Nagaland Tourism

Nagaland beautifully nestled amidst the lush and verdant sub-tropical and sub-alpine climate. Nagaland lying in the hills and mountains of the northeastern part of the country. Nagaland is a beautiful destination and it has some beautiful places to visit. It is one of the smaller states of India. The state is a witness of unique heritage sites, rich wildlife, local festivals, delicious cuisines, beautiful handicrafts, cultural shopping, attractive places and many more.

Nagaland is bounded by the Indian States of Arunachal Pradesh from the northeast, Manipur to the south, and Assam to the west and the country Myanmar to the east. The capital of Nagaland is Kohima, located in the southern part of Nagaland.

People, Language

The people of Nagaland is known as "Nagas" belong to the Indo-Asiatic group of people more than 20 tribes as well as subtribes. The major recognized tribes of Nagaland are Angami, Ao, Chakhesang, Chang, Khiamniungan, Kuki, Konyak, Lotha, Phom, Pochury, Rengma, Sangtam, Sumi and many more.

The languages of Naga differ from tribe to tribe, and sometimes even from village to another village. There are about 60 spoken dialects, belonging to the Sino-Burman Family. Many Nagas speak Hindi, English some in broken Assamese. English is the official language of the State and the language of education. Nagaland is one of the three states where the population is mostly Christian.

Climate

Nagaland has a monsoonal ( wet-dry ) climate. Its annual rainfall averages between 70 and 100 inches and are concentrated on the month of May to September. Temperature ranges from 21 - 40 degrees C ( 70 -104 degree F ), while in the winter they rarely drop below( 40 degrees F), though frost is common at a higher elevation.

Agriculture

Nagaland is basically a land of agriculture. About 60% of the population is based on agriculture. Rice, corn, small millets, pulses ( legumes), oilseeds, potatoes, and tobacco are the main crops. The major land use pattern is slash and burns cultivation of Jhum has led to the erosion and fertility of the soil. Only the Angamis and Chakesangs region of Kohima use terracing and irrigation techniques.

The state has to construct minor irrigation to divert small hill streams to their rice cultivation covering an area of 82,150 hectares.

Festivals

Nagaland is known as the "land of Festivals". Music and Dance are an intrinsic part of Nagas Life. Folk songs and ballads eulogizing bravery, beauty, love, generosity are transmitted from generation to generation. They also celebrate all Christians festivals. Some of the important festivals are sekrenyi, Moatsu, Tokhu Emong and Tuluni.

The Hornbill Festival was started in December 2000 by the Government of Nagaland, which is an annual event where all tribes of Naga come together to promote their cultural heritage of the state. In this festival, Nagas celebrate, exhibit sell their traditional dresses, foodstuffs, and crafts. From 1 to 10 December of every year, Naga celebrates this festival held at Naga Heritage Village, Kisama about 12 km from Kohima.

Places to visit in Nagaland

Dzukou Valley- Dzukou valley is one of the must-visit places in Nagaland. The valley with absolute mesmerizing beauty, breathtaking landscape is situated at a distance of about 30km from the state Kohima. Dzukou Valley is also known as "Valley of Flowers". Offering breathtaking views Dzukou is dotted with many streams and ravines. The highest point in the valley is about 2600m and provides a panoramic view of the enchanting valley.

Kohima- Kohima, the capital city of Nagaland is the most charming place to visit in Nagaland. It is situated in the southwestern part of the northeastern state of Nagaland. Its height is 1500 meters above the sea level, it is provided with beautiful hills, emerald forest, and a picturesque landscape. The original name of Kohima is "Kewhira" derived from the Kewhi flower found in the region. The place offers scenic views, also reminds one of the Second World Wars scenarios. Other than the city, tourists can also visit the museum, zoos, the sanctuary, valleys, Deputy Commissioner’s Bungalow and many more.

Touphema Village- Touphema Village is situated 41 km away from Kohima. The village has a tribute to the culture, lifestyle, and people of Nagaland. The village traditionally styled thatched huts, artifacts, jewelry, clothing, the museum and many more. This village gives more information about the Naga culture and tradition. It is the highly visited place in Nagaland. Every year of 25th and 27th of February the Angami Sekrenyi Festival is celebrated.

Kohima Zoo- The natural landscape of hills and mountains offers a comforting habitat for the birds and animals. The state bird of Nagaland is a Tragopan bird that is a habitat in this zoo and you can also see wild buffalo.

Khonoma Village- Khonoma village is situated 20km away from Kohima. Khonoma Village belonging to "Angami Naga" an ethnic group of Naga.

Khonoma Green Village has given up all kinds of hunting and practices agriculture for a sustainable ecosystem. It is the will power of a Naga people to ban on hunting and preserve the natural habitat of the environment. Khonoma village is an inspiring place to understand and to take initiatives to conserve and preserve the environment.

Mokokchung- Mokokchung is the important town of Nagaland and it is 6 hours away from Kohima. It is the cultural center of Ao Tribes and celebrates Moatsu Festival in the first week of May every year. In Mokokchung visitors also love to explore places like

Longkhum, Langpangkong, Mopungchukit, and Chuchuyimlang.

Shilloi Lake- Shilloi Lake is located in the eastern-district of Phek in Nagaland.

Its area is about 0.25-0.30 sq km. The folks of Latsum village considered this lake as very important because it is believed that the holy child is rest in the lake, and it is a warning to the folks never too drying up the lake. This is the reason there is no fishing, use as water drinking and irrigation. The lake is shaped in the form of the human foot and is four meters deep. Nobody has ever tried to search in the bottom of the lake.

How to reach Nagaland?

By Air- If you are planning to visit Nagaland by airways, Dimapur at a distance of around 75km from Nagaland, is the closest domestic airport. Dimapur is well connected to Kolkata and Guwahati. International travelers have to take flights from Kolkata to Dimapur.

By Train- Dimapur Railway station of the Lumding-Dibrugarh is the only railway station in Nagaland, approachable only with Assam. To reach Assam, trains are available from anywhere in India. One can also take an overnight Bus to reach Nagaland from Assam instead of taking another train.

By Roadways- The best way to approach Nagaland by roadways will be taking an overnight bus from Guwahati. You can take a shared taxi from Dimapur to reach Kohima.

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