NAGALAND (North-east India)

2009-11-26T23:22:00.006+05:30

WEL-COME TO KOHIMA: Nagaland is bounded by Assam in the west, Myanmar (Burma) on the east,Arunachal Pradesh on the north and Manipur in the south.The State consists of 11 Administrative Districts,Inhabited by 16 major tribes along with other sub-tribes.Each tribe has its own customs, language and dress. It has a rich oral tradition which has been handed down the generations.

Visiting Kohima District:

WAR CEMETERY:The Kohima War Cemetery was constructed in memory of the Officers and men who made supreme sacrifices during World War II. An inscription at the cemetery...“When you go home,Tell them of us and say, For our tomorrow we gave our today ”.

STATE MUSEUM:The State Museum has collections of artifacts of different tribes inhabiting Nagaland. It depicts the different aspects of life of the people and it’s a must see for getting an idea of the people’s lives.

CATHEDRAL:The Catholic Cathedral at Aradura hill is the largest Cathedral in the North East and is an important landmark at Kohima as it also houses the largest crucifix in Asia.

DZUKOU VALLY: This valley is about 30 km south of Kohima at an altitude of 2,438.4 metres above sea level. Its emerald green rolling hills and serpentine streams that flow leisurely through the valley are a trekkers’ delight. This valley is one of the most frequented trekking spots in the entire North East India.

JAPFÜ PEAK:This is the 2nd highest mountain peak in Nagaland and stands at 3,048 metres above sea level. It is about 15 km south of Kohima. The tallest Rhododendron tree, featured in the Guiness Book of World Records can be found on this mountain. The sunrise from the peak is an experience to remember and from the peak, one can have a bird’s eye view of the surroundings.

DZÜLEKIE: The lush evergreen sub-tropical forests of Dzülekie are a feast for the eyes and an ideal get away place from the tensions of an urban existence. It is 40 km West of Kohima at an altitude of 2,133.6 metres above sea level. Here, you can spot Mithuns ( Bos frontalis) grazing gently on the way sides. The streams at dzülekie, flows through a deep narrow gorge making it as if the stream has gone underground. A rare species of Rainbow Trout is also found in this stream.

KOHIMA VILLAGE: This is the 2nd largest Village in Asia and it is also called “KEWHIRA” or “Bara Basti”. It is beautifully perched above the Capital City and has a lot of historical relics to be seen.

KHONOMA: This Village, which lies 20 km West of Kohima was known for its fighting prowess and the British infiltration to the Naga Hills began at Khonoma from 1879 onwards when their resistance fell. The beautiful terraces, carved out of the hill slopes surrounding the village are a sight to behold. These terraces grow over 20 types of paddy. In 1998, The Khonoma Nature Conservation and the Tragopan Sanctuary was set up by the ecologically conscious people of Khonoma Village. The Sanctuary is also an ideal place for adventure and nature study.

POILWA : This Zeliang village is 52 km west of Kohima and can be reached via Dzülekie. It has the remnants of the old culture such as the Morung ( boys’dormitory). Large wooden beds carved out from large tree trunks can still be seen. It was mandatory for all unmarried young men to sleep in the Morung, from where they learned the art of survival and other societal norms.

BENREU : Benreu Village is situated next to Poilwa. It is called and recognised by the Government of Nagaland as the Green Village. The whole village roof tops are painted in green and one can have a beautiful view of the village from the mountain top adjourn to the village. It is a place worth visiting.

TUOPHEMA : This village is 41 km away from Kohima and has a Tourist Village between the old and the new village. The Tourist village provides all modern amenities in an ethnic setting and this is also the place where, the Angami Sekrenyi festival is celebrated every year during Feb 25-27.

THE HORNBILL FESTIVAL: This is a week long festival of Cultural Extravaganza featured every year in the first week of December. This is a time to see all the different customs, food habits, songs, dances and tribes inhabiting Nagaland in one place. This is a festival one shouldn’t miss if visiting Nagaland.

Nagaland Today

NAGALAND (North-east India)