Nagaland

Nagaland is bound by Arunachal Pradesh and parts of Assam in the North; Manipur in the South; Myanmar (Burma) on the East and Assam in the West. 16 major tribes along with other sub-tribes inhabit the State. Each of the sixteen odd tribes and sub-tribes have their own languages, customs and traditions and they can easily be distinguished by their colourful dresses, ornaments and beads that they wear. The traditional ceremonial attire of each tribe is very colourful and attractive.

Nagaland is blessed with a salubrious climate throughout the year. The temperature from June to September is between 16 to 31 deg Celsius and from October to February it is between 4 & 24 degree Celsius.

The main rivers of the state are the Dhansiri, Doyang, Dikhu, Milak, Zungki and Tizu and the highest peak is Saramati, which are approximately 3841 metres above sea level. The land, flora, fauna, the people and their warm hospitality all combine to make Nagaland and ideal destinations for the tourists.

Location : Between 25 degree 6' and 27 degree 4' latitude, North of Equator and between the Longitudinal lines 93 degrees 20'E and 95 degree 15' E.

GENERAL INFORMATION :

Area : 16,527 Sq. km
Population : 19,88,636(Provisional 2001 census).
Capital : Kohima
Districts : Kohima, Mokokchung, Mon, Phek, Tuensang, Wokha, Zunheboto and Dimapur.
Tribes : Angami, Ao, Chakhesang, Chang, Lotha, Konyak, Kuki Khiamniungan, Phom, Pochury, Rengma, Sema, Sangtam, Yimchunger, Zeliang
Temperature : Summer : 16 degree C to 31degree C (June-Sept)
Winter : 4 degree C to 24 degree C (Oct - Feb)
Clothing: Summer : Cotton tropical
Winter : Heavy woolen
Average rainfall : 2000 mm to 2500 mm
Languages spoken : English, Hindi, Nagamese and local dialects.
Religion : Christianity, Hinduism, Islam, Tribal Religions.

ENTRY FORMALITIES :
FOREIGN TOURISTS : Foreign Tourist are allowed to visit the eight district headquarters and specified places for a period of ten days which is extendable for another ten days provided they are in a group of four or more or married couples. Permits to visit these places are issued by Ministry of Home affairs, Government of India, New Delhi, Indian Missions abroad, Foreigners Regional Registration office (FRRO), Delhi, Calcutta and Mumbai, the Chief Immigration Officer, Chennai and the Commissioner (Home) Government of Nagaland, Kohima.

DOMESTIC TOURISTS : Indian tourists require an Inner Line permit to visit Nagaland. The Permit can be obtained from the following offices on payment of a permit fee of Rs.5.00.

FESTIVALS OF NAGALAND :
The Hornbill Festival : Every year, the Department of Tourism, Government of Nagaland organizes The Hornbill Festival of Nagaland in Kohima during first week of December. Almost all tribes of Nagaland dressed in their traditional and colourful attire including spears and daos etc. participate in this festival. On sale at the festival ground are handloom and handicrafts items, flowers and plants, ornaments, beads, jewellery etc.
TRIBAL FESTIVALS : Each tribe in the state have their own festivals, which are celebrated with great enthusiasm. Some of the important festivals are given below:

Nagaland Dimapur

Dimapur, 74 km away from Kohima is the commercial town of Nagaland. The town is connected by air, rail and the National Highway No. 39 passes through the heart of the town. Nagaland State Transport, private buses and taxis connect Dimapur with the state capital and other districts and towns in Northeastern region. Some of the road distances to important places are given below:
Amguri-178 Guwahati-292 Imphal-216 Kohima-74 Mariani-Mokokchung-208 Meluri-170 Mon via Jorhat Namtola-208 Wokha via Kohima-154 Peren-84 Zunheboto via Chazouba-224

GENERAL INFORMATION :
Area : 1813 sq km
Altitude : 145 m above sea level
Temperature : Summer: Max-36.4 degrees C Min 14.9 degrees C
Winter : Min-22.7 degrees C Min 6.3 degrees C
Clothing : Summer : Cotton
Winter: Woollen
Religion : Christianity, Hinduism and Islam
STD/AREA CODE : 03862

WHAT TO SEE-In and around Dimapur
The Ruins of Medieval Kachari Kingdom : A few kilometre away from the Tourist Lodge and very near the Dimapur market lies the ruins of the medieval Kachari kingdom. Remains of the broken pieces of stone pillars and other stone carvings are to be seen in this place. The site is now under the administrative control of the Archaeological survey of India and efforts are on to preserve this important site.

