Champhai in Mizoram, located at the Indo-Myanmar border, holds significant importance for being a prime location for international trade. However, this unexplored haven has a lot more in store to offer to tourists as well. Find out all about this place below. By Angira Kar
Despite holding immense importance as a strategically positioned and commercially growing place, the town blessed with rich culture and natural charm stands overlooked as a tourist destination. Due to an abundance of paddy fields and rice cultivation, Champhai is also known as the Rice Bowl of Mizoram. Moreover, the state’s evergreen mountains and cordial locals, make this culturally rich town worth a visit.
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Champhai is laden with ancient relics and memorials with a profusion of folklores connected with the local tribes. It is said that the history of the Mizo tribe started and ended here, and their unique heritage is depicted in its monoliths and monuments. The exuberant culture of the tribes makes this place vibrant with a kaleidoscope of colours. Even the tourist attractions here have mythological and historical importance attached to them, which make this town an interesting place for discerning tourists.
Champhai has plenty of magnificent sights to behold. With a view of the enchanting Myanmar hills and pleasant weather throughout the year, this beauteous town doesn’t let anyone down. Just at the bottom of the town is the Champhai valley, whose abundant rice cultivation sprawls down to the never-ending fields. Just two hours from Champhai lies the Murlen National Park that is home to many endangered species, such as the Himalayan black bear, sambar, barking deer, leopards and tigers.
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When here, you can witness a myriad of multi-coloured orchids, and enjoy an afternoon of birdwatching. One of the most popular attractions of this place, which is also believed to be holy by the Mizo people, is Myanmar’s heart-shaped lake called Rih Dil, that lies just an hour away from Champhai. The locals believe that souls that pass through the lake get transferred to the eternal abode. This lake has also been mentioned significantly in the artworks of Mizoram.
Another must-visit place near Champhai is the Thasiama Seno Neihna, a scenic plateau which has many folklores and fairytales associated with it. The not-so-easy climb to this plateau makes it a trekker’s delight, and the serene beauty that will surround you as you reach there will make it worth the effort.
Another trek that you can embark upon for a glimpse of nature’s marvel is to the Phawngpui Peak. In fact, if you are a wildlife enthusiast, you can also check out the Lengteng Wildlife Sanctuary and Palak Wildlife Sanctuary, which are surrounded by tropical green forests, to spectate a plethora of animal and bird species. Or, walk around the town to explore monuments and learn about the influence of Mizo culture on these constructions.
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Getting There
The nearest airport is the Lengpui Airport in the state capital of Aizawl. From here you can hire a car or take a bus to reach Champhai.
Stay
Hotel Chhungte International and Hotel Chief are good options.
Pro-Tip
Visit Champhai during the rainy season when nature’s bounty is in its most untouched form.
So, next monsoon, don’t think twice before packing your bags to explore the unexplored town of Champhai in the serene lands of Mizoram.
Related: Mizoram Takes Physical Distancing To Another Level; Shops Run Without Shopkeepers During COVID-19!
