With a pleasant climate almost throughout the year, Nagaland, the land of the warrior Naga clan, is located in the north-east of India. Nagaland’s 16 officially recognized tribes vary greatly in their customs and traditions that translate further into their festivals that revolve around their agricultural cycles. These festivals are celebrated with song and dance and are beautiful to watch.
However, Nagaland’s best treat to tourists is the trek to Dzukou Valley. At an altitude of 2438 mt above sea level, 30 km south of the state capital Kohima, the trek up and down will take you approximately 13 hours. Surrounded by hills, natural caves and rocks, the valley is the most beautiful place to set up camp.
Kohima also houses India’s largest crucifix (the largest crucifix in the world is in Indian River, Michigan). When you travel to Nagaland, make sure you save enough place in your luggage to take back a basket. Handcrafted using srtips of cane and bamboo, they are aesthetically pleasing and very useful. One peculiar sight in Nagaland is the sale of livestock at Naga Bazaar that includes the sale of the black dog. So if you’re squeamish, it is advisable to avoid the market area completely.
There are several insurgent groups still active in Nagaland, so check the political situation before you make your travel plans.
Most of the hotels in Nagaland are located in Kohima, its capital. While the services they offer are quite decent and affordable, make sure you get a room that has a heater since it can get quire cold. However, while in Nagaland, the best way to understand and experience the local culture is a homestay. There are several at the foot of the Dzukou Valley trail.
BEST PLACES TO EAT IN NAGALAND
Non-vegetarian food can be found in abundance in Nagaland as most of the locals are meat eaters. The local rice beer called Zouthou is a must try, even if you are a light weight. The best of the local cuisine can be found in Kohima with dishes like Ghalo (pork and bamboo) and bamboo baked with fish being taste worthy.
BEST TIME TO VISIT NAGALAND
The average minimum and maximum temperature of Nagaland is as given below. The best time to visit Nagaland is also specified.
| MONTH | BEST TIME | MIN. TEMP (°C) | MAX. TEMP (°C) | |
| January | BEST TIME | 4 | 16 | |
| February | BEST TIME | 6 | 18 | |
| March | BEST TIME | 10 | 21 | |
| April | BEST TIME | 12 | 23 | |
| May | BEST TIME | 14 | 19 | |
| June | 16 | 23 | ||
| July | 17 | 23 | ||
| August | 17 | 24 | ||
| September | 15 | 22 | ||
| October | BEST TIME | 13 | 23 | |
| November | BEST TIME | 10 | 21 | |
| December | BEST TIME | 5 | 17 |
HOW TO REACH NAGALAND
Dimapur connects major cities In India like Kolkata and Guwahati with Nagaland. While it is not very easy, the route to Nagaland is a very picturesque one and worth the effort. Here is how to reach Nagaland:
BY AIR
Dimapur, at distance of around 75 km from Nagaland, is the closest domestic airport. Dimapur is well-connected to Guwahati and Kolkata. International travelers have to take connecting flights from Kolkata to Dimapur.
BY TRAIN
Nearest railway station is Dimapur, which is well-connected to Kolkata and Guwahati.
BY ROAD
One can take a share taxi from Dimapur railway station (Rs 200) and reach Kohima. Direct buses also run daily between Guwahati and Kohima.
BEST TOURIST PLACE NAGALAND
Kohima Tourism
Kohima is the hilly capital of Nagaland, which is one of the seven sister states of India. ‘Kohima’ is the anglicized name given by the British, the original name being 'Kewhira' derived from the Kewhi flowers found in the region. Famous for its ethereal environment and untouched beauty, it is a land of folklore passed down through the ages. Situated at a height of 1500 metres above the sea level, it is endowed with quaint hills, emerald forests and a picturesque landscape. It is the go-to place for all you adventure enthusiasts as it is ideal for trekking, camping and hiking.
Kohima was built by the British and is home to the Naga and Kulkis tribe who can amaze one with their independence and a mystical and colourful culture that surrounds them. Kohima finds its place in history as the site of an intense fight with the Japanese, a part of a 64 day long battle during the World War II. One of the most popular sits here include the Commonwealth War Cemetery which homes thousands of soldiers of the World War II. Other than that, the city has a lot more to offer to its visitors - a museum, zoo, sanctuary, valleys, self governing villages and much more.
Mokokchung Tourism
The most significant urban centre in all of Nagaland after Dimapur and Kohima and the home of Ao Naga.
