Aizawl, at about 1,130 metres, is the capital of Mizoram, built along steep ridges with buildings stepping down the hillsides. The Mizo people are mostly Christian, and churches, choirs and community life are central to the city. Aizawl is also known for its orderly traffic, where drivers queue patiently and rarely use their horns.
Things to do in Aizawl include viewpoints such as Durtlang Hills, Solomon's Temple, the State Museum and Bara Bazar, and day trips to Reiek's heritage village, Tamdil Lake, Hmuifang and Vantawng Falls. March brings Chapchar Kut, the spring festival with the famous bamboo dance, cheraw.
Two days covers the city; add one or two for day trips. Indian nationals need an Inner Line Permit, available online or on arrival at the airport.
For how to get there, when to go and where to stay, see our Aizawl travel guide.
Quick answer: best things to do in Aizawl
- Visit Solomon's Temple
- Watch sunrise from Durtlang Hills
- See the Mizoram State Museum
- Walk through Bara Bazar
- See KV Paradise
- Visit Reiek's heritage village
- Picnic at Tamdil Lake
- See Vantawng Falls
- Watch cheraw at Chapchar Kut in March
Comparing hill stations? See our guide to hill stations in Northeast India.
In the city
Visit Solomon's Temple
Solomon's Temple, a large white church built by the Kohhran Thianghlim denomination, is one of Aizawl's landmarks, with landscaped grounds and views over the city. Visitors are welcome outside service times.
- Time needed
- 1 hour
Watch sunrise from Durtlang Hills
Durtlang Hills, on the northern edge of Aizawl, gives panoramic views of the city and the surrounding ridges. Sunrise, with mist in the valleys, is especially beautiful.
- Best time
- Sunrise
See the Mizoram State Museum
The State Museum has displays of Mizo costumes, textiles, weapons, musical instruments and historical artefacts, and explains the traditions of Mizo communities.
- Time needed
- 1 hour
Walk through Bara Bazar
Bara Bazar is the main market, with stalls selling vegetables, meat, Mizo textiles such as the puan (wrap skirt), and imported goods from Myanmar. It is lively in the morning.
- Best time
- Morning
See KV Paradise
KV Paradise, in Durtlang, is a three-storey marble mausoleum built by a man in memory of his wife, sometimes called Mizoram's Taj Mahal. It has a garden and views.
See the Bara Bazar lanes and Millennium Centre
Around Bara Bazar, the Millennium Centre and the lanes of shops sell everything from electronics to traditional puan textiles and bamboo goods. Look for Mizo shawls and the colourful puanchei worn at weddings and festivals.
- Good for
- Shoppers
Day trips
Visit Reiek
Reiek, about 30 km from Aizawl, has a heritage village with traditional Mizo houses, including a bachelors' dormitory (zawlbuk) and houses of a chief and a widow. A walk up Reiek Tlang gives views as far as Bangladesh on clear days.
- Time needed
- Half a day
Picnic at Tamdil Lake
Tamdil, a natural lake surrounded by forest about 85 km from Aizawl, has boating and a tourist resort. A local legend explains its origin from a giant mustard plant.
- Time needed
- Full day
Walk on Hmuifang
Hmuifang, a forested hill about 50 km south of Aizawl, has been protected since the time of Mizo chiefs and is a good place for walks and birdwatching.
See Vantawng Falls
Vantawng Falls, near Thenzawl in Serchhip district, drops in two tiers through thick forest and is one of the highest waterfalls in Mizoram. It is seen from a viewpoint across the gorge. Thenzawl is also known for handloom weaving.
- Best time
- After the monsoon
Visit Champhai
Champhai, near the Myanmar border in the east, has wide rice fields, vineyards and viewpoints over the hills, and is known for its grapes and wine. It is a long drive from Aizawl and best with a night's stay.
Culture and food
Watch cheraw at Chapchar Kut
Chapchar Kut, held in March after the jungle is cleared for jhum cultivation, is Mizoram's biggest festival. Its highlight is cheraw, the bamboo dance, in which dancers step nimbly between clapping bamboo poles.
- Best time
- March
Hear a church choir
Mizo choirs are known for their harmonies. Sunday services and choral competitions are a moving experience; visitors are welcome if they are respectful.
Eat Mizo food
Try bai (a vegetable stew with bamboo shoot), vawksa rep (smoked pork), sawhchiar (rice porridge with meat) and fresh chutneys. Food is usually mild, with chilli served on the side.
- Good for
- Food lovers
Aizawl by season
Winter (November to February)
Cool, clear days and good views from the ridges. Christmas is celebrated across the city with lights, carols and community feasts, and it is one of the most festive times to visit.
- Best time
- December for Christmas
Spring (March to April)
Chapchar Kut brings dances and music in March. The weather warms up but stays pleasant.
Monsoon (May to September)
Heavy rain and occasional landslides on the roads into Mizoram. The hills are green, but travel can be disrupted.
Things to do in Aizawl by type of traveller
Culture seekers: Time a visit for Chapchar Kut and spend Sunday listening to a choir.
Nature lovers: Reiek, Hmuifang and Vantawng Falls.
Slow travellers: Stay a few days, walk the ridges and enjoy the city's unhurried pace.
What to do in Aizawl with one day
Watch sunrise from Durtlang Hills and visit KV Paradise. After breakfast, see the State Museum and walk through Bara Bazar. Visit Solomon's Temple in the afternoon and end at a viewpoint over the city at sunset.
Practical tips for Aizawl
- Lengpui Airport is about 30 km from Aizawl; a new rail link to Sairang near Aizawl has also opened.
- Apply for the Mizoram ILP online or get it on arrival at Lengpui Airport.
- Sundays are very quiet, with most businesses closed.
- Follow local traffic etiquette: no honking and no queue-jumping.
Plan the rest of your Aizawl trip
Aizawl things to do: FAQs
What are the best things to do in Aizawl?
Visit Solomon's Temple, Durtlang Hills, the State Museum, Bara Bazar and KV Paradise, and take day trips to Reiek, Tamdil Lake, Hmuifang and Vantawng Falls.
Do I need a permit for Aizawl?
Yes. Indian nationals need an Inner Line Permit for Mizoram.
When is Chapchar Kut?
Usually in March.
How many days are enough for Aizawl?
Two days for the city; three to four with day trips.
Things to do near Aizawl
- Reiek: heritage village and hill, 30 km away
- Champhai: vineyards near the Myanmar border
- Things to do in Agartala: Tripura's capital
Published by the Kudozz Club editorial team · Last updated · How we research our guides
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