Each of the 16 odd tribes and sub-tribes, that dwell in this exotic hill state, can be easily distinguished by the colourful and intricately designed costumes, jewellery and beads, peculiar to each. The present generation of the Nagas (the people of Nagaland) has also ventured into fashion designing in a big way.

Nagaland is blessed with salubrious climate throughout the year. For the adventurous and the intrepid, Nagaland is the place for trekking, rock climbing, and jungle camping.

Prime Sites :

• Kohima :
  The state capital, Kohima, is located on National Highway No.39, less than three hours drive from Dimapur. Kohima is a picturesque hill station perched at an altitude of 1,495 metres above sea level. The Japanese beat a retreat from Kohima during the Second World War, and the War Cemetery is a symbolic memorial raised to commemorate the supreme sacrifices made by the officers. The Catholic Cathedral at Aradura Hill is an important landmark, as it happens to be one of the largest cathedrals in the entire north-east and houses the biggest cross in the country, made of wood.
  1. Nagaland State Museum :
     The State Museum in Kohima treasures a rare collection of articles of different tribes which speak about the history and traditions of the Nagas.

  2. Sales Emporium :
     Located in the heart of Kohima, the emporium sells a variety of Naga art and handicraft items.

  3. Zoological Park :
     The zoo in Kohima has some rare species of animals and birds, including the rare Blythe's Tragopan.

• Intangki Wildlife Sanctuary :
  Located at a distance of 37 km from Dimapur, this sanctuary has some rare species of birds.
• Khonoma :
  Around 10 kms from Kohima, lies the village of Khonoma, that is steeped in tales of valour and gallantry. The Khonoma gate relates the story of British infiltration into Naga Hills.

• Dzukou Valley :
  Situated at an altitude of 2,438 m, it is 30 km to the south of Kohima. Lilies in white and yellow and a hundred of other flowers in varied colours adorn the valley. This is one of the best trekking spots in the north-eastern region.

• Japfu Peak :
  Located at an altitude of 3,048 m above sea level is the second highest peak in Kohima, Japfu Peak. Apart from providing a fabulous view of Kohima, Japfu is also ideal for trekking and scaling.

• Mokokchung and Zunheboto :
  located 160 and 150 kms respectively from Kohima, are picturesque towns, worth a visit. Mokokchung is a major cultural centre of the Ao Nagas.

• Dimapur :
  Perched at a height of 195 m above sea level is Dimapur, a major commercial centre of Nagaland. Dimapur is the only airport in the state and is well connected with the neighbouring states by National Highway No.39. In the very heart of the town can be seen the relics of the ancient Kachari Kingdom. Just 5 kms away, on the Dimapur-Kohima Road is ruzaphema, a place tailor-made for tourists, with its vibrant bazaars and plethora of unique tribal handicrafts.

• Shilloi Lake :
  Also known as the Lachem Lake, it lies on the lower slopes of the hills running along the Myanmar border in Phek district of Nagaland. Spread over 0.25 to 0.30 sq. km, the lake has the shape of a footprint.

• Mount Totsu :
  Situated at an altitude of 1250 m, it is in the district of Wokha, which is 80 km form Kohima. It is an ideal place for rock climbing.

• Liphanyan Governor's Camp :
  Located at a distance of 43 km from Dimapur, this place with the river Doyang flowing nearby is an ideal spot for rafting, angling, and picnics.

• Satoi Range :
  One of the only few remaining virgin forests left in the Zunheboto districts, it is a place of pristine beauty. This place is the natural habitat of the Blythe's Tragopan, a rare bird on the verge of extinction. With rare rhododendrons adorning the hills, it is an ideal place for outdoor camping and trekking.

• Wildlife :
  The Fakim Sanctuary close to the Myanmar border receives high rainfall and is home to tigers and hoolock gibbons, and the tragopan pheasant. The Pulie Badze Sanctuary also lies near Kohima.

  Located at a distance of 8 km from the Zunheboto district headquarters, Ghosu Bird Sanctuary is maintained solely by the village community. It houses more than twenty species of endangered birds. Migratory birds can be sighted from June to September.

How To Get There

All foreign tourists require Restricted Area Permits from the Ministry of Home Affairs, Government of India, South Block, New Delhi.

• Air: Dimapur is the only airport in Nagaland, and is connected to New Delhi and Calcutta.
• Rail: Dimapur is also an important railhead, on the main line of the North-eastern Frontier Railway.
• Road: Buses of the Nagaland State Transport ply regularly from Dimapur to Guwahati, and Shillong.

• New Delhi
  29, Aurangazeb Road,
  New Delhi
  Tel : 3010455

• Kohima
  Directorate of Tourism,
  Kohima
  Tel : ( 0370 ) 22214, 21607