North East Zone Cultural Centre Museum : A few km away from the Railway station and half a kilometre from the Airport, the North East Zone Cultural Centre Museum is an interesting place for tourists desiring to know the various cultural heritages of the North eastern people.

Chumukedima : About 14 km from Dimapur, Chumukedima was the first headquarters of the then Naga Hills district of Assam during the British rule. A tourist village of the Department of Tourism, Government of Nagaland is located nearby.

Intangki Wildlife Sanctuary : At a distance of around 37 km from Dimapur, this sanctuary is the habitat of some of the endangered species of birds and animals.

ACCOMODATION :

Tourist Lodge, Govt. of Nagaland, Ph. 226355

Supplementary ACCOMMODATION :

Hotel Tragopan, Golaghat Road, Ph.230351
Hotel Saramati, Super Market, Naga Shopping Arcade, Ph. 234761
Dimapur Youth Hostel, Opp Railway Station, Ph.26733

Restaurants :

Plaza Restaurant, Church Road, Ph.232389
Breeze Restaurant, Chrch Road, Ph.233030
Beijing Restaurant, Church Road, Ph.235264

Handicrafts : Nagaland Handloom and Handicrafts, Supermarket

Cultural Troupe/Clubs :
Zivva Voluntary Organisation, Chakasang Zuva Cultural Club. Contact: V. Phesao, Exhibition Officer, NEZCC, Ph - 29075

Travel Agencies :

Doyang Travel, SA-43, Super Market, Ph. 29909, 28769; e-mail Ovung@Yahoo.com
Skyline Travel Agency, Burma Camp, Ph. 222368
Universal Travel & Tours, Naga Shopping Arcade, Ph.25810

Civil Hospital : Ph - 32224

Police Station : Ph - 27607/32181

Nagaland State Transport (N.S.T) : Ph - 27579

Railway Enquiry : Ph -131

Airlines Enquiry : Ph - 29366

BANKS :
State Bank of India, Ph. 5012/32874
Vijaya Bank, Ph. 32197
Bank of Baroda, Ph. 32761/26138
Allahabad Bank, Ph. 26597
Federal Bank, Ph. 7515/25725
Punjab& Sind Bank, Ph.20935
Indian Bank, Ph.232299
United Bank, Ph.230604

Essential Travellers Info
IN AND AROUND KOHIMA :
ACCOMMODATION :
Tourist Lodge, Govt. of Nagaland, Ph. 222214

PRIVATE HOTELS :
Hotel Pine, Phoolbari, Ph - 222234
Hotel Japfu, P.R.Hill, Ph - 222722
Hotel Evergreen, NST, Ph - 221170
Hotel Capital, Near NST. Complex, Ph - 224365
Hotel Sharon, New Market, Ph - 222731
Hotel Travel Lodge, Near M.L.A Hostel, Ph - 222740

SUPPLEMENTARY ACCOMMODATION :

V.I.P Guest House, Govt. of Nagaland, Reservation: Deputy Secretary (Home) Ph.222299

M.L.A. Hostel, Govt. of Nagaland Reservation: Secretary, Nagaland Legislative Assembly, Ph. 222651
Local Transport : Taxis are available for travelling to various destinations in and around the town. It is advisable to negotiate rates before hiring.

CULTURAL TROUPE/SOCIETIES :

Sangtam Women Society, C/o Mrs Mapula Regional Employment Officer, Ph - 222642/242567
Egumbe, C/o President Barruliu NAWA, Zeling; Ph. 223390/222980(R)
Rengma Cultural Society, C/o Kehayi Rengma, President, Ph. 221503

TRAVEL AGENCIES :
Tour and Travel Agency, Near IOC, Ph. 222022
Nagaland Holidays, Near TCP Gate, Ph. 223356
Naga World Net, D Block, Ph. 222216
Orchid Travels, NST Complex, Ph. 222077
Peak Travels, P.R. Hills, Ph. 221633
TRANSPORT OPERATORS :
Blue Hills Travels, Near IOC, Ph. 221145
Manipur Golden Travels, Near IOC, Ph. 222595
Network Travels, Near IOC, Ph.241077

BANKS :
State Bank of India, Ph. 222666
United Bank of India, Ph. 222453
Bank of Baroda, Ph.222543/221461
Vijay Bank, Ph.222489
United Commercial Bank, Ph. 222681
NAGALAND STATE TRANSPORT STATION, Ph. 221404
POLICE STATION : Ph.222173, Control Room, Ph. 222958
HOSPITAL - Ph. 222916/222155
POST OFFICE : Ph. 222604

INFORMATION OFFICES :

