NAGALAND ENTRY FORMALITIES : This 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, we offer you 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.
NAGLAND is located in the extreme North-Eastern end of India, approximately between 25 6’….27 4’ Latitude North of the Equator and between 93 20’E…95 15’E Longitude. It is bounded by Myanmar in the East ; Assam in the West ; Arunachal Pradesh and a part of Assam in the North with Manipur in the South. Domestic tourists visiting Nagaland are required to obtain INNER LINE PERMIT. It is issued by the Resident Commissioner, Nagaland House, 29 Aurangazeb Road, New Delhi ; Additional Resident Commissioner, Nagaland House, 12 Shakespeare Sarani, Calcutta ; Assistant Resident Commissioner, Nagaland Hose, Nongrim Hills, Shillong, Meghalaya ; Assistant Resident Commissioner, Nagaland House, Disapur, Guwahati, Assam. It is also issued by the Deputy Commissioner, Dimapur, Nagaland. FOREIGN TOURISTS will be required to seek for RESTRICTED AREA PERMIT from the MINISTRY OF HOME AFFAIRS, GOVERNMENT OF INDIA, NEW DELHI, before entry into Nagaland.

COMMUNICATION FACILITIES : DIMAPUR is the gateway to KOHIMA. It has both the RAIL and the AIR linkage with the rest of the country. Other transport facilities available are: the State Transport,
which run daily bus services between Dimapur and Kohima; The fares range from Rs. 25/- to Rs. 35/- only. Taxi service is also available at any time during the day, with the fare costing Rs. 80/- per head. DIMAPUR : Before heading for Kohima,
a day can be spent sightseeing at Dimapur.

The Department of Tourism is setting up a TOURIST VILLAGE COMPLEX at the Chumukedima old village. This site was the first Headquarters established by the British, as they made an inroad into the wild country. A short ride up the hill, and an absorbing view of Dimapur and its immediate surroundings can be seen, way down below. Up hear, the summer air is relatively cooler.
THE TRIPLE FALLS, located in SEITHEKIMA village area is another resort being developed by the Department of Tourism. As the name would suggest, it is three tier waterfall, cascading from a height of 280 feet into an inviting natural pool. Tucked away in the foothills, amidst the untempered vegetation, you can plan a cool getaway. This resort will soon be connected by road. For the present however, this is a trekkers’ haunt.

THE NORTH-EAST ZONE CULTURAL CENTRE preserves the various cultural heritage 
of the North-East in a small but well organised museum. Cultural festivals are also held from time to time. INTANKI WILDLIFE SANCTUARY is just 37 kms. away from Dimapur. It is under the protection of the Forest Department’s Wildlife wing. Though this is a habitat of various animals and rare species of birds, at present, no organised sighting tours are being conducted. The Department is however maintaining a small sanctuary rest house for those inclined towards solitude.

THE RUINS OF MEDIEVAL KACHARI KINGDOM : Dimapur was the ancient capital of the Kachari Kingdom. A small footprint of this megalithic culture still exists. These ruins are contemporaries of the neighbouring Ahom kingdom, established before the 13th Century A.D. The monoliths represent the elaborate rituals of the cult of fertility.

