The capital of Nagaland is Kohima.
Northeast India is indeed a treasure that is yet to be fully explored, and one of the many gems of that region is Nagaland. Popularly known as the ‘Land of Festivals’, this state is home to numerous tribes, thereby adding to its rich cultural heritage. This mountainous state shares its borders with Myanmar and blesses visitors with breathtaking natural landscapes, all of which you can explore with Travel Guru’ Nagaland tour packages. Let’s do a deep dive into the art, history, culture, cuisine, shopping scene, and tourist attractions of the state so you can understand why you must book a trip to Nagaland immediately.
Northeast India is indeed a treasure that is yet to be fully explored, and one of the many gems of that region is Nagaland. Popularly known as the ‘Land of Festivals’, this state is home to numerous tribes, thereby adding to its rich cultural heritage. This mountainous state shares its borders with Myanmar and blesses visitors with breathtaking natural landscapes, all of which you can explore with Travel Guru’ Nagaland tour packages. Let’s do a deep dive into the art, history, culture, cuisine, shopping scene, and tourist attractions of the state so you can understand why you must book a trip to Nagaland immediately.
The British East India Company began to establish their control over the region of Northeast India during the 19th century, including Nagaland. The Naga Hills region was annexed by the British, and new administrative systems were implemented, which were in contrast with the existing tribal governance. The spread of Western education and the popularity of Christianity as a religion, too, took place because of the presence of the British. The Nagas, with the aim of conserving their tribal autonomy, tried to resist control from external forces, which led to the creation of an individual political identity. The Naga National Council (NNC) was formed in February 1946 in order to unite all the Naga tribes under a single umbrella. Due to the ongoing Naga insurgency, the integration of Nagaland into the Indian Union was difficult following the independence of India in 1947. However, discussions were held between the Government of India and the leaders of Nagaland, which eventually led to Nagaland being granted statehood. In 1963, Nagaland officially became the 16th state of India.
| Category | Details |
| State | Nagaland |
| Capital City | Kohima |
| Currency | The Indian Rupee (INR) |
| High season | October to March |
| State Flower | Rhododendron |
| Standard Voltage | 230 volts |
| State Animal | Mithun |
| Languages | Official: English; Unofficial: Angami, Ao, Konyak |
| Famous Tourist Attractions | Kohima War Cemetery, Dzukou Valley, Japfu Peak, Nagaland State Museum, Kachari Ruins, Naga Heritage Village, Ntangki Wildlife Sanctuary |
| Things To Do | Trekking, camping, boating, mountain biking |
| Famous Food | Smoked pork with bamboo shoot, axone curry, galho, samuthu, aikibeye, Naga-style fish with bamboo shoot, zutho |
| Places To Visit | Dimapur, Kohima, Mokokchung, Mon |
| Souvenirs To Buy | Shawls, jewellery, Naga dao, wood carvings, bamboo and cane handicrafts |
Listed below are the top reasons to book Travel Guru’ Nagaland tour packages:
Nagaland is filled with alluring natural landscapes that are among the best reasons to grab our Nagaland tour packages. Visit the Dzukou Valley, which is popularly known as the ‘Valley of Flowers of the Northeast’. The valley is brimming with lush meadows, serene hills, and blooming flowers. Make your way to Japfu Peak, which is the highest point in the Barail Range in Northeast India. The slopes of this mountain are also known to have the tallest recorded rhododendron tree in the world. Witness the beauty of wildlife in Nagaland at the Ntangki Wildlife Sanctuary, which is home to creatures such as tigers, clouded leopards, wild dogs, and the Asian elephant.
Getting to taste the unique and mouthwatering dishes of Nagaland is surely among the best reasons to book our Nagaland tour packages. The state’s cuisine is known for its strong flavours, fresh and local ingredients, and simplicity. Rooted in tribal traditions, the dishes are prepared using very little oil and spices, thereby allowing the natural taste of the ingredients to come through. Some of the common cooking methods employed are fermenting, boiling, and smoking, thereby lending an earthy fragrance to the dishes. Naga cuisine makes use of local chillies, especially bhut jolokia, which is one of the hottest chillies in the world. Other common ingredients used in Naga dishes are fermented bamboo shoots, wild herbs, and fermented soybeans. Rice is a staple presence across the households of Nagaland, and it’s usually served alongside vegetable curries, meat, and fish. Pork is a beloved go-to ingredient among the locals and tourists of the state and is often cooked over firewood or prepared with bamboo shoots.
