Lunglei is a city in the southern part of Mizoram, a state in Northeast India. Lunglei means “bridge of rock” in the local Mizo language, and it is named after a natural bridge over the Nghasih stream that runs through the city. Lunglei is one of the most beautiful and peaceful places in Mizoram, and it is often overlooked by tourists who flock to the capital city of Aizawl. However, Lunglei has a lot to offer to those who are looking for a unique and memorable travel experience. Here are some of the reasons why you should visit Lunglei and explore its attractions, activities, weather, food, and transport.
Lunglei Attractions
Lunglei is blessed with natural beauty and wildlife diversity, and it has several attractions that will appeal to nature lovers, wildlife enthusiasts, and culture buffs. Some of the main attractions in Lunglei are:
Lunglei Rock Bridge: This is the landmark of Lunglei, and it is a natural bridge formed by a huge rock over the Nghasih stream. The rock bridge is about 60 feet long and 15 feet wide, and it is believed to be formed by volcanic activity. The rock bridge is a popular spot for picnics, photography, and sightseeing, and it offers a panoramic view of the city and the surrounding hills.
Thorangtlang Wildlife Sanctuary: This is a wildlife sanctuary that covers an area of 50 square kilometers, and it is home to a variety of animals, such as elephants, leopards, tigers, barking deer, wild boar, and hoolock gibbons. The sanctuary also has a rich flora, with orchids, rhododendrons, bamboo, and ferns. The sanctuary is a paradise for birdwatchers, as it hosts several species of birds, such as hornbills, partridges, pheasants, and eagles. The sanctuary is open from 6 am to 6 pm, and the entry fee is Rs. 20 per person.
Saza Wildlife Sanctuary: This is another wildlife sanctuary that covers an area of 55 square kilometers, and it is famous for its bird life. The sanctuary is a haven for migratory and endemic birds, such as the hornbill, the peacock pheasant, the sunbird, the flycatcher, and the woodpecker. The sanctuary also has a variety of mammals, reptiles, and insects, such as bears, civets, pythons, and butterflies. The sanctuary is open from 6 am to 6 pm, and the entry fee is Rs. 20 per person.
Saikuti Hall: This is a cultural hall that showcases the Mizo culture and traditions, and it hosts cultural events and festivals throughout the year. The hall has a museum that displays artifacts, costumes, weapons, and musical instruments of the Mizo people. The hall also has a stage that hosts performances of folk dances, songs, and dramas. The hall is open from 10 am to 5 pm, and the entry fee is Rs. 10 per person.
Nghasih Stream: This is a stream that flows through the city, and it offers a relaxing and refreshing spot for tourists. The stream has clear water, green banks, and rocky beds, and it is ideal for boating, fishing, and swimming. The stream also has a park that has benches, swings, and slides for children. The stream is open from 6 am to 6 pm, and there is no entry fee.
Lunglei Activities
Lunglei is not only a place for sightseeing, but also a place for adventure and fun. There are many activities that one can do in Lunglei, such as:
Trekking: Lunglei is surrounded by hills and forests, and it offers many trekking trails for the adventurous. Some of the popular trekking routes are the Lunglei Rock Bridge Trail, the Thorangtlang Wildlife Sanctuary Trail, the Saza Wildlife Sanctuary Trail, and the Khawnglung Wildlife Sanctuary Trail. These trails offer scenic views, wildlife sightings, and challenging terrains. The best time for trekking is from October to March, when the weather is pleasant and dry. The trekking cost varies depending on the distance, duration, and guide service, but it is usually around Rs. 500 to Rs. 1000 per person.
Camping: Lunglei is a perfect place for camping, as it has many campsites that offer natural beauty, privacy, and safety. Some of the best campsites are the Lunglei Rock Bridge Campsite, the Thorangtlang Wildlife Sanctuary Campsite, the Saza Wildlife Sanctuary Campsite, and the Nghasih Stream Campsite. These campsites have facilities such as tents, sleeping bags, toilets, and fire pits. The best time for camping is from October to March, when the nights are cool and clear. The camping cost varies depending on the location, duration, and amenities, but it is usually around Rs. 1000 to Rs. 2000 per person.
