NAGALAND – “The land of festivals and the Falcon Capital in the world.”
Often called ‘The Switzerland of the East’ due to its scenic beauty, Nagaland is a state in the north eastern part of India. It came into being on 1st December, 1963 as the 16th state of the Indian Union. Nagaland is bounded by the Indian states of Arunachal Pradesh to the northeast, Manipur to the south, and Assam to the west and northwest and the country of Myanmar (Burma) to the east. The state capital is Kohima, located in the southern part of Nagaland. Nearly all of Nagaland is mountainous. It has an area of 16,579 square kms (6,401 sq mi) with a population of 1,980,602 per the 2011 Census of India. At present it has 12 districts in total.
Adorned by the magical beauty of rolling hills and mountains, lush vegetations and colorful cultures Nagaland is rich in primeval beauty of people and culture.
This state has a sense of mysticism to it and it is intensified by the remoteness due to its location. The world famous Hornbill festival showcases the entire culture of Nagaland. This festival also showcases the seven sisters of India.
The Nagas, an Indo-Asiatic people, form more than 20 tribes- Ao, Angami, Chang, Konyak, Lotha, Sumi, Chakhesang, Khiamniungan, Kachari, Phom, Rengma, Sangtam, Yimchungrü, Kuki, Zeliang, Pochury and Garos and other sub-tribes. Though they share many cultural traits, the tribes have maintained a high degree of isolation and lack cohesion as a single people. The Konyaks are the largest tribe, followed by the Aos, Tangkhuls, Semas, and Angamis. Each tribal community has their own unique culture and they all prefer to stay in rural areas. Two threads common to all, is language and religion – English is in predominant use and Nagaland is one of three states in India where the population is predominantly Christian. Christianity arrived in Nagaland in the early 19th century. Nagaland is known as “the only predominantly Baptist state in the world”.
How To Reach:
By Air (Flights):
There is only one airport in Nagaland that is in Dimapur. It is 70 kms from the Kohima. Direct flights connect the airport to Guwahati and Kolkata and connections can be made from all other airports in India
By Train:
Dimapur has a railway station on the main line of the North east Frontier Railway. It is well connected to Guwahati, with a number of trains that shuttle between the two stations every day.
By Road:
All important towns and villages in the State are connected by the Nagaland State Transport Services (NST). NST also operates a Night Deluxe service from Dimapur to Guwahati, Shillong, Mokokchung. Nagaland have a good connectivity through National Highways and State Highways. A number of taxis ply from Dimapur to Kohima. Night buses connect Dimapur and Kohima to Guwahati and Shillong (Meghalaya).
PLACES TO VISIT:
There are several tourist attractions in the state which are Kohima war cemetery, Naga heritage village, Khonoma village, Dzukou Valley, Kachari ruins, Japfu peak, Hongkong market, etc.
Dimapur:
The gateway to Nagaland it is the biggest town in Nagaland. Dimapur in Naga means the ‘the city near a great river.’ Kachari ruins are situated in Dimapur, the ancient Kachari capital. The city is predominantly known for its 13th-century Kachari Ruins, which is a must visit in Dimapur. Dimapur district was inaugurated as the eighth district of Nagaland in December, 1997, through a Government of Nagaland. It is one of the important sites of megalithic culture. Most of the ruins appear to be contemporaneous with the Kachari civilization. Though the Kacharis are predominantly Non-Aryan with elaborate rituals and the cult of fertility, there are evidences of a touch of Hindu influence on most of them. Unique fact associated with the history of Dimapur is that the place was the battles ground during the World War II were British India and Imperial Japan fought.
There are many tourists’ attractions in the Dimapur like Zoological Park, Diezephe Craft Village, Nagaland Science Centre,
Diezephe Craft Village:
Located in Dimapur district of Nagaland, Diezephe Craft Village is about 13 km from Dimapur town. The craft village is popular for its deft woodcarving, bamboo work and other forms of handicrafts and handloom.