The popular tourist spots in the area include the District Museum, the Town main park, (located just above the Town Center), Unman village (which is regarded as the oldest and largest) and the Ao village. In addition, visitors might also be interested in exploring places like Longkhum, Langpangkong, Mopungchukit and Chuchuyimlang located within the district. Since agriculture constitutes the main occupation in the area, festivals during the sowing and harvesting months are sure to enhance the tourist's experience.
Dimapur Tourism
Known to be the largest and fastest growing city of Nagaland, most travellers come to this city in transit because of the airport situated in the city. Some of the few attractions here are: Triple Falls, Kachari Ruins, the Nagaland science center and the zoological park.
The boundary of the eastern part is covered by Dhansiri River, while the western part of the district consists mostly of forests and hills. One day is sufficient to explore this place, and fly away to the next lap of your tip.
Tuensang Tourism
Tuensang is the headquarters of the Tuensang district, the easternmost, largest district of Nagaland, and flanked by Myanmar on its right side. It is one of the largest urban centres in Nagaland along with Dimapur, Kohima and Mokokchung, making it a top tourist destination in the state of Nagaland.
Tuensang is one of the fastest growing towns of Nagaland with a significant rise in the number of schools, colleges, hospitals and several basic amenities in the past few years.
Phek Tourism
Phek is a hilly area rich in flora and fauna. Apart from the spell bounding hills, Shilloi lake is an important attraction.
The important and spellbinding hills of Phek district are Kapamodz and Zanibou, while the main rivers are Tizu, Lanye, and Sedzu. The Khezhakeno tourist village also stands out as a must see here. Phek waterfall orchid feels add just the right icing to this off-beat travel destination. This offbeat destination in Nagaland abounds in colors and festivities which can make the tourists experience a more vibrant one.
Mon Tourism
Home of the Konyaks nagas, Mon provides tourists with a unique and quite mesmerizing view of tattooed faces wearing feathery loincloths.
The District, with the exception of the foothills, has a difficult terrain with steep slopes. Even though Mon doesn't have a lot of sightseeing points, but it still attracts a lot of people from all around the world. The people, their culture, their dressing is very colourful and different and it is probably the most interesting aspect of this town. There are numerous villages nearby which are very pretty and might offer you a closer picture of the life of the Nagas. Veda Peak and Naganimora are among the famous tourist spots here. One can see a waterfall near the Veda peak and this would be one of the most pristine places in the region. Veda peak is located around 70 kilometers from Mon. Among the few villages in the region that are worth visiting are Chui, Longwa and Shangynu.
Dzukou Valley and Japfu Peak,
Located some 25 km south of Kohima, Dzukou valley and Japfu Peak offer one of the most breathtaking landscapes of the continent. Nagaland is called the 'Switzerland of the East' and Dzukou valley and Japfu Peak provide solid proof to that moniker. Dzukou valley and Japfu Peak trek is an absolute must for all trekking enthusiasts.
The Japfu Peak standing tall at 3048 meters is the second highest peak in Nagaland and provides the perfect vantage point for admiring the heavenly beauty of the Dzukou Valley. Dzukou valley is also known as the "Valley of Flowers of the east" and is quite a sight to behold, when in full bloom. Dzukou Valley is considered to be the base of the crater of an old volcano and seems like covered with a carpet of the most exquisite species of grass and flowers. The highest point in the Dzukou valley is at 2600 meters and provides a wide and panoramic view of the enchanting valley in the front. Sitting atop the hill you are just overwhelmed by the sheer beauty and magnificence of the sight in front of you.
Touphema Village,
On a green and verdant hillock, lies the township called Touphema Village. Built by the local community in partnership with the Tourism Department of Nagaland, Touphema Village is a collection of small huts built and decorated in traditional Naga design sensibilities. The village intends on giving the tourists the feel of living in a Naga tribal house.
Touphema village situated about a hundred kilometres from Dimapur and is a wonderful tribute to the culture, lifestyle and the people of Nagaland. Living at the village teaches you so much about country life and Naga culture in particular that it becomes an experience in itself. It is a highly popular place to visit in Nagaland and deservedly so. Make sure you book in advance in order to enjoy the experience. In addition to the stay and food, the attractions include traditional Naga performances such as folk dances and the retelling of folk tales.
