Mizo Hills (Lushai) – Mizoram, India

Mizo Hills are also called the Lushai Hills, form the southernmost part of the Purvanchal Range. They are mainly located in the state of Mizoram, with extensions into Tripura, Manipur, and Myanmar.

Further, these hills cover an area of about 21,000 square kilometres and stretch for nearly 250 kilometres from north to south. Moreover, they are part of the Rakhine (Arakan) Mountain system and act as a natural link between India and Southeast Asia.

Physical Features

• Mizo Hills are made of old folded sedimentary rocks and display a series of north–south ridges with narrow valleys.
• Their average elevation is around 900–1,300 metres, while some peaks rise above 2,000 metres.
• Phawngpui Peak (Blue Mountain) is the highest point at 2,157 metres.
• The region is covered with evergreen and semi-evergreen forests due to heavy rainfall.
• Famous Tamdil Lake is also located near Aizawl.

Location

• Mizo Hills lie between Tripura in the west, Manipur in the north, and Myanmar in the east and south.
• They form a natural border between India and Myanmar.
• The southern end of these hills merges with the Arakan Yoma range in Myanmar.

Rivers

Major rivers include:

• Tlawng (Dhaleswari) – flows north into Assam.
• Tuivawl – joins the Barak River system.
• Sonai (Tuirail) – drains toward the north.
• Kaladan (Chhimtuipui) – flows south into Myanmar and then into the Bay of Bengal.

People and Culture

• The region is home to the Mizo tribes, known for their simple and community-based lifestyle.
• The main occupation is agriculture, especially jhum cultivation, though terrace farming is increasing.
• The people celebrate vibrant festivals like Chapchar Kut and Mim Kut.
• Aizawl, the capital of Mizoram, lies on one of the central ridges.
• The village of Mawlynnong, often called Asia’s cleanest village, reflects the region’s commitment to cleanliness and sustainability.