Diezephe is a village inhabited mainly by Semas and Chakechang tribes who involve themselves in crafting various cane, bamboo and wooden materials. These villages majorly work under the guidance of the Nagaland Handloom and Handicrafts Development Corporation Limited. Every household in the village is engaged in making handicrafts. Villagers are adept at their craft, traditional skills and knowledge having been handed down through generations. By adapting to modern needs and tastes, the craftsmen use their traditional craft skills to make items of utilitarian value, thus sustaining themselves and their craft.
Kohima:
Nature is as much a tourist attraction here as are the people. Kohima is the capital city of Nagaland. It has a total area of 1463 sq. km.. Kohima has the advantage of being centrally located – being bounded by the state of Assam on the west, Wokha district on the north, Zunheboto and Phek districts on the east and Manipur state on the south. The Angami, Rengma and Zeliangrong communities mainly inhabit Kohima District. Kohima is situated in the south at an altitude of 1444 m above sea level. Adorned with emerald forests, quaint hills and picturesque landscapes, Kohima is a go-to place for all the adventure enthusiasts who love trekking, hiking and camping.
Kohima city offers a lot more to the visitors and there a series of places to visit in Kohima that will surely make your trip memorable. From temples to musuems, there is a lot to explore in Kohima.
Kisama Heritage Village:
Kisama heritage village is about 12 km from Kohima. This Naga Heritage Village is an open-air museum, which represents traditional Naga houses and morungs with full-scale log barrels. The place is a canvas of breathtaking scenic beauty. The Hornbill Festival(king of Festivals) is a major event that takes place within the confines of this village. It is a annual feature held in the month of December, where a visitor gets an opportunity to get a ring side view of the richness and uniqueness of the Naga heritage. Hornbill Festival and Kisama Heritage village are gradually transcending to be a showcase of the rich culture of the entire northeastern region of India and a cultural bridge with the rest of Southeast Asia. These communities have restored the artifacts of World War II, Naga ethnic food, traditionally made bamboo halls and a stadium which is famous for hosting the Hornbill Festival.
KOHIMA WAR CEMETERY :
Located in Midland Colony, Kohima, Nagaland. Kohima War Cemetery is situated on the left of the Imphal-Diampur road (Highway 39) close to the centre of the town. Kohima is 74 kilometres from Dimapur. Overlooking Kohima amidst scenic environs, the Kohima War Cemetery is a memorial in honor of those officers and soldiers killed during the World War II. Formerly known as Garrison Hill it is designed as a series of terraces with magnificent stone steps, bearing testimony to one of the most stubborn, close and bloody fighting in the whole of the Second World War. KOHIMA WAR CEMETERY lies on the battle ground of Garrison Hill. On the 18 plots of the cemetery, there are 1421 slabs erected in memory of soldiers who were killed in the battle of Kohima. At the highest point in the cemetery stands the KOHIMA CREMATION MEMORIAL commemorating 917 Hindu and Sikh soldiers whose remains were cremated in accordance with their faith. Before leaving Kohima the British erected a moving memorial in memory of their fallen comrades: The cemetery is maintained by the Commonwealth War Graves Commission. “When you go home, tell them of us, and say: ‘For your tomorrow, we gave our today.’
Kohima State Museum:
Established in the year 1970, the Kohima state museum is located at Bayavu Hill, this museum is at a distance of about 1 and ½ km. north from the main town of Kohima, the capital city of Nagaland, India. The Nagaland State Government Museum is an invaluable treasure trove where one can get a glimpse into Naga culture through history. The Naga architecture, social hierarchy and custom, costume and culture are all displayed in this State Government Museum. The main items exhibited are gateposts, statues, pillars, jewelry, and a ceremonial drum that looks like a dug-out war vessel in a separate shed. Musical instruments made of bamboo and buffalo horns are also on display in this museum. The museum has a rare collection of precious stones including cornelian, tourmaline, coral and other artifacts made out of brass and silver bells. This art gallery also showcases the Naga Morung that are the hut models, showcasing the variance of architecture between the tribes. One of the most important attractions of this museum is Ceremonial Drum. There are several musical instruments, made of bamboo and buffalo horns are also on exhibition in the museum.
