Dancers, warriors, head-hunters, what outside world think about the portrait of Nagaland but inhabited by warm, hospitable, vibrant tribes of Nagaland with their rich, colorful , zealously attractive culture have more to offer for every type of traveler and adventure enthusiasts right from the mountains, valleys, forests to landscapes covering Rhododendrons and Orchids. The Hornbill Festival, known globally, the Heritage villages, the War memorials and the challenging trekking terrains, all these are awesome.
The small state Nagaland became the 16th state of India on 1st December 1963. Sometimes called as the “Land of Festivals”, the state is unique with their vibrant and historically rich tribal culture. The state has been extremely successful in promoting the great Hornbill Festival, which attracts Indian and Foreign tourists alike.
Geography:- Nagaland has an area of 16579 sq.Km. It is bordered by Arunachal Pradesh to the north-east, Assam to the west and north-west, Manipur to the south and the Republic of Myanmar to the East. The city Kohima is the capital of Nagaland. The whole state is divided into 12 districts.
Almost hilly, the altitude of the Naga hills ranges between 2000ft to 6000ft at an average with the highest peak Mt. Saramati at an elevation of 12790ft. Doyang, Diphu and Barak are the three main rivers flowing through the state. 20 percent of the total land area of the state is covered with evergreen tropical and sub-tropical forests which are home to a large number of flora and fauna.
Culture: – The state Nagaland is home to 16 major tribes – Angami, Ao, Chakhesang, Chang, Kachari, Khiamniungan, Konyak, Kuki, Lotha, Phom, Pochury, Rengma, Sangtam, Sumi, Yimchunger and Zeliang, each of them have their own dialect, culture, dresses, food-habit, festivals, etc. About 88% of the state’s population are followers of Christianity and is known as the “Most Baptist state in the World”. The diversity of the tribes, each with their own culture and heritage, creates a year-long atmosphere of celebrations of festivals.
Biodiversity: – The major part of the forest area of Nagaland is covered with palms, bamboo, rattan as well as timber and mahogany forests. It is home to about 390 species of orchids. The mammals found in these forests are macaque, hoolock gibbon, black bear, tiger, leopard, elephant, porcupine, etc. More than 490 species of birds are recorded in Nagaland out of which Blyth’s Tragopan (State bird of Nagaland), Falcons and Hornbill are famous. Rhododendron is the state flower and is found in abundance. Intanki National park is the only National park in the state.
How to Reach: – Nagaland is well connected with the other states through roadways. There is one domestic airport at Dimapur. The only major railhead is at Dimapur through which a large number of trains go through.
ILP (Inner Line Permit) is required for Indian and overseas Indian Nationals and can be obtained offline or online ( https://ilp.nagaland.gov.in/services/ilp/apply)
Major Destinations of Nagaland: –
1. Dimapur
Dimapur is the largest and major commercial city and acts as the entry point to Nagaland as the only airport and railway station is located at Dimapur. At the same time it is one of the prime attractions for history lovers because of the 10th century Kachari Ruins.
- Major attractions: – Kachari Ruins, Nagaland Zoological park, Tripple falls, etc.
- Best time to Visit: – Round the year.
- Ideal duration of Visit: – 1Day.
- Distance from: – Guwahati(299Km); Jorhat(124Km); Kohima(70Km).
- Places to stay: – All categories of Hotels available.
2. Kohima
Originally known as Kewhira, Kohima is the state capital of Nagaland and is the place where the fierce Battle of Kohima was fought by the British Indian Army and the Japanese Army which was one of the turning point for Japan in World War II. At an average elevation of 4137 feet above sea level, Kohima is surrounded by breath-taking Naga hills and forests in which one can indulge several adventure activities like trekking, hiking, camping, etc. Angami is the major tribe in Kohima.
- Major attractions: – Dzukou valley trek, Japfu peak trek, Khonoma Green village, Naga Heritage village, Kohima War Cemetery, Nagaland State Museum, Kohima Cathedral, Hornbill festival, etc.
- Best time to Visit: – October to May
- Ideal duration of visit: – 2Days/2Nights.
- Famous for: – Dzukou Valley Trek; Hornbill festival (from 1st to 10th December every year)
- Distance from: – Dimapur (70Km); Guwahati(369Km); Imphal(138Km).
- Places to Stay: – All categories of hotels, resorts, campsites available.
