Dimapur
With the state's only airport and a railhead, Dimapur (74km from Kohima) is
the gateway to Nagaland, and its commercial centre. It was the ancient of
the 13th century Kachari rulers, and is named after the Dimasa river that
waters it. In the heart of town are the ruined monoliths representing the
ferility cult of the Kachari kingdom. The Tourist Village Complex at
Chumukedima is an interesting spot, and short ride up the hill affords a
good view of Dimapur and its surroundings. You can seen women weaving
traditional Naga shawls on traditional looms at Ruth's and Haralu emporia in
Dimapur. Near the town is Triple Falls, in Seithekima village. This
three-tier waterfall is a beautiful destination for trekkers. Governor's
Camp, 43km from Dimapure in the foothills by the Doyang river, isa lovely
spot for picnicking, rafting, angling and camping.
Kohima
The state capital, perched at 1444.12 m above sea level, is pretty hill
station, with panoramic views of the rugged Naga hills. It is unspoilt and
replete with interesting things to see and do. The history buff in
particular will find much to whet his appetite, for Kohima was witness to
some of the fiercest fighting of the Second World War-a fifty day-and night
non-stop slogging match. You'll find a good account in The Campaign in Burma
by Lt. Col.Frank Owen.
The War Cemetery
One of the best-recognized features of the state capital is the War
Cemeter-a serene, rose-filled stretch of green and graves, with two tall
crosses. On the plaque of these is engraved the famous epitaph, "When
you go home / Tell them of us and say / For your tomorrow / We gave our
today". It was at the Battle of Kohima (April 1944) that the Japanese
assault on India was halted, when a garrison of 3500 made a stand against a
besieging army of 15,000 for 50 days and nights. In the cemetery, there is
also a cherry tree grafted from the stump of the old tree which was used as
sniper's post. The Common wealth War Graves Commission keeps the cemetery
perfectly maintained.
The State Museum
The
Museum is essentially ethnographic, with dioramas of the various tribes.
Naga architecture, social hierarchy and custom, costume and culture are all
represented here. Interestingly, many Kohima War Cemetery features of the
ceremonial drum housed on the Museum grounds- its shape as a dugout, waves
on the prow and paddle-like strikers-support and ancient Naga belief in a
sea-faring ancestry. The museum basement is given over to displays of birds
and animals, especially those endemic to the region. The Museum is open from
10am to 3pm, and is closed on Sundays and holidays.
The Catholic Cathedral
The red roof of the Cathedral of Reconciliation at Aradurah hill is an
important landmark in Kohima, the carved wooden crucifix in the cathedral is
the largest in India. Its inauguration, on the day of the UN's Day of
Reconciliation, was attended by war veterans who fought at the Battle of
Kohima.
Barra Basti (Kohima Village)
Naga legend has it that this, reputedly the second-largest village in Asia,
was where Kohima began. The Big Village is a reminder of the grandeur of the
Angami acestors who built it, you will see a ceremonial gateway, typical of
entrances to all naga villages, elaborately carved with warriors and weapons
and the skull of the mithun, a symbol of prosperity. The actual gate to
Barra Basti still stands in its own shelter further up the road. In athe
heart of the village is a house built in traditional Naga style with crossed
horns above the gable, carved mithun heads to indicate the owner's exlated
status, an enormous basket granary in the verandah, and a trough in which
rice beer is made for the entire community.
Khonoma
This village, which lies 20km west of Kohima was known for its fighting
prowess in the past. It is also known for the fallow management of its alder
trees which balances nature in the surrounding area. The beautiful terraces
which are carved out of the hill slopes surrounding the village ae a sight
to behold. These terraces grow over 20 types of paddy at different
elevations. The British infiltration to the Naga Hills began at Khonoma from
1879 onwards when their resistance fell. In order to conserve the Blyth's
Tragopan, ane endangered pheasant of the State and other wildlife in its
natural habitat Khonoma Nature Conservation and Tragopan Sancturay (KNCTS)
was set up in 1998 by the ecologically conscious people of Khonoma village.
