#Nagaland, also known as the land of festivals, is a vibrant Northeast Indian state with a distinct culture and breathtaking natural beauty. It is home to numerous tribes, each with its own set of customs, traditions, and festivals. Nagaland is also known for its breathtaking scenery, which includes rolling hills, lush green forests, cascading waterfalls, and crystal-clear rivers.
If you want to get to know over 14 different tribes of people, go to Nagaland. Nagaland, which is limited by Assam in the east and south, Manipur in the north and Myanmar in the west is generosity of a nature in a narrow strip of mountainous territory.
Nagaland is the only state with the last head hunting tribes. This is most amazing and interesting facts of Northeast. Nagaland is the only place where one will find the head hunting tribal. They used to cut the heads of their enemies during the battles and store them as trophies. Though, now the head hunting has been stopped but one can find the elderly tribals who narrates their stories. These tribals have tattoos on their faces.
As there are number of tribes in Nagaland, each tribe celebrates its own distinctive seasonal festival. If you're looking for a holiday that's relaxed yet thorough, five or six days is ideal.
The state capital, Kohima, is a charming blend of modernity and tradition, while other towns and villages offer a taste of rural life. The Catholic Cathedral on the Aradura Hill with its magnificent cross, Dimapur as the melting pot of the Northeast and the Nagaland State Museum promises a wide range of interesting and varied discoveries.
Smoked pork is the famous breakfast item in Nagaland. Rice is served with a meat dish (usually pork) or vegetables. Unless you are a panda you might not like bamboo shoots. But if you cook those shoots in true Naga style, chances are that you'll fall in love with them.
It has something for everyone, whether you enjoy culture or adventure, so why wait just book your tickets through North East Tour Packages and enjoy all these adventures.
Let's explore more into the best places to visit in Nagaland where you can experience the state's rich culture and stunning natural beauty firsthand.
1. Puliebadze
Pulie Badze is a popular weekend getaway for people who live in Kohima, perfect for a hiking trip up the hill to enjoy stunning views and a pleasant climate. Visitors walk to the top of the hill to get a panoramic view of the surrounding areas, including parts of Mount Japfu, Nagaland's second highest peak and a panoramic view of the city of Kohima.
2. Tuophema
40 km away from the capital (or a 1.5 hr drive away, as the roads aren't in the best shape), Tuophema is an unusual blend of touristy and local. The hospitality of the Nagas in this corner of the state is well known, and yet their day-to-day doings remain unchanged by the presence of tourists. In essence, a trip to Tuophema guarantees comfort as well as unprecedented access to the villagers; a win-win!
The state's tourism board and some of the village's inhabitants jointly came up with an accommodation option for travellers and that's how Touphema Tourist Village was born. The establishment has 12 huts that it lets out to tourists and they've all been done keeping the local Naga architectural and artistic styles in mind. <br />
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Touphema village is a heritage tribal village resort located nearly 41kms from state capital Kohima. The village sprawls atop a hillock offering one with the ethereal views of the verdant green vales around. At the village you can enjoy comfortable stay with all modern amenities in a unique ethnic setting.
Staying in this village will let you enjoy the true Naga hospitality and will also let you get a sneak peek into the tribal lifestyle and culture of the Naga people. Activities you can undertake here include guided hunting trips, cultural trips, walk into the farming fields etc.
3. Dimapur
Nagaland's largest city, Dimapur, is a hive of commercial and cultural activity. The city serves as the gateway to Nagaland, with its well-connected airport and railway station. While Dimapur is not as well-known as some of Nagaland's other cities, it has a distinct charm that deserves to be discovered.
With intricate carvings and sculptures showcasing the Kachari dynasty's distinct style, these ruins provide an intriguing glimpse into the region's rich history. The Triple Falls, a stunning waterfall that cascades down a rocky cliff of the region. Dimapur's Hong Kong Market is a popular shopping destination for everything from traditional Naga shawls to modern fashion wear.
The Dimapur Airport is the state's only civil airport, but the city also houses the state's railway station.
