofty wildlife sanctuary boasts of orchids of various hues and beautiful flowering trees like rhododendrons, cherry etc.

12. Gong (Music) Gongs are the main instruments used in the folk music of Mizoram and no song is sung in this dance. Music & Dance Khuallam (Dance) Khuallam literary means 'Dance of the Guests'. It is a dance usually performed in the ceremony called 'Khuangchawi'. In order to claim a distinguished place in the society and to have a place in paradise or Pialral one has to attain the coveted title of 'Thangchhuah'. Chailam (Dance) Chailam is a popular dance performed on the occasion of 'Chapchar Kut' one of the most important festivals of the Mizos. In this dance, men and women stand alternatively in circles, with the women holding on to the waist of the man, and the man on the women's shoulder.

13. CHAPCHAR KUT : The Mizo’s festival of joy The Chapchar Kut is a festival of Mizora m , India. It is celebrated during March after completion of their most arduous task of jhum operation i.e., jungle-clearing (clearing of the remnants of burning). It is a spring festival celebrated with great favour and gaiety. Mim Kut Festival The Mim Kut Festival is yet another important harvest festival in the state of Mizoram. It is dedicated to the loved ones and the departed souls. The importance of the Mim Kut Festival is also directly related to the importance of the Chapchar festival. Festivals

14. Koat Pitha Koat Pitha is fried fritters made using rice flour, jaggery and bananas. It makes for a delicious dessert which is enjoyed during special occasions. Cuisines of Mizoram Paanch Phoron Torkari One of the most popular dishes in Mizoram, Paanch Phoron Torkari is made in both vegetarian and non-vegetarian fashion. In the vegetarian version, brinjal, pumpkins and potatoes are used to make this dry dish and in the non-vegetarian version, it is mostly prepared with chicken . Bai This popular Mizo dish is made using steamed vegetables with pork, spinach and bamboo shoot spiced with local herbs.

15. THAN K YOU