Aizawl: On the World Tourism Day 2023, held at the Bharat Mandapam in New Delhi, Reiek village of Mizoram was declared as the Best Tourism Village of India.
Very few people in India knew about Reiek village of Mizoram, and they had no idea as to why the tiny village in Northeast India was awarded the Best Tourism Village of India.
The Best Tourism Village Competition was launched on February 16, 2023, by the Ministry of Tourism.
Through various stages, the 80 best villages were selected in early September. And Reiek Village is among the five Gold Award winners from the final selection.
It was a well-deserved recognition for the Reiek village ofMizoram. Reiek is like a paradise on the top of a mountain, located about 29 km from Aizawl, the capital city of Mizoram.
The village rests at an elevation of 1,465 metres, overlooking Aizawl, and offers a view of the surrounding valleys and hills.
On a clear day, the plains of Bangladesh can be seen from the top of the hill. Reiek Hill is surrounded by thick lush green temperate trees and bushes.
Reiek Tiang is a cuesta (a hill with a gentle slope on one side and a steep slope on the other) created by erosion of the tertiary sand shale alterations.
Reiek is a typical Mizo village consisting of the distinctive traditional huts, Mizo chieftain’s house, a bachelor’s dormitory and that of a widow has been created and maintained by the Mizoram Tourism Department.
The houses are fully furnished giving the visitor a peek into the glorious past of the valiant highlanders.
A few Mizo modern houses have also been constructed nearby to show the changes that have taken place in the Mizo way of life in keeping pace with the modern developments.
The Mizoram Tourism Department also has a cafeteria and a resort providing decent food and accommodation.
The Reiek village is also the venue for the annual Anthurium Festival (September) and the best time to visit would be in April.
Anthurium Festival is a festival promoting Anthurium grown in Mizoram and the rich Mizo customs and traditions at Reiek Tlang to tourists.
The Anthurium Festival is organized every year by the Tourism Department and the Horticulture Department with financial support of the central government.
It has a dual purpose — promoting the cultivation and marketing of the enthralling flower and attracting more tourists to the scenic beauties of Mizoram.
The unique festival showcases the rich and rhythmic cultural dances and games of Mizoram. Fashion shows are also a regular feature of the festival.
