Nagaland Tourism

India is one of the mostly preferred destinations for international tourists. Tourism is a very promising industry in India. India is a country with a large number of tourist spots and attractive features. India is a country known for its culture, heritage, history and natural resources. All the states and union territories have a good number of locations catering to the domestic and international tourists. Nagaland is a mountainous state in northeast India, bordering Myanmar. It's home to diverse indigenous tribes, with festivals and markets celebrating the different tribes' culture. Its capital city of Kohima suffered heavy fighting in World War II, commemorated by memorials at the Kohima War Cemetery. The Nagaland State Museum exhibits ancient weaponry, a ceremonial drum and other traditional Naga cultural artifacts. The state is mostly mountainous except those areas bordering Assam valley which comprises 9% of the total area of the state.

Nagaland is a state in the far north-eastern part of India. It borders the state of Assam to the west, Arunachal Pradesh and part of Assam to the north, Burma to the east and Manipur to the south. The state capital is Kohima, and the largest city is Dimapur. The state of Nagaland has an area of 16,579 km2 with a population of 1,980,602 as per the 2011 census making it one of the smallest states of India. It is a largely mountainous state. Agriculture is the most important economic activity in Nagaland. Principal crops include rice, corn, millets, pulses, tobacco, oilseeds, sugarcane, potatoes and fibres. Other economy boosters are forestry, cottage industries, insurance, real estate and tourism. Physiography (Mountain and Forest) The Nagaland is mostly mountainous except those areas bordering Assam valley. Mount Saramati is the highest peak in Nagaland with a height of 3,840 metres and its range forms a natural barrier between Nagaland and Burma. It lies between the parallels of 98 degree and 96 degree East Longitude and 26.6 degree and 27.4 degree latitude North of the Equator. The Naga Hills rise from the Brahmaputra Valley in Assam to about 610 m and rise further to the southeast, as high as 1,800 m With the opening of the state to the international tourist by relaxation of Restricted Area Permit (RAP), a good number of foreign tourists, as well as domestic tourists visit Nagaland every year. The HORNBILL festival conceived by the Tourism Department and held in the first week of December, is an annual event where all tribes of Nagaland come together to celebrate, exhibit and sell their traditional wares, foodstuffs and crafts. Three traditional festivals, namely, Sekrenyi at Touphema in Kohima district (February 26-27), Monyu at Pongo in Longleng Sub-division (April 1-3) and Moatsu at Chuchuyimlang in Mokokchung district (May 1-3) have been identified as festival destinations. Music and dances are an intrinsic part of Naga life. Folk songs and ballads eulogizing bravery, beauty, love, generosity, etc. are transmitted from generation to generation. Likewise dancing is an important part of every festive occasion. Feasting, singing, dancing, and merrymaking invariably accompany festivals. Names of the tribes and their festivals are:- Angami-Sekrenyi, Ao-Moatsil, Chakhesang-Sukhrunye & Tsiiunkheny, Chang-Naknyulem, Khiamnilungan-Tsokiim, Kuki-Mimkut, Konyak-Aoleang Monyu, Kachari-Bushu, Lotha-Tokhu Emong, Phom-Monyu, Pochurry Yemshe, Rengma-Ngada, Sumi-Tuluni, Sangiam-Amongmong, Yimchungriiu-Metemneo, and Zeliang Meileingi/Hega Langsimngi/Chegagadi.

Historical Monuments/ Architecturally Significant Bulding / Mansions

The historical monuments in Nagaland has a rich history. A number of these Mounuments are recognised throughout the world. Some of the main monuments are Remains of a fort (Dimapur Ruins), Memorials of Mr. G.H. Damout, Major Cook and Subedar Nurbir Sahi, Stone Cairn to the memory of Mr. Damut, Lt. H.Forbe's Grave Hill stations The most famous Hill Stations of Nagaland is Naga hills Naga Hills, reaching a height of around 3825 metres, lie on the border of India and Burma. These hills are part of a complex mountain system, and the parts of the mountain ranges inside the Indian state of Nagaland and the Burmese region of Sagaing are called the Naga Hills. The Naga Hills are part of the Arakan Range which to the north rise to 12,552 feet. Veda Peak, This majestic peak is situated at 70 kilometers from Mon. From the peak, you can have the spectacular views of rivers like Chindwin and Brahamputra. Presence of a waterfall here makes it even more enchanting.