Khonoma Village,
A town belonging to the 'Angami Naga' ethnic group of Nagaland, Khonoma Village is a one-of-its-kind project in the country. Located about 20 km from the state capital of Kohima, Khonoma village is a Green Village, where all forms of hunting have been abolished for a more sustainable ecosystem. It is testament to the will power of the tribal groups of Nagaland to protect and conserve their natural habitat. The resident Naga tribes here are traditionally dependent on nature for their food and have strong hunting practices. However, they have given up on their centuries old heritage for a more sustainable way of life with nature.
An ambitious project of converting a whole tribal village into an eco-friendly, conservation based village certainly also yields fantastic views. Nesteled at the base of the mountains of Nagaland you would pass through misty valleys, gently sloping hillocks, terraced farms, and an air of a strong bond with nature. The village not only resisted the colonial invasion back in the 1800's but it also put a formidable defense against the Timber merchants in the early 2000's, eventually causing them to retreat.
Shilloi Lake,
A beautiful foot shaped lake in the heart of the Patkai range of Nagaland, Shilloi Lake is a very picturesque destination with verdant valley surrounding it from all sides. The lake is considered very important by the folks of Latsum village as it is believed that the spirit of a holy child rests in the bottom of the lake. It is one of the reasons why no one fishes or uses the lake water for drinking and irrigation.
In the beautiful and calm surroundings of the Patkai Range in the easternmost corner of Nagaland is situated a small and exquisite lake known as Shilloi. Shilloi Lake is shaped in the form of a human foot and is about four meters deep.
Naga Heritage Village,
A village situated in the outskirts of Kohima, Naga Heritage Village in Kisama seeks to preserve and promote the culture and traditions of the Naga people. The name Kisama itself is an amalgamation of two Naga villages, namely, Kigwema (KI) and Phesama(SA) and MA (Village).
The government constructed the village to imitate the traditional Naga villages and tribal livelihoods and values. The village is opened to the public for a week in December, during the time of the Hornbill festival. The village is like an open-air museum of Naga culture and traditions. It is a concerted effort on part of the Nagaland administration to revive and conserve the erstwhile tribal culture of the Naga people who have lived on these lands for millennia.
Hornbill Festival,
Nagaland is known as the 'Land of Festivals' and one such grand carnival, organized by the State Tourism of Arts and Culture Department, Government of Nagaland is 'Hornbill festival'. Also known as ''Festival of Festivals", this is a commonly celebrated being a traditional cluster of all the seventeen Naga tribes, to promote intercultural harmony. It hardly has any featureless moments and provides a lifetime opportunity to know about ancient tribal lives through the exploration of the structure of tribal huts, which is dated back to primaeval lifestyles including other instruments like drums, gongs, costumes and wooden carvings.
Hornbill Festival 2020 Dates
Named after a bird, who is a symbol of 'Respect' and 'Folklore' among the Nagas, it is a week-long fair which commences from December, 1st and is usually extended till the 10th day. The dates for the festival, therefore, are December, 1st - 10th every year.
Hornbill Festival Tickets
Passes worth INR 20- INR 30 have to be purchased every day for the event.
The cost of the cameras is INR 50 in addition.
Certain formalities are necessary to be checked upon:
•Domestic tourists must obtain the inner line permit from the local government.
•Foreign tourists are required to register at Foreigners Registration Office (FRO) of the residential district within 24 hours of the arrival.
Hornbill Festival Nagaland
This festival has a unique aim to cherish and promote the richness of Naga culture and all the main events take place below the spurs of Mount Japfu in the Naga Heritage Village, Kisama which is about 10kms from Kohima, the capital city of Nagaland. Since 2000, the festival has evolved from being representative of the cultural diversity of the Naga tribe to one grand cultural event including every North-Eastern state. Isn't it a big achievement towards unifying these sister states?
Pfutsero, Nagaland
Pfutsero is a small town known for being the coldest inhabited town of Nagaland, dropping below -0°C. At 2,133m amsl, it boasts of highest altitude among towns in Nagaland, Glory Peak being the highest point. The lakes in Pfutsero freeze during winters, adding to the Christmas spirit, a revered festival for the predominantly-Christian locals. Cherry blossoms occasion this picturesque, historical town for two weeks in March-April when the Chakesang families celebrate Tsukhenye festival.
Block headquarters of Phek district, it is inhabited by Chakesang and Kheza Nagas. The Baptist Theological College here is amongst the oldest and renowned theological colleges in Nagaland.
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