Nagaland is a delightful potpourri of interesting cities, towns, and villages, all of which you can explore with our Nagaland tour packages. There is the capital city of Dimapur that you absolutely must visit to witness popular tourist attractions such as the Kachari Ruins. Our tour guide will also take you to the second-largest city in Nagaland, which is Kohima. Witness a crucial piece of history in the city in the form of the Kohima War Cemetery. Learn all about the cultural and historical importance of the town of Mokokchung, which has been given the title of the ‘Land of Pioneers’.
The distinct and rich culture of the region is yet another reason to get our Nagaland tour packages. Witness the colourful festivals of the state that celebrate the existence of various tribes. The Hornbill Festival, in particular, is one you absolutely must experience. Bring back a piece of Nagaland’s culture through its souvenirs, such as its bamboo and cane products, wood carvings, and tribal jewellery. Visit the Nagaland State Museum to learn about the eclectic nature of the Naga tribes. Explore the Naga Heritage Village, which aims to conserve the traditions of the diverse tribes of Nagaland.
Let’s take a look at what each season in the state brings about so you can accordingly decide when to grab Travel Guru’ Nagaland tour packages:
During the summer season, the temperature in Nagaland usually ranges between 16 degrees Celsius and 30 degrees Celsius. The weather is moderately hot at this time, along with humidity. This is a good time to engage in adventure sports, such as trekking, with our Nagaland tour packages. Moatsu Festival is a celebration you can witness in the state during this season. Make sure to carry sunglasses, sunscreen, and comfortable clothes.
The temperature range during the monsoon season in Nagaland usually oscillates between 21 degrees Celsius and 35 degrees Celsius. You can expect heavy rainfall and high levels of humidity in the state during the monsoon months. The rain can cause issues such as landslides, which makes sightseeing difficult. Since this is the off-season, you can get some discounts on our Nagaland tour packages. The heavy rain transforms the landscape of Nagaland into a lush green heaven. Remember to carry umbrellas, waterproof gear, and sturdy boots.
As Nagaland welcomes the winter season, the temperature fluctuates between 4 degrees Celsius and 24 degrees Celsius. In regions of higher elevation, there could be frost along with intermittent snowfall. Activities such as trekking and bird watching are common in Nagaland during the winter months. You can experience the famous Hornbill Festival at this time with our Nagaland tour packages.
Dimapur is the largest city in Nagaland and the commercial hub of the state. It serves as the administrative headquarters for the Dimapur district in Nagaland. Dimapur once functioned as the ancient capital of the Kachari tribe. The city gets its name from the Kachari dialect, where ‘di’ means ‘river’, ‘ma’ means ‘big’ or ‘great’, and ‘pur’ means ‘city’. The combination of these words means ‘the city near the great river’. The ‘great river’ in this context refers to the Dhansiri River. As you explore Dimapur with Travel Guru’ Nagaland tour packages, the spots you can visit include Kachari Ruins, Triple Falls, Nagaland Science Centre, and Rangapahar Reserve Forest.
Kohima is the capital of Nagaland and also the second-largest city in the state. The city witnessed one of the most savage battles ever fought in the country, which was the Battle of Kohima. The Kohima War Cemetery is a memorial that was built to honour the lives of the brave warriors who died fighting during this battle in World War II. The alluring wilderness of Nagaland finds its centre in Kohima through the presence of sanctuaries such as the Intanki Wildlife Sanctuary and Pulie Badze Wildlife Sanctuary.
Mokokchung is a town located in the northern part of Nagaland. It is popularly known as the ‘Land of Pioneers’ because it has a history of leading numerous social movements. It was the first region in the state that embraced Christianity and Western education, which was primarily led by Nagaland’s Ao Naga tribe. The people of the town celebrate festivals like Moatsu and Tsungremong with plenty of pomp and glory. Some of the best places to visit in the Mokokchung district with our Nagaland tour packages include Alempang Baptist Church, Langpangkong Caves, the Longkhum Village, and the Ungma Village.
Mon is the northernmost district of Nagaland and also the second-largest district in the state. Back in the day, the district served as a major hub of trade and commerce. Mon is home to the Konyak Nagas, who are the largest of the officially recognised tribes in the state. History remembers this tribe as fierce headhunters, and they are also known for their facial tattoos and their work with woodcarvings. When you visit this intriguing district with our Nagaland tour packages, make sure to explore the Longwa Village, Shangnyu Village, and Chenloisho Village.
