Dampa Tiger Reserve

Covering an area of 500 sq km, Dampa Tiger Reserve is the largest wildlife sanctuary in the state of Mizoram. The sanctuary is home to elephants, gaur, binturong, dhole, bear, tiger and many primates as well as hornbills, jungle fowls, pheasants and wood pigeons. One can also come across a fine habitation of amphibians and reptiles and 16 species of lizards. The best time to visit Dampa Tiger Reserve, located around 130 km from Aizawl, is between October and April. Before getting to the sanctuary, visitors need to get in contact with Mizoram's Department of Environment and Forest. The reserve is located on the state's north-western border and shares an 80 km international border with the neighbouring nation of Bangladesh.

Dampa Tiger Reserve

Shopping

Handicraft items are some of the best buys in Mizoram, especially the ones made from cane and bamboo. One can choose from a selection of hats, utensils, baskets and furniture. Tourists can also take home woven fabric in attractive designs and patterns like the shawls woven by Mizo women and colourful traditional wrap-around skirts known as Puan in the local language.

The markets of Aizawl are lined with shops selling bright woollens and beautiful bamboo souvenirs. While the Bara Bazaar is the busiest market of the city, the New market, Solomon's cave, Thakting Bazar and Ritz market are some of the other important shopping centres of Aizawl. Given that Mizoram shares its border with Myanmar, one can also shop for exclusive items made in the country. Head to the State Government and Handloom Emporium at Ritz market to shop for handicraft items, including the traditional Mizo hat made of bamboo known as Khumbeu, and exquisite bags woven with traditional patterns.

Shopping

Tam Dil Lake

Literally meaning the lake of mustard, the Tam Dil Lake is one of the most picturesque spots in the state. About 110 km from state capital Aizawl, this lake is nestled amidst serene environments, near the Saitual village. Its ethereal beauty and peaceful surroundings have made it one of the most visited sites in the state. This man-made lake also provides visitors with an opportunity to go boating and admire brilliant views or simply relax in its surreal surroundings. The region around the lake is home to a wide variety of animals, trees and plants. The lake is not only a great stopover for tourists, it also holds immense significance for the fishermen residing in the area. A pisciculture centre has also been developed by the state fisheries department nearby, for giving aid to fishermen.

Tam Dil Lake

Hmars

The members of Hmar tribe,, especially women, are great weavers who work on tiny heirlooms. The homespun yarn is dyed in different colours and woven into exquisite clothes that are generally made for the family. The Hmar tribe traces its origin to Sinlung, whose exact location is still unknown. Many poems, tales and songs about this place have been composed and handed down from generation to generation. The tribe is known for its rich culture and vibrant folk dances. Its conventional folk dances and songs feature battles, adventures and history. A type of drum, khuong, is used to complement the dance beats. Other musical instruments that are used include darmang (flat brass gong), perkhuong (guitar made of bamboo), hna mut (leaf instrument) and theilia (bamboo flute). The clothing that the dancers wear is also quite colourful. The men put on a special headgear made of feathers and wear a shawl called hmar puon. Meanwhile, the girls accessorise with ornaments like rings, bangles and seeded necklace.

Hmars