Nagaland known for its rich Eastern India cultural heritage, diverse ethnic groups and stunning landscapes -

The state is bound by Arunachal Pradesh and parts of Assam in the north, Manipur in the south, Myanmar (Burma) in the east and Assam in the west. The State is inhabited by 16 major tribes along with sub- tribes. Each of the sixteen odd tribes and sub-tribes have their own languages, customs and traditions. Foreign Tourists earlier needed Restricted Area Permit to visit Nagaland which has been lifted from January, 2011 onwards.

The Hornbill Festival

This major event is a showcase of the entire Naga culture. It is an annual seven day feature that takes place from 1″-7 December. Held within the confines of a heritage village called Kisama, this festival is a cultural extravaganza where the government, local communities and various NGOs get a chance to revive, protect and preserve the richness of the Naga activities. Such richness is featured in the forms of traditional dances, folk songs, traditional sports and tribal food and drink. Progress of the Naga community in the fields of modern music, fashion, handlooms, handicrafts and paintings are also showcased during the event. The Hornbill Festival has become a mega event not just for the 16 tribes of Nagaland, but also the remaining seven Northeast Indian States to showcase the best of their cultural elements. It is a mammoth, task for a tourist to cover all the Northeastern states at once, hence this festival provides the ideal platform for getting a glimpse of the eight sisters of India.

Places to Visit & stay with peace

KOHIMA

Housing the capital city of Nagaland, Kohima district is not just rich in natural wealth, but it also contains a number of villages that tourists can visit. All these villages are ‘communitised’ and managed by the village communities under the state’s Village Tourism Board. Although originally an Angami Naga homeland, Kohima is now home for all the Nagas because of its administrative status.

1. Dzukou Valley

Dzukou Valley is the lesser known (but no less beautiful and bio- diverse) valley of flowers in India after Nandan Kanan in Uttarakhand.

2. Khonoma Green Village

Located 20 km west of Kohima, in the Dzukou Valley, Khonoma village houses nature’s pristine beauty in the form of its alder trees, terraces carved out of its hilly slopes and the Khonoma Nature.

3. Tuophema Tourist Village

Located 41 km from Kohima, the tourist village developed here has been modelled around the ethnic tourism concept and visitors are offered modern and hygienic accommodation in the traditional huts in an ethnic setting.

4. Dzulekize

Mithun (Bos Frontalis) or Bison has been the witness of the Naga culture and civilization over the centuries.

5. Japfu Peak

Conveniently located at 15 km south of Kohima, Japfu offers a tough yet scenic climb for the more adventurous.

6. Tseminyu

Old sites of abandoned villages with the remains of graveyards, gravestones, broken pottery etc. still tell the ancient tales of the people that inhabited this town over the centuries.

DIMAPUR

Dimapur is the commercial capital of Nagaland, sharing its boundary with Assam. A vibrant city Dimapur, takes pride in its historical monuments that are now in a state of ruin, but having immense archaeological potential.

