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Nagaland

Land of Festivals & Warriors

Find Hotels Plan Itinerary

Best Time

Oct - May

Language

English, Nagamese

Capital

Kohima

Famous For

Hornbill Festival

Permit

ILP Required

Getting There & Around

By Air

Dimapur Airport is the only airport in Nagaland. Well connected to Kolkata, Guwahati, and Imphal.

Dimapur to Kohima: 2.5 hours by road

By Train

Dimapur Railway Station connects to major Indian cities. Pre-book taxis for onward journey.

From Guwahati: ~5-6 hours

By Road

State-run and private buses from Guwahati, Imphal, and Shillong. Shared taxis also available.

Roads: Mountain terrain, scenic

Local Transportation

Hired Taxis

Best option for sightseeing. Book through hotels or local operators.

₹2,000-3,500/day for full car

Shared Taxis (Sumo)

Local transport between towns. Economical but fixed routes.

₹100-300 per person

Auto Rickshaws

Available in Kohima and Dimapur for short distances.

₹50-150 within city

Self-Drive

Not recommended. Mountain roads, local knowledge required.

Hire experienced drivers

Weather & Climate

Winter (Nov - Feb)

4°C - 16°C

Cold and dry. Perfect for Hornbill Festival and outdoor activities.

Pack: Heavy woolens, jackets

Summer (Mar - May)

16°C - 31°C

Pleasant weather, ideal for trekking and exploring villages.

Pack: Light cottons, sun protection

Monsoon (Jun - Sep)

21°C - 28°C

Heavy rainfall. Roads may be difficult. Not recommended for travel.

Pack: Raincoats, waterproof gear

Essential Travel Tips

Inner Line Permit (ILP)

Mandatory for all non-Nagaland residents (Indians and foreigners)

  • Apply online: ilp.nagaland.gov.in
  • Available at airports/railway stations
  • Fee: ₹50 for Indians, ₹100 for foreigners
  • Valid for 10 days, extendable

Health & Safety

Basic precautions for mountain travel

  • Carry basic medications
  • Drink bottled/boiled water only
  • Medical facilities limited in remote areas
  • Travel insurance recommended

Best Practices

Make your trip smoother

  • Book accommodations in advance
  • Hire local guides for remote areas
  • Learn basic Nagamese phrases
  • Pack layers for changing weather

Money & Banking

Limited ATMs in remote areas

  • Carry sufficient cash
  • ATMs available in Kohima, Dimapur
  • Cards accepted in major hotels only
  • Digital payments limited in villages

Connectivity

Internet and mobile coverage can be patchy

  • Airtel, BSNL, Jio work best
  • Limited connectivity in remote areas
  • Download offline maps beforehand
  • Inform family about limited contact

Cultural Etiquette

Respect local customs and traditions

  • Ask permission before photographing locals
  • Dress modestly in villages
  • Don't touch sacred objects or symbols
  • Be respectful during traditional ceremonies

Emergency Contacts

Police

100

Ambulance

108

Tourist Helpline

0370-229-0511

Must-Visit Attractions

Hornbill Festival

Hornbill Festival

The "Festival of Festivals" - a 10-day cultural extravaganza showcasing all Naga tribes, traditional dances, music, sports, food, and crafts. Held annually Dec 1-10 at Kisama Heritage Village.

Cultural Festival December
Kisama Village, 12km from Kohima
Dzukou Valley

Dzukou Valley

Known as the "Valley of Flowers of Northeast India". Trek through breathtaking landscapes covered with seasonal flowers, especially beautiful during June-September monsoons.

Trekking Nature Photography
30km from Kohima (trek required)
Kohima War Cemetery

Kohima War Cemetery

A solemn memorial dedicated to soldiers of the 2nd British Division who died in World War II's Battle of Kohima (April-June 1944). Well-maintained with beautiful gardens and epitaphs.

Historical Memorial WWII
Kohima City Center
Nagaland State Museum

Nagaland State Museum

Houses extensive collection of artifacts from various Naga tribes including traditional costumes, weapons, musical instruments, and archaeological findings providing deep insights into Naga culture.

Museum Culture Heritage
Bayavu Hill, Kohima

Local Cuisine & Food

Smoked Pork

Traditional smoked pork with bamboo shoot curry - a Naga staple

Bamboo Shoot

Fermented bamboo shoots used in various curries and dishes

Axone

Fermented soybean paste with distinctive flavor and aroma

Galho

Naga-style rice porridge with vegetables and meat

Where to Eat in Kohima

Dream Café

Popular spot for continental and Naga cuisine. Great ambiance and coffee.

PR Hill, Kohima ₹300-500

Bamboo Hut

Authentic Naga tribal dishes in traditional bamboo setting.

Main Town, Kohima ₹250-400

Taste of Nagaland

Family restaurant serving traditional Naga and Northeast Indian food.

NST Colony ₹200-350

Local Market Stalls

Try street food and local delicacies for authentic experience.

Various locations ₹50-150

Best Hotels to Stay

Hotel Japfu

Hotel Japfu

4.5

Kohima

Mountain View
Restaurant & Bar
Free WiFi
Room Service
Starting from
₹3,500/night
Book Now
The Heritage

The Heritage

4.3

Dimapur

Spa & Wellness
Garden View
Conference Hall
Airport Shuttle
Starting from
₹4,200/night
Book Now
Razhu Pru

Razhu Pru

4.7

Kisama Village

Traditional Homestay
Local Cuisine
Cultural Experience
Bonfire Nights
Starting from
₹5,000/night
Book Now

Hotel Booking Tips

Book Early for Hornbill

Hotels fill up 2-3 months in advance during Hornbill Festival (Dec 1-10)

Try Homestays

Authentic experience with local families, usually more affordable

Check Connectivity

WiFi can be slow in remote areas, confirm availability if needed

Direct Bookings

Many hotels offer better rates for direct calls/WhatsApp bookings

Suggested Itineraries

3-4 Days Kohima Essentials

Perfect for first-time visitors who want to experience the highlights of Nagaland's capital and nearby attractions.

Day 1

Arrival & Kohima Exploration

  • Morning: Arrive in Dimapur, drive to Kohima (74km