INDIA TOURISM, GUWAHATI, Government of India, Regional Office, (North East), G.L. Publication Complex, G.S Road, Ulubari, Guwahati-781 007(Assam), Ph (0361) 2456158, Fax: 2547407, Website: www.incredibleindia.org E-mail: indtour@asm.nic.in

INDIA TOURISM, IMPHAL, Government of India, Old Lambulane, Jail Road, Imphal-795001, Telefax - (0385) 2221131, Website: www.incredibleindia.org

DIRECTOR OF TOURISM , Government of Nagaland, Kohima-797001 Ph (0370) 243124/222214

Nagaland Kohima

The state capital is 74 km from Dimapur, the commercial town of the State and 142 km from Imphal, the capital of Manipur. It is located on National Highway No.39 at an altitude of about 1444.12 metres. Kohima is a beautiful town known to the world for halting the Japanese forces during the Second World War. In the middle of the town lies The War Cemetery with beautiful epitaphs engraved on each graves of officers and men who laid down their lives in the battle of Kohima.

GENERAL INFORMATION :

Area : 4041 sq. km
Altitude : 1,444.12 metres
Population : 78584(Provisional 2001 Census)
Temperature : Summer Max: 25 deg. C Winter 4 deg. C
Rainfall : 1650 mm
Clothing : Cottons in summer and woollens during winter.
Language : English, Nagamese, Hindi
STD /AREA CODE: 0370

ACCESS AND COMMUNICATION :

Air : The nearest airport for Kohima is at Dimapur, 74 km away. Dimapur is connected by air with Kolkata and the rest of the country. It takes approximately two hours by car from Dimapur to Kohima.

Rail : Kohima is connected with the rest of the country through Dimapur. The Dimapur Railway station is just a five minutes walk from the Nagaland State Transport station and the Tourist Lodge of the State Tourism Department.

Road : Kohima is connected by a network of roads with all important cities and towns in the neighbouring states and major cities in the country. Some of the road distances to important places in km are as follows:

KOHIMA TO : Agartala-931 Darjeeling-941 Delhi-2514 Dimapur-74 Gangtok-978 Guwahati-364 Imphal-142 Itanagar-534 Kolkata-1536 Kaziranga-204 Mokokchung-162 Mumbai-3458 Shillong-427 Phek-145 Silchar-732 Tuensang-via-Wokha-Mokokchung-269 Zunheboto-150

Local Transport : Taxis are available for travelling to various destinations in and around the town. It is advisable to negotiate rates before hiring.

WHAT TO SEE- In and around Kohima

War Cemetery : Located in the centre of the town, the Kohima War cemetery serene and beautiful is dedicated to the memory of those officers and men who made supreme sacrifices in the battle of Kohima where the Allied forces halted the advance of the Japanese forces in April 1944. Two tall crosses stand at the lowest and highest points of the cemetery and in one of the crosses the following words are written:

WHEN YOU GO HOME
TELL THEM OF US AND SAY
FOR YOUR TOMORROW
WE GAVE OUR TODAY

Museum : Situated in the heart of the town, the State Museum has a rare collection of artefacts of the different tribes of the state.

Sales Emporium : Lying in the centre of the town, the Government Sales Emporium has a good collection of various types of Naga shawls, and other handicraft items.

Cathedral : It is the largest Cathedral in the whole of Northeastern region and an important landmark of Kohima.

Kohima village : For a tourist in search of local colour, the Kohima village is a good place to start. The place has a number of traditional wooden gates and wooden carvings shaped like horns atop some houses.

EXCURSIONS :

Khonoma : 20 km west of Kohima, Khonoma village is known for the valor, courage and the fighting ability of its people in the past. To day, the village boasts of its terracing cultivation on the hill slopes and for the conservation of rare species of plants and animals including Blyths, Tragopan an endangered species of the state.

Southern Angami Villages : Lying near the National Highway, and on the way to Dzukou valley and the Japfu peak, some southern Angami villages such as Jakhama, Kigwema, Viswema, Phesama still retains the ancient customs and traditions.

Japfu Peak : About 15 km south of Kohima, Japfu peak that is around 3048 meters above sea level, is the second highest peak in Nagaland. The peak boasts of having the tallest rhododendron measuring over 130 ft. in height and the girth at the base of around 11 ft. The tree is featured in the Guinness Book of World Records.

Dzukou Valley : Lying behind the Japfu ranges and 30 km away from Kohima, this Valley is situated at an altitude of around 2438 metres. Rhododendrons and a number of wild flowers, herbs and plants adorn the valley during the monsoon.