Medieval Ruins Of The Kachari KingdomDimapur is the ancient capital of the Kachari tribe, whose rule existed before the 13″ century AD. Reminiscences of the glory of this kingdom can be found in the ruins that are scattered in and around the town.2. Diezephe Craft villageLocated 13 km from Dimapur, Diezephe Craft Dimapur Village house expert weavers and craftsmen, deft in the arts of wood carving. bamboo and cane works.3. Rangapahar Reserve ForestDimapur houses the Rangapahar Reserve Forest (20.20 hectares) in this vicinity. It is home to many animals and birds like the Myna, Sparrow, Cuckoo, Sunbird, Parrot, Parakeet, Robin, Quail, Wood- pecker, Hornbill, Swift Hawk, Crow etc.KIPHIREKiphire is home to the Yimchungru, Sangtams, Khiamniungam, Phom and Sumi Nagas.1. Saramati PeakWith an altitude of 3841 m, Saramati Peak, the highest in Nagaland remains snow clad throughout winter.2. Mimi and Salumi-Mimi and Salumi are two villages that have just the right potential for any explorer seeking the glory and beauty attached to a naturally blessed site.3. CavesAs one travels towards east from Pungro Town, a big cave can be seen nearby Salomi village. Besides the unexplored adventures that lie within, this cave has multipoint entry and exit.4. Sukhayap or Lover’s Paradise – The cliff of no returnNorth of Mimi is a cliff that can be climbed only with the help of ladders. This cliff is supposed to be so treacherous that even wild animals cannot take shelter there.5. WawadeBetween the Mimi and Khonga villages lies this breath taking waterfall, approximately 200 ft high.6. The Twin Stones of Mimi & the Geysers of SalumiThe heights of these stones located 5 km from Mimi village are 100 ft and 84 ft above ground level. About an hour’s walk away from the Salumi village, towards the west, is an oval shaped hole that emits hot air. It is located at Kjingvong and the natives call it Lupong Khun, meaning the hole of the winds.7. Yingphi (Yingphire)Yingphi or Yingphire, is the oldest Sangtam settlement and extremely rich in historical spots, legends and tradition.8. SiphiSangphure or Siphi, is a village which was the venue of the first Sangtam tribal meet held to unite the various Sangtam villages into a tribe.9. Mihki-the river of salt
Mihki or River of Salt flows near Siphi.
10. Fakim Wildlife Sanctuary
This small sanctuary in the eastern hills close to the Myanmar border was established in 1983 and covers an area of 642 hectares. The park rises to almost 300 meters and receives heavy rainfall in June-July every year.
TUENSANG
Tuensang shares a lot of common factors with Kiphire as far as the inhabiting tribes are concerned. Chang Nagas are the major residents of this place and they share an affinity with the Sema, Lotha, Ao, Yimchungru, Phom, Sangtam and some southern Naga tribes, as can be deduced from the old legends.
1. Changsangmanko & Chilise
Changsangmonko is supposed to be the spot where living first appeared on the face of the earth. Chilise is loosely recorded the place where the last headhunting took place in August 1972.
2. The Living Stones of Fuensang Trongliyangti, Chungllyangti or Chungliyimti Replete with legends of the exploits and stories of the Nagan when they lived as one big family, Chungliyimti is scattered with vestiges of the past.
3. Tsadang
Here on the west of the village are located two stones, known locally as Long Akang Threla. According to legend, these two living stones, who were friends, use to visit LongthUroh or Longterok.
MOKOKCHUNG
1. Longkhum
As an old Naga saying goes, ‘a single visit to Longkhum is not enough, for your soul stays behind the first time and you have to return there once more to get it back’.
2. Caves
Fusen Kei and Mongzu Ki are two caves that yet remain unexplored by and large. Local legends suggest that Fusen Kei is about 25 km long.
3. Springs-legendary and existent
Longritzu Lenden, or the river valley of the departed soul, is supposed to contain an underground river. When the ancient Aos died, their spirits would pass through this valley and take a bath in the river, then they would see the fleshless bones on their bodies, and realize that they were actually dead.
4. Ungma
This is the oldest and the largest of all Ao villages and the second largest village in Nagaland, next only to Bara Basti of Kohima. Ungma village is located about 3 km from Mokokchung Town.
LONGLENG
The 34 km stretch that leads to Longleng from Changtoya is the perfect rural road for the adventurous motorist.
MON

Mon is the land of the captivating Konyak Nagas, whose culture and traditions. are an attraction by themselves for the visitors.

1. Naganimora

Situated at a distance of 58 km from Mon, Naganimora is a beautiful town in the district presenting wide panoramic

2. Longwa

views. Longwa is one of the biggest villages in Mon district and an interesting sight to behold, since it straddles the international boundary line between India and Myanmar.

3. Shangnyu

Ruled by the chief Angh, Shangnyu village is one of the prominent villages in Mon district.

4. Veda Peak

Veda, the highest peak in Mon, is approximately 70 km east of the district headquarters.

PEREN

Peren is the traditional home of the Zeliangrong and Kuki Tribes.

1. Benreu

Situated in the district of Peren, this little village perched 1950 meters above sea level, houses a unique community where 20 percent of an animist population dictates the customs and social rules of the majority Christians.

2. Mt. Pauna Tourist Village

This village resort is an extension of Benreu village (separated from it by about 300 meters) towards the south along the Pauna mountain range.

3. Mount Pauna

This third highest peak in Nagaland stands majestically along the Benreu range.

PHEK

Phek is the home district of the Chakhesang and the Pochuries. The Chakesang consist of three sub-tribes, the Chakhru, the Kheza and the Sangtam.

1. Pfoisero Town and Glory Peak

This little township, at an altitude of 2233.60 meters is like a gateway to Southeast Asia with a reasonably good surface transport available from Kohima via a 70 km border road. The place is known for its vegetable and fruit products.

2. Peripheries of Plutsero Town

A number of small villages and towns surround Pfutsero, waiting to be explored and experienced. The villagers here still practice the traditional customs of the land and are more than happy to involve the tourists and give them, a true experience of the land and its people.

3. Shilloi Lake

Shaped like a footprint, Shilloi Lake is located 30 Km from Kohima.

4. Dzuku lake/Zanibu Peak

If Shilloi is no more considered an ‘untouchable’ by the locals, Dzuku Lake is still treated as a habitat of spirits and supernatural elements and avoided by the humans.

