The State of Nagaland was formally inaugurated on December 1st, 1963, as the 16th State of the Indian Union. It is bounded by Assam in the West, Myanmar (Burma) on the east, Arunachal Pradesh and part of Assam on the North and Manipur in the South. The State consists of seven Administrative Districts, inhabited by 16 major tribes along with other sub-tribes. Each tribe is distinct in character from the other in terms of customs, language and dress.
It is a land of folklore passed down the generations through word of mouth. Here, music is an integral part of life; folk songs eulogising ancestors, the brave deeds of warriors and traditional heroes; poetic love songs immortalising ancient tragic love stories; Gospel songs that touch your soul (should you have a religious bend of mind) or the modern tunes rendered exquisitely to set your feet a-tapping. Each of the 16 odd tribes and sub-tribes that dwell in this exotic hill State can easily be distinguished by the colourful and intricately designed costumes, jewellery and beads that they adorn. The present generation of Nagas have ventured into fashion designing in a big way, reproducing fabrics that represent the ancestral motifs blended with modern appeal. Indeed, it is a beautiful mix of the past with the present,a paradise for those who are into fashion designing. This is an affluent fashion station of the East.
The traditional ceremonial attire of each tribe is in itself, an awe inspiring sight to behold; the multicoloured spears and daos decorated with dyed goats hair, the headgear made of finely woven bamboo interlaced with orchid stems, adorned with boar's teeth and hornbill's feathers, elephant tusk armlets. In days of yore every warrior had to earn each of these items through acts of valour, to wear them.
Nature could not have been kinder to Nagaland, sometimes referred to as the Switzerland of the East; the exquisitely picturesque landscapes, the vibrantly colourful sunrise and sunset, lush and verdant flora, this is a land that represents unimaginable beauty, moulded perfectly for a breath taking experience.
Its people belong to the Indo-Mongoloid stock, whose ancestors lived off nature's abundant gifts, blessed with sturdy formidable dispositions. Above all, the people here are warmhearted and extremely hospitable.
Nagaland is blessed with salubrious climate throughout the year and one can visit it anytime. If one is looking for a quiet getaway, from the hustle and bustle of city life, it provides the right ambience; as life here is laidback and slow - providing a tension free life. For the adventurous and the intrepid, Nagaland is an ideal place for trekking, rock climbing, jungle camping and offers limitless exploration possibilities in its lush and verdant sub-tropical rain forests which are also a treasure trove of a plethora of medicinal plants.
Nagas, by nature, are lovers of fun and frolic and here life is one long festival. The Nagas with their joie de vivre, dance and songs are a part and parcel of all their festivities. Most of their dances are performed with a robust rhythm.
| Languages | : | Nagamese, English |
| When to Visit | : | Nov To March( Need govt Permission) |
| Climate | : | Monsoon May to september |
| Festivals | : | Sekrenyi(Feb), Christmsas(Dec) |
An epitome of untouched beauty, Benreu is a village located in Peren district of Nagaland. This beautiful village tucked on a ridge signifies ethnic tourism in Nagaland. Remaining unexplored, this village is a wonderful gateway to a quiet and peaceful holiday amidst immaculate nature. The simple village life and their day-to-day activities are the major attraction here apart from the breathtaking landscape of the place. Benreu can be considered as a cultural paradise that shows many colours of Naga lifestyle and culture.
Reckoned to be the entry point of the state, Dimapur officially welcomes you to Nagaland. It is a well connected town that boasts excellent road conditions and scenic landscape. The town offers ample of opportunities to nature and history lovers. The 13th century Kachari Ruins is amongst the most attractive places in Dimapur, while the ruins here are the evidence of Ahom invasion. For nature aficianados Dimapur opens a wide door and takes them on an unforgettable journey. Nichuguard Village, Kuki Dolong Village, Chumukedima, Sethekima Village and Medziphema are some of the places that are known for their spectacular landscape beauty. Quiet and far away from the hustle and bustle of the city lives, these destinations in and around Dimapur are ideal for tourists. Diphuphar is one of the best places in Nagaland to witness the culture of various tribes like Angami, Lotha, Chakehsang, Sumi, Sangtam, Ao, Rengma Pouchury and Zeliang. Ruzaphema is a one stop shop in Dimapur for shopping; located about 5kms from Kohima, this place is famed for exhibiting some of the finest artefacts of Nagaland.
