Saikao - Lorrain Ville
Saikao, also known as Serkawr, is a village of immense historical and religious significance in the Saiha district. It is famous for Lorrain Ville, the site where pioneer missionaries J. Herbert Lorrain and F.W. Savidge established their mission in 1907. The village served as the headquarters for t he transformation of the Mara people from their ancestral practices to Christianity. The highlight of the site is the century-old Pioneer Missionary Bungalow, built in 1914. This wooden villa remains remarkably intact, showcasing colonial-era craftsmanship. The house is still occupied by the descendants of the missionaries, specifically the family of Mrs. Violet Lorrain Foxall. Saikao is considered the spiritual capital of the Mara Autonomous District Council. The village is also the headquarters of the Congregational Church of India (Maraland). Walking through the streets of Lorrain Ville, one can see well-preserved wooden houses that offer a panoramic view of the southern hills. The site includes an old cemetery where the early missionaries are buried, providing a somber yet peaceful atmosphere for reflection. The history of literacy and modernization of the Mara tribe is deeply rooted in this small village. The architecture of the entire village reflects a blend of traditional Mara styles and British colonial influences. It is a must-visit for history buffs and those interested in the missionary history of Northeast India. The serene environment and the high altitude make it a pleasant retreat from the busier town of Saiha. The locals are very protective of their heritage and are happy to share stories of the "pioneers" who brought education to the region.
General information
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Ideal Duration:
2 to 3 HoursPlace Type:
Historical and ReligiousEntry Fees:
Free Entry: There is no ticket required to enter the village or the site. Donations to the church or for the maintenance of the cemetery are welcome. ...Free Entry: There is no ticket required to enter the village or the site. Donations to the church or for the maintenance of the cemetery are welcome.Timing:
Regular Timings: 8:00 AM to 4:00 PM is the best time for visiting the bungalow.
Ideal Visit Time: Afternoon around 3:00 PM when the sun light is soft on the wooden structures. It is a quiet village, so avoid very early or late hours. ...Regular Timings: 8:00 AM to 4:00 PM is the best time for visiting the bungalow.
Ideal Visit Time: Afternoon around 3:00 PM when the sun light is soft on the wooden structures. It is a quiet village, so avoid very early or late hours.Special Events:
Missionary Day: Celebrated annually to commemorate the arrival of the first pioneers. The village hosts prayer meets and community feasts that are open to visitors. ...Missionary Day: Celebrated annually to commemorate the arrival of the first pioneers. The village hosts prayer meets and community feasts that are open to visitors.Best Photo Spots:
Bungalow Facade: The classic wooden look of the villa makes for excellent historical photography.
The Village Gate: Often decorated with traditional and Christian symbols.
Cemetery Viewpoint: Offers a drama...Bungalow Facade: The classic wooden look of the villa makes for excellent historical photography.
The Village Gate: Often decorated with traditional and Christian symbols.
Cemetery Viewpoint: Offers a dramatic backdrop of the rolling hills of Maraland.Photo Gallery
Things To Do
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Visiting the Missionary Bungalow: Explore the exterior and, with permission, parts of the historic interior.
Walking through Lorrain Ville: A scenic walk through the main street to see old-style wooden homes.
Paying Respects at the Cemetery: Visit the graves of Lorrain and Savidge's associates.
Attending a Church Service: Experience a local service at the Congregational Church for its unique hymns.
Photography of the Valley: Capture the stunning views of the Chhimtuipui valley from the village heights.
Learning Local History: Talk to the descendants of the missionaries who still live in the village.
Visiting the Local School: See the educational institutions est...Visiting the Missionary Bungalow: Explore the exterior and, with permission, parts of the historic interior.
Walking through Lorrain Ville: A scenic walk through the main street to see old-style wooden homes.
Paying Respects at the Cemetery: Visit the graves of Lorrain and Savidge's associates.
Attending a Church Service: Experience a local service at the Congregational Church for its unique hymns.
Photography of the Valley: Capture the stunning views of the Chhimtuipui valley from the village heights.
Learning Local History: Talk to the descendants of the missionaries who still live in the village.
Visiting the Local School: See the educational institutions established by the early pioneers.
Information
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Why Famous:
Sub Place Why Famous:
Missionary Heritage: Saikao is famous as the first mission field for the Mara tribes. The Lorrain Ville bungalow is a protected monument of district importance. It is the site where the Mara language was first reduced ...Sub Place Why Famous:
Missionary Heritage: Saikao is famous as the first mission field for the Mara tribes. The Lorrain Ville bungalow is a protected monument of district importance. It is the site where the Mara language was first reduced to writing, leading to the creation of the Mara Bible and literature. -
Architecture:
Colonial Wooden Villa: The Missionary Bungalow is a masterpiece of timber architecture, built entirely without bricks or cement. It measures approximately 50 x 40 feet with a wide wrap-around verandah. The structure uses high-quality teak and local hardwood imported from ...Colonial Wooden Villa: The Missionary Bungalow is a masterpiece of timber architecture, built entirely without bricks or cement. It measures approximately 50 x 40 feet with a wide wrap-around verandah. The structure uses high-quality teak and local hardwood imported from Myanmar. The roof was originally thatched but has since been replaced with corrugated iron sheets for durability. The interior features high ceilings and large windows designed for natural ventilation. -
How To Reach:
By Air: From Lengpui Airport, take a taxi to Saiha (8 hours), then a local taxi to Saikao.
By Train: Silchar is the nearest major station, followed by a long road journey.
By Road: Only 18 KMS from Saiha, e...By Air: From Lengpui Airport, take a taxi to Saiha (8 hours), then a local taxi to Saikao.
By Train: Silchar is the nearest major station, followed by a long road journey.
By Road: Only 18 KMS from Saiha, easily reachable by local taxis or private cars.
By Local Transport: Shared jeeps to Tipa often drop passengers at the Saikao junction. -
Weather and Best Time to Visit:
Winter Season: November to February for clear views and pleasant walking weather.
Late Afternoon: For the best lighting in the village streets.
Spring: March is also good as the surrounding forests are lush...Winter Season: November to February for clear views and pleasant walking weather.
Late Afternoon: For the best lighting in the village streets.
Spring: March is also good as the surrounding forests are lush. -
Near Tourist Places:
Sub Place Near Tourist Places: Siaha Town (18 KMS), Tipa Town (12 KMS), Mount Mawma (30 KMS), Chhimtuipui River (10 KMS), Phawngpui (35 KMS), Palak Lake (90 KMS), Phura Village (95 KMS), Castle Beino (50 KMS), Tokalo Sanctuary (65 KMS), Vawmbuk (40 KMS).
Tourism Tips
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Health & Safety: The village is very safe; no major health concerns other than standard travel precautions.
Packing: Respectful clothing is required as it is a religious and residential site.
Accommodation:Health & Safety: The village is very safe; no major health concerns other than standard travel precautions.
Packing: Respectful clothing is required as it is a religious and residential site.
Accommodation: It is best to stay in Saiha and do a day trip to Saikao.
Cash & Connectivity: Mobile signal is decent; ATMs are available in nearby Saiha or Tipa.
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