Mizoram – The Hidden Jewel

When it comes to travelling, India has so much to offer in terms of travel experiences. Although many places in the country have been explored, there is still a vast number of unexplored gems hidden in plain sight. One region on the bucket list of every enthusiastic traveller is the north-eastern part of the country.

North-east India consists of the seven sisters (the seven states), each of which has its unique landscape, culture, language, cuisine, and important places to visit. One of the seven sisters is the state of Mizoram, which is an underexplored destination so far. When one thinks of the northeast, the typical names that come to mind are Tawang in Arunachal Pradesh, Cherrapunji in Meghalaya, or Gangtok in Sikkim. However, if you are looking for truly offbeat travel experiences, you must head to Mizoram.

A landscape bestowed with lush landscapes and soothing sites, Mizoram is a hidden jewel in the list of India’s travel destinations. From rolling hills to gorgeous waterfalls, the state has a lot to offer to nature lovers visiting it. Another aspect that generally goes unnoticed is the pilgrimage sites in the state. Here is a look at some important sites in Mizoram that are visited by religious visitors every year.

Religions in Mizoram

Mizoram has a mix of people belonging to different religions. The state has a majority of Christians, which explains the abundance of popular churches spread throughout the state. Apart from that, the state also has a sizable population that follows Buddhism, Hinduism, and Islam. Another religion that is common among the people of the hill state is Animism.

The presence of different religions led to the building of several pilgrimage sites for the followers of each religion. Thus, for a tourist interested in visiting religious sites, Mizoram is one of the best tourist destinations in northeast India.

Pilgrimage Sites in Mizoram

Being a Christian majority state, it is no surprise that Mizoram has a number of churches that hold a lot of significance for the people in the area and are popular among tourists. The most famous of these churches are located in and around the capital city of Aizawl. Apart from the churches, there is also an extremely popular Shiv temple located in Aizawl that witnesses a huge crowd of visitors every year. Here are some of the most famous religious sites in the north-eastern state.

  • Solomon’s Temple – Undoubtedly, one of the most popular tourist attractions in north-east India, this is a church built in the year 1894. This is one of the largest churches in Mizoram that can reportedly seat two thousand people within the church. The courtyard of the church can accommodate nearly ten thousand people. This catholic church is not just a favourite among the local population but is also one of the best places to visit in north-east India for religious visitors.
  • Salvation Army Church – Located in Aizawl and managed by The Salvation Army, which is committed to the upliftment of community members, this is a major religious attraction in Mizoram. The total time required to visit the church is anywhere between one and three hours. However, one may decide to spend more time in the peaceful environs of the church.
  • Baptist Church of Mizoram– This protestant church is the second-largest in Mizoram and is located near Lunglei. Built-in the year 1897, the church has garnered a huge following over the years. If you are looking to visit the best tourist places in northeast India, the Baptist Church of Mizoram (or BCM as it is popularly known) must be on your itinerary. The beautiful architecture and the interaction with the local community are some added reasons to visit this religious site in Mizoram.
  • Bawngkawn Shiv Temple – An important religious landmark for the Hindus in Mizoram and throughout the world is the ancient Shiv Temple located in Bawngkawn in Aizawl. One can visit this temple any time between 04:00 am and 08:00 pm local time. The temple is one of the most popular pilgrimage sites in the state, and witnesses a large number of visitors, especially during the Shivratri festival.
  • Kamalanagar Buddhist Temple– One of the first Buddhist temples set up in the state, this place has a lot of significance for the huge Buddhist population of the state. Located a little further away from the city of Kamalanagar, the temple is surrounded by verdant hills, making it even more peaceful for visitors.

How To Reach

With a state offering so much to its religious visitors, the next obvious question is: How can one reach Mizoram? The state capital of Aizawl is well-connected to other parts of the country by Air, Rail, and Road. Most of the religious sites in the state are located in and around Aizawl. Here is how one can reach Aizawl from other parts of the country.

  • By Air – Aizawl is situated nearly 1 hour away from Lengpui which has a domestic airport. Apart from this, one can also get flights from Kolkata, Guwahati, and Imphal directly to Aizawl. You can easily check the availability of flights to Aizawl on the days of your choice from the Cleartrip. Check out the best prices for flight tickets to Aizawl on the website to plan your trip.
  • By Rail – The closest railway station to Aizawl is Silchar, which is located approximately 135 km away. From Silchar, one can easily travel to Aizawl by local taxis or buses plying between the cities.
  • By Road – Aizawl is connected to Silchar via NH 54, which is further connected to all major destinations in the country. Thus, if you are planning to travel to the pilgrimage sites in Mizoram, you should plan your road trip from Silchar. The beautiful landscape and scenic roads will certainly make it an unforgettable travel experience for you.

Where to Stay

Aizawl being the state capital, has a number of good accommodation options for all budgets. Whether you are travelling for business reasons, on a family vacation, or as a solo traveller on a tight budget, Aizawl has some good and safe stay options for you. Here are a few tips to follow when looking for a place to stay in Aizawl.

  • Decide the places you want to visit during your stay and look for accommodation in the vicinity.
  • Decide your budget before looking for stay options as this helps in narrowing down the choices available to you.
  • Check for the reviews and safety precautions online, before making a booking.
  • If you are unfamiliar with the destination, do not make plans that involve staying out till late at night. Being a hill state, you may find it difficult to find conveyance back to your accommodation late at night.

Discovering Mizoram’s Religious Side

When looking at northeast tourist places, one tends to get carried away by the abundant natural beauty that the region has to offer. However, if you take some time out to plan beforehand, the region has a lot more to explore. One of the best things you can explore is the religious side of Mizoram. The state with its teeming waterfalls and lush greenery has some of the most popular pilgrimage sites as well.

If you are looking for an unforgettable travel experience, you must visit the pilgrimage sites of Mizoram. The history and architecture of the places are fascinating. However, interacting with the local population visiting these places and understanding their culture form some of the best experiences. This is certainly one of the best ways to explore the tourist spots in north-east India.

FAQs

Which is the largest church in Mizoram?

The largest church in Mizoram is the Mizoram Presbyterian Church Synod located in Aizawl. Established in the year 1897 by Rev. David Evan Jones, it is also the first church built in Mizoram.

How many days do I require to visit prominent religious sites in Mizoram?

The state of Mizoram has a lot more to offer apart from pilgrimage sites and you must plan your visit accordingly. However, if you are travelling to only visit the prominent religious sites in Mizoram, you have to plan a trip of 5-7 days.

Does Mizoram only have churches for religious visitors?

No, Mizoram has a number of sites for religious visitors belonging to different religions. It has ancient temples, Buddhist temples, and other religious shrines. Being a Christian majority state, it has a large number of popular churches.

How many churches are there in Mizoram?

There are more than approximately three dozen churches located all over the tiny state of Mizoram.

Which religions are followed by the people of Mizoram?

The people of Mizoram follow different religions. The vast majority of the population follows Christianity, closely followed by Buddhism. The state also has a sizable population of followers of Hinduism, Islam, and Jainism. Another common religion followed in the region is Animism.

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