When you grab Travel Guru’ Nagaland tour packages, these are some of the places you can explore and activities you can participate in:
The Kohima War Cemetery is located in the city of Kohima in Nagaland. It was built in honour of the soldiers of the 2nd British Division of the Allied Forces who lost their lives during the Second World War during the Battle of Kohima. The British National Army Museum declared the battles of Imphal and Kohima as ‘Britain’s Greatest Battle’ during a poll conducted in 2013. There is an epitaph at the Kohima War Cemetery that says, ‘When you go home, tell them of us and say, for your tomorrow, we gave our today.’ The Commonwealth War Graves Commission (CWGC) is responsible for maintaining the cemetery, which has the graves of 1,420 soldiers, including those who were Indian, British, and African.
The Dzukou Valley is situated on the border of Nagaland and Manipur. Perched at a height of approximately 2,450 metres above sea level, the valley is widely known as the ‘Valley of Flowers of the Northeast’. As you explore this beauty with our Nagaland tour packages, you will come across lush green meadows, rolling hills, seasonal flowers, and crystal-clear streams. The Dzukou Valley is believed to have gotten its name from the Dzukou River, which translates to ‘cold waters’ in the local language. Some of the activities to enjoy at this spot include trekking, hiking, and camping.
The Japfu Peak, which stands tall at a height of 3,048 metres above sea level, is one of the most mesmerising sites to witness with Travel Guru’ Nagaland tour packages. It’s known to be the second-highest peak in Nagaland and the highest point in the Barail Range in Northeast India. The world’s tallest recorded rhododendron tree is said to be located on the slopes of Mount Japfu. This tree also made it to the Guinness World Records for this very reason.
The Nagaland State Museum is situated on the Bayavu Hill in the city of Kohima. The rare collection of articles in the museum reflects the diverse and rich cultures of the various tribes residing in Nagaland. The museum is home to inscriptions, precious stones, necklaces, traditional attire, and motifs related to different clans. The Nagaland State Museum remains open to the public from 10 am to 4 pm every week from Tuesday to Sunday. It was first opened to the public in November 1970. It’s one of the two museums in the state that’s maintained by Nagaland’s Directorate of Art and Culture.
The Kachari Ruins, also known as the Dimasa Kachari Ruins and Kachari Rajbari, are situated in the city of Dimapur. These archaeological ruins serve as remnants and fragments of the Kachari Kingdom which flourished in Northeast India from approximately the 10th century to the 13th century. A unique feature of these ruins is a row of mushroom-domed pillars that were made from sandstone. These pillars have intricate motifs containing floral designs, geometric patterns, and animal figures.
The Naga Heritage Village, which is also known as Kisama Heritage Village, is located approximately 10 km from the city of Kohima. The aim behind the creation of the village was to showcase and preserve the traditions, heritage, and culture of the different tribes of Nagaland. The name ‘Kisama’ is derived from the combination of the neighbouring villages, Kigwema and Phesama, with ‘ma’ translating to ‘village’ in the local language. The location serves as the venue for the renowned Hornbill Festival.
The Ntangki Wildlife Sanctuary in Nagaland, also known as the Intanki National Park, is situated about 35 km from the city of Dimapur. Sprawled over an area of 202 sq km, it was declared a reserved forest in 1923. After being designated as a wildlife sanctuary in 1975, it was later upgraded to the status of a national park in 1993. Some of the different kinds of animals you can spot at this spot are sloth bears, tigers, flying squirrel, pythons, wild dogs, golden langur, clouded leopard, hoolock gibbons, and the Asian elephant.
The following are the souvenirs to buy from Nagaland and the places to shop from with Travel Guru’ Nagaland tour packages:
The traditional shawls sold in Nagaland are a symbol of one’s achievements, status, and tribal identity. These are available in various motifs, colours, and unique designs.
If you’re a jewellery lover, then you must check out the tribal jewellery sold in the state. Naga jewellery is made using different materials, such as beads, stones, glass, brass, and shells. These usually feature bold colours and vibrant patterns.
Wood carving in Nagaland is an ancient craft connected to the cultural, social, and spiritual life of the tribal communities of the region. Known for its intricate craftsmanship, there are various kinds of objects available in this category, such as utensils, masks, and decorative panels.
The bamboo and cane handicrafts of Nagaland are a symbol of the region’s sustainable artistry. The various kinds of handicrafts to choose from include mugs, mats, trays, baskets, and lampshades. These eco-friendly objects are lightweight and perfect for practical purposes.
