Zokhawthar is a border town situated in the Mizoram state of India in the Indo Myanmar Border . Counter part of this city is Rikhawdar in Myanmar . Indian Myanmar border is defined by the Tiau river which separates two country . This border is mainly used for the Goods transport but now a days totally closed for the internal conflict inside the Myanmar . Only among the border city , trade happens . People crossed the border to buy items which are expensive in their part .
I visited this border check post in the December month . It was little bit cold at that time . In Mayanmar side rice production happens to be very good . I see lots of trucks crossing this Tiau River for the rice trade from myanmar side . From indian side people crossed the border to buy alchol , as alchol is expensive in Mizoram . Myanmar people come india to buy vegetables , fruits and garments . This check post is near to the Mizoram city Champai .
I stayed in the city of Champai . In this place you can see lots of rice field and this district is called the rice bowl of Mizoram . The city is situated in the hill , as most of the city in Mizoram are situated in the hill to protect themself from head hunters in the older time . Just after you crossed the city towards the Zokhawthar you can see wide rice field in the both side of the road .
Rih Dil :
According to the tourist perspective , heart shaped Rih Dil(Rih Lake) is most important . People among the Mizo community belived that after death , spirits rests in the Rih Lake before going to the heaven . So this place is very sacred among the Mizo community and lots of people still goes there for pilgrimage purpose .
Rih dil is within 5 km from this border check post . Local motorbike can bring you to this spot but better to not going there now as internal conflict situation in Myanmar is not good . It is popular amoung the young couple for it’s unique heart shape .
For coming to this side of the border you have to cross this bridge on the Tiau River . This is an iron bridge and in both sides , there is gate for Indians and Mayanmar people . The alphabets of the burmes language is completely different than our language . That sign board tells that , you are entering the famous Burma . In our house lots of furniture is made by the segun wood of Burma . My first impression of burma is the rich source of Timber and Forest .
Their dress code and Houses were unique . Woman wear long skirt and used a unique white make up in their cheek . Most of the Houses are made of timber and shaded with tin . In this area , rain is very heavy in the monsoon time . So the roof is inclined in the both side rather than flat .
Myanmar Currency :
Before crossing the border First , I exchange some Indian currency with the Mayanmar kyat . Mayanmar currency is weaker than Indian currency where 1 INR is 32 Kyat . I have changed 500 INR with 12000 Kyat . You can find some myanmar ladies just in the gate of this bridge , who change the INR to Kyat .
Unique Make Up of Myanmar Ladies :
After crossing to the myanmar side you can find lots of female puting a white color paste in their cheek . It is a type of myanmar make up for beautification of Ladies .
They wear a specific long skirt . This is the traditional dress for Myanmar Ladies .
Why Indian Myanmar Land Border’s were closed ?
Since the Elected leader Aung san suu kyi has been send to jail and the army have taken control of the power . There is a civil war between the Myanmar civilian and the Army . Now Myanmar can only be reached through the Yangon and Mandalay international airport and you can make only a restricted journey where army has better control .
People are mostly buddhist in Mayanmar where as in the Mizoram side people are mostly Christian . There is a Buddhist monastery just after the river bridge . There is some cloth shops , some hardware shops , barber shops and some restaurant in this small town .
Some types of sweet rice biscuits are very famous and I brought one big packet from here . Here , food prices are cheaper than Champai city . Rice is one of the major part in a myanmar meal . Chicken , pork and beef are easily available in Myanmar . I ordered rice and chicken in a local restaurant and price was very affortable .
Summary :
Zokhawthar and Rikhawdar are two border cities situated in India and Myanmar seperated by the tiu river . Myanmar currency is kyat which is much weaker than INR . This border is mainly used for the Border trade . Tam dil is the major tourist attraction in the Myanmar side which is a heart shaped lake and religious site among the Mizo community . Now the border is closed for the internal conflict inside Myanmar .