NAGALAND HANDLOOM & HANDICRAFT owns a reputation for its handloom and handicraft products. The beautifully hand woven tribal shawls of various tribes, Naga mekhelas (Sarongs), Naga hand bags, exquisitely and intricately designed, have won world-wide appreciation. The new generation of Nagas have ventured into fashion designing on a commercial scale, reproducing fabrics that represent the past, fused with modern taste. Retail outlets like the GURTTEL at KOHIMA offers you a wide range of choices to take home as mementoes. Give it try. KOHIMA : Perched at 1444.12 metres above sea level, Kohima enjoys a temperate climate throughout the year.
The two hour drive from Dimapur to Kohima on NH 39, can be enjoyable experience. You could sample the juicy, mouth watering pineapples or treat yourself to a hot hearty meal of local cuisine from one of the typical Naga wayside amenities that line the road at regular intervals. The panoramic view of Kohima unfolds 16 kms from your destination, nestled among the pristine hills. The lyrics of a local song says “there is no place in the world half as fair as Kohima”.
A small exaggeration perhaps, but Kohima does have its own incomparable charms that other hill stations do not offer. Kohima is the cosmopolitan headquarters of 15 major tribes. The distinctive character and identity of each tribe in terms of tradition, custom, language and dress is clearly discrenible to a visitor. Many are visibly amazed by this contrast. The respective tribal festivals are celebrated at regular intervals at Kohima. It is during such a time that one gets to see a glimpse of the past animistic traditions of each tribe, being enacted in their robust best. Should your visit coincide with one such festival, you will be welcomed like a family to share our past, for a fleeting moment in time. You need no invitation to join the fun. Remember that the Nagas have a known reputation for a warm hearted hospitality. No city can offer you this camaraderie, even at a price.
THE KOHIMA WAR CEMETERY offers you a space for a quiet moment ofa contemplative stroll with friends or family. This is a symbolic memorial raised as a citation for the supreme human sacrifices made by the officers and men of the allied forces, to halt the tide of the Japanese onslaught during the Second World War. This was their last post. The cemetery is beautifully and meticulously maintained by the COMMONWEALTH WAR GRAVES COMMISSION. The heart moving epitaphs, engraved on bronze plaques by their loved ones, is worth the time spent on reading. Depart as you will, the writings on the cenotaph is bound to echo in your inner mind for a long while :
“WHEN YOU GO HOME TELL THEM OF US AND SAY FOR YOUR TOMORROW WE GAVE OUR TODAY”
THE DZUKOU VALLEY is tucked away at an altitude of 243.8 metres above sea level. This is a valley that dreams are made up of. From June to September, the entire valley is carpet of wild flowers…. the lilies white and yellow, the aconitums, the euphobias etc, the crystal clear water of the stream leisrely meandering through the valley… all in all, offers an unforgettable experience. Here you are completely at peace with nature. This is assured. The numerous low clusture of hillocks surrounding the vale, contains some cosy natural caves and rock overhangs, ideal for camping. Imagine, a night out in the wilderness with a guitar and friends, sitting around a campfire to sing your night away. Throw in a few mugs of lcoal rice beer for good measure ! Come morning and you are greeted by the crisp mountain air and a sunrise scene to match. No city can offer you this natural luxury.
THE JAPFU PEAK would just be what the doctor ordered for the adventure lovers and trekkers. Scaling the Japfu Peak at 3048 metres above sea level can be very trying, but exhilarating. Once up there, the expansive vista of natures beauty more than compensates for the effort put in. Relax in the company of friends and watch the sun paint fascinating pictures over the entire sky, as it travels slowly beyond the horizon. Then marvel at the ocean of mist at the crack of dawn. October-March is the right time to try this out, when the visibility is at its best. If you are keen to see a village lifestyle of the people first hand you could perhaps check out KHONOMA. This is a village not only laced in history, but also known for their ecological propriety. The terraced fields,carved out from the hill top to the lower valley, presents an intersting study. You could also sit at leisure with the elders of the village and absorb some fascinating folklore and stories of courage and valor of their warriors who bravely faced the awesome might of the British forces, in the times of yore. KOHIMA VILLAGE is one of the largest in Asia. It is here that you will see an admixture of the past and present.
A traditional gate greets you on entry, with scimitar of hornbills and buffalo horns and so on. Stones of varying shapes and sizes implanted within the compound or skulls of buffaloes and mithuns adorning the portico, reminds you of the past glory and status of the great ancestors who had performed grand feasts of merit. Kohima village is no different. THE ZOOLOGICAL PARK offers you a glimpse of the fauna of Nagaland. The rare Blythe’s Tragopan, believed to be on the verge of extinction, is being reared here in captivity. Nagaland also boasts of more than 360 species of orchids. Four different varieties of rhododendrons are endemic to Nagaland and bloom abundantly during the months of March/April.

DZULEKIE is a spot of enchantment within easy reach of Kohima. Here the domesticated bisons roam freely in the pastoral ambience and the rainbow strouts swim the cold water streams. For centuries, this stream has laboriously carved out awesome gorges, 90-100 feet deep, from the solid rocks. The surrounding green hills with little waterfalls thrown in, adds pleasure to a cool getaway. The Department of Tourism is maintaining a small tourist rest house with a few cottage annexes. DIMORI COVE is a small up coming resort run by private entrepreneur. It serves local/Chinese or other Indian dishes. A small swimming pool has also been developed. This establishment is 6 kms away from Kohima, on the NH 39 towards Manipur. An ideal place for relaxation without hazards. In general, Nagaland is a vibrant hill station, rich in folklores passed down the ages through the word of mouth. It is a land of music : the traditional folk songs eulogising the brave deeds of their ancestral warriors and heros; the poetic songs of love immortalising the ancient tragic love stories; the gospels that touch the very core of your soul; the exquisite classical or the present day tunes…they have them all. If you wish to mix a little bit of culture to your tour, there are tribal artistes who give part time performances at a reasonable fee. Indeed a trip to Nagaland would be incomplete without witnessing the tribal dances, which are uniquely different from the rest of the country.

