Maraland Tourism

Siaha is situated in the southernmost region of the north-eastern state of Mizoram. Spread over an area of 1,966 sq km, the district is divided into sub-divisions such as Siaha and Tipa. Siaha is situated along the international boundary of Myanmar on the eastern and southern side.

The district is named after 'Sia' meaning an elephant tooth in the regional dialect Mara. This was the region where elephant teeth were found in large amounts.

Saiha is home to the Mara tribe belonging to the Kuki-Chin group of the Tibeto-Burman community. The roots of tribal populace belong to the regions of South China. The tribes migrated to their present Maraland in the later part of the 17th century. Lying along the river Kolodyne (Beino), Maraland was partitioned for administrative convenience into various parts, one of which is present day Saiha.

The district features several streams and mountain ranges, which offer opportunities for activities such as hiking, fishing and trekking in the foothills of mountains. Pala Tipo, also known as Pala Lake, is the biggest lake in Mizoram with an area of 30 hectares and is maintained by the autonomous government of Maraland. The archaic town of Saikao is a home to Mara tribes, which include Lusheis, Paites and Hmar. Missionaries House, built in the 1920s, is one of the major attractions of the town.

Travellers can reach Siaha easily with the availability of flights, trains and buses. The closest airport to the district headquarters is located in Aizawl, at a distance of 170 km. The railhead of Silchar is the closest railway station to the district headquarters. Managed by the North East Frontier Railways, the railway junction is well connected.

Saiha experiences temperate weather conditions, which feature moderate summers and pleasing winters. The winter season is ideal to visit Saiha. 

1. Palâ Tipo

Palâ Tipo (Mara language for "swallowing lake") is the largest lake in southern Mizoram, northeast India. It is located in near Phura village in Siahaa district, within the Mara Autonomous District Council. Its geographical location falls under the Indo-Burmabiodiversity hotspot, and is therefore rich in animal and plant species. The lake is a major component of the Palak Wildlife Sanctuary,[1]and it supports the major biodiversity of the sanctuary.[2]

Pala Tipo

Pala is derived from a mythical Mara story for the name of the lake while tipo means "lake"; it is called Palak Dil in Mizo ṭawng. The lake gives the name of the region Palak Assembly Constituency under Election Commission of India.[3][4]

Palak Dil is situated within Mara Autonomous District Council (MADC), one of the three autonomous district councils in the southernmost part of the state. It is about 76 km away from Siaha, the headquarters of MADC. It can be reached by small/light vehicles only. Three villages such as Phura, Tôkalô, and Palâ, are in close proximity. Phura is the main route for visitors.

Source : Wikipedia

2. Kaladan River

The Kaladan; also Kysapnadi, Beino, Bawinu and Kolodyne) is a river in eastern Mizoram State of India, and in Chin State and Rakhine State of western Myanmar.[1] The Kaladan River is called the Chhimtuipui River in India.[2] It forms the international border between India and Burma between 22° 47′ 10" N (where its tributary, the Tio River, joins it) and 22° 11′ 06" N.[1]

Kaladan Bridge

The river arises in central Chin State as the Timit, 22° 49′ 28″ N 93° 31′ 57" E, and flows south and is soon joined by the Chal, after which it is known as the Boinu River. It continues south until just before it is joined by the Twe River at 22° 08′ 40″ N 93° 34′ 30″ E, when it swings west. It continues west until 22° 05′ 20″ N 93° 14′ 12″ E, when it heads northwest. At 22° 11′ 06″ N 93° 09′ 29″ E, below Mount Phabipa, it turns north and becomes the international border between India and Myanmar. It flows north to 22° 47′ 09″ N 93° 05′ 47″ E, where the international border continues north along the Tyao River, and the Boinu heads northwest into Mizoram State, at which point it is known as the Kaladan.

Kaladan River

At 22° 56′ 21″ N 92° 58′ 55″ E it reaches its northernmost point, and turns south west, is joined by the Tuichong River from the right and then heads south.[3] The Kaladan is joined from the right by the Mat River at 22° 43′ 39″ N, 92° 54′ 46″ E. It continues south and is joined by the Kawrthingdeng River from the right. It again enters Chin State, at Raithaw Ferry, 22° 03′ 40″ N 92° 51′ 05″ E,[3] just northwest of Khenkhar. The Mi River joins from the left at 21° 06′ 56″ N 92° 57′ 42″ E.[4] At Ngame the river enters the Rakhine State of Myanmar and continues south to Sittwe where it enters the Bay of Bengal.

Source : Wikipedia