Dimapur is a colourful land that reflects authentic Nagaland. It is infact the only place in the state with an airport. Apart from above mentioned attractions, Dimapur houses ZoologicalPark, Ao Baptist Church, Diezephe Craft Village, Nagaland Science Centre, Green Park, Rangapahar Forest Reserve, Intaki Wildlife Sanctuary and Shiv Mandir. Major Attractions & Sightseeing Places:
Blessed with absolutely mesmerizing beauty, Dzukou Valley (2438m) is situated at a distance of about 30kms from the state capital, Kohima. This gorgeous valley is a trekker’s delight and is reckoned to be the best trekking circuit in the country. Dzukou Valley is to Nagaland is what Valley of Flowers is to Uttarakhand. An unexplored and pristine land replete with a sizeable number of multi-hued flowers, this valley is certainly a must visit place in Nagaland. Offering breathtaking vistas, Dzukou is dotted with many ravines and streams. The best time to visit Dzukou Valley is spring when the entire valley blossoms with flowers and looks heavenly; however, winter is also a good time to be here as at this time of the year one can witness a deserted yet magnificent view of the valley.
Khonoma Green Village is the result of responsible Naga tribes. Situated at a distance of about 20kms from Kohima, Khonoma Green Village is one of its kinds in India. The village is the home of the Angami tribe who have given up hunting and only practice agriculture (jhum or shift agriculture) to make a living. The houses in Khonoma are made using natural means and it is a way of Angami to show concern for the conservation of natural resources. In this green village, baskets are woven and handloom work is carried on along with agriculture. Khonoma is undoubtedly an inspiring place that takes us one step closer to nature and urges us to take initiatives to conserve and protect our natural environment. The energy of this place is something that everyone must experience.
Kiphire can be reckoned as an awe-inspiring district in Nagaland. Offering resplendent landscape views to visitors, Kiphire is also an ideal place for adventure enthusiasts as they can indulge in activities like trekking, rafting and canoeing. In Kiphire lies the highest peak of Nagaland called Saramati (3841m), where a trekker can enjoy a 3 day trek that passes through a beautiful Rhododendron forest. Kiphire is dotted with scenic villages like Pungro, Salumi and Mimi. Amongst which, Mimi and Salumi are believed to be virgin lands. These villages house a number of caves and waterfalls that further add to the charm of this already gorgeous destination. The caves to the east of Pungro town; caves at Mimi Village; waterfall lying between Mimi and Khonga village; the Salt River Mihki; Kisatong Village and Fakim Wildlife Sanctuary are the places of interest in Kiphire.
The capital city, Kohima is undoubtedly the most charming place to visit in Nagaland. Despite being a commercial hub, Kohima hasn’t lost its natural charms and remains one of the most charismatic destinations to see in the state. The blend of the ancient and the modern has painted this town in an interesting colour and Kohima has become an indelible landmark for the state. The town offers plenty of scenic views; it also reminds one of the scenarios back in the time of Second World War. Kohima offers an insight into the life of the Angami tribe who predominate this region. A perfect mélange of culture and history, Kohima is indeed a place to be. The Japfu Peak (3048m) and the Pulebadze Peak have always been the major attractions for tourists. On the other side, Tseminyu remains the interest of history lovers who can see delight ancient ruins, abandoned villages, broken pottery and graveyards here. Kohima War Cemetery, Naga Bazaar, Kohima Zoo, Kohima State Museum and Deputy Commissioner’s Bungalow are other places of interest for the tourists. Major Attractions & Sightseeing Places:
Longleng is known for its adventurous 32km road that is often taken by thrill-seekers. Longleng is the home of Phom Nagas, who are considered exceptionally skilled in pottery, bamboo work and spinning. The market place in Longleng is the major attraction, which till today maintains its old charm. The Phoms are also known for preserving their traditions and culture by the means of their festivals and artefacts and the best time to visit Longleng is during the festive season. The main festival celebrated here is called Monyu, which marks the end of winter season and the beginning of summers. It is a six-day festival that displays the best of Longleng culture. Apart from festivity, a tourist would be interested in spending time amidst the quiet and beautiful landscape of Longleng. The Dikhu River is a prominent tourist attraction, on whose sandy beaches many like to bask and have picnics.
