Mizoram has seen a significant rise in tourist arrivals since the inauguration of the railway line connecting the state capital, Aizawl, last September, the state’s Tourism Minister Lalnghinglova Hmar told NDTV on Tuesday, on the sidelines of the Mizoram Travel Fest 2026.
The minister said Mizoram was a late starter in tourism but now aims to position itself as a unique destination for culture, adventure, and nature tourism.
If the initiative proves successful and sustainable, the programme will be expanded, he added. The state government hopes to establish Mizoram as an alternative destination for Christmas celebrations and winter vacations by promoting its natural beauty, cultural traditions, and community-driven tourism initiatives. As part of a pilot initiative, the government is providing grants of Rs 5 lakh each to 199 families to set up homestays.
He described Mizoram as a largely unexplored destination and said the government was focusing on community-based tourism to ensure that local people directly benefit from tourism-related activities. Hmar said the state government was encouraging villagers to establish and operate homestays rather than allowing the government to run tourism businesses directly.
The minister also highlighted Mizoram’s ambition to emerge as India’s next winter and Christmas tourism destination. He said that the state organises a series of cultural events during the Christmas season, beginning December 15, including musical performances, Christmas carols, parades and traditional celebrations.
He said Mizoram aims to attract domestic and international tourists who traditionally travel to destinations such as Goa, Pattaya, and Bali during the winter holidays.