Dzulekie : 40 km west of Kohima, Dzulekie at 2133 metres is an ideal place for a quiet holiday. A rare variety of rainbow trout can be seen in the Dzulakie stream.

ACCOMMODATION :

Tourist Rest House

Reservation : The Director of Tourism, Government of Nagaland, Kohima, Ph - 222214

Poilwa : A Zeliang tribe village where one can see the remnants of the traditional culture of Morung or the boys' dormitory. It is about 52 km from Kohima. In between Poilwa and Benreu villages one can also see a number of stone erections, which were put up to, honour the dead and other important occasions.

Tuophema Village : On the way to Wohkha and about 41 km from Kohima, this village is known for the Tourist Village that has been developed and maintained by the village community. Sekrenyi, the festival of purification of the Angami tribe is celebrated every year in this place with effect from 25 to 27 of February.

Tseminyu : 55 km from Kohima, Tseminyu is home of the Rengma tribes. This place is known for Ngada, the popular festival of the Rengmas, which is held regularly in the month of November.

Nagaland Mokokchung

A district headquarters, Mokokchung is 162 km from Kohima via Wokha, 70 km from Zunheboto, 115 km from Tuensang, 102 km from Amguri (Assam) and 103 km from Mariani in Assam, Mokokchung is home of the Ao tribes. The main festivals of the Aos are Moatsu and Tsungrem Mong celebrated during the first week of May and August respectively.

GENERAL INFORMATION :
Altitude : 1325.08m
Area : 1615 sq. km
Population : 1,58,324
Temperature : Summer : 29 deg. C Max.
Winter: 15 deg. C Min
STD/AREA CODE: 0369

ACCOMODATION :
Government Circuit House, Ph 226261

WHAT TO SEE - in and around Mokokchung
Longkhum : At an altitude of 1846 metres, Longkhum is believed to be the temporary resting place of the spirit of the dead before their final journey. The village is also known for it exquisite handicraft and handloom items.

Ungma : Located in the heart of Mokokchung, Ungma is regarded as one of the biggest villages in Nagaland. According to legends, the early Ao tribes who came from Chungliyimti first settled in this village.

Langpangkong Cave : The cave where the Ahom king is believed to have taken shelter when he fled from Sibsagar(Assam), due to differences in the royal family.

Molung : The first village where the American Baptist was established in 1876. The Mission building, which is still in good shape and the Leechi tree supposedly planted by Dr. E.W. Clark, adorns the compound of the Mission.

Chuchuyimlang : A place where Moatsu, an important festival of the Ao community is celebrated in a traditional way. The festival is celebrated regularly with effect from the first to the third of May every year.

Peren : at a distance of about 84 km from Dimapur, the Zeliang and Kuki tribes inhabit Peren. The Zeliangrong area is famous for Rani Gaidiliu's caves and sites where she took shelter during her resistance against the British.

Nagaland Mon

Home of the Konyak tribe of Nagaland, Mon is 357 km from Kohima via Dimapur and 280 km from Dimapur, 275 km from Kohima via Mokokchung, Tamlu and Wakching. Konyaks are known for their skilled craftsmanship especially in woodcarvings, making of daos, guns, gunpowder, headbrushes, headgears, necklaces etc. The most colourful festival of the Konyaks is the Aoling festival celebrated in the first week of April.

GENERAL INFORMATION :
Altitude : 897.64m
Area : 1786 Sq. km
Population : 1,47,699
STD/AREA CODE : 03869

ACCOMMODATION :

Government Circuit House, Ph. 221246
WHAT TO SEE - In and around Mon
Shangnyu Village : In this village ruled by Angh (hereditary chief) there is a wonderful wooden monument is believed to have been constructed by heavenly angels. The monument measuring 8ft in height and 12 ft in breadth consists carvings of human beings and other creatures. There are also other memorial stones in front of the Angh's palace.

Longwa Village : Lying close to the international border, this village is of special interest to all of us. It is the biggest of all the villages in the district and it is ruled by the Angh (heriditary chief) whose house is partly in the Indian side of the border and the other half on the Myanmarese (Burma) side of the border and his jurisdiction extends up to Myanmar and Arunachal Pradesh.

Chui Village : 8 km from Mon on the Tuensang-Mon route, the village still retains its own traditions and culture. Inhabitants of this village are very good craftsmen especially in gun and gunpowder making including bamboo and woodworks.

Veda peak : About 70 km from Mon on the east, the peak offers and excellent view of the river Brahmaputra and the Chindwin river of Myanmar (Burma).<BR.

