Nagaland India

Nagaland India

Location : On the North-East part of India.
State Capital : Kohima (1444.12 mts above sea level).
Official Language : English.
Places of Attraction : Kohima, the Catholic Cathedral and the Aradura Hills.
Temperature : Summer 16° C - 31° C; Winter 4° C - 24° C.
Best Time To Visit : October to May.

¤ Nagaland, A Land of Vibrant Cultures

Nagaland, which is bounded by Assam on the east and south, Manipur on the north and Myanmar on the west is a nature's bounty on a narrow strip of mountainous territory. The streams that flow in the land, high mountains, deep gorges and the various flora and fauna all bring out the magic of the place. The Nagas (the people) belong to mongoloid family and is inhabited by 16 groups of the Tibeto-Burman tribes who have a unique language and culture of their own. Multicoloured spears, bracelets, chest plates and head dress of coloured bamboo are some of the things that makes their culture ethnic and vibrant.


¤ Places of Attraction

The multi-cultural aspects of this region is what draws most of the tourist to its land. Kohima (capital of Nagaland) carefully spread over the face of the hillocks is a clear indication of the nurture of homes with the nature. The Catholic Cathedral at the Aradura hill with its magnificent Cross, Dimapur as the melting pot of North-East and the Nagaland State Museum promises a wide range of interesting and varied discovery. Besides, the state travel attractions also lies in its tribal population, Nagaland has the highest number of tribes in the North-East.


¤ Tribes of Nagaland

The names of the tribes in Nagaland were earlier known by the recognition of the group of villages. But gradually they have settled down to the names of the tribes - Angami, Ao, Chakhesang, Chang, Khiamniungan, Kuki, Konyak, Lotha, Phom, Pochury, Rengma, Sumi, Sangtam, Yimchungru and Zeliang.


¤ Festivals

As there are number of tribes in Nagaland, each tribe celebrate its own distinctive seasonal festival. Their festivals are sacrosanct to them and participation is considered compulsory. All the festivals held by the Naga tribes have song and dance and the festivals seem to exude splendour of colour and the extravagance of Naga life. Almost all of the festivals are related to the harvest of their crops and the sacrifices made by their respective village Shaman either before the harvest or on the eve of sowing.


¤ Wildlife

Ghosu Bird Sanctuary
The peculiarity of this bird sanctuary is the maintenance of the sanctuary by the village community itself. Located at a distance for about 8 kms from Zunheboto district headquarters, this is home to more than twenty species of endangered birds. Anyone interested in bird-seeing can watch from the month of June.

Intangki Wildlife Sanctuary
37 kms drive from Dimapur, Intangki Wildlife Sanctuary is home to the hoolock baboon which is the only gibbon found in India. The sanctuary has an area of 202 sq. km and is 677 meters above sea level. It is habitat to a number of elephants, tigers, sambhar, wild dog, goral, sloth bear and a quite a number of rare species of bird. It is preserved by the Forest Wildlife Department. Any person caring to stay a night can be provided a forest rest house managed by Government Tourist Department.

Satoi Range
Located in Zunherboto district, this is the only remaining virgin forest in the region. Blythi Tragopan, an endangered species of bird, is also found in this forest. It is an ideal place for camping and trekking. People come to see the rare rhododendrons which adorn the hills during the months of April and May.

Arts and Craft

The tradition of art and culture rooted in the lifestyles of the Nagas is varied. Starting from the objects of everyday use to the objects of decoration, the Nagas have been making a declaration of ethnicity on these objects. Some of the skill workmanship can be found in their basketry, weaving, woodcarving, pottery, metal work, jewellery and bead work.

¤ Excursions

Village of Khonoma
The terraced fields of the Khonoma which is about 10 kms away from Kohima is one of the scenic beauty found here. There are 20 types of paddy grown at different levels. The Khonoma gate also is a reminder of the British infiltration into the Naga Hills.

Adventure In Dzukou Valley
At an altitude of 2,438.4 meters above sea level, the Dzukou valley situated behind the Japfu peak and about 30 kms from Kohima towards the south, is an amazing place to go for trekking. Considered to be the best trekking spots in the Northeast, the valley draws many adventurers seeking out new spots. In the summers, a variety of yellow and white lilies and numerous other flowers grow beautifully and the rhododendrons adorn the hills surrounding the valley.

Adventure In Japfu Peak
Around 15 kms away from Kohima and at an altitude of 3,048 meters above sea level, this place is ideally for the people who come for trekking and scaling. When the adventurer reach the highest point, it is breathtaking watching Kohima strewn away and shining amongst the greenest of hills.

Liphnyan Governor's Camp
Liphnyan Governor's Camp 43km, an ideal spot for angling, rafting and picnics.

Mokokchung and Zunheboto
When travelled from Kohima, Mokokchung and Zunheboto placed at a distance of 160 and 150 kms away respectively, are the two towns at high altitudes worth visiting too.

¤ Shopping

The emporium of 'Nagaland Handloom and Handicrafts Development Corporation' located opposite State Transport Bus Terminal houses woolen shawls and other Naga handicrafts items. One can also enjoy shopping from the huge market outside Supermarket run by village women in tribal costumes, offering Naga handicraft products.


¤ Permit for Visit

All foreign tourist visiting Nagaland require Restricted Area Permit from the Ministry of Home Affairs, Govt. of India, South Block, New Delhi. The permit is valid for ten days and is granted to a group of four or more persons travelling to the state. Any domestic tourist has to obtain Innerline Permits, which are issued by the Government Authority of the state. The visitor can get the permit by paying a nominal fee. Other detailed information can be found out from the Directorate of Tourism, Nagaland, Kohima.

¤ Accessibilty to Nagaland

By Air
The nearest airport to Kohima is the Dimapur Airport which is 74 kms away. A bus ride to Kohima will take around four hours and taxis take three hours.
By Rail
Kohima's nearest railhead is at Dimapur (74 kms) which is connected to Guwahati and from here, any major places of India can be travelled. Some of the trains that would link other places with Guwahati are Brahmaputra Mail, Kamrup Express and Assam Mail.

By Road
Kohima is 390 kms away from Guwahati and can be reached by bus from Dimapur on NH-39. There are buses from Dimapur to Kohima every hour. Blue Hills Travels runs buses from Guwahati to Kohima.
Local transport are available by mini Coaches and un-metered taxis suited most for travelling within the state.