Nagaland

Quick Facts

• Capital: Kohima
• Largest City: Dimapur
• Official Languages: English (official), Nagamese (lingua franca)
• Formation: 1 December 1963
• Nicknames: “Land of Festivals”
• Borders: Assam, Arunachal Pradesh, Manipur, Myanmar
• UNESCO Sites: None

Contents

1. History & Heritage
2. Geography & Climate
3. Top Places to Visit (Handpicked)
4. Festivals
5. Cuisine – What to Eat
6. Arts, Handicrafts & Culture
7. Adventure & Wildlife
8. How to Reach
9. Best Time to Visit
10. Sample Itineraries
11. Famous Personalities

History & Heritage

Nagaland is home to 16 major tribes with unique traditions. It became the 16th state of India in 1963 after decades of tribal movements and negotiations.

• Tribal Heritage: Each tribe has distinct customs, attire, and festivals.
• Colonial Era: British influence introduced Christianity and education.
• Modern Era: Statehood was achieved on 1 December 1963.

Geography & Climate

Nagaland features rugged hills, dense forests, and picturesque valleys.

• Rivers: Dhansiri, Doyang, Dikhu.
• Climate: Subtropical with pleasant summers and cool winters.

Top Places to Visit (Handpicked)

1. Kohima: War Cemetery, Kisama Village.
2. Dimapur: Ruins of Kachari Kingdom.
3. Mokokchung: Cultural center of Ao tribe.
4. Mon: Known for Konyak Naga warriors.
5. Dzükou Valley: Famous trekking destination.
6. Tuophema: Heritage village showcasing tribal life.
7. Khonoma: Asia’s first green village.

Festivals of Nagaland

• Hornbill Festival: Grand celebration of all tribes.
• Moatsu: Ao tribe festival.
• Aoleang: Konyak tribe festival.
• Tokhu Emong: Lotha tribe festival.

Cuisine – What to Eat

Naga cuisine is known for its bold flavors and use of local herbs and smoked meats.

• Staples: Rice, smoked pork, bamboo shoots.
• Specials: Axone (fermented soybeans), pork with bamboo shoot, smoked beef.

Arts, Handicrafts & Culture

• Traditional handwoven shawls with tribal motifs.
• Wood carving and bamboo crafts.
• War dances and folk songs.

Adventure & Wildlife

• Trekking in Dzükou Valley and Japfu Peak.
• Bird watching at Pulie Badze Sanctuary.
• Camping and cultural tours in heritage villages.

How to Reach

• By Air: Dimapur Airport (only airport in Nagaland).
• By Rail: Dimapur Railway Station.
• By Road: Well connected via National Highways from Assam.

Best Time to Visit

October to May is ideal, especially during the Hornbill Festival in December.

Sample Itineraries

4 Days – Kohima & Dzükou

• Day 1: Explore Kohima city and War Cemetery.
• Day 2: Visit Kisama Heritage Village.
• Day 3: Trek to Dzükou Valley.
• Day 4: Local markets and departure.

5 Days – Tribal Experience

• Day 1: Arrive in Kohima.
• Day 2: Visit Khonoma & Tuophema.
• Day 3: Drive to Mokokchung.
• Day 4: Explore Mon and Konyak villages.
• Day 5: Return journey.

Famous Personalities

• Dr. T. Ao: Football legend.
• Neiphiu Rio: Chief Minister of Nagaland.