FESTIVAL INFORMATION : 

GENERAL INFORMATION
Area - 16,579 Sq. kms. Capital - Kohima (1,444.12 mtrs. above see level)
Districts - Kohima, Mokokchung, Wokha, Mon, Tuensang, Zunheboto, Phek and Dimapur.
District HQ’s - Kohima, Mokokchung, Wokha, Mon, Tuensang, Zunheboto, Phek and Chumukedima.
Tribes - Angami, Ao, Lotha, Konyak, Chang, Chakhesang, Khiamniungan, Phom, Rengma, Sumi, Sangtam, Yimchunger, Zealing, Pochury and Kuki.
Total Population - 12,09,546 (1991 census)
Literacy - 61.30%
Office Language - English

ALTITUDE OF IMPORTANT TOWNS OF NAGALAND (in meters)

( RAINY SEASON a) Heavy Rains - May to August b)
Occasional Rain - September to October c)
Dry Season - November to April

ART AND CULTURE Museum : Anthropological Gallery Natural History Gallery Art Gallery 2. Cultural Hall - 7 3. Antiquities registering Unit - 70 4. District Library - 7 5. Rural Library - 184 6. Research Library - 1 7. Archeological Study - 1 8. North East Zone Culture Centre - 1 9. Academy of Music & Dance - 1 10. Visitors to the museum during 97-98 - 9,415 11. Number of books in the State Library - 39,096 12. Revenue - 51,015 13. New specimen added - 205 14. Salient Achievements : Performing activities (Cultural show at IIC, New Delhi) (State Cultural Exchange Programme) b. Fine arts (VIP Entrance gate) Rostrum at Local ground Kohima c. Research and Studies (45 folk tales and song collected and recorded) Indigenous artifacts Archives - 919 records Public Library Service : (New enrolment of membership in the State Library is 169) g. Archeology and Registration of Antiquities under Art Treasure Act. h. District Gazetteers. Centrally Sponsored Schemes.

ROUTE DISTANCE :- Distance from Kohima :

 
Distance from Mokokchung

Distance from Tuensang :-

Distance from Dimapur :-

  Other important Routes :-

  New Routes :-

GLIMPSES OF THE STATE MUESUM NAGALAND :
KOHIMA The State Museum of Nagaland , though small, has some unique features which are immediately noticeable to any keen visitor of the Museum. Nagaland is inhabited by 14 recognised major tribes and an equal number of sub-tribes. Each tribe has their distinctive customs and traditions, language and costumes, which may not be distinguishable to outsiders but are distinctively their own. Against this background, a glimpse of Nagaland is not an easy task but the State Museum attempts to present a panoramic view of the rich socio-cultural life and heritage of the Nagas – vividly depicted through the Anthropological, Ethnological and Art Galleries and the open Air display.

