Nagaland
About Nagaland
Nicknamed as the ?Land of Festivals?, Nagaland is a quaint state in the north-east part of the country and is one of the most-loved hill station tourist destinations in India. Nagaland is as much about scenic beauty as it is about carefully preserved history and tradition, and a visit to this mesmerising state will open up a vista of things you can see and do to make your holiday a memorable one. Inhabited by the tribes who are very protective towards their culture and identity, Nagaland is another name for beauty and bounty. Colourful costumes, spicy cuisines, pleasant weather, traditional villages, beautiful dance forms and lyrical songs are all that define the north-eastern state of Nagaland.Nagaland has many places to offer to nature lovers; Japfu Peak, Dzukou Valley, Shilloi Lake are some of the places where people can find nature in its bounty. Like the other north-eastern states, Nagaland is also rich in culture with a variety of tribes. As all the tribes have their festivals and ceremonies, Nagaland is always ready to welcome a festival with great joy, and gaiety and food remain as much a part of the celebration as the dances and songs. Naga people eat almost anything that they can lay their hands on, be it dog, pork, snails or even an elephant and no part of the animal is wasted be it the skin or intestine. It shows how much they relish food and drinks. These jolly, colourful and crafty people are the soul of the state while nature attracts tourists from all over the world.
Kohima
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.
Things to Do
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.
Kohima Museum
Nagaland is truly an amalgamation of various tribes! The Kohima Museum portrays the traditions and culture of the many tribes of the state. The museum holds many unique artifacts related to different tribes of the region.All of 16 tribal groups are a part of Nagaland and all of them are represented here. The clan motifs, colorful traditional dresses, dialect, practices and traditions are displayed at the museum.
Kohima Zoo
The zoo houses the state bird, the rare Tragopan bird, and the state animal, the wild buffalo. The zoo is created on a hill and the hill has been beautifully used to provide natural landscapes for the animals.The golden langurs and the Blythe’s tragopan are the biggest attractions of the zoo. A section of the zoo has been turned into a special area for kids with a play zone and fun facts about the animals.
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.
Mokokchung
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.
Langpangkong Caves
These caves are situated between the valleys of Dikhu and Tzula Rivers. Towns Tuli and Changtongya are near these caves. Located in the midst of natural beauty in the Langpangkong mountain range, these caves are believed to have given shelter to an Ahom King.
Longkhum
It is said that a single visit to Longkhum isn’t enough. Your soul stays behind the first time and you have to return again to get it back. Such is the beauty of this place which houses the magnificent Rhododendrons atop the hillocks.This pretty place is also known for its equisite handlooms and handicrafts.
Longkhum
It is said that a single visit to Longkhum isn’t enough. Your soul stays behind the first time and you have to return again to get it back. Such is the beauty of this place which houses the magnificent Rhododendrons atop the hillocks.This pretty place is also known for its equisite handlooms and handicrafts.
Dimapur
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.
The triple falls
Located in Seithekima village and as the name says, these three glistening water streams trickling down from a height of 280 ft to a natural pool looks stunning.The area is maintained by the tourist department of Nagaland. Apart from throbbing hearts of the tourists with its miraculous panorama, the triple falls also serves as an exquisite spot for trekkers.
Kachari ruins
Kachari Ruins is famous for its monoliths. This is believed that the scattered stones and bricks are the remains of temples and embankments.
Rangapahar reserve forest
Is one of the famous places of Dimapur known for its wild-life. Famous for its plants variety relevant to medicines. There is a variety of unique birds in this reserve and attracts many bird watchers to visit the place.
Nagaland science centre
This is a different approach to introduce the miracles of science to the society. Nagaland science center is located behind Naga shopping arcade and is promoting creative learning through triumphant approaches.There are three galleries; our sense, fun science and children’s corner. Besides, Tara mandal an inflatable dome lets one peak deeper into the sky at night and The science park which has some specially designed exhibits increase the learning tendencies.
Tuensang
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.
Longtrok
Longtrok is a legendary village which showcases the ancient remnants of the Tsongliyangti and Chungliyangti civilizations through its six celebrated stone structures.The most important ones are those of Tsongliyangti, Chungliyangti and Chungliyimti and are the most worshipped by the locals. The locals also believe that the Sangtams are the personifications of the ancient God who gave birth to other stones and moved them to different places.
Tsadang
Tsadang is an off beat destination situated in the village of Longtrok. It is well known for its two ancient stones that pictures two friends who regularly visited the village of Longtrok.They are placed in the vicinity of Tsongliyangti and Chungliyangti and are worshipped by the local people.
Noklak
Noklak is a village situated on the rim of the Tuensang District which has gained a lot of tourism due to its tribal festivals, which the tourists attend to see the village’s local art forms.The Khiamniungan tribe are the inhabitants of this village and it is popular for its cane work, handicrafts and artefacts.
Changsangmongko
Between the town of Tuensang and the Hakchung village lies a very interesting village- Changsangmongko. Legend has it that this place is referred to as Changsang because the Chang community settled here.The village is renowned for establishing a raised platform named Mullang, which is a symbol of the prosperity and well being of mankind.