Khonoma Village:
Located 20 kms west of Kohima is Khonoma village. The village referred to as “Khwünoria” by the residents is estimated to be around 700 years old and is surrounded by hills that are as high as 9000 ft. It was here that the Naga warriors made their last stand against the British in 1879. The Village is named after a plant locally known as “Khüno” that grows in the area. The alder tree (Alnus Nepalensis) is found in abundance in this region and Khonoma is famous for its management of jhum fields with alder trees, which fixes nitrogen in the soil and checks soil erosion.
With its mission “Green Khonoma”, it has become the Model Village for eco-tourism. The Village Council has made it mandatory for every household to have dustbins. Once in a month, sanitation drive is carried out and the community’s garbage is burnt. The ashes and the residue are then used as manure. The combination of rich bio-diversity and stunning landscape makes Khonoma habitat an excellent candidate for eco-tourism.
Dzukou Valley:
It is called the trekkers Paradise. Located 30 Kms. South of Kohima, the rolling hills of Dzukou Valley, on the border of Nagaland and Manipur are one of the highlights of India’s Northeast. This valley of eternal charm with its emerald green rolling hills, interspersed by gentle flowing stream, is tucked away at an altitude of 2,438.4 metres. Dzukou Valley is most famous for its multicolored carpets of flowers that bloom in summer, most notably the Dzukou lily which is found only in Dzukou Valley.It is about 30 km south of Kohima. It is a trekker’s delight. Though Dzükou is known for its bio-diversity the predominant plant is the tough bamboo brush.
Dzuleke:
Dzuleke is called the Kashmir of Kohima. Dzuleke, just about 10km from Khonoma (the first ‘green village’ of India) and about 40km from Kohima (the capital of Nagaland). It is one of the most underrated places to visit in Nagaland. That’s because it has the sparsest population of about 200 households belonging to the Angamis – one of the major tribes of the state. The name is derived from Angami, ‘Dzu’ meaning water and ‘leke’ meaning underground. This is because the river becomes subterranean for a part of its course. There are several giant huts made of stone walls and tin roof, where you can roll out your picnic basket and have the time of your life. Dzuleke is a great place for photography enthusiasts; the landscape is extremely picturesque especially during the summer months when the place looks fresher and greener. Dzuleke is a delight to visit because of its serene beauty.
KOHIMA CATHEDRAL:
The red-roofed Catholic Church on Aradurah Hill is the most prominent landmark in Kohima . It has become an important tourist destination and is the largest cathedral in the Asia The magnificent crucifix inside this cathedral is carved in wood and is 16 ft high. It possibly one of the tallest wooden carved crucifixes in Asia. The Stations of the Cross posed in the main entrance is a special beautiful feature. The Catholic Cathedral in Kohima is a place worth seeing for its ideal blend of indigenous structural design. It is also home to the largest cross that is made of wood in the country. The magnificent crucifix is carved in wood and is 16 ft high, possibly one of the tallest wooden carved crucifixes in Asia. There is a specially designed transparent roof for the ‘Natural Light System’ and artistic presentations add beauty to it. For those wanting to experience an architectural treat of the modern and the indigenous, the Kohima Cathedral is the place to visit!!!
This was builton the request of the Japanese who contributed towards the building of the cathedral. The construction commenced in 1986 and the church was consecrated in January 1991. The three-crore expense for constructing the cathedral was mostly funded by Japanese people who wished to construct a monument to the Japanese soldiers who died in the Battle of Kohima during the Second World War. In the spring of 1944, Japanese, British and Indian forces fought for the Garrison Hill during the Battle of Kohima. Thousands were killed. The Japanese survivors of the battle and bereaved families collected contributions towards the making of the Cathedral so that prayers could be offered in the memory of their loved ones. Spread over an area of 25,000 sq feet, it can accommodate 3000 seated and 20,000 if all areas are occupied. A permanent Olive wood crib from Bethlehem’s Olive wood has also been installed.