The Naga dao is a multipurpose blade used by the Naga tribes, and it’s also sold as a souvenir. It can be used as a tool, a weapon, and a utility knife. The object is used in the region for activities such as woodcarving and farming.
Let’s recommend some of the most delicious dishes you absolutely must try out during your trip with Travel Guru’ Nagaland tour packages:
One of the most iconic dishes of Nagaland is smoked pork with bamboo shoot. The smokiness of the pork perfectly complements the tangy and sharp flavours of the fermented or dried bamboo shoots. The pork is smoked over a wood fire, thereby lending it a rustic aroma. Some of the ingredients that go into making this dish include garlic, ginger, king chilli, and onions.
Axone (or akhuni) refers to fermented soybean, which is a popular part of Nagaland’s cuisine. The curry can be made either with vegetables or with meat such as beef or pork. The presence of axone lends the dish an intense aroma and a unique umami flavour. The other ingredients incorporated into the dish include garlic, ginger, tomatoes, and Naga king chilli.
Galho is a soupy concoction that resembles rice porridge and is considered to be a comfort food in the state. Having originated mainly from the Angami and Chakhesang tribes of Nagaland, one can think of it as the khichdi version of the region. The mixture of rice, vegetables, and meat makes this dish both healthy and delicious.
Samuthu is a slow-cooked, fiery curry made using smoked pork. It is said to have originated from the Sema/Sumi tribe of the region. The tangy and smoky flavour of the dish is derived from the inclusion of ginger, garlic, bamboo shoot vinegar, and local Naga chillies. In order to make the dish, the pork is slow-cooked till the texture becomes tender, hence allowing the smokiness to sink into the flavour of the curry.
Aikibeye is yet another traditional dish that is primarily associated with Nagaland’s Sema/Sumi tribe. The main ingredients of this vegetarian dish are colocasia roots and mustard leaves. Made using very little salt and no added spices, it has an earthy flavour and a thick consistency. It is usually served alongside steamed rice and serves as a nourishing and hearty meal.
An encounter with Nagaland’s food is incomplete without trying out the famous and beloved fish with bamboo shoot. Freshwater fish are used for this delicacy, where the fish is stuffed inside a bamboo tube. Local herbs are used in the recipe, and the fish is smoked over an open flame. The oil-free dish is best enjoyed with steamed rice.
Zutho is a traditional rice beer that’s popular among both the residents of Nagaland and the tourists who visit the region. It originated primarily from the Angami and Chakhesang tribes of the state, and this fermented beverage is mildly alcoholic. The drink is particularly enjoyed during the Hornbill Festival, where you will find people drinking the beverage from bamboo cups.
The rich cultural heritage of Nagaland is evident in numerous forms, including its cuisine, tribal communities, and festivals. Nagaland is inhabited by multiple tribes. Before the British came to India, these tribes lived in the villages located the region’s hilly terrain. Each tribe had its unique language and culture, with their way of living deeply connected to nature. Some of the major Naga tribes are the Angamis, the Konyaks, the Lotha Nagas, the Sumi, and the Ao people.
Several festivals are celebrated in Nagaland throughout the year. You can experience them with our Nagaland tour packages, depending on when you make your booking. One of the most popular festivals in the state is the Hornbill Festival. Often known as the ‘Festival of Festivals’, it’s meant to celebrate the cultural heritage of the Naga tribes. It takes place every year from 1st to 10th December at the Naga Heritage Village near the city of Kohima. The festival took place for the first time in 2000 and was meant to be initiated on the same day as the Nagaland Statehood Day. Some of the other grand festivals held in Nagaland include Aoling Festival, Moatsu, and Tuluni.
The capital of Nagaland is Kohima.
We would recommend you set aside at least five to seven days for a trip to Nagaland.
Indian tourists require an Inner Line Permit (ILP) to visit Nagaland.
Nagaland is known for many things, such as its rich culture, gorgeous landscapes, tribal heritage, delicious food, and diverse villages.
While snowfall is not common in Nagaland, the state received unexpected snow after 37 years in 2019.
Christianity is the dominant religion in Nagaland, and some of the other religions that exist in Nagaland are Hinduism, Islam, and Buddhism.
Nagaland officially became an Indian state in 1963.
Nagaland shares its eastern international border with Myanmar.
The Hornbill Festival is celebrated in Nagaland in the month of December.
Nagaland passed the Nagaland Liquor Total Prohibition Act in 1989. Therefore, the sale, possession, and consumption of liquor are officially prohibited in Nagaland under state law.
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