3. Mokokchung
Home to the Ao tribe, Mokokchung is known as the intellectual and cultural capital of Nagaland. This is the third largest urban centres in the state with several tourist hotspots like tourist villages, museum, caves, cultural festivals, handloom and handicraft etc. Moatsu festival is the main festival of Ao people celebrated in the month of May. Ungma village, the largest village inhabited by Ao tribe, is considered to be a living museum of the Ao people. The beauty of Longkhum pulls every traveller again and again.
- Major attractions: – Mokokchung park, Longkhum, Ungma, Chuchuyimlang, Langpangkong caves, Moatsu festival, etc.
- Best time to visit: – Round the year.
- Ideal duration of visit: – 1Day.
- Distance from: – Kohima – 145Km.
- Places to stay: – Few budget hotels, Govt accommodation available.
4. Wokha
The Land of Lotha tribe of Nagaland, Wokha is surrounded by green hilly exotic landscapes, carpet of colourful flowers and orchards, gorgeous Doyang river and the vibrant dances and folk songs of the locals. Trek to Mount Tiyi and Totsu cliff pulls travellers from round the Globe.
- Major attractions: – Mount Tiyi, Totsu cliff, Liphanyan Governor’s camp, Doyang hydro project.
- Best time to visit: – October to May.
- Ideal duration of visit: – 1Day.
- Distance from: – Kohima(75Km); Dimapur(127Km); Mokokchung(70Km).
- Places to stay: – Govt. Tourist lodge at Wokha village.
5. Mon
The Journey to Mon, which is located at the Indo-Myanmar border, far away from the state capital Kohima, is itself an adventurous thrilling experience. The home to Kanyak Nagas, with their ancient traditions of tattooed faces, it is the perfect place for travellers and nature lovers looking for a unique experience to spend away from the Chaos with the best raw natural beauty. A visit to the border village like Longwa and observe the old age remains of the Head-Hunting tradition is worthwhile.
- Major attractions: – Trekking to Longwa village, Veda peak, Chui village, Shangnyu village.
- Best time to visit: – October to March.
- Ideal duration of visit: – 1Day.
- Distance from: – Kohima( 296Km); Sonari, Assam(54Km).
- Places to stay: – Few Resort, Homstays, Govt. accommodation, available.
6. Dzukou Valley
The cold breeze at 2450 meters above sea level will definitely cool down your body and soul in Dzukou Valley. The endemic season flowers, bloomed Rhododendron trees and the Lichens hanging down the trees on the hills are really soothing sight far off from the cities. The first steep climb from Zakhama is surely a hard task for a non-trekker. But after arriving the top hill the clouds when touch your face will show the way to abode, surely it is in earth. The trail afterwards leading to the valley in the Border of Manipur and Nagaland is worth seeing. Try to come in June-July if you want to enjoy the valley with blooming wild herbs along the short bamboo grasses. This valley is reachable all around the year. But be prepared for the heavy rain during monsoon. One can also conquer the Japfu peak (Japvo) at an altitude of 10,177feet. To start the trek, there are two starting point – Zakhama and Viswema, the road from Zakhama is steeper than the road from Viswema.
- Major attractions: – Trekking, Camping.
- Best time to visit: – October to May, however during June, July and August, one can witness the full blossomed flowers, but the trek becomes very very slippery.
- Ideal duration of visit: – 3Day/2Nights.
- Distance from: – Kohima to Zakhama(by road) – 17Km, trekking distance- 10 to 15 Km; Kohima to Viswema(by road) – 24Km, trekking distance – 12 to 17Km.
- Places to stay: – A community run guest house and camping.
7. Kiphire
Kiphire is the highest elevated region in Nagaland where Naga Hills merge with the Patkai mountain range in Myanmar. The highest peak in Nagaland – Mount Saramati at an altitude of 3841m (12,790feet) lies at Kiphire, a trek to which is a challenging and lifelong memorable experience for adventure seekers. The trek starts from Thanamir village which can be reached via road through Pungro town. The trek can be completed within 2 to 3 days for experienced trekkers. On clear weather one can experience the stunning views of Patkai Mountain ranges and Chindwin river of Myanmar.
- Major attraction: – Trek to Mt. Saramati.
- Best time to visit: – March, April, October and November.
- Ideal duration of Visit: – 3Days/2Nights.
- Distance from: – Kohima – 246Km.
Places to stay: – Govt. guest house, Camping.