Japfu Peak:
This is the second highest peak in Nagaland and stands 3048 metres above sea level. It is about 15 kms south of Kohima. It is over 109 ft tall and the girth at the best measure more than 11 ft.. This attracts a lot of trekkers and hiking enthusiasts. It is also a popular destination for birdwatching and the view from the peak is mesmerizing. It is a thrill to experience the sunrise from the hump of Japfu peak in November. The best seasons for climbing this mountain are from November to March. In the Japfu range, one can find the tallest Rhododendron tree, which is featured in the Guinness Book of world records.
Wokha:
Wokha District is situated in the mid Western part of the Nagaland State is the home of the Lothas. It covers geographical area of 1628 Sq. Km, accounting 9.82% of the total geographical area of the State. Wokha literally means Census in Lotha. It was a place where Lothas counted heads before spreading out into the villages during their waves of migration. Wokha is surrounded by several hills and ridges, which makes it scenic and a hotspot of tourism. . The main festivals of this place are Tokhu, Pikhuchak, and Emong which is when you will witness the best of local dance and music. The town is known for its shawls which are handmade using a technique which has been passed through generations. Wokha is blessed with many tourist attractions that include Mount Tiyi, Totsu Cliff and the Doyang River. It is surrounded by Mokokchung district on its North, Zunheboto in the East and Assam on its West.
Mokokchung:
Mokokchung district covers an area of 1,615 km². The district headquarter which is called Mokokchung Town is at a distance of approximately 145 km from the State capital Kohima. Mokokchung, one of the districts in Nagaland, is the home of the Ao Naga Tribe. it is third most important urban hub in all of Nagaland after Dimapur and Kohima. It is bounded by Assam to its north, Wokha to its west, Tuensang to its east, and Zunheboto to its south.
Mokokchung is known as the ‘intellectual and cultural capital’ of Nagaland. It is the birthplace of ‘Nagaland Idol’, a singing reality show based on the lines of the popular sing reality singing talent hunt ‘American Idol’. Nagaland Idol has the distinction of having garnered the highest TRP and record sales in Nagaland. The major festival is the Harvesting Festival Tsungremong, celebrated immediately after the harvest of the crop (generally during the 1st week of August) and involves offering prayers, dances and songs to God. It is the biggest festival of the community. Moatsu is another festival that is celebrated on 2nd May for 3 days and to honour Lijaba- the creator of Earth and to pray for a fruitful cultivation season.
Some of the Tourists attractions in Mokokchung are: Longkhum, Ungma Village,Langpangkong Caves, Molung Village, Chuchuyinlang Village and the Moatsu Festival.
Aliba village:
Aliba is a Village in Ongpangkong(south) Tehsil in Mokokchung district of Nagaland State, India. It is located 14 KM towards west from District head quarters Mokokchung. The giant Süngkong (log-drum as called by the Ao Nagas) a massive log 36 feet in length, and 6.8 feet in diameter, implying some 21.37 feet in circumference or girth is probably the biggest log-drum in the world, makes this village a tourist destination.. Situated at an altitude of 1050 mts. on the Ongpangkong range is one of the most developed & cleanest villages in Mokokchung district.
Longkhum:
Longkhum which is an Ao Village located South West of Mokokchung at an altitude of 1846 meters. It is the highest
altitude Village of the Ao Region popularly called as the ‘Ao- Funemro’ during the Head Hunting Era, meaning the Van-Guard Village of the Ao Country and strategically commands a view of the surrounding hills and valleys.
Longkhum is also called as the ‘Vegetable Capital’ of Nagaland(as declared by the Department of Horticulture, Government of Nagaland in 2004). The Ao’s have a belief that Longkhum is the resting place of the spirits of the dead on their onward journey to paradise. Longkhum is one of the favorite Tourist Destination Villages of Nagaland with so much to offer to the Nature & Adventure Lover with beautiful Trekking Trails leading to places of tourist interests.
