Mizoram is one of the states of Northeast India, with Aizawl as its capital. The name is derived from Mi (people), Zo (belonging to the people of Mizoram/Lushai Hills), and Ram (land), so Mizoram broadly means “land of the hill people”.
Renowned for its picturesque landscapes and rich cultural heritage, Mizoram is home to several Mizo tribes whose traditions continue to shape the state’s identity. Its culture is deeply intertwined with tribal customs, vibrant festivals, and a distinctive way of life that gives the state a character of its own.
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| Aizawl |
Mizoram is one of the states in India where non-residents require an Inner Line Permit (ILP) to visit. The ILP can be obtained online while planning the trip, and the permit is normally valid for 15 days.
Inner Line Permit process
Step 1
Submit the application online for Temporary ILP, Temporary
Stay, or ILP Exemption to obtain a reference number. The reference number can
then be used to track the status of the application.
Step 2
After verification by the concerned authority, the
applicant can pay the fees online using the reference number for Temporary ILP
or Temporary Stay. No fee is required for applicants seeking ILP Exemption, and
an SMS is sent to the registered mobile number for payment confirmation where
applicable.
Step 3
After completing the online payment, the applicant can
download the pass in PDF format. The pass holder must carry a photo identity
card along with the permit during travel.
It is also possible to obtain the ILP at the station itself, but travellers need to carry photographs, copies of identity cards, and fill out the required form at the exit. The IRCTC railway ticket also carries a cautionary note stating, “ILP MANDATORY FOR TRAVEL TO MI”.
There was a marriage in the family in Kolkata, and the
journey was originally planned as a train trip from Mumbai to attend the event.
On hearing this, a family friend suggested extending the journey to Mizoram to
see the unique railway bridge near Aizawl, and soon the travel plans fell into
place well in advance.
However, one friend was not willing to return by train and chose to fly back from Aizawl instead. In another twist to the story, one more family friend joined midway, and the tickets were booked separately; their return later coincided with a flight disruption, and they reached Mumbai 12 hours late.
The Mumbai–Howrah Duronto was rescheduled to leave more
than seven hours late from its origin, and it ultimately reached Howrah 16
hours behind schedule. After attending the marriage, on Day 3 and Day 4 the stay shifted to Gariaahat,
where friends had already made a booking. They joined later in the evening, and
after a brief stroll around the hotel area at night, the day came to a close.
Day 5
The next day was spent exploring Kolkata. The places visited included Kalighat, New Market, Victoria Memorial, St. Paul’s Cathedral, Dakshineswar, and Belur Math.
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| Kalighat |
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| Victoria Memorial |
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| Belur Math from Boat on Hoogly |
Day 6
The following day, the onward journey began by train from Kolkata to Sairang in Mizoram. Sairang is the railway station that connects Aizawl, and the recently opened Bairabi–Sairang line has given the capital a major new rail link. The Kolkata–Sairang Express takes about 31 hours and 20 minutes and has 26 halts en route. The train often reaches Sairang around midnight or later, possibly because of operational constraints on single-line sections, and on this trip it arrived at about 1:30 am. The railway bridge was visible on the way from Sairang station to Aizawl city. After checking in at Tourist Lodge, Aizawl, there was time for a quick rest before setting out for sightseeing at around 10 am.
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| Bridge to nowhere, Sairang Bridge |
Aizawl is known for virtually zero honking and strict lane
discipline, creating a peaceful and orderly travel experience. The city,
situated at about 1,132 metres above sea level, is flanked by the lofty peaks
of Durtlang and spread across ridges of steep hills overlooking the valleys of
the Tlawng and Tuirial rivers.
Aizawl literally means “a field of wild cardamom,” a name believed to have originated in the early nineteenth century. It is both the political and cultural centre of Mizoram, and the Mizo people, who are mostly Christian, are often associated with a westernised lifestyle shaped by local traditions and modern influences.
Sairang railway bridge
A key highlight of the visit was the Bairabi–Sairang New
Rail Line, constructed at a cost of ₹8,071 crore. For the first time, Mizoram’s
capital city, Aizawl, is being connected to the Indian Railways network through
a major infrastructure project executed in difficult hilly terrain. The project
includes 45 tunnels built under complex geological conditions, 55 major
bridges, and 88 minor bridges. Bridge No. 144, located just before Sairang
railway station, stands 114 metres high and is described in the file as 42
metres taller than Delhi’s Qutub Minar. At 742 metres, it is identified as
Mizoram’s longest railway bridge. Spanning a deep valley and linking toward
National Highway-06, this modern piece of rail infrastructure improves connectivity
between Kolasib and Aizawl districts while promising safer, faster, and more
affordable travel.
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| Sairang Railway Bridge |
Aizawl Peak Point
For a panoramic view of the city and the surrounding
hills, Aizawl Peak Point in the Durtlang Hills is a must-visit. The road is
steep, but the view from the summit is breathtaking, offering a remarkable
meeting point of urban life and natural beauty. It is the kind of place that
appeals instantly to photographers and nature lovers. A recently added glass
walkway has made the viewpoint even more attractive for visitors.
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| View of Aizawl from Peak Point |
Mizoram State Museum
Located right in the centre of the city, the Mizoram State
Museum showcases the rich heritage of the state. Along with archaeological
artefacts, photographs, and natural history specimens, one entire gallery is
dedicated to the Mizo tribes. The objects displayed are distinctive and offer
insight into aspects of life that are not commonly seen in other parts of the
country. Tools, implements, household materials, hunting and warfare objects,
ornaments, and textiles together present a vivid picture of Mizo history,
culture, and tradition. The museum offers visitors a meaningful glimpse into
the cultural and historical nuances of Mizo society. For anyone interested in
understanding the region beyond its landscapes, this stop adds depth to the
travel experience.
After dropping the friends at the airport, lunch was taken just outside the airport. The short halt also offered a brief pause before continuing with the remaining local visits.
Aizawl Zoological Park
Located at Lungverh on the outskirts of Aizawl, the Aizawl
Zoological Park also lies on the route to Sairang railway station. It is
maintained by the State Forest Department and offers a quiet green stop for
visitors. The Park could benefit from clearer signboards for those trying to
return to the main entrance or exit. However, the animal and bird enclosures do
have name boards, and with a little repainting and better wayfinding, the
overall visitor experience could become more convenient.
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| Aizawl Zoological Park |
Solomon’s Temple
Solomon’s Temple is a striking architectural landmark and
a powerful reflection of the Christian ethos that resonates across Mizo
society. Open to all visitors, its white façade shining against the verdant
hills creates an atmosphere of peace, reflection, and admiration. Its scale and
setting make it one of the memorable stops in and around Aizawl. More places to
visit in the region find here https://www.incredibleindia.gov.in/en/mizoram/aizawl
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| Solomon's Temple, Aizawl |
Day 9
The return journey by train from Sairang to Kolkata began
the next morning at 7:15 am. Departure from the lodge was at 5:30 am, and the
station was reached by 6:15 am.
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| Sairang Railway Station with Aizawl clouded in misty background |
There was a connecting train from Howrah the following day
at 7:30 pm. A quick check of the previous arrival timings of the
Sairang–Kolkata train created some anxious moments, as the transfer from
Kolkata to Howrah would leave only a limited margin for catching the onward
train. Fortunately, the train reached Kolkata at 4:30 pm, leaving enough time
to travel to Howrah and continue the return journey to Mumbai. In all, the trip
covered about 7,000 km by train over a period of 10 days, making it a memorable
rail journey through family occasions, city exploration, and the scenic
landscapes of Mizoram.
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| Kolkata Railway Terminus |
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