Naganimora : Believed to have been named by an Ahom king in honour of his Konyak queen, Watlong Konyak who died at Lakhan. Nagani means Naga queen and mora meaning death. Hence, the place was named Naganimora where the Naga queen died. Naganimora is connected by rail from Simulguri in Assam.

Nagaland Phek

A district headquarters, Phek is 145 km from Kohima. The Chakhesang and the Pochury tribes of Nagaland inhabit the district. This area is also the habitat of Blyth's, Tragopan, a rare pheasant found in Nagaland.
GENERAL INFORMATION :
Altitude : 1524m
Area : 2,026 Sq. m
Population : 1,02,156
STD/AREA CODE NO: 03865
ACCOMODATION : Government Circuit House, Ph 23037, 23035
WHAT TO SEE - In and around Phek
Pfutsero : At an altitude of 2,133.60 metres, Pfutsero is connected with Kohima by a 70 km border road. Nagaland state transport buses ply regularly on this road. It is the coldest and highest town in the state and it is known for its green vegetables, such as cabbages, spring onions and garlic. Apples are also grown around this area.

Khezakenoma Village : Believed to be the ancestral place for many southern Naga tribes, this village can be reached from Tadubi in Manipur or from Pfutsero.

Shilloi Lake : Lying on the slopes of Indo-Myanmar, this lake, which looked like a footprint, is also called Lacham. It is about 300 km from Kohima and it is accessible only by jeeps, bus or trucks via Meluri. The lake covers an area of 0.25 to 0.30 sq. km and the local fish known as Lata is found in abundance.

Nagaland Tuensang
Distict headquarters, Tuensang is about 269 km from Kohima via Wohkha and Mokokchung and 235 km via Zunheboto. Six different tribes of the state namely the Changs, Yimchungers, Khiamniungans, Sangtams, Phoms and Semas, inhabit the district. Having inhabited by different tribes, the district is rich in cultural heritage and their traditional dresses are very colourful.
GENERAL INFORMATION :
Altitude : 1371.60m
Area : 4228 Sq. km
Population : 2,32,906
STD/AREA CODE NO: 03861

ACCOMMODATION : Government Circuit House, Ph. 2045
WHAT TO SEE - In and around Tuensang
Kiphere : Home to the Sangtams,Yimchungers and Semas, Kiphere is about 254 km from Kohima. Saramati, the highest peak in Nagaland is situated in this division.

Longtrok : Located at Chungliyimti, 57 km from Tuensang in Sangtam area, Longtrok means six stones in Ao and Sangtam.

Nagaland Wokha
A district headquarters, Mokokchung is 162 km from Kohima via Wokha, 70 km from Zunheboto, 115 km from Tuensang, 102 km from Amguri (Assam) and 103 km from Mariani in Assam, Mokokchung is home of the Ao tribes. The main festivals of the Aos are Moatsu and Tsungrem Mong celebrated during the first week of May and August respectively.
GENERAL INFORMATION :
Altitude : 1313.69 m
Area : 1628.00 Sq. m
Population : 82,612
Temperature : Summer 32 deg. C Max.
Winter 2 deg. C Min
WHAT TO SEE- in and around Wokha
Mount Tiyi : Mount Tiyi is believed by all Nagas that it is the abode of the departed souls. The peak is a good place for trekking.

Totsu : About 25 km from Tseminyu via Phiro village Totsu has an interesting legend where it is believed that there is a fight between the two different sides of the hill, one lost the right ear and the other its head. The place is ideally suited for trekking and rock climbing.

Liphanyan Governor's Camp : 43 km away from Dimapur, the camp can be reached from Wokha. It is an ideal place for river rafting, angling and a good place to view the river Doyang.

Nagaland Zunheboto

District headquarters, Zunheboto is 150 km from Kohima via Chazouba and 70 km from Mokokchung. The district is home to the Sema tribe of Nagaland. The Semas are a martial tribe and are known for their fighting skills. Their main festival is Tuluni, which is celebrated during the second week of July.

ENERAL INFORMATION :
Altitude : 1,874.22 metres
Area : 1255 sq. km
Population : 97,218
Temperature : 22 degrees C Max. 1 degrees C Min
STD/AREA CODE NO : 03867

ACCOMMODATION :

Government Circuit House, Ph. 20325
WHAT TO SEE - In and around Zunheboto
Satoi Range : A natural habitat of the endangered Blyth's Tragopan, the place is also rich in wild flowers and plants.

Ghosu Bird Sanctuary : This bird sanctuary is entirely maintained by the village community with strict anti-poaching laws. It is a place where migratory birds flock during the winter and a habitat of more than twenty species of endangered birds.