The State Museum presents to the visitors and insight to the life of the Nagas. Inception of the State Museum The parental department of the State Museum known as the Naga Institute of Culture was established on 1st November, 1964. In the early part of 1970, the present building of the Department of Art and Culture was constructed with and annexe for the State Museum. The museum was gradually built up displaying the rich and varied artifacts, costumes and lifestyles of the Naga tribes. These displays provide us a glimpse into the rich cultural mosaic of the Nagas which is unique even among the other tribes of the North-East. As part of the Directorate of Art and Culture there is also a research Library and and Archives containing valuable historical documents, a soruce of rich material for research scholars. Zealing Dancer A Zealing dancer in her traditional dancing finery.
With graceful movements and inticate steps, this ‘Butterfly Dance’ can be compared to any other well-developed dance forms outside the State. A Sema Belle A Sema belle posing in her traditional outfit. The beaded girdle, symbolising her high status in society, is entitled to be worn by a rich man’s wife or daughter. The head band is interwoven with fine strips of cane and orchid stem. Inter-Tribe Marriage Inter-tribe marriages are becoming a common practice as attitude of life changes. Seen here is a couple – husband from Chakhesang tribe and wife from Lotha, in the traditional kitchen, quietly engaged in conversation, while the wife is cooking. It also signifies the practice of both endogamous and exogamous, marriages in Naga Society.
Chang Warrior
A model of a Chang Warrior, ready for a fight devoid of usual costumes, obviously to reveal the prominent ‘V’ tatooed on the chest which indicates the mark of a great warrior. The number of human heads engraved on the brass chocker and ear top signify the trophies of war and heroic deeds. Bachelor’s Dormitory The Bachelor’s dormitory or ‘MORUNG’ plays a vital role in Naga Society. It serves as a learning institution where traditional beliefs, customs and social behaviour are handed down from generation. It is here that young men graduate to manhood and become warriors, rulers or mere citizens of the village republic. The Morung is also considered as a recreational club.
The Khiamnuingan Lady Having packed lucnch, agricultural implements and a rain-covering in her carrying basket a Khiamnuingan lady sets off for the days work.
The slender iron rod in her right hand is used as a walking stick and also utilized as a light weapon to defend herself from attacks of small wild animals. The tatoo marks on her chin and forehead indicate her material status. Konyak Blacksmithy The Konyaks are noted for their skills in metal works. Simple instruments like hammer, stone anvil or clay moulds were used for making guns, implements for cultivation, brass-statuettes and ornaments. The art of making brass statuettes by casting process is a matter of curiosity and a proud heritage. Angami Couple An Angami couple on a social visit to a relative in a neighbouring Village during the SEKRENY! Festival, carrying meat, rice beer and traditional Cuisine. This polite gesture is reciprocated by the relative, Sekrenyi is also called “PHOUSANY!” which means feast of purification for the Angami men. It is an expensive feast lasting ten long days. A Phom Maiden I her traditional best, a Phom maiden awaits her friends to join the Village festivities. She wears necklaces carved out of conch of shells and rows of various beads, and a head-band made by interwining cane, orchid stem with an elaborate brass design at the front indicating her privileged family background.
The main occupation of the Nagas is agriculture.
Naga handloom is famous and colorful. Each tribe its own distinctive patterns. In the olden days thread was indigenously produced by weaning cotton and using barks and roots of various plants as dye. Precious Stones of the Region The most valued and expensive necklace used by the Naga people are those seen in the picture. They are an assemblance or cornelian, tourmaline, coral, core of xancus, ivory and authentic beads.
Agate is extensively worn by womenfolk. It is often arranged along with either brass/silver bells. Konyak Beads The Konyak ladies are experts in making necklaces with beads. By stringing various Coloured beads, they bring out beautifully intricate patterns.
The Sangtam Lady With no modern amenities like fitted water pipes in her home a Sangtam lady returns from the well having filled the bamboo barrels with water. Water for daily family consumption and domestic use, is carried by women and children at the crack of dawn. Basketry Humming a folk tune, a Chakhesang man sits on his front yard, weaving a bamboo basket occasionally sipping rice beer from his bamboo mug. Baskets of different shapes and sizes are made using bamboo or cane. Making of baskets are exclusively the preserve of menfolk. Pottery Nagas used a simple method of Pottery.
Two implements – a shaped stone for moulding, shaping and and engraved wooden stick for designing are used. The use of potters wheel was not known. Naga Hut Models With huts perched on hilltops, Nagas could survey the valley below for approaching friends or foes. Bamboo, Wood, thatch, reeds or palm leaves weere materials commodity used for constructing huts. However, there were some variations in architecture between different tribes. An Angami and Sema feastgiver’s home was distinguishable by the ‘Horns’ on his roof, the Konyaks had a rounded front roof, the Aos’ usually had a platform attached at the back of the hut.
The Khiamnuingan houses have slate roofing and are the most unique among the huts. Brass/Copper Statuettes Brass or Copper ornaments are used by all the Naga Tribes. However, brass statuettes depicting human figures were made only by the Konyaks. Brass pieces are recasted by melting and pouring it down, stone or clay moulds and thus bringing out the desired statuettes. Musical Instruments Music forms an integral part of Naga life. Various instruments are used to accompany the singing of folk songs. Tati, a single stringed instrument is popularly used by the Angami farmers, and young couples to sing traditional folk and love songs. There are other indigenous wind instruments made of bamboo, and buffalo horns used during festivals and other social gatherings.
Wood Carvings Wood carving is a common practise among all Naga tribes.
Objects varying from dishes, walking sticks, smoking pipes, pounding tables to colossal carving of house beams and pillars, log-drum, village gate, etc. are done using simple tools like the dao, hand-drill, and chisel. Symbolic Posts In order to enhance one’s social prestige, a person had to give a series of feasts to his village community over a period of time. With each consecutive feast, the food served becomes more lavish, until on the final grand feast, not only his villagers but the animals and birds are fed. This event is marked with the erection of these posts in front of the feast giver’s home. Art Gallery The State Museum has an Art Gallery. A collection of paintings by different local artists are on display. The themes vary from traditional to modern.