- Kohima
Kohima, originally ‘kewhima’, originally the Angami for ‘the land where the flower kewhi grows, reflects Nagaland’s British linkages dating to colonial rule. As always when the English couldn’t get their tongue around native words, they just found a version that was comfortable for them so, ‘kewhima’ became Kohima.
Travelling through the state capital of Nagaland, visitors will find connections aplenty to the British. At the World War II Memorial, are listed the brave Nagas who laid down their lives in a war, not of their making, but were dragged into by the English as recruits.
To immerse yourself into Nagaland’s native roots a good place is to spend leisurely moments browsing through the state museum here. Many aspects of Nagaland’s ethnic diversity, history, and culture are well documented in the dioramas and display of ancestral weaponry, human skulls from the headhunting days, carved gateposts, status pillars that record Feasts of Merit and traditional Naga costumes and jewellery.
The Kohima War Memorial is a magnet for history buffs. It is beautifully maintained by the Commonwealth War Graves Commission. Stone markers with shining bronze plaques at each grave commemorate the names of the men who sacrificed their lives.
Bara Basti, or Kohima village, is believed to be the original roots of Kohima as revealed by Naga folklore. It is the second biggest village in Asia. Today it forms the Northeastern part of the Kohima Urban area. Visitors can explore a large part of the original Angami settlement for its ancient traditions of architecture etc. An unmissable highlight is the beautiful wooden ceremonial gate richly embellished by carvings of warriors and weapons, hornbills, mithuns, etc.
Mingle with the locals in the bazaar near the supermarket and enjoy the vibrant mood as buyers and vendors haggle over fish and rice and farm fresh produce.
An excursion to the Khonoma Heritage Village, 20km away offers a deep dive into Naga culture and ancestral traditions. On the way keep your eyes peeled memorial stones erected to commemorate Feasts of Merit held by the wealthy in the villages. You’ll also see evidence of the intricate system of bamboo pipes, which carry water for long distances. This is an intrinsic part of everyday life for the Angami community which resides here. The soil condition is quite unique as are the elevations of its fields which support about 20 different types of rice being grown here. A traditional carved ceremonial gate allows visitors to enter the village.
Historically, Khonoma is also important as it is here that the Angami Naga warriors made their last stand against the British in 1879.
- Dimapur
A bustling trade and commercial hub from the olden days Nagaland’s gateway town served as the capital of the old Kacheri rulers who held sway till the 13th century. In the old town, you’ll still find traces of the medieval remains of this ancient kingdom. Explore the Kachari Rajbari Fort ruins with their ancient stone monoliths, and excavated tanks known even today as the Rajpukhuri, Padampukhuri, Bamunpukhuri, Jorpukhuri, etc.
Shop for traditional Naga shawls at the emporium here; you can watch the local women working on the traditional looms. You can also pick up some traditional handicrafts at Country Craft. Diezephe Crafts village near Dimapur offers bamboo and cane items, wooden toys, and other exquisite woodwork here. The village was formed by Nagaland Handloom and Handicrafts Development Corporation Limited to support the local economy of the craftsmen and weavers.
- Mokokchung
The richness of Nagaland’s ethnic roots is significantly on display at Mokokchung (160 km) an important settlement of the Ao Nagas. The community has long been respected for their prowess as warriors. Do look closely at the exquisitely woven shawls, woven in red and black shawls with the white decorated band that denotes their victory over their enemies. If you are here in the month of May you might get to witness the annual Moatsu Festival celebrating the sowing season. In August the Aos celebrate the Tsungremmong Festival marking the bringing in of the harvest. A high point in this festival is the tug-of-war between the men’s and women’s teams.
- Doyang
Located in the Wokha district, Doyang has gained international attention among scientists for being the nucleus for one of the biggest congregations of nearly one million Amur Falcon; this has earned the commendation for Nagaland as the ‘Amur Falcon Capital of the World. ‘ The best time to view the roosting of the birds is during October and November. The Doyang Hydro Project is a very important initiative for the state. What’s also important is that the Doyang Reservoir attracts a large number of migratory apart from the Amur Falcon.