The sanctuary which covers an area of over 70sq.kms is privately owned and
managed by the Village Community of Khonoma. This sanctuary is also the
habitat of many other endangered and rare specis of plants and animals. The
sanctuary is also an ideal place for adventure and nature study.
Tesminyu
Headquarters
and home of the Rengmas, Tseminyu is a distance of 55km from Kohima. It is
at an altitude of 1, 421.95 metres above sea-level. It is known for Nagada,a
the popular year end festival which falls in November every year. It is
famous for the Rengma dances and melodious folk songs.
Japfu Peak
This is the second highest peak in Nagaland and stands 3048 metres above
sea level. It is about 15km south of Kohima. The best season for climbing
this mountain is from November to march. The sunrise from the peak is an
experience to remember. From the peak one can have a bird's eye-view of the
surrounding hills including parts of Dzukou Valley. In the Japfu ranges, one
can find the tallest rhododendron tree which is featured in the Guiness Book
of World Records. This tree, which was first discovered by two professional
hunters of Phesama village is over 130 feet all and the girth at the base
measures more than 11 feet. When it is in bloom, it is indeed a visual
delight. It's quite an adventure to see this tree as it entails more than
five hours of strenuous trekking through steep inclines to have a view of
this World Record holding Rhododendron arborea tree.
Dzukou Valley
This valley otherwise called the valley of eternal charm has an
irresistable appeal to all who behold it. Its emerald green rolling hills
interspersed by gentle flowing streams are trekkers delight. It is tucked
away at an altitude of 2438.4 metres behind the Japfti ranges. It is about
30km south of Kohima, half of which has to be approached through rough
trekking. The serpentine streams that flow leisurely through Dzukou freezes
during extreme winter. In summer, wild herbs and shrubs sprout along the
stream banks,. Lilies in white and pink, Euphorbias, aconitums and hundreds
of other species of flowers and plants in varied colors adorn the valley in
monsoon. Though Dzukou is known for its biodiversity, the predominant plant
is the tough bamboo brush because of which it looks like a fully mown lawn
from far. Rhododenndrons in different colors ornament the hills surrounding
the valley. This is the valley immortalized by Vikram Seth of Suitable Boy
fame in his Beastly Tales From Here and there in the poem entitled "The
Elephant and the Tragopan" where Dzukou has been described by a
different name- Bingle Valley-for rhyming and from the conservationist point
of view. This is one of the best trekking spots in the North -Eastern
Region. In spite of the difficult terrain and non-availability of
facilities, this is one of the most frequented trekking spots in the entire
North East India.
Peren
This is an important link between Halflong in Assam and Nagaland. It is
situated at 1,445.36 metres and is 84km from Dimapur. It is home to the
Zeliangs and Kukis. It is famous for Rani Gaidiliu's caves and sites where
she took shelter during her resistance against the British Raj. Near Lalong
village, not far from the tri-junction of Assam, Manipur and Nagaland border
lies the site of her permanent headquarters.
Tuophema Village
This village which is 41 km from Kohima and is known for its model Village
Development Board, for its effective execution of the village development
programmes. This village has been chosen by the Tourism Department for the
promotion of the common Angami Sekkrenyi festival celebrated during Feb'
25-37 every year. Sekrenyi is a festival of purification and revolves round
rituals and ceremonies of cleansing the village well. It starts with all
men-young and old-going to the village well for bathing in the morning. At
night the well is cleaned by two youths and to ensure that no one takes
water from the cleansed well. A night vigil is kept by the youths of the
village. The next morning according to the demands of the ritual, all men
rise early and bathe in the well. It is believed that the purified water
washes away the diseases and misfortunes. Thereafter begin the festivities
of the celebration which include singing, dancing and feasting throughout
the day.
A Tourist Village hare has been developed and maintained by the village
community. In the Tourist Village, you will get all modern amenities in an
ethnic setting. You will also have the experience of living in a village
with the rural people. The village is open to tourist throughout the year.
Wokha
This picturesque town lies in the eponymous district, 80km from both Kohima
and Mokokchung. The area is famous for its superb oranges and pineapples.
