Nagaland Travel Guide

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About Nagaland:
Nagaland is a hill station waiting to be discovered. True, the creature comforts of a five star culture may not be much in evidence. This however, need not be a cause for any concern. The basic hygienic amenities of comfort are available. Besides, the five star courtesy and hospitality of Nagas more than makes up for what may seem to be lacking. Apart from the rich. incomparable traditional and cultural heritage that is exclusive, it will be a rejuvenating bonus of the cool refreshing mountain air, and the dreamless sleep amidst the roaring sound of silence : an experience you will long remember.

Getting there:
By Air
Nearest airport Dimapur (74 km from Kohima)
Dimapur - Kolkata Indian Airlines flights.
Taxi/ Bus The Dimapur-Kohima taxi takes about 3 hours, and about 4 hours by bus.
Indian Airlines flight enquiries 24441/42; Reservations Ph 20875
By Road
Kohima can be reached by bus from Dimapur on NH 39. Buses leave from Dimapur (Transport Bus Stand) for Kohima every hours from 5.30 am. One can also go to Kohima from Imphal (145 km). Road Distances : Kohima to Guwahati 390 km, to Kolkata : 1,516 km.

Fact File:
Area: 16,579 sq km
Population: 1.4 million
Capital: Kohima
Languages spoken: Nagamese, Angami, Ao, Chang, Konyak, Lotha, Sangtam, Hindi, English
Best Time to visit: October to May.
Major Cities: Kohima, Dimapur, Langpangkong, Molung.

Tourist attractions:
Kohima:
Driving thorough hills end fields covered with rich green grass and masses of beautiful flowers on the way from Dimapur to the capital city of Kohima is a unique experience. The city which stands at a height of 1,500 meters, came into the limelight during the Second World War when the British Indian forces were able to push back the Japanese and the INA of Subhash Chandra Bose from here. The old village of Kohima overlooks the modern city.

Dimapur:
Dimapur, which means 'the city of the river people', is at a distance of 75 km towards northwest of Kohima. It is the biggest and the most industrialized town of Nagaland. The tourist attraction in this place is the ruins of the Kacheri Monuments. The Intanki Wildlife Sanctuary, located 37 km from Dimapur, is the habitat of the Elephants, Mithuns, Hoolock Gibbons, Sambhars, Sloth Bears, tigers and Wild Dogs.

Molung :
Molung, having the American Baptist Mission being established in 1872. The earliest mission building is still preserved in the village premises. An ancient leechi tree, supposedly planted by Dr. Clark, the American Missionary, still exists.

Phek:
Some of the most colourful species of orchids are found here. Habitat of the world- famous Blythe’s Tragopan, a pheasant of Nagaland. Chakesang culture and customs are quite different from the other Naga tribes. The stones and pillars near Chesezumi village on the Chazouba Road bear testimony to the existence of head- hunting among villagers in the ancient days.

Ungma:
Ungma, the oldest and biggest Ao village, is of great interest to people who have a desire to peep into Ao folklore, customs and traditions.

Kohima Village:
Kohima Village, also known as Bara Basti (Big village), is one of the largest and densely inhabited tribal villages in Asia. It is located on a high hill, facing the Kohima town. On the entry point, a large ceremonial wooden gate ornamented with scimitar of hornbills and buffalo horns can be seen. It is an exemplary of Naga culture.

Longkhum:
Longkhum, a vanguard village in the ‘days of head hunting’, commands a natural view. Mongzu ki eagle’s eyrie is situated at a high precipice where eagles have nested for centuries. The Ao mythology talks of the eagles, which are believed to be the manifestations of the spirits of the dead. From Mata Yimkong, the top of the hillocks where once stood a fortress, the Himalayas look fascinating.

Langpangkong:
History speaks of an Ahom king who fled his capital due to court intrigues and rivalries and had taken refuge here. The cave which provided shelter still remains there.