Thenzawl is celebrated as the handloom center of Mizoram. The vibrant, traditional ‘puan’—a wrap-around skirt worn by Mizo women during festivals and special occasions—is predominantly hand-woven in Thenzawl. This quaint town has earned the moniker ‘Handloom City’ due to its significant contribution to Mizo textiles. For those unfamiliar, ‘puan’ refers to the traditional garment proudly worn by Mizo women. Our journey to Thenzawl, coupled with a visit to Hmuifang, began on a rainy day as we approached the final leg of our week-long exploration of Mizoram.
Waterfalls of Thenzawl: Nature’s Marvels
In addition to its handloom heritage, Thenzawl is renowned for its spectacular waterfalls. Among them are the Vantwang Waterfall, the tallest in Mizoram, and the Tuirihiau Waterfall (a challenging name to pronounce!). On the other hand, Hmuifang is celebrated as one of Mizoram’s most scenic hill stations. While calling it a hill station might seem amusing given Mizoram’s hilly terrain, the charm of Hmuifang was a refreshing contrast after our time in Champhai Valley.
Where is Thenzawl Located?
Thenzawl is situated in Mizoram’s Serchhip district, approximately 90 km from Aizawl, the state capital. The scenic route to Thenzawl meanders through picturesque mountain roads. Hmuifang, located about 60 km from Aizawl and en route to Thenzawl, makes it convenient to visit both locations in a single trip. Ideally, one should spend a night in both Thenzawl and Hmuifang, though we only stayed in Hmuifang during our visit.
Thenzawl and Hmuifang Trip – Our Experience
Following our visit to Champhai, a charming border town known for its sunny weather, lush paddy fields, and stunning landscapes, we were keen to continue our journey. We explored Rih Dil Lake in Myanmar, a lake of great significance to the Mizo people, and visited Mizoram’s wine factory. However, a mishap with our sumo driver led to the cancellation of our Vangchhia visit, which dampened our spirits. Details of this incident are shared in our Mizoram article.
To lift our mood, we decided to head to Thenzawl. We took a sumo from Aizawl towards Thenzawl, and as we left the city, the weather turned cooler and cloudier—a pleasant change from the sunny days we had experienced in Champhai.
The Road to Thenzawl
On the route to Thenzawl, we passed the Tropic of Cancer, where our driver kindly stopped for a photo opportunity. The road soon became enveloped in clouds, making it feel like we were traveling through a sea of mist. We stopped at a viewpoint offering a breathtaking panorama of the verdant mountains and valleys, adding to the ethereal beauty of Mizoram.
Arrival in Thenzawl
Upon reaching Thenzawl, the town initially appeared to be a modest, unremarkable place with a local market. Despite our initial disappointment, we soon realized that Thenzawl’s charm lies in its hidden gems. We rented a car from the market area to visit the waterfalls, continuing despite the persistent drizzle.
Vantwang Waterfall
Vantwang Waterfall, the highest in Mizoram and the thirteenth-highest in India, plunges from a height of 229 meters (750 feet). Named after a skilled Mizo swimmer who tragically met his end at the falls, this two-tiered waterfall is a sight to behold. Despite the ongoing drizzle, we made our way to the Vantwang Viewpoint, which offers a stunning view of the falls from across the river. Google Maps might show Vantwang Falls as being further away, but the viewpoint provides the best vantage point.
Tuirihiau Waterfall
Following our visit to Vantwang, we proceeded to Tuirihiau Waterfall, located a bit further along the road towards Lunglei. This waterfall, though not as tall as Vantwang, offers the unique experience of being seen from behind. The secluded location allowed us to enjoy the falls in solitude, making for a memorable visit.
Exploring Thenzawl’s Handlooms
Our plan to explore Thenzawl’s handlooms was curtailed by heavy rain, which limited our options to a few open shops in the market. Typically, the handlooms are situated behind the shops or in local homes. With darkness setting in and our need to travel to Hmuifang, we chose not to pursue this further. However, Thenzawl offers accommodation options, including the Thenzawl Tourist Lodge.
Hmuifang: A Scenic Retreat
Hmuifang, a picturesque spot in Mizoram, is perfect for leisure and trekking. Located en route from Thenzawl to Aizawl, it offers a range of hiking trails and stunning landscapes. After a long wait, we arrived at the Hmuifang Tourist Lodge, where the weather had turned gloomy. The lodge, perched on a peak, provided spacious accommodations and stunning views, despite the rainy weather.
Things to Do in Hmuifang
Hmuifang’s peak offers panoramic views and is ideal for picnics. The surrounding villages—Hmuifang, Sumsuih, Lamchhip, and Chamring—provide a glimpse into traditional Mizo life. Additionally, Sialsuk, another hilly destination, is worth exploring.
Conclusion
Our trip to Thenzawl and Hmuifang was unforgettable. The breathtaking waterfalls, especially Tuirihiau, left a lasting impression. Despite the challenges, including car troubles and rainy weather, our experiences in these locations were enriching. The respite in Hmuifang was much needed after our hectic travels, and we hope to return to explore it more fully.
FAQs
How to Reach Thenzawl?
Thenzawl is approximately 90 km from Aizawl. Local transport options, including shared jeeps and sumos, are available from Aizawl to Thenzawl at Zarkawt.
Where to Stay in Thenzawl?
The Thenzawl Tourist Lodge, operated by the Tourism Department, is the best place to stay. It offers good service and accommodation. Booking can be done via phone.
How to Reach Hmuifang?
Hmuifang is located on the route from Aizawl to Thenzawl. Any sumo heading towards Thenzawl can drop you off at Hmuifang.
Where to Stay in Hmuifang?
The Hmuifang Tourist Lodge is the top choice for accommodation in Hmuifang.
