The Chin occupy the hilly areas as the Chin Hills covered about 300 miles from North to South and about 100 miles at the widest point from East to West then the Hill Tracks of Rakhine between the Chindwin River and the borders of India and Pakistan. The Chin State consists of steep mountains and narrow valleys of which several mountains are rising to over 9000 feet elevation.
The Chins belong to Tibeto-Burman (Myanmar) branch of Mongoloid and sub-divided in many various clans, 29 at least based on topographical localities while Lai, Simbhrin, Kumi, Cho, Siyin and Matu are the principal ethnic groups but popularly known as Mindat Chin, Matupi Chin, Tidim Chin, Haka Chin and Falam Chin etc.., slightly differed from one clan to another. The administrative capital is Haka, lied some 85 miles to the north of Kalaywa on the bank of Chindwin River.
Chin State is composed of 9 townships but Mindat and Kanpetlet are major towns in southern Chin State while Haka and Falam are major towns of the north, seemingly in typical European styles.
The most interesting practice of Chin people is tattooing on females’ faces. The color and designs of tattoo are noticeably varied from one place to another. Then, such tattooed Chin ladies could be viewed around Mindat and villages on the river valley of Le Mro River in Rakhine State. The houses of Chin are of stilt type well embellished with animal figures and body parts; just like skull, fang, leather, horn etc.., then spear, short bow and arrows, guns of hunting equipment etc.
It is a major visiting site in southern Chin State and comes up to an elevation of about 10,500 feet. Mt. Victoria in Chin State is snow freed from all around the year but could freeze water over in the depths of the cold season. The mountain is eventually not so rocky and steep enough thus sharing a favorable topography for mountaineering and trekking. As the common nature, rough tracks, strong wind, the intense could, and tiredness are inevitably encountered. But, all these would surely be vanished in no time seeing and enjoying of beautiful mountain scenery and tranquility of the nature together with the treasonous flora and fauna of the sanctuary; such as red rhododendron, white rhododendron, primula, fern, firs, pines and orchids as well as tigers, leopards, bears, sambars, barking deers, birds and butterflies including rare species.
In northern Chin State, the town of Tidim is popularly known as the prettiest town of Chin State. Reid Lake in the form of human heart shape and scenic Kannedy Peak are, of course, fairly popular and should be visited worthwhile.
The traditional ceremonies and feasts of Chin people are usually held together with dances and musical instruments of drum, gong and horn so on.