5. Meluri

The headquarters of the Pochury tribe lies halfway on the important route to Mt. Saramati in Kiphire district. It is also on the way to the Indo-Myanmar Trade Centre at Avankkhung and one can see many Myanmarese Nagas coming to shop in this township for their basic necessities.

WOKHA

This district of Lotha Nagas is a land of beautiful mountain ranges and rivers. Wokha town, the headquarters of the districts is located at Wokha Mountain, the highest peak in the range.

1. Rivers

Doyang is the largest river in the district. Several hill streams fall into the river from the central and western parts and give it the most fascinating look.

ZUNHEBOTO

Zunheboto is the land of Sumi Nagas, who are known for their colourful war dance and folk songs.

1. Ghosu Bird Sanctuary

Located 8 km from the Zunheboto district headquarters, this bird sanctuary is maintained by the village community.

Satoi Range

A habitat of the Blyth’s Tragopan, Satos Range is a pristine natural heritage of the district. Rhododendrons embellish the place during April and May and trekking is very popular here.

3. Aizuto

Aizuto is the original Christian Mission Centre of the Sumi Tribe in the district of Zunheboto. It is approximately 184 km from

Kohima via Wokha/Mokokchung.

NAGALAND Entry Permits

Before embarking on a journey to Nagaland, acquiring the entry permit is a must.

Domestic tourists should obtain the Inner line Permit issued by the authorities mentioned below.

The Deputy Resident Commissioner, Nagaland House, New Delhi; Phone:+91 11 23012296/23793673/23794680/23013751.

The Deputy Resident Commissioner, Nagaland House, Kolkata (Ph: +91 33 22825247/26)

Assistant Resident Commissioners in Guwahati (Ph: +91 361 2332158; Fax: +91 36123338859) and Shillong (Ph: +91 364 2520083; Fax: +91 364 2520670)

Foreign tourists should travel in a minimum group of four people and require a Restricted Area Permit to enter Nagaland. They are allowed to visit all 11 district headquarters and specific places with this permit. These permits are issued by the following authorities:

Ministry of Home Affairs, Govt. of India, New Delhi

All India Missions Abroad

FRRO, Delhi, Kolkata and Mumbai

The Chief Immigration Officer, Chennai Commissioner, Home Affairs, Govt. of Nagaland, Kohima Tele

Fax: +91 370 2270068

The Commissioner & Secretary, Tourism, Govt. of Nagaland, Kohima Phone: +91 370 2270072/2270107; Tele Fax: +91 370

2243124

The Resident Commissioner, Nagaland House, New Delhi Phone: +91 11 23012296/23017878; Fax: +91 11 23794240 Tour operators can also help in obtaining these permits.

How To Reach

By Air

Dimapur is the only airport in Nagaland at the moment. Direct flights connect this airport to Guwahati and Kolkata and connections can be made from all other airports in India including Delhi.

By Rail

Dimapur has a railway station on the main line of the North East Frontier Railway. It is well connected to Guwahati, with a number of trains that shuttle between the two stations every day.

By Road

A number of taxis play from Dimapur to Kohima. Night buses connect Dimapur and Kohima to Guwahati and Shillong (Meghalaya).

Dimapur (Altitude 260 m)

Where to stay

Being the commercial capital of the state, Dimapur has a good number of hotels for the low to medium budget traveller.

Niathu Resort has traditional cottages, parks and an Enthuriam Garden, for a pleasant stay and can be booked through Tour Operators.

Nito Tourist Resort is 22 km from Dimapur at Niuland and has cottages, a fishing pond, a children’s park, cultural amenities, rubber plantations (for cool evening walks). Contact Tour operators for bookings.

Tsiepama Midway Resort and Rest Area is located midway between Dimapur and Kohima. Kohima (Altitude 1444.12 m)

The Government Tourist Lodge, which is now privatized, has got 14 rooms, including two suites and a 20 bedded dormitory.

Hotel Japfu 26 rooms; Phone +91 370 2240 211-3 Email: hoteljaphu@yahoo.co.in

Hotel Grandeur 19 Rooms; Phone: +91 3702229699/2229638/2229960/+919863156311

Dimori Cove

On the foothills of Japfu Peak, Dimori Cove provides the ambience for a comfortable outing. Besides the rooms that can range from USD 14 to 27, it also has a 18 bedded Dormitory costing USD 60. It also houses a multipurpose hall, swimming pool and a conference room. Various packages are on offer and details can be had from them directly.