4. Kohima War Cemetery
Kohima, the capital city of Nagaland, is a vibrant and colourful destination with a distinct blend of tradition and modernity. The city is well-known for its rich cultural heritage, which includes a plethora of festivals and rituals that reflect the unique customs and traditions of the various tribes. One of Kohima's most well-known festivals is the Hornbill Festival, a week-long celebration of Naga culture held in December.
During the first week of December, Nagaland becomes the setting for the Hornbill Festival of deep-rooted tribal heritage. It is its capital, Kohima, where the event that gives rise to demonstration of this culture is celebrated. Music, dances and indigenous games and sports are organised.
Aside from its cultural attractions, it has breathtaking natural beauty, with rolling hills and lush green forests providing picturesque views. The Kohima War Cemetery, a memorial to soldiers who died during World War II, is another must-see attraction in Kohima. The Kohima War Cemetery is a must see. It is a monument dedicated to the soldiers of the British unit as part of the allied forces during the World War II. It is at this point that the Allied Forces won a battle against the Japanese, forcing the latter to retreat.
It is also a centre for handicrafts and textiles, with popular souvenirs including Naga shawls and traditional jewellery.
5. Longwa
Mon, in Nagaland's east, is a destination that provides an authentic experience of Naga culture and traditions. The Konyak tribe lives in the town and is known for their unique customs, such as headhunting, which was practised until the early twentieth century. Mon is an excellent destination for travellers looking to immerse themselves in Nagaland's tribal culture due to the Konyak tribe's distinct lifestyle and customs.
Longwa village, located on the border of India and Myanmar, is one of Mon's most notable attractions. Do you ever get the feeling that visiting just one place while you're on holiday won't quite do the trick? Longwa, located right on India-Myanmar border, might just be able to help you out with that! One of the seven sisters, Nagaland has a small village called Longwa which share its borders with Myanmar.
The village is known for its distinctive architecture, with houses straddling the border and the chief's house extending into Myanmar. The Chui Village, famous for its wood carvings, and the Shangnyu Village, which features an ancient Konyak fortress, are two other fascinating attractions in the Mon district.
This village is a true example of a world without any boundaries as villagers have dual citizenships. The locals can go to Myanmar without any visa or passport. The village chief's house sits squarely atop the international border and makes for a natural tourist hotspot. However, Longwa is more than just a geographical wonder - the four rivers flowing through it are quite a spectacle and attract an audience of their own.
Getting to Longwa is a bit of a hassle. There are no direct buses, trains or flights, so your best bet is to head to Sonari or Simaluguri and make your way from there (Longwa's district, Mon, is about 65km from the former and 90 from the latter).
6. Ntangki National Park
Ntangki National Park is a wildlife sanctuary in Nagaland's Peren district, known for its diverse flora and fauna. The 202-square-kilometer park is home to several endangered species, including the Blyth's Tragopan, a colourful pheasant species, and the rare hoolock gibbon. The park provides scenic trekking trails that wind through lush green forests and rolling hills, allowing visitors to explore the natural beauty of the region.
Birdwatching and wildlife spotting are also popular activities for visitors, with the park's diverse bird and animal species providing a fascinating experience. One of the most prominent attractions in Ntangki National Park is the Totsu Cliff, a stunning viewpoint with panoramic views of the surrounding hills and valleys.
There are several waterfalls in the park, including the Benreu and Tibe, which provide a cool respite from the tropical heat.
7. Zunheboto
Zunheboto is a beautiful Nagaland town known for its vibrant culture and stunning scenery. The Sumi tribe, known for their intricate wood carvings and vibrant dances, call this town home. The Ghosu Bird Sanctuary, located on the outskirts of Zunheboto, is a popular tourist attraction. Several bird species live in the sanctuary, including the rare Blyth's Tragopan and the lovely Satyr Tragopan.
Trekking and birdwatching are popular activities in the sanctuary, which provides a fascinating glimpse of Nagaland's diverse wildlife. Zunheboto also has several ancient landmarks, such as the Naga Council House, which served as the administrative centre for the Sumi tribe. There are also several traditional markets in town where you can sample the Sumi tribe's distinctive crafts and textiles.
