A mere 30 km away from the hustle and bustle of Aizawl, the capital of Mizoram, the enchanting hillside village of Reiek beckons — not just as a destination but as an immersive experience where nature, culture and history converge, offering a timeless escape for those seeking the extraordinary.
Perched at an elevation of 1,465 metres, the village offers a panoramic view of hills and valleys, embraced by a verdant canopy of mountains and the symphony of birdsong, bringing time to a standstill. This remote haven has earned its place among the country’s best tourism villages, captivating the hearts of adventurers and nature enthusiasts alike.
The pinnacle of its allure is the Reiek peak, one of the highest hills in Mizoram. A trek through dense forests lasting 45 minutes rewards adventurers with a breathtaking panorama of clouds below and a glimpse of Aizawl city.
Adding to the attraction is Khuangchera Puk, a 162-metre-long and 10-metre-high cave, the longest in Mizoram. Named after the legendary Mizo warrior Khuangchera, who lived here in the late nineteenth century, the cave stands as a testament to the region’s history.
The journey to Reiek is as mesmerising as the destination itself. Travellers are treated to waterfalls, hills, and a lush green canopy of trees, creating a prelude to the village’s splendours.
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In recognition of its charm, Reiek was honoured as the best tourism village in the gold category by the Union government in 2023. Organised by the Union government’s Central Nodal Agency for Rural Tourism, the best tourism village competition had attracted more than 750 applications from 315 districts and 31 states across India.
One village, many charms
Reiek’s allure extends beyond its natural splendour. The village hosts a tourist resort, home to a model heritage village that unveils the essence of Mizo life. The heritage village showcases traditional huts representing different Mizo sub-tribes, constructed with bamboo and thatched roofs. Each dwelling is meticulously furnished with artefacts from ancient times, providing a captivating journey into the rich history of Mizoram.
A focal point of interest within the village is Zawlbuk, a traditional bachelor’s quarter situated at the heart of Reiek. Historically, it served as a dormitory for unmarried men, a social institution central to education, entertainment and community security.
“Our ancestors built Zawlbuk not only as a dormitory but also to maintain the security of the village, with the youth defending against attacks,” Beiseia Ralte, a 65-year-old village guard, said.
Beyond Zawlbuk, the village boasts other attractions, including the Lal-in, the chief’s residence, and Hnamchawn, simple windowless dwelling houses for common people. Also present are separate houses for blacksmiths, called pum, and widows.
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“The model village has become a magnet for tourists, both domestic and foreign. We get 300-400 tourists every month, the numbers surging during the peak winter season,” Ralte said.
The Reiek tourist resort, managed by the state tourism department, offers more than a glimpse into Mizo life. It features a climbing wall, an auditorium and guest houses with rates ranging from Rs 1,000 to Rs 2,500 a day.
“We have 10 well-attended rooms. Tourists come from different parts of the country, mostly from Bengal. We offer both vegetarian and non-vegetarian food,” said Pradeep Kumar Roy, a cook in the guesthouse.
Tour de force
The heightened tourism not only brings recognition to the villagers but also provides livelihood opportunities. Villagers actively maintain the cleanliness of the village to present a positive image to outsiders.
“We do brisk business during holidays, especially during Christmas and New Year. As the village is surrounded by tall trees, people come here for respite from the sweltering heat during summer,” said Lalramthari, who works in a small eatery and guesthouse.
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The tourism surge in Reiek gained momentum with the initiation of the Anthurium Festival in 2009. This two-day annual celebration features folk music, cultural dance, indigenous games, food courts, handloom exhibitions and activities reflecting Mizo culture. The festival was held on October 20-21 in 2023.
“The Anthurium Festival has played a major role in increasing the influx of tourists in the state, and the award would certainly help the village cement its place as one of the favourite tourist destinations in the country,” said Dr R Lalrinchhani, deputy director of state tourism department.
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The lead image at the top shows the model heritage village created at Reiek in Mizoram. (Photo by Gurvinder Singh)