Wokha is set amid pretty hilltop villages, scattered with monoliths
(longsus). This is the home of the Lotha tribals, known for their vibrant
dances and folk songs. If you visit Wokha in November you will enjoy the
hospitality of the people during their principal festivals, Tokhu Emong,
which celebrates thanksgiving, sharing, and reconciliation with grand
feasting. Trekkers will experience pleasure in climbing Mount Tiyi,
supposedly the home of departed souls.
Mount Tiyi: It is a hill with mysterious legends. It is believed by all
Nagas that it is the abode of the departed souls. In local folklores, it is
said that there once existed and orchard which could be traced by the lucky
ones only. Colorful Rhododenrons are found clasping the rocks and cliffs.
The peak offers a panoramic view of the villages, hills and valleys.
Totsu: It is a cliff about 25km from Tseminyu via Phiro village and lies at
about 1250 metres. It is a chain of a rock which gets broken. It has a deep
gorge in between. According to legend, in the fight between the two
different sides of the hill one lost its right ear and the other lost its
head.
Mokokchung
This picturesque town is the headquarters of the Ao nagas. It is situated
at an altidue of 1325 metres above sea-level. One can have a beautiful view
of Mokokchung town from the view point at the Town Park. The main festivals
of the Aos are Moatsu and Tsungrem Mong celebrated during the first week of
May and August respectively.
Longkhum
A vanguard village of the Aos in the days of head-hunting is strategically
situated at an altitude of 1846 metres above sea-level. The people of this
village are hard working and one can find exquisite handicraft and handloom
items in this village. On a clear day, one can view the eastern Himalayas of
Arunachal and beyond and also the industrial smog bellowing from the
industries in Assam. The Aos have a belief that Longkhum is the resting
place of the spirits of the dead on their onward journey to paradise.
Rhododendrons adorn the hilloccks and precipices surrounding the village. As
the local legend goes-a single visit to Longkhum is not enough for you have
to return to the village again to collect your soul, which had stayed behind
on your first visit.
Ungma
This is the biggest Ao village and looks like an adjunct to Mokokchung
town. According to legend, the early Aos settled here first after coming
from Chungliyimti. This village is many centuries old and can be of interest
to people who have a desire to peep into Ao folklores, customs and
traditions.
Tuensang
Just as Nagaland is miniature India, with so many communities and
languages. Tuensang is small Nagaland with six different tribes: Changs,
Yimchungers, Khiamniungans, Shagtams, Phoms and Semas. It is located at
1371.60 metres and at a distance of 269km from Kohima via Wokha and
Mokokchung and 235km via Zunheboto. It is connected by State Highways N.S.T.
buses ply on this route regularly. The tribes inhabiting the district are
rich in cultural heritage and their dreses are very colorful. Tuensang has
its own old World charm and there are nearby villages where one can get a
glimpse of the cultural tradition of the changs in whose land Tuensang
falls.
Longtrok : Which means six stones in Ao and Sangtam-is
located Chungliyimti 57km from Tuensang in Sangtam area. According to Ao
legend and beliefs, the first of the Ao ancestors had emerged from Longtrok.
This spot also offers a beautiful view of the towns on hilltops scattered
over the distant horizon.
Kiphere : It is situated at an altitude of 896.42metres
above sea level and is 254km from Kohima. It is home to the Sangtams,
Yimchungers and Semas. Saramati, the highest peak in Nagaland, at 3841
metres is situated in this division. It is snow clad throughout winter.
Pungro : The circle headquarters is only 36km from
Kiphere. From here it takes three days of trekking to reach Saramati peak, a
part of which falls in Myanmar(Burma). However, since Pungro is out of the
way, one can proceed to Salumi straight, and then, trek to Thanamir village
and halt there (or to Fakim through another route). The next day, one can
trek up to the Base Camp(the last water point) and rest there. On the third
day, one can climb Mt.Saramati.
Mon
Mon brings pictures of chiefs, tattooed faces of Konyaks and muzzle-loading
guns which the ingenious Konyaks manufacture. It is 357km from Kohima via
Dimapur and 280 km from Dimapur, 275km from Kohima via Mokokchung, Tamlu and
Wakching. Mon headquarters, home of the Konyaks, was established at Chen and
Mon villages land, being centrally located for the coronation of Anghs
(Chiefs). Here, one see the tattooed faces wearing feathered headgears and
traditional dresses. Konyaks are adept artisans and skilled craftsmen. Here
you find excellent woodcarvings, daos, guns, gun powder, headbrushes,
headgear, necklaces etc., made by these artisans and craftsment. It is an
exciting experience to pay a visit to Angh's house at Chui, Mon Tangnyu,
Sheangha, Chinyu, Wackching and Japoka. Konyaks are ruled by hereditary
chiefs known as Anghs and the institution og Anghship is only prevalent
among the Konyaks. The most colorful festival of the Konyaks-Aoling Monyu is
observed during the first week of April and is a spectacle worth a watch.
Shanghyu village
This village, ruled by the Chief Angh is a prominent village in Mon
district. There is a wonderful wooden monument measuring 8 feet in height
and 12 feet in breadth-believed to be constructed by heavenly angels. Human
beings and other creatures are carved on this monument. Memorial stones are
also found in front of the Angh's palace. History records that good and
friendly relationship existed between the Shangnyu and the Ahom Kings of
Assam. Shangnyu Angh used to collect taxes from all the villages under his
domain-extending from Sibasagar in Assam to the Wanchos in Arunachal
Pradesh.
Longwa Village
It is among the biggest village in the district. As the village straddles
the international boundary line, one half of the Angh's house falls within
the Indian territory and the other half lies in Myanmar. However the whole
village is controlled by the Angh and the Village Council Chairman. An
interesting feature of this village is that the Angh of the village has 60
wives and his jurisdiction extends up to Myanman and Arunachal Pradesh.
Zunheboto
It is the district headquarters of the Semas. The Semas are a martial tribe
and are known for their fighting skills. Zunheboto is at an altitude of
1,874.22 metres. It is 150km from Kohima via Chazouba and 70km from
Mokokchung. The town is spread out on clusters of hillcocks and chilly winds
and foggy mornings are a frequent occurence in this beautiful town. Sema
dances are not only colorful but rhythmic, fast-paced and are interesting to
watch. Their folks songs are melodious. Their ceremonial war dresses, some
of which, are encrusted with cowrie shells are worth a second look. Tuluni
is a festival where they thank thry thank the Almighty God when the first
produce of a particular year from their agricultural fields are collected.
It is the most important festival for a farming community. It is observed
with fanfare in the second week of July.
Satoi Range : One of the only remaining virgin forests
left in the district. It is a place of pristine beauty and quite solace.
This is the natural habitat of the Blyth's Tragopan, a rare pheasant on the
verge of extinction. During the months of April and May you will also find
rate rhododendrons adoring the hills. An ideal place of Adventure and
trekking.
Ghosu Bird Sanctuary : This is not a Sanctuary in the
right sense of the term. It is a plae where migratory birds frequent from
September. This place is entirely maintained by the village community. It is
said that, this is the habitat of more than twenty species of endangered
birds. The earlier Naga habit of rampant hunting and poaching in this area
has now been strictly prohibited by the neighbouring village communities.
Phek
Home to the Chakhesangs and Pochuries. It is 145km from Kohima. Colorful
orchids grow widly here. This area is also the habitat of Blyth's Tragopan,
a rare pheasant found in Nagaland. Chakhesangs are known for their wrestling
and robust health. Their terrace fields carved out of the hill slopes area
slight to behold. It speaks of their engineering skills. The stones and
pillars near Chesezumi on the Chazouba road tell tales of valour of the
ancient Chakesangs.
Pfutsero: This township built at an altitude of 2,133.60 metres is the
coldest and highest town in the state. It is known for its green vegetables,
such as, cabbages, spring onions and garlics. Apples are also grown around
this area. It si connected with Kohima by a 70km border road. Nagaland state
transport buses poly n this road regularly.