Phone: +91 9436005392/9863179765 Email: lifeministries05@gmail.com

View Hotel 11 beds; Phone: +91 9856346445/9856360163

Hotel Fira 1 Suite, 15 rooms and I dorm; Phone: +91370 2240940

Hotel Pine 11 rooms; Phone: +91 370 2243129/2240269/+91 9436001041

Hotel Inn 11 rooms; Single and Double Rooms for roughly. Phone: +91 9863156696

Viewpoint Lodging Phone: +91 370224182/+91983143110/+91 94300209

Mokokchung (Altitude: 1325.08 m)

Mokokchung is 162 km from Kohima, via Wokha distict, 70 km from Zunheboto district, 115 km from Tuensang, 102 from Amguri (Assam) and 103 km from Mariani (Assam). Bus and taxi services are available from all these access points.

Where to stay

There are some hotels and tourists lodges in Mokokchung town, besides a government circuit house (phone +91 369 2226261). Paying guest accommodation is also available and tour operators are the best bet for booking a stay here.

Longleng (Altitude 1066.30)

From Kohima, Longleng is 230 km via Mokokchung and Wokha districts and 340 km via Dimapur. It is a new district carved out of Tuensang in early 2004. Longleng is ideal for those adventurers who are into off road driving. The 34 km stretch from national Highway 61 at Changtoya to Longleng is a good experience of rural driving, with the villages, people and markets alongside it.

Mon (Altitude 897.67m)

Mon is 357 km from Kohima (via Dimapur), 280 km from Dimapur and 275 km from Kohima via Mookelung, Tamlu and Wakhing Buses and taxis can be used from Kohima or Dimapur to access this district.

Peren (Altitude: 1445.36m)

Peren is only 84 km from Dimapur. Taxis and buses are available in plenty to access this district

Phek (Altitude: 1524 m)

Phek is situated 145 km from Kohima. There is a government circuit house and a PWD Rest House with limited accommodation. Call +91 3865 223035/223037 for bookings.

Tuensang (Altitude: 1371.60m)

Tuensang is 269 km from Kohima via Wokha and Mokokchung and 235 km via Zunheboto. They are all connected by State Highways and Nagaland State Transport buses ply on this route regularly.

Where to Stay

There is a government circuit house in Tuensang that can be booked through a tour operator or the office of Commissioner & Secretary (Tourism)

Kiphire (Altitude 896.42 km)

Kiphire is 254 km from Kohima. The State government and village authorities have constructed guest houses with board and lodging facilities in some of the villages. Contact tour operators or the office of the commissioner & Secretary (Tourism) for bookings. Wokha (Altitude 1313.69)

Wokha is only halfway from Kohima and Mokokchung, being only 80 kms from both places.

Where to stay

There is mini resort here with three cottages and one can use this as a base to visit many Lotha Villages in the surrounding areas. This resort is ideally located and one can get a good view of Wokha town from here.

Zunheboto (Altitude 1874.22)

Where to stay

Zunheboto is 150 km from Kohima and 70 km from Mokokchung. There is a Govt. Circuit House here (Phone: +91 3867 220325) that can be used as a lodging facility. One can even stay at a hotel or paying guest facility in Mokokchung and travel to Zunheboto. Tour operators can help in making bookings here.

Tour Operators

For those that want their trip to be planned in advance and experience a’no glitch’ holiday, the govt. approved tour operators are available in plenty in Nagaland. Contact details of some of the major ones are provided here.

Peak Travels

Contact : Neisatuo Keditsu
Address : C-33(1) Jail Colony Kohima-797001, Nagaland
Phone : +913702242993
peaktravels@rediffmail.com/
Email nedked@yahoo.com

Tribal Discovery Tours & Travels

Contact : Neithonuo Yiese
Address : Kohima, Nagaland
Phone +91 9436000759/9436045075
Mobile : yiese_neitho@rediffmail.com/ davidsangtam@yahoo.com
Website : www.tribaldiscovery.com

Zinki Tours & Adventures

Contact : Tsanchingla Imlong
Address : Mokokchung, Nagaland
Phone +917629964775/2245763/+91
9436001720
Emails : info@zingkitoursandadventures.com/ zta@indiatimes.com
Website : www.tribaldiscovery@yahoo.in

Green Sierra Travels

Address:Upper AG, Kohima-797001, Nagaland, India
Email: neo_ecotourism@yahoo.com
Mobile: +91 9436434221/9856136711/9436070333

Super Travels

Contact: Ms. Viloli Achumi
Address: Hotel Japfu Complex, Kohima – 797001, Nagaland, India
Phone: +913702244781/2245883
Email: super02travels@yahoo.co.in

Village Traveler

Contact M Doulo :
Address: Opp. MLA Hostel Kohima-797001, Nagaland
Phone: +913702290059
Mobile : +919436420515
Email:modulo@yahoo.com/nagavillages@yahoo.com