Ungma:
Ungma is a historic village situated 10 km south of the heart of Mokokchung town in India. It is the district capital of the district of Mokochung and home to the Ao Nagas. Ungma is the largest village of Ao tribe and second largest in Nagaland is 4.2 Kms. The place is also known as the cultural and intellectual capital of the state of Nagaland. It occupies a unique position in the history of the Ao Nagas, for it is said that the whole Ao tribe founded this village when they first entered the land from their ancestral Home at Chungliyimti (now within the Sangtam Naga Territory). The rich Ao culture and tradition is jealously guarded and practiced by the villagers even today and the place is considered to be a living museum of the traditions of the tribe.
Chuchuyimlang Village:
Located 26 kms from Mokokchung. It is the village of festivals for the Ao Nagas. The tourist village established there is a showcase of this spirit of the villagers in the most natural and uncontaminated manner. This village is an epitome of natural beauty and also renowned for glorious celebrations of various tribal festivals. The famous Moastu Festival lasts for 3 full days and commences of 1st May. During this period, the villagers expressed their friendship towards villagers by exchanging gifts etc.
Mon:
It is located at a distance of about 357 kms from the state’s capital city Kohima. Mon is a district situated at an altitude of 897 metres above sea level, Mon is the home of the Konyak Nagas. This district is under the jurisdiction of the tribal leaders referred to as ‘Anghs’. The Anghs are in charge of different regions of the district. Anghship is a hereditary post. It is interesting to see tattooed faces, wearing featured head gears and war traditional dresses. They are known for excellent wood carving, handicraft and blacksmith. The main source of income for the district’s inhabitants is agriculture. Tea is the major crop that is grown in this state.
LONGWA VILLAGE:
The inhabitants of Longwa Village enjoy dual citizenship, i.e., one of India and another of Myanmar. The village that is situated in Mon district lies 42 km away from Mon town. Longwa is one of the biggest villages in Mon district. An interesting fact of this village is that the Indo-Myanmar border passes from the village. On top of that, the border passes through village chief’s house, dividing it into two halves, one that falls in India and the other in Myanmar. However, the whole village is controlled by the Angh (Chief), there is a chief Angh and seven Angh’s in a village and the village Council Chairman.. There are four rivers running from the village, two rivers run into the Indian side called Tegi and Tapi and the other two to Myanmar called Tejak and Shumnyu.
The locals of Konyak tribe excellent collectors of enemy skulls and have been known for being headhunters. The serene and quiet ambience of Longwa will embrace you once you are there.
SHANGNYU VILLAGE:
One of the most important and traditional villages of the Mon district, Shangnyu Village is headed by the chief Angh. The chief’s house is the main attraction of the village which is all adorned with wooden carving and an inspiring wooden entrance. It is believed that the exotic Angh’s resident has been built by heavenly angels. The structure is 8 feet high and 12 feet in breadth. It is also believed by the villagers that the Angh’s resident had been built somewhere during the Metallic Age, which means that the structure is roughly more than 500 to 600 years old. The structure has carvings of human forms as well as other creatures. There is also a memorial stone that stands tall in front of the Angh’s palace. History records that good and friendly relationship existed between Shangnyu and Ahom kings. Shangnyu Angh used to collect taxes from all the villages under his domain ranging from Sibsagar in Assam to the Wanchos in Arunachal Pradesh.
VEDA PEAK (PAK KOI):
Veda peak is the highest peak in Mon district. It is approximately 70 km east of Mon district headquarters. There is also a waterfall on the precincts of this peak and this area is also considered as one of the best locations in the whole of Konyak countryside. Veda peak was the place where the British soldiers first erected their camp and it was the place where the British planted the first opium plant in the land of Konyak Naga. You can also visit the nearby places of Mon like Naga Bazar, Mount Tiyi, Mount Saramati, Liphanyan Governor’s camp, Kohima Zoo, Tibetan Market, Ntangki National Park, and many more. Providing panoramic views of the hills, valleys and plains, on clear days and one could possibly see the Brahmaputra in the distance and Chindwin in Burma. The peak is also home to a pretty stunning waterfall.