Tucked deep within the emerald folds of Mizoram’s lush hills lies one of the most spectacular natural wonders of Northeast India — the Vantawng Falls, known locally as Vantawng Khawhthla. This breathtaking waterfall is not only the highest in Mizoram but also one of the most scenic cascades in all of India’s hill states. My visit to this hidden gem was nothing short of magical — a blend of thrill, tranquillity, and awe.

The Journey to Serchhip

Vantawng Falls is located near Thenzawl, about 137 km from Aizawl, in the Serchhip district. The drive itself is an adventure — winding roads snake through verdant valleys, dense forests, and quaint Mizo villages that seem to float in the mist. Along the way, I stopped several times just to breathe in the crisp air and admire the endless shades of green.

Mizoram has a way of slowing you down. Every bend on the road reveals a new vista — and a new mood within me. As I approached Thenzawl, the terrain opened up slightly, revealing bamboo-covered hills and gentle slopes — a peaceful prelude to the thunderous beauty that awaited me.

The First Glimpse of the Falls

My first glimpse of the falls was from a designated viewpoint. As I looked out, I finally caught sight of Vantawng Falls — and it was mesmerising. The waterfall plunges nearly 750 feet (approximately 229 metres) in two magnificent tiers, cutting through the dense forest below.

What struck me most was how wild and untamed it looked. The white torrent of water appeared almost weightless as it fell through layers of green foliage, disappearing into a gorge shrouded in mist. It’s no wonder locals say the falls resemble a white silk ribbon fluttering down the hillside.

Vantawng Falls

Because of the thick forest cover and rocky terrain, one cannot reach the base of the waterfall directly. But from the viewing tower built on the opposite ridge, the view is nothing short of cinematic — a natural masterpiece framed by emerald hills and drifting clouds.

The Legend Behind Vantawng

Like many places in Mizoram, Vantawng Falls carries its own folklore. It is said to be named after Vantawnga, a skilled swimmer who was so agile in the water that he could dance upon its surface. One day, as he performed his graceful moves, a drifting log struck him, and he was swept away by the falls — never to be seen again.

The waterfall was named after him — Vantawng Falls. This story adds to the mystique of the place, transforming it from a mere sight to a symbol of beauty, fragility, and the eternal bond between man and nature.

Sounds of Silence and Thunder

Standing on the viewing deck, I closed my eyes for a moment. The sound of the waterfall was powerful yet soothing — a constant, rhythmic roar that seemed to cleanse the air itself. Birds called from nearby trees, and the cool breeze carried the scent of rain-soaked earth.

It was in that moment that I realised why Mizoram feels so different from anywhere else. Here, nature doesn’t overwhelm you — it envelops you gently. You don’t conquer it; you surrender to it.

Things to Do Around Vantawng

The Thenzawl area around the waterfall offers plenty more to explore:

• Thenzawl Deer Park — a quiet reserve where you can spot deer in their natural habitat.
• Tuirihiau Falls — another nearby cascade that allows visitors to walk behind the curtain of falling water.
• Handloom and Weaving Centre — Thenzawl is famous for its traditional Mizo handloom products. Watching local women weave intricate puan shawls is a cultural experience in itself.

If you wish to stay overnight, the Thenzawl Eco-Tourism Centre offers comfortable cottages where you can wake up to birdsong and misty mornings.

As I left Vantawng, I looked back one last time at the cascading white column — constant, fearless, and eternal. It seemed to speak to me, reminding me that beauty doesn’t always need to be tamed. Sometimes it’s best to stand back, watch from a distance, and simply remain still with nature.

This is Mizoram’s heart — and the falls are a symbol of the power and beauty of this enchanting region of the East.