Aizawl geography and tourist attractions

Aizawl

Being known as "the home of the highlanders," Aizawl, the capital of the northeastern state of Mizoram, is located at an altitude of 3500 feet above sea level. It is the seat of a rich tribal cultural extravaganza and is famous for its handicrafts. The town is blessed with exotic natural beauty. While the river Tlawng flows quietly on the east, on the north one can see the jagged hills of Durtlang.

Geography of Aizawl

Aizawl is situated towards the central part of the state and is flanked by rivers and rapids. It is at a distance of 466 km from Guwahati, 366 km from Shillong, and 140 km from Silchar. The Durtlang Hills constitute a natural barrier immediately south of Aizawl, their high ridges punctuated by Mizo villages and Christian missions, and provide pleasant rambling country. Aizawl perches precariously on the steep slopes of a sharp ridge, straddling the watershed between the Tlawng and the Tuirial river valleys at an altitude of 1100 m. Although it may lack a snowy Himalayan backdrop, it has something of the feel of a Himalayan hill station. It is generally cool during the summers with temperatures ranging from 20 to 30'C and heavy rains during the months of May to September. Winter temperatures range from 10 to 20'C. Fog is commonplace, and the first rays of the sun drive it away to make way for the mountain peaks-a sight that often attracts many tourists.

Places of Interest in Aizawl

•       The Museum at Macdonal's Hill

•       The mini Zoological Garden, Bethlehem Vengthlang

•       Durtlang Hills-picturesque Hills for viewing Aizawl

•       K.V.l. Handloom & Handicraft Sales Emporium, Zarkawt

•       Zonusang Haridloom show room, Zarkawt

•       MAHCO Show Room Treasury

•       Square Bung Picnic Spot

Best way to reach Aizawl

• By air: Lengpui Airport, about 30 km away, with flights from Kolkata and Guwahati.
• By rail: Sairang station near Aizawl, joined to India's rail network by the Bairabi-Sairang line in 2025.
• By road: About 180 km from Silchar in Assam. Indian visitors from outside Mizoram need an Inner Line Permit.

Check flights at the Airports Authority of India and trains at IRCTC; distances are approximate.

Known for: Mizo chilli

The small, fiery Mizo bird's eye chilli is part of almost every Mizo meal and is sold, fresh and dried, in Aizawl's Bara Bazar.

Source: Geographical Indications registered in India, state by state, Geographical Indications Registry, as on 31 December 2025 (PDF).