The Lotha Naga tribe has its base in the Wokha region famed for its oranges and pineapples. While visiting look out for their famous monoliths (longsu) erected in the villages by the wealthy to mark their status in society. The women wear the Opvuram, the prestigious social shawl, and the men the Longpensu.
- Phek
The region is home to the Chakhesang community which is culturally quite distinctive from the other Naga communities. The Shilloi Lake in the Patkai Range is a popular leisure spot for the locals as well as tourists. The waters of the lake are not used for fishing or irrigation; rather, it serves more as an ornamental waterbody. That’s because it is considered a sacred place for the villagers of Latsum village who believe that the spirit of a holy child rests at the bottom of the lake. The Tsukhenyie Festival held in March/April attracts huge crowds. The forested enclaves are home to the Blythe Tragopan pheasants, found in abundance here as are exotic varieties of orchids.
- Zunheboto
The settlements of the Sumi Nagas are scattered in clusters around the hill slopes of Zunheboto. The main crops they cultivate are Rice, maize millet, cassia, yam, and soya bean. The village folk are expert artisans, and skilled craftsmen and weave beautiful designs on their hand-woven mekhelas and shawls. Sumi Baptist Church, which took a decade to build, is one of the largest churches in Asia. Also known as ‘the land of warriors’ this region has a rich martial history. The tribesmen are famed for their volatile war dance, folk songs, and ceremonial war dresses. Tuluni, observed annually in the second week of July is one of their most important festivals. Ahuna is a traditional post-harvest festival celebrated in November.
- Dzukou Valley
Accessed from both Manipur state and Nagaland the gorgeous Dzukou Valley is a trekkers paradise. Set at a height of 2452m its hilly expanses are cloaked in jungles rich in wildlife and a wealth of avifaunal splendour, making it a haven of possibilities for wildlife buffs and birding enthusiasts. Its hilly terrain can be a challenge for novices but the rewards are immense when it comes to the scenic vistas. The designated well-marked trekking trail takes about 5-6 hours either via Viswema (main route) or Jakhama (new and shorter) side. For the former, you can get a vehicle to drop you off at the jump-off point. For the latter, it’s a slog all the way. A plastic-free zone Dzukou has involved the villagers to ensure that trekkers don’t leave their garbage behind; so, there’s a small (returnable) security deposit for your plastic stuff at the start of the trek. Dzukou is about 12km away from Khonoma.
- Intanki Wildlife Sanctuary
Visitors come here hopeful of sightings of the endangered Hoolock Gibbon, the only gibbon found in the Indian jungles—largely in the North East region. Located about 37 km from Dimapur and 111 km from Kohima, Intanki Wildlife Sanctuary is also the ancient habitat of elephants, tigers, sambhar, wild dogs, and sloth bears.
- Kiphire
The Fakim Wildlife Sanctuary (642 ha) is on the hilly expanses of the Saramati Mountain. Fakim-Saramati comes under the Eastern Himalayas Endemic Bird Area. The nearest town is Pungro, 30km in Kiphire sub-division of Tuensang district. The Sanctuary was created for the protection of Blyth’s Tragopan. This is one of the IBA sites where Mrs. Hume’s Pheasant is found in India. The sanctuary is also home to the Hoolock gibbon, slow loris, tiger, leopard, clouded leopard, golden cat, Assamese macaque, stump-tailed macaque, pig-tailed macaque, and capped langur.
- Mon
Spread over an area of 1786 Sq.km Mon district is home to the Konyak Nagas, the renowned headhunting Naga tribe. They are distinctive for their face tattoos and headgear of hornbill feathers. However, they are also known for being skilled craftsmen and artists. Veta or Shahwot, is the highest peak (2,413m) in this hilly region.
Another spot worthy of attention is Longwa Village one of the largest villages of the Konyak Nagas, just 35km from Mon town. Located on the Indo-Myanmar border it offers nuances of cross-cultural traditions as the village falls on both sides of the border. What’s unique is that the people here don’t bother about the international border and cross over freely whenever the need arises. Visitors can explore the Shangnyu village, an old settlement of the Konyak Naga people. Of interest here is the traditional architecture of the village head’s house, said to be over 500 years old. Another wooden structure is believed to have served as a barrack for warriors.