Birdwatching: Lunglei is a birdwatcher’s delight, as it has two wildlife sanctuaries that are rich in bird life. The Thorangtlang Wildlife Sanctuary and the Saza Wildlife Sanctuary are the best places for birdwatching, as they have a variety of birds, such as hornbills, peacock pheasants, sunbirds, flycatchers, and woodpeckers. The best time for birdwatching is from November to February, when the migratory birds arrive. The birdwatching cost varies depending on the location, duration, and guide service, but it is usually around Rs. 500 to Rs. 1000 per person.
Boating: Lunglei is a place for water lovers, as it has a stream that offers boating opportunities. The Nghasih Stream is the best place for boating, as it has clear water, green banks, and rocky beds. The stream has boats that can accommodate up to four people, and they are available for rent. The best time for boating is from April to September, when the water level is high. The boating cost is Rs. 50 per person for 30 minutes.
Cultural Events: Lunglei is a place for culture enthusiasts, as it has a cultural hall that hosts cultural events and festivals throughout the year. The Saikuti Hall is the best place for cultural events, as it has a museum, a stage, and a hall that showcase the Mizo culture and traditions. The hall hosts events such as folk dances, songs, dramas, and festivals, such as Chapchar Kut, Mim Kut, and Pawl Kut. The best time for cultural events is from February to March, when the Chapchar Kut festival is celebrated. The cultural events cost varies depending on the type, duration, and ticket, but it is usually around Rs. 100 to Rs. 500 per person.
Lunglei Weather
Lunglei has a subtropical climate, with warm summers, cool winters, and moderate rainfall. The average temperature ranges from 15°C to 30°C, and the average rainfall is about 2500 mm per year. The weather and climate of Lunglei are as follows:
Summer: Summer lasts from April to June, and it is the hottest and driest season in Lunglei. The temperature ranges from 20°C to 35°C, and the humidity is low. The summer is a good time for boating, fishing, and swimming in the Nghasih Stream, as the water level is high and the weather is sunny.
Monsoon: Monsoon lasts from July to September, and it is the wettest and most humid season in Lunglei. The temperature ranges from 18°C to 28°C, and the rainfall is heavy. The monsoon is a good time for enjoying the greenery, waterfalls, and rainbows in Lunglei, as the landscape is lush and vibrant.
Winter: Winter lasts from October to March, and it is the coolest and driest season in Lunglei. The temperature ranges from 10°C to 25°C, and the rainfall is low. The winter is a good time for trekking, camping, and birdwatching in Lunglei, as the weather is pleasant and dry.
Lunglei Food
Lunglei has a unique and delicious food culture, influenced by the Mizo cuisine and the neighbouring states. Lunglei food is mainly based on rice, meat, vegetables, and spices, and it is cooked in simple and healthy ways. Some of the dishes that one should try in Lunglei are:
Bai: This is a vegetable stew that is made with seasonal vegetables, such as cabbage, beans, pumpkin, and spinach, and cooked with pork, chicken, or fish. The stew is flavoured with salt, ginger, garlic, and local herbs, such as mint and coriander. Bai is a staple dish in Lunglei, and it is served with rice and chutney.
Sawhchiar: This is a rice and meat dish that is made with rice, chicken, pork, or beef, and cooked with onion, ginger, garlic, and turmeric. The dish is seasoned with salt, pepper, and chilli, and garnished with coriander. Sawhchiar is a festive dish in Lunglei, and it is served with salad and soup.
Chhum Han: This is a bamboo shoot dish that is made with fresh or fermented bamboo shoots, and cooked with pork, chicken, or fish. The dish is spiced with salt, ginger, garlic, and chilli, and simmered in water or stock. Chhum han is a delicacy in Lunglei, and it is served with rice and chutney.
Zu: This is a local rice beer that is made with rice, water, and yeast, and fermented for a few days. The beer is sweet, sour, and mildly alcoholic, and it is consumed in social and religious occasions. Zu is a traditional drink in Lunglei, and it is served in bamboo mugs or cups.
Some of the restaurants that serve these dishes in Lunglei are:
David’s Kitchen: This is a family-run restaurant that offers authentic and tasty Mizo food, such as bai, sawhchiar, chhum han, and zu. The restaurant is cozy and clean, and the staff is friendly and helpful. The restaurant is open from 10 am to 10 pm, and the average cost for two is Rs. 500.
Mizo Kitchen: This is a popular restaurant that serves a variety of Mizo and Indian dishes, such as bai, sawhchiar, chhum han, zu, biryani, and curry. The restaurant is spacious and comfortable, and the service is quick and efficient. The restaurant is open from 11 am to 11 pm, and the average cost for two is Rs. 600.
Bamboo Hut: This is a charming restaurant that specializes in bamboo dishes, such as bamboo rice, bamboo chicken, bamboo pork, and bamboo fish. The restaurant is rustic and elegant, and the ambiance is relaxing and romantic. The restaurant is open from 12 pm to 10 pm, and the average cost for two is Rs. 700.
Zotea Restaurant: This is a modern restaurant that offers a fusion of Mizo and Chinese dishes, such as bai, sawhchiar, chhum han, zu, noodles, and manchurian. The restaurant is stylish and trendy, and the atmosphere is lively and fun. The restaurant is open from 12 pm to 11 pm, and the average cost for two is Rs. 800.
Lunglei Transport
Lunglei is well connected by transport and connectivity, and it can be easily reached and explored by various modes of transport. Some of the details of transport in Lunglei are:
By air: The nearest airport to Lunglei is Lengpui Airport in Aizawl, which is 175 km away from Lunglei. There are regular flights from Kolkata, Guwahati, and Imphal to Aizawl, operated by airlines such as Air India, IndiGo, and SpiceJet. From Aizawl, one can take a bus or a taxi to Lunglei, which takes about 5 hours and costs around Rs. 2000 to Rs. 3000.
By rail: The nearest railway station to Lunglei is Silchar, which is 180 km away from Lunglei. There are frequent trains from Guwahati, Kolkata, and Delhi to Silchar, operated by Indian Railways. From Silchar, one can take a bus or a taxi to Lunglei, which takes about 6 hours and costs around Rs. 2500 to Rs. 3500.
By road: Lunglei is well connected by road to Aizawl, Silchar, Shillong, and Guwahati, and the roads are in good condition and offer scenic views. There are regular buses that ply between Lunglei and these cities, operated by Mizoram State Transport and private operators. The bus fare ranges from Rs. 200 to Rs. 500 per person. There are also taxis available for hire in Lunglei, which charge around Rs. 10 per km. They can also be booked in advance for sightseeing trips.
By local transport: Lunglei has a good network of local transport, such as buses, taxis, and private vehicles. There are buses that run within the city and to nearby towns, and they charge around Rs. 10 to Rs. 20 per person. There are taxis that can be hired for local travel, and they charge around Rs. 50 to Rs. 100 per trip. There are also rental agencies that offer cars and bikes for rent in Lunglei, and they charge around Rs. 500 to Rs. 1000 per day.
Conclusion
Lunglei is a hidden gem of Mizoram tourism, and it is a place that offers a lot to the travellers who are looking for a unique and memorable travel experience. Lunglei has attractions, activities, weather, food, and transport that cater to different tastes and preferences, and it is a place that will leave you spellbound and satisfied.
So, what are you waiting for? Book your trip to Lunglei today, and discover the beauty and charm of this city. And don’t forget to share your experience with us in the comments section below. Happy travelling!