Nagaland
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Nagaland

Hornbill country

Photo: Samudra Bikash Hazarika, CC BY-SA 4.0
Capital

Kohima

Best time to visit

October to May; early December for Hornbill

Getting there

Fly or take a train to Dimapur, then a 3-hour drive to Kohima. Indian visitors need an Inner Line Permit.

Ideal trip

4 to 6 days to cover the highlights

About Nagaland

Nagaland is home to many Naga tribes, each with its own festivals, crafts and food. December's Hornbill Festival brings them together.

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Popular cities in Nagaland

Been to any? Mark them on your India travel map.

DimapurKhonomaKohimaMokokchungMon

Top places in Nagaland

Hornbill Festival, KisamaPhoto: Sarangakrishnachetia, CC BY-SA 4.0

Hornbill Festival, Kisama

A 10-day festival from 1 December with dances, games, crafts and food from every tribe.

Best time: 1 to 10 DecemberBase: Kohima2 daysCultureFood
Directions
From Wikipedia

Hornbill Festival is an annual festival celebrated from 1 to 10 of December in the Northeastern Indian state of Nagaland. The festival represents all ethnic groups of Nagaland for which it is also called the Festival of Festivals.

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Video by DD India on YouTube

Kohima War CemeteryPhoto: PP Yoonus, CC BY-SA 3.0

Kohima War Cemetery

A moving memorial to the 1944 Battle of Kohima.

Best time: October to MayBase: Kohima1 dayHeritage
Directions
From Wikipedia

Kohima War Cemetery is a memorial dedicated to soldiers of the 2nd British Division of the Allied Forces who died in the Second World War at Kohima, the capital of the Indian state of Nagaland in April 1944. The soldiers died on the battleground of Garrison Hill in the tennis court area of the Deputy Commissioner's residence.

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Video by Digital India Learning on YouTube

DimapurPhoto: PP Yoonus, CC BY-SA 3.0

Dimapur

The Kachari ruins of mushroom-shaped monoliths and the commercial gateway to Nagaland.

Best time: October to AprilBase: Dimapur1 dayHeritageCity
Directions
From Wikipedia

Dimapur is the largest city and municipality in the Indian state of Nagaland. As of 2024, the municipality had a population of 172,000. The city is the main gateway and commercial centre of Nagaland. It is located near the border with Assam, along the banks of the Dhansiri River. Its main railway station is the second busiest station in Northeast India.

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Dzukou ValleyHidden gemPhoto: Samudra Bikash Hazarika, CC BY-SA 4.0

Dzukou Valley

Rolling green hills on the Nagaland-Manipur border, famous for seasonal lilies. A popular overnight trek.

Best time: June to SeptemberBase: Kohima2 daysNatureAdventure
Directions
From Wikipedia

The Dzukou Valley is a high-altitude valley in Northeast India, straddling the inter-state border of the states of Nagaland and Manipur. Lying behind Mount Japfü at an elevation between 2,438 and 2,452 m above sea level in the Kohima and Senapati districts, it is known for its rolling meadows, seasonal wildflowers and rich biodiversity, and is among the most popular trekking destinations in northeastern India.

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Video by Savvy Fernweh on YouTube

KhonomaHidden gemPhoto: Ly.n0m, CC BY-SA 4.0

Khonoma

A green Angami village known for its conservation efforts and terraced fields.

Best time: October to MayBase: Kohima1 dayCultureNature
Directions
From Wikipedia

Khonoma is a Western Angami Naga village located about 20 km west from Kohima, the capital of the Indian state of Nagaland. The village is referred to as Khwüno-ra. The total population of the village is about 1,943, settled in 424 households. It is the first green village in India and Asia.

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Video by Shiva Tells on YouTube

MokokchungHidden gemPhoto: User:Wantnothing, Public domain

Mokokchung

The cultural heart of the Ao Nagas, with hilltop villages like Ungma and the Moatsu festival in May.

Best time: October to MayBase: Mokokchung2 daysCulture
Directions
From Wikipedia

Mokokchung is a municipality in the Mokokchung District of the Indian state of Nagaland. It serves as the district headquarters as well as the main urban hub of Mokokchung District. Mokokchung is the cultural nerve centre of the Ao people and is economically and politically the most important urban centre in northern Nagaland. The town is made up of 16 wards, of which Kumlong, Sangtemla, Alempang and Yimyu are the largest.

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Japfu PeakHidden gemPhoto: Alono Thorie, CC BY-SA 4.0

Japfu Peak

Nagaland's second-highest peak above Kohima, known for one of the tallest rhododendron trees.

Best time: October to MayBase: Kohima1 dayAdventureMountains
Directions
From Wikipedia

Mount Japfü is a mountain peak of the Barail Range, located in Kohima District of Nagaland in India, about 15 kilometres south of Kohima, the capital of Nagaland.

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LongwaHidden gemPhoto: Avantikac98, CC BY-SA 4.0

Longwa

A Konyak village where the chief's house sits on the India-Myanmar border.

Best time: October to AprilBase: Mon2 daysCulture
Directions
From Wikipedia

Lungwa, also known as Longwa, is a Konyak Naga village located in India and Myanmar that straddles both sides in the Mon District of the Indian state of Nagaland and the Naga Self-Administered Zone of the Sagaing Region of Myanmar. The Lungwa Angh's house is situated in the middle of the border of India and Myanmar. One half of the Angh's house falls within Indian territory, whereas the other half lies under Myanmar control. However, the whole village is controlled by the Angh.

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Food to try

Smoked pork with bamboo shoot, axone (fermented soybean), galho, raja mircha chilli

Where to stay

Kohima as the base, village homestays in Khonoma and Mon

Getting around

Fly or train to Dimapur, then a 3-hour drive to Kohima

Good to know

Indian visitors need an Inner Line Permit. Book Hornbill Festival stays months in advance.

Nagaland: quick answers

What is the best time to visit Nagaland?

October to May; early December for Hornbill

How do I reach Nagaland?

Fly or take a train to Dimapur, then a 3-hour drive to Kohima. Indian visitors need an Inner Line Permit.

How many days do I need for Nagaland?

Plan 4 to 6 days to see the highlights, such as Hornbill Festival, Kisama, Kohima War Cemetery, Dimapur.

What food should I try in Nagaland?

Smoked pork with bamboo shoot, axone (fermented soybean), galho, raja mircha chilli

Where should I stay in Nagaland?

Kohima as the base, village homestays in Khonoma and Mon

Neighbouring states

Timings, fees, permits and road conditions change. Please check official sources before you travel.