8. Dzukou Point
Japfu Peak, located in Nagaland's south, is the state's second-highest peak. With scenic trails and breathtaking views of the surrounding hills and valleys, the peak is a popular trekking destination. The journey begins at the mountain's base, where visitors can explore the lush green forests and spectacular waterfalls. One of Japfu Peak's most notable attractions is the Dzukou Valley, a picturesque valley near the summit.
For nature enthusiasts, Dzukou Valley is one of the most gorgeous spots to visit. The valley, which is adorned with flowers in a rainbow of colors, is the stuff of legends. The rare Dzukou lily, which grows solely in this area, is the source of the valley's name. It is conveniently accessible by automobile and situated on the border between Manipur and Nagaland.
The valley is well-known for its breathtaking natural beauty, with a wide variety of flowers and plants blooming throughout the year, making it a popular destination for nature lovers. From the summit visitors can enjoy panoramic views of the surrounding landscape and it is also home to several rare bird species, making it an excellent destination for birdwatching.
The hikes to Dzuko valley (or the valley of flowers) are certified favourites! Dzukou Valley is a charming valley that will offer you generous views of the emerald green hills, lush forests, winding streams and an explosion of colors with flowers blooming along the trekking trail. It takes some efforts to reach the Dzukou Valley but every effort is worth it!
This famous local trekking place in the beautiful state of Nagaland will make you fall in love with the scenic beauty of this place. The cold rivers of Japfu and Dzukou and blossoming wild seasonal flowers would just make the traveling moments more special. You can even find some caves where adventure fanatics can play the alluring battle of the man versus wild.
The closest airport is Dimapur and you can hire a cab that offers to-and-fro services to Kohima, preferably at a point known as the ‘The Trekkers Point.’ There are buses (a few luxury options are also available), and they make for comfortable, sometimes overnight, rides.
9. Kachari Ruins
The Kachari Ruins are an ancient archaeological site in the Dimapur district of Nagaland. The ruins, which date back to the 10th century, are thought to be remnants of the Kachari kingdom, a tribe that once ruled the region. It also has several stone structures, including a central tower that is over 70 feet tall.
The tower is thought to have served as the royal palace, surrounded by smaller structures such as tombs and temples. Visitors to the Kachari Ruins can explore the ancient structures and marvel at the intricate carvings and designs that adorn the buildings. The site also offers fascinating insights into the history and culture of the Kachari kingdom, making it a must-see for history buffs and cultural enthusiasts.
10. Saramati Peak
Pfutsero, in Nagaland's Phek district, is a lovely hill station known for its scenic landscapes and rich cultural heritage. The town is 2,133 metres above sea level and surrounded by rolling hills and lush green forests, making it an ideal retreat for nature lovers. Mount Saramati, Nagaland's highest peak, is located on the outskirts of Pfutsero and is a popular tourist destination.
Hiking to the summit offers panoramic views of the surrounding landscape as well as the chance to experience the region's diverse flora and fauna. There are several traditional markets in Pfutsero where you can sample the region's unique crafts and textiles. The town's cultural heritage is reflected in its lively festivals, such as the Tsukhenyie festival, which commemorates the local harvest season.
11. Khonoma
Having earned titles such as India's most beautiful village, Khonoma should have a space right at the top of your list of places to see when in Nagaland. As you can imagine, a simple stroll through the slopes of Khonoma is enough to refresh the senses, and an unusually large number of treks are offered in and around the village to take advantage of this.
For a bit of sightseeing, the Semoma fort is worth all its awestruck reviews. D Cafe serves great coffee and live music and is perfect for anyone looking to take a break from all the sightseeing.
12. Kisama Heritage
If you want to get into the details of the tribal culture of the Naga people, then the Naga Heritage Village is the place to be in Kohima.
Of course, the connectivity issues mean that it makes sense to try and visit more than just Nagaland on your trip. Maybe pair it with Assam, as it's one of the few states that has direct flights to the Dimapur airport.