Reckoned to be the most beautiful and a lively district in Nagaland, Mokukchung is the home of the Ao tribe. Known for its hospitality, rich traditions and festivals, Mokukchung is gradually becoming a hotspot for tourism in Nagaland. It is often said that one of its destinations named Longkhum is a paradise for nature enthusiasts. Its hillocks are adorned with Rhododendron and its pristine environment is worth falling in love with. Longkhum is also known for its ethnic handloom and handicraft and a sect called Limapur that practice animist religion. Ungma is yet another destination of interest in Mokukchung district that is believed to be the first place founded by Ao tribe when they entered Nagaland from Chungliyimti. Ungma is considered to be a living museum of the Ao tribe. You may also be interested in visiting Chuchuyimlang, which is a tourist village and is often referred to as festival village. This village is known for the celebration of festivals of Ao Nagas like Moatsu festival (celebrated in the month of May). Other than these places, visitors would also like to check out Mokukchung District Museum, Changtongya and Mokukchung Park. Major Attractions & Sightseeing Places:
The land of Konyak Nagas Mon is an interesting land to visit in Nagaland. Famed for warriors with tattoos on face, head hunting prowess and blackened teeth people, Mon is a fascinating place to be in Nagaland. The Konyaks call themselves the descendants of Noah and practice agriculture; it is believed that have the finest harvest in the state. Around Mon, a traveller can have a number of interesting encounters, for instance if you happen to be in Longwa (the biggest village in Mon district), which shares border of Myanmar, you can actually have the opportunity to have half of your body in India and other half in Myanmar. The chief’s house, where the chief resides with his 60 wives, is also a major attraction in Longwa. The large number of trophies made of animals’ skull in the residence is some unforgettable sight. Shangnyu Village and its famed wooden carving, Veda Peak and Chui Village are some of the other attractions in Mon. If you visit Mon in the month of April, you have a good opportunity to witness the lively harvest festival of Konyak Nagas called Aoleong Monyu Festival. It is a weeklong festival that is celebrated with offering sacrifice and hosting large feasts.
Snuggled amidst green rolling hills, Meluri is a part of Phek district of Nagaland. This small village is situated halfway on the important route to Mt. Saramati in Kiphire district. Meluri is the land of the Pochury tribe, who are known for their excellent hunting skills. For a traveller in Meluri, the major attraction is the interesting rock formations. Meluri is also known for its two lakes namely, Dzudu and Shilloi. These lakes are believed to have supernatural powers and were avoided by human for a very long time; however, with the passage of time, one of the two lakes (Shilloi Lake) has become a popular tourist place and is used for angling. The Zanibu Peak located around Dzudu Lake is a good place to visit as this place offers a vantage point from where one can get the view of a large part of Nagaland and Mt.Everest. Major Attractions & Sightseeing Places:
The land of Zeliagrong and Kuki tribes, Peren is yet another great place to visit in Nagaland. Besides its unmatched natural beauty, Peren is the rich cultural bank of Nagaland. The Bereu village and Mt. Pauna village are the major attractions in Peren. For a nature lover, Mt.Pauna offers great opportunity to get a panoramic view of the valley below which is blessed with lush forest cover. The Mt. Pauna Village is a tourism village in Nagaland and showcases the rich tradition and culture of Zeliagrong and Kuki tribes. The accommodation option is in the form of huts that are built in a traditional style under a tree keeping in view the aim of bringing the guests close to nature. The gastronomists have the opportunity to try authentic tribal food like Kennie Nku, which is a local bread made from sticky rice and prepared over a heated stone kiln. Ntangki National Park, Mt.Kisa and the caves at Puilwa Village are other places of interest in Peren.
A tourist village, situated about 41kms away from Kohima, Tuophema is built around ethnic model of tourism. The village offers traditionally styled thatched huts, traditional artefacts, jewelleries, clothing and souvenir museum and authentic Naga delicacies. This place gives an opportunity to soak the colour of Nagas and learn more about the culture of this fascinating land. The Angami Sekrenyi festival celebrated between the 25th and 27th of February each year is a major attraction of this village.
Tuensang is the eastern-most district of Nagaland and is the homeland of the Chang Nagas. Although, Chang is the predominant tribe here, Tuensang is famed as the place where many tribes live together. This co-existence has resulted in a flavoursome blend of culture and tradition in this district. Tuensang is also popular for its handloom, handicrafts, artworks and jewellery. It is infact one of the best places to go souvenir shopping in Nagaland. Changsangmonko, Chilise, Chunglimiyti and Tsadang Village offer several legends that are quite interesting to hear; these villages also make some of the most interesting places to see in Tuensang.
Wokha is nature’s spectacular gift to Nagaland. Dotted with colourful orchards, carpeted with multi-hued flowers and fringed by hills and river, Wokha is a nature lovers’ paradise. About 4 hours drive from Kohima, this district is the perfect place to bask and see the glory of nature. A tourist village above Riphyim is a major attraction in Wokha district, this place is known to offer splendid views of a dam on Donyan River. The tourist lodge at Riphyim also makes a great place to visit as it renders uncluttered view from the window of its each room. Wokha is the land of Lotha tribe and one has wonderful opportunity here to interact with the tribal people and see their traditional art and craft. Apart from this, Mount Tiyi, Liphanyan Governor’s Camp, Water Pool, Totsu Cliff, Tehurang Valley, Baghty Valley and Vankhosung town are the places that may interest travellers in Wokha. The Lothas celebrate a post-harvest festival called Tokhu Emong Festival in the month of November. It is believed, this 9 days festival is the best period to visit Wokha.
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