Aizawl: The Serene Hills of North-East India

• HelloRawngbawlai
  [raŋbɔːlai]
• GoodbyeThlakrawt
  [tɬakrɔːt]
• YesEngtin
  [eŋtɪn]
• NoEngtin lo
  [eŋtɪn lo]
• Please/You're welcomeHming
  [mɪŋ]
• Thank youNangmah
  [naŋma]
• Excuse me/SorryHmeichhia
  [mɛitʃia]
• How are you?Ka in ang che?
  [ka ɪn aŋ tʃe]
• Fine. And you?Hriat. Nuam ah ka che?
  [riat nʊam a ka tʃe]
• Do you speak English?English ka hman thei lo?
  [ɪŋglɪʃ ka m̩ θe lo]
• I don't understandKa hria lo
  [ka ria lo]

• I'd like to see the menu, pleaseMenu ka thei thei ang
  [mɛnju ka θe θe aŋ]
• I don't eat meatNa khawih sawm lo
  [na kʰawi sɔːm lo]
• Cheers!Zumlo
  [zʊmlo]
• I would like to pay, pleaseInneih thei thei ang
  [ɪnneɪ θe θe aŋ]

• Help!Thlakrawt!
  [tɬakrɔːt]
• Go away!Lak rawt!
  [lak rɔːt]
• Call the Police!Thuneitu kal thei rawh!
  [tʰuneɪtu kaθ θe rɔː]
• Call a doctor!Doctor kal rawh!
  [dɔktə kaθ rɔː]
• I'm lostKa hawi lo
  [ka haːwi lo]
• I'm illKa thiam lo
  [ka tʰiaːm lo]

• I'd like to buy...Ka thei thei ang...
  [ka θe θe aŋ]
• I'm just lookingKa hman phawt lo
  [ka m̩ phaʊt lo]
• How much is it?Engmah ka ei?
  [eŋma ka eɪ]
• That's too expensiveAwh mai mai
  [aʍ maɪ maɪ]
• Can you lower the price?Engmah ka thei ve lo?
  [eŋma ka θe ve lo]

• What time is it?Nichung ka ei?
  [niˈtʃʊŋ ka eɪ]
• It's one o'clockKan hnih ka ei
  [kan ˈniː ka eɪ]
• Half past (10)Zirna hnih
  [ˈziɾna ˈniː]
• MorningThla
  [tɬa]
• AfternoonTlawm
  [tlaʊm]
• EveningThingzawn
  [θiŋˈzɔːn]
• YesterdayThla hnih
  [tɬa ˈniː]
• TodayIn
  [in]
• TomorrowMing
  [miŋ]
• 1Kan
  [kan]
• 2Khat
  [kʰat]
• 3Khatra
  [kʰatɾa]
• 4Pau
  [pau]
• 5Pathum
  [patʰum]
• 6Rokua
  [ɾɔkʊa]
• 7Thum
  [tʰum]
• 8Sailam
  [sailam]
• 9Sana
  [sana]
• 10Pathian
  [patʰiˈan]

• Where's a/the...?Kan...
  [kan]
• What's the address?Address ka ei?
  [əˈdɹɛs ka eɪ]
• Can you show me (on the map)?Map a min hmuh thei ve lo?
  [mæp ə mɪn m̩ hmuθ θei ve lo]
• When's the next (bus)?Chawlhkar chu ka ei?
  [tʃɔːl̥kʰaɾ tʃu ka eɪ]
• A ticket (to ....)Ticket (....) ka thei ang
  [tɪkɪt ka θe aŋ]

Aizawl, the capital of Mizoram, was officially founded in 1871-72. It was initially established as a military fort by the British to control the local Lusei tribals, who were known for their fierce independence and headhunting practices.

During the British colonial era, Aizawl served as an administrative center. The British influence is evident in the city's layout and architecture, with several colonial-era buildings still standing today. The town became a focal point for British efforts to administer and pacify the region.

In the 1960s, Aizawl became the center of the Mizo National Front (MNF) insurgency against the Indian government. The conflict culminated in the Indian Air Force bombing Aizawl in 1966, marking the first and only instance of India bombing its own territory. This event deeply scarred the local population and is a significant part of the city's history.

Mizoram was granted Union Territory status in 1972, with Aizawl as its capital. This was a significant milestone in the region's history, leading to the eventual formation of the state of Mizoram in 1987. Aizawl's role as the administrative and cultural heart of the new state was cemented during this period.

Aizawl is a cultural melting pot, with a rich tapestry of traditions, languages, and religions. The city is predominantly inhabited by the Mizo people, who have their own distinct customs, dances, and festivals. Christianity, introduced by Welsh missionaries in the late 19th century, plays a significant role in the cultural life of Aizawl.

Today, Aizawl is a bustling urban center that blends traditional Mizo culture with modern development. The city is known for its picturesque setting, nestled among the hills, and its vibrant markets and cultural institutions. It continues to be the political, cultural, and economic hub of Mizoram.

Aizawl, the capital city of Mizoram, India, can be reached primarily through Lengpui Airport, located about 32 kilometers from the city. Flights operate regularly to and from major cities like Kolkata, Guwahati, and Imphal. Alternatively, Aizawl can be accessed by road; National Highway 306 connects it to Silchar in Assam, and buses and taxis are available from there. The nearest railway station is in Silchar, around 180 kilometers away.

Within Aizawl, public buses operated by the Mizoram State Transport and shared taxis are the most common forms of transportation. Auto-rickshaws and private taxis are also readily available. Walking is a viable option for short distances, especially in the central areas. It is advisable to negotiate fares beforehand when hiring private taxis or auto-rickshaws.

The official currency is the Indian Rupee (INR). Credit and debit cards are accepted in most hotels, restaurants, and larger shops, but cash is essential for smaller vendors and markets. ATMs are widespread in Aizawl, but it is advisable to carry sufficient cash, especially when traveling to more remote areas.

Aizawl is generally safe for tourists, but it is always wise to take standard precautions. Avoid isolated areas and walking alone at night. Keep an eye on your belongings, especially in crowded places like markets. There are no specific high-crime areas targeting tourists, but staying vigilant is always recommended.

In case of emergency, dial 100 for police assistance and 102 for medical emergencies. The main hospital in Aizawl is the Civil Hospital, which provides most medical services. Pharmacies are also available for minor health issues. It is advisable to have travel insurance that covers medical emergencies. Keep a list of emergency contacts handy.

Fashion: Do dress modestly, especially when visiting religious sites. Avoid wearing revealing clothing. Religion: Do respect local customs and traditions. Remove your shoes before entering religious places. Public Transport: Do be courteous and give up your seat for elderly passengers. Don’t eat or drink on public transport. Greetings: Do greet people with a smile and a slight nod. A handshake is also acceptable. Eating & Drinking: Do try local delicacies and accept food offerings graciously. Don’t refuse hospitality, as it is considered impolite.

To experience Aizawl like a local, visit the Bara Bazar, the main market where you can find traditional Mizo goods, fresh produce, and handicrafts. Engage with locals, who are often friendly and willing to share stories and cultural insights. Don’t miss the opportunity to attend a cultural performance showcasing traditional Mizo dances and music. For a unique experience, explore the Durtlang Hills, offering panoramic views of the city.