Zoo / Parks / Jungles / Garden

Kohima Zoo is located in Kohima, Nagaland. Here you can see the rare Tragopan bird, which is also the state bird of Nagaland. And the Mithun, the state animal. The state bird is a rare species and can be seen at the Kohima Zoo as can be the state animal. The Kohima Zoo is created on a hill. Other than the main attractions, it is also possible to find a variety of animals and birds within the zoo.

Wildlife sanctuary and National Parks

Nagaland boasts of its rich flora & fauna. Each of the sanctuary in Nagaland is different than the other in terms of variety and scenic beauty. The Fakim Sanctuary in Nagaland is close to the Myanmar border. The sanctuary lies in the Pungro circle headquarter in Nagaland. The Nagaland Fakim Sanctuary is spread over an area of 642 ha. The Fakim Sanctuary receives high rainfall and is home to numerous flora & fauna. The sanctuary houses some of the rare species of flora & fauna, found elsewhere. The Intanki Wildlife Sanctuary is situated about 111kms from Kohima and around 37kms from Dimapur in Nagaland. The sanctuary is protected by the Forest Wildlife Department. The sanctuary covers an area of around 202sq.kms, which abounds in natural vegetation. The sanctuary has a large number of mountains & hills and the altitude of the place ranges around 677m. The place is very rich in natural vegetation and comprises of various species of plants & trees that are hard to find somewhere else. The time period between the months of November/February is the ideal time for visiting the place. The sanctuary is a home to various rare species of wild animals. The chief attraction of the sanctuary is the Hoolock Gibbon, which is the only kind of Gibbon that is found in India. In addition to this, one can see various other animals like Elephants, Sambar, Goral, Barking deer, Flying squirrel, Tiger, Mithun, Sloth bear, Wild dog and many more. One can also see various types of birds like Hornbill, Common pheasant, Kaleej, Black stor etc. Ntangki National Park is a wildlife park located in Peren district of Nagaland, India. Among the creatures that inhabit the park are the rare hoolock gibbon, golden langur, hornbill, palm civets, black stork, tiger, white-breast kingfisher, monitor lizard, python and sloth bear. The Ghosu Bird Sanctuary is situated at 8 km south-west part of Zunheboto, Nagaland, India. Zunhebeto is spread within the clumps of hillocks. The Seemas, is one of the martial tribe in Nagas. The tribes of the Nagas show colorful dances and songs. Even the war dresses of the tribe are worth to watch. Tuluni is important festivals celebrated in the 2nd week of July every year. The Bird Sanctuary is endangered with more than 20 species of birds are found over here. In the months of June, migratory birds are sighted and now poaching and hunting is strictly prohibited.

Palace/Fort/Museums/Art Galleries

The Famous palaces in Nagaland is the Palace of Kachari. Palace of kachari is located in Silchar, Nagaland, is well known for its rich historic monuments. The citadel of Kachari Rajas is located some ten kilometers away from the city of Silchar. The dynasty of Kachari was a powerful and mighty dynasty, of the ethnic group of Bodo Kachari. The excavation leftovers of this advance and strong kingdom are still there the area of Khaspur, that was their final capital. Ruins of Kachari are located in the area of Dimapur, which was the former capital of Kachari. It is one of the significant spot of the megalithic traditions. Though the folks of Kacharis are 6 mainly non-Aryan through complicated rites and the sect of richness, there are confirmations of a feel of Hindu traditional power on majority of them. Monoliths symbolize the complicated rites of the sect of productiveness. The wonderfully executed doorways to these memorials are in immaculate circumstance even today. If you want to go further to the history of this North Eastern state then do visit the North East Zone Cultural Centre that is locat ed just three kilometers away from the railway station of Dimapur. This museum showcases the rich cultural inheritance of the Northeastern states. Nagaland State Museum is located in Kohima, the capital city of Nagaland. It is located nearly 1 1/2 km northof the city. The priceless treasures of the museum portrays the rich cultural heritage of the the sate of Nagaland. It is one of the best places to learn about the history and traditions of the Nagas. Some of the items that are exhibited in the museum are pillars, gateposts, jewellery, statues etc. In a separate shed of the museum a ceremonial drum quite similar to a dug-out war canoe is displayed. This vessel indicates that the Nagas may have shifted to Nagaland from Sumatra.

Tourist Spots

There are several places of tourist interest that you may look forward to. A small peek-a-boo will let you know the city better. The most famous tourist places are Tourist Complex : This exclusive tourist site is located at Chumukedma. This ancient village offers hill-rides and provides an opportunity to enjoy the panoramic view of Dimapur. It is a fantastic summer retreat; weather is cool and pleasant. Triple Fall : Another picturesque place that will catch your fancy is Triple Fall; the water cascades from a height of about 280 feet and forms a natural pool. The picture-perfect place is a treat to trekkers. The village is transformed as a tourist resort; you can rejuvenate your energies while relaxing amongst the salubrious surroundings. Intaki Wildlife Sanctuary : Situated at 37 kilometers from the destination, Intaki Sanctuary is delight for nature enthusiasts. Here, you can find some rare species of fauna as well as avifauna. Koinonia Baptist Church,Kohima: Koinonia Baptist Church had its humble beginnings with a fellowship of eight families and was dedicated to the Lord on the 21st of December, 1997. It has been a long and tedious journey for its founder, Rev. Zotuo Kiewhuo who did his Masters in Theology from South Korea.

Shopping / Handicraft / Malls / Business centers Handicraft

The rich arts and crafts of Nagaland portray the artistic caliber and creative imagination of the local craftsmen of the north eastern state of India. Nagaland has several small scale cottage and medium scale industries that produce fine products of the traditional art of the state. 1. Weaving of Nagaland 2. Embroidery of Nagaland 3. Nagaland Wood Carvings 4. Nagaland Basketry 5. Traditional Ornaments of Nagaland 6. Paintings of Nagaland 7. Nagaland Bamboo Works 8. Mats of Nagaland 9. Cane Works of Nagaland 10. Pottery of Nagaland 11. Nagaland Metal Work The entire stretch of land comprising Nagaland is a traveller’s delight. A weekend trip hence, is too short to unravel the treasures of this hill state. To really explore the various options—sightseeing, ecology, adventure, culture, etc., a 10–15 days’ stay is recommended. For nature lovers, the best way to enjoy the scenic beauty of Nagaland is to travel by road. A flight from Guwahati or Kolkata to Dimapur is the quickest way to reach the state. Frequent shuttle trains also connect Guwahati and Dimapur. But there is nothing to beat a road journey from Guwahati to Kohima. Fill up your lungs with the pure, clean air as the car winds its way through the verdant hills and forest en route. The short six-seven hour journey by road is unforgettable. It is best to start early and reach Kohima before dusk. There are several hotels in Kohima and the commercial capital of Dimapur to suit every pocket. Make either of the cities the fulcrum of your stay and plan daily trips to cover the various attractions that Nagaland offers.Kohima is a two-hour drive from Dimapur. For history buffs, a visit to Nagaland is incomplete without an expedition to the World War II memorial of the Battle of Kohima. It is unbelievable that this peaceful city once witnessed 64 days of bloodshed when the Japanese invaded it during World War II. Kohima’s place in the annals of Indian history is engraved in golden letters for the bravery of its people. At an altitude of 1444.12m above sea level, today this hilly sanctuary beckons tourists with its peaceful ambience and pleasant climate throughout the year. For the adventurous, the tropical forest in and around Kohima offers a multitude of trekking and camping opportunities. Also, visit the state museum and discover the tribal artifacts, the Naga Heritage Complex at Kisama, the Heritage Museum and Crafts Centre at Khonoma, among other attractions. Nagaland’s unique textile heritage can be seen at Belho Weavers. You can buy a few souvenirs for friends back home from the Sales Emporium. Dimapur is the only district located in the plains of Nagaland and has two seasons—wet (June–September) and dry (October–May). Since there is no meteorological office in here, waterproof yourself and head for the ruins of the medieval Kachari kingdom. For the wildlife enthusiast, Rangapahar Reserve Forest and Itangki Wildlife Sanctuary (37 km from Dimapur) offer rare sightings of exotic species of endangered birds. Take a trip to Mokokchung, the cultural centre of the Ao, and spend the day getting a taste of tribal life at various villages—Longkhum, Mopongchuket, Ungma, etc. Take a few sips of refreshing water from TangkumMarok or the ‘spring of life’ which is said to have healing powers. Mokokchung district offers the most exquisite handlooms and handicrafts by expert craftspeople of village Longkhum. A visit to this village, with the rhododendrons in full bloom on the hillocks and the precipices enraptures visitors with sheer natural beauty. The village markets of Mon are a visitor’s delight as they give a glimpse of true Naga life. Don’t miss the stone monoliths and the museum in the village of Shangnyu. And for a communion with nature, head over to the Veda Peak. On a clear day, the vista from its pinnacle is awesome—with the Brahmaputra River and the Chindwin of Burma in clear sight. There is an interesting bit of history attached to the peak. It was here that the British soldiers first built their camp and planted the first opium plants. There is also a waterfall gurgling down the slopes that adds to the peak’s natural beauty—certainly one of the best locales in Nagaland. Zunheboto is a bird lovers’ destination. The Ghosho Bird Sanctuary, home to more than 20 species of endangered birds, is exclusively maintained by the villagers. From June to September a variety of migratory birds also flock to this sanctuary, guarded by villagers against poachers and hunters. Home to Blythe Tragopan, the bird on the verge of extinction, the Satoi Range is among the few virgin forests that are surviving today. April to May is the best time to visit the spot with rhododendrons adorning the stretch. A perfect spot to unwind from city stress, it offers trekking trails and camping under the stars. Nagaland undoubtedly is a land of folklore and rituals. Phek district is another place where the tourist gets to learn about its strange mores and ethos. For a taste of the folklore, a visit to the district town of Tuensang is a must. Visit the villages there to learn about the intriguing Chang legend and check out the scene of the last headhunting, which was as late as August 1978. In Peren district, Benreu village is home to a unique endangered animist culture which has been preserved down the centuries. The village is in the midst of a thick wildlife sanctuary. Stay at the village and have a first-hand experience of true ethnic lifestyle while enjoying the wildlife treks. Mount Pauna is the third highest peak in Nagaland. To get a view of the flora and fauna, book a cottage at Mt Pauna Tourist Village and trek up the winding path for a breathtaking view. Glory Peak at a height of 2,600m above sea level is a popular destination for the unhindered view it offers of Mt Everest in the west and Mt Saramati in the east. The waterfalls and lakes in and around Pfutsero town add to its scenic beauty and are a big draw. Kiphire district has the highest peak in Nagaland situated at an altitude of 3,841m above sea level. Covered with the thickest virgin forest range, this mountain remains snow-capped and its beauty is spellbinding. The best time to scale its height is between October and April. While there, also visit Fakim Wildlife Sanctuary. Though small in size, it houses a wide variety of flora and fauna. Visitors can spot tigers, leopards, wild mithun, hoolock gibbons, tragopan, hornbills and a variety of pheasants. Visit the caves at Salomi and Mimi, the Wawade waterfalls and the mysterious geyser hole or LupongKhun (hole of winds). Each of the eleven districts of Nagaland has something unique to offer. There are places in the state that no tourist has yet discovered. Be the first.