The Abode Of Clouds: Misty Mountain Reiek It is perhaps the most popular place of tourist attraction in Mizoram and lies to the west of Aizawl. The mesmerising mountain of Reiek Peak sprawls atop the Reiek village offering breathtaking views and a view of Aizawl city on the horizon. The area is home to exotic varieties of flora, fauna and wildlife is also an ideal destination for bird watching. At the foot of the mountain lies a Tourist Resort where the annual Anthurium Festival is vibrantly celebrated; and various eco-adventure activities can be experienced year-round. Reiek is also one of the cleanest villages in Mizoram and there are plenty of organic fruits, vegetables and local delicacies to savour. Stop 1, Reiek: Reiek is the most popular tourist destination most frequented by tourists and the locals due to its picturesque hills, spotless village and unpolluted air. Stop 2, Zopar Farm: En route Reiek take a short halt at Zopar Farm, a horticulture farm where the best quality of anthurium flowers, roses, strawberries are commercially grown and supplied all over the state and exported to Kolkata. Stop 3, Ailawng Village: Ailawng is a charming village that has a lot of adventure activities to offer. One can opt for a cave exploration of Khuangchera Puk. It is the most technical cave to navigate in Mizoram and takes approximately 45 minutes to explore. The cave is 162 metres long and the height varies at 10 metres. It is named after Khuangchera, the legendary Mizo warrior known for his bravery and hunting feat who was the first explorer. On the outskirts lies a hanging bridge that offers a panoramic view of the green folded hills far up to the horizon against the pristine blue sky. Stop 4, Mizo Typical Village: Take a tour of the Mizo Typical Village created within the Tourist Resort. The village is a reconstruction of the ancestral Mizos consisting of the distinctive traditional huts, the Chieftain’s house, a bachelor’s house, etc. The houses are fully furnished giving visitors a peek into the glorious past of the Mizos. There is an Adventure Park with various activities like shooting gallery, rock-climbing, ziplining etc. within the vicinity that can also be explored. Stop 5, Reiek Peak: A hike up to Reiek Peak will take about 50 minutes. It is one of the most popular destinations for bird watching and is an ecotourism hotspot teeming with a variety of flora, fauna and wildlife. The hike up to the peak offers one a pristine view of the surrounding lush ancient forest preserved by the locals since the days of the chiefs. On a clear day, one can see Aizawl city on the horizon. Before descending the climb, witness the most spectacular orange flamed sunset against the backdrop of the rolling hills which is a feast for the eyes. Sights And Sounds Of Aizawl City - A Walking Tour The second-most populated capital of the North East, Aizawl has an appealing charm surrounded with delightful sights. Considered to be the most disciplined city in the country with no honking policy adopted by the public under ethics. The clean and green environment with fresh air and the friendly nature of the Mizos is an experience worth absorbing. The state also boasts of having the lowest crime rate. Stop 1, Chaltlang: The best day to have a walking tour of Aizawl is on a Saturday morning to see the buzz of the morning bazaars. The freshness of the morning air and the charming city street is an experience to capture the mood. Start the walk from Chaltlang and proceed to Laipuitlang. The vista of Aizawl city skyline from Laipuitlang offers a mesmerizing view as the sun starts to lit up the houses. Stop 2, Chanmari: A walk down the Chaltlang - Chanmari Road will take about 15 minutes. Since there are not many houses in between, there is a clear view of Aizawl city on the other side. Stop 3, Chanmari Bazaar: Chanmari has its street bazaar on Saturday mornings with vendors selling fresh local produces of fruits, vegetables and flowers. One of the grandest churches in Aizawl stands right in the heart of Chanmari. It is common to see throngs of women vegetable hawkers displaying their vegetables and fruits at the roadsides, and people from the nearby localities start their vegetable shopping as early as 5:00 am. Unique and different kinds of vegetables grown organically in villages are transported on Fridays and sold in the Saturday morning markets. Stop 4, Dawrpui Church: It is the second-oldest church in Mizoram. The church was built by the Welsh Christian Missionaries back in the year 1931. It was built with the generous contribution of Rev. E.L Mendus and the children of the London Welsh Presbyterian Church at the cost of 400 pounds. Even though a newer and grander church has been built, the old building is still preserved within the compound. Stop 5, Bara Bazar: Take a walk towards Bara Bazar via Zarkawt road. Zarkawt lies in the heart of Aizawl city and is one of the main commercial areas. On reaching Bara Bazar, one will find shops and vendors selling a plethora of items. The vibrant market is the main shopping centre of the capital city. This market functions as the lifeline of the town where one can find handlooms, garments, handicrafts, food items, etc. What makes it more unique is that it is mostly women who look after the business. Stop 6, State Museum: Walk back towards MacDonald Hill to visit the State Museum at Zarkawt. Established in the year 1977, the museum showcases a plethora of traditional artefacts, ornaments, archaeological specimens and handlooms to name a few that depicts the way of the forefathers. The numerous galleries on display throw light onto how modern-day Mizos and their cultural progressions from their tribal roots. The Chief Ministers Bungalow and the grand Zarkawt Church is also located at MacDonald Hill. One can also see the famous High field: a playground where many events are held, and the oldest high school, the Govt. Mizo High School is also situated at MacDonald Hill. A One Day Heritage Tour Of Aizawl Traces of the glorious past of the highlanders and footprints left behind from the colonial rule can be witnessed in the nooks and corners of Aizawl city. The vibrant city with its captivating views and friendly inhabitants adds to the charm of the tour. Stop 1, Lalchhuana Puk : Start the tour by taking an early morning drive to see Lalchhuana Puk, which is en route to N. Lungleng, a village south of Aizawl. The cave turns into a beautiful waterfall during monsoon and after a quick photo session, head towards Lungleng Lal In. Stop 2, Lungleng Lal In : A century-old residence of the famous Mizo Chief, Khamliana Sailo, who was the first literate amongst the Chiefs and was a pioneer in establishing relations between the British and the Mizos. He was awarded 'KAISER-I-HIND' Medal in 1923 and his was the first house in Mizoram having a tin roof built back in 1918. Stop 3, N. Lungleng to Mission Veng, Tour Sikulpui, Sikul Sen, breakfast : Government Boys' Middle School (Sikulpui) and Model English Medium Primary School (Sikulsen) were the first educational institutions established by the Welsh Missionaries and were foundational to the contemporary Mizo educational system. The old building still stands as and is maintained by the Mizoram Presbyterian Church. Have breakfast at the nearby Hotel Esquire. Stop 4, Synod Press & Pi Zaii Compund : Dr Peter Fraser of the Welsh Mission came to Mizoram in 1908, brought a small hand press and started printing for the first time in 1911. The press was called Lushai Christian Press and is now called Synod Press. Miss Katie Hughes, a pioneer Welsh Missionary who was fondly called Pi Zaii by the Mizos back in 1935 was a key person who played a fundamental role in the establishment of the Young Mizo Association (YMA) in her residence. YMA is today the largest and most comprehensive non-profit secular and non-governmental organisation of the Mizo people with members spread all across the state. Stop 5, Bawrhsap Pisapui : Next proceed to Bawrhsap Pisapui or The Office of the Deputy Commissioner, Aizawl District which is the first office of the North Lushai area, established during the Lushai Hills Expedition of 1889-1890. The office is declared a ‘State Heritage Building’. Stop 6, Mizoram State Museum : Established in 1977, the museum showcases a plethora of traditional artefacts, ornaments, archaeological specimens and handlooms. The numerous galleries on display throw light onto how modern-day Mizos have progressed from their tribal roots. Stop 7, Have an authentic Mizo lunch at Red Lantern Restaurant with food served on a banana plantain leaf with local rice beer. Stop 8, Solomon’s Temple at Chawlhmun : Located on the Western side of Aizawl, it is one of the most beautiful churches by a non-denominational sect founded by Dr L.B. Sailo in 1984. The valley in which the temple is built is named as Kidron Valley. The architecture is a magnificent white structure. Within its compound, the complex has a natural park covered by forest trees to shade and provide fruits for birds and squirrels. Stop 9, KV Paradise : KV Paradise is the Modern Taj Mahal of Aizawl: a monument that speaks of a man's undying love for his departed wife. When Khawlhring's wife Varte died in an accident in 2001, he decided to build a memorial for her near his house. It is around 45 minutes’ drive from the main city and a few minutes away from Durtlang Hills. Incidentally, it also happens to be on a beautiful slope facing Aizawl city. The mausoleum is named KV paradise after their initials. Stop 10, ATC, Durtlang : Aizawl Theological College began life in 1907 as a humble theological school to train natives for various ministries of the church. The campus has a spectacular, panoramic view of Aizawl city and the surrounding hills. It is a great spot to watch the sunset against the backdrop of the glistening Aizawl City. Stop 11, Durtlang to Aizawl : In the evening one can go for a stroll in the heart of the city and enjoy the street food with a cup of tea. Head back to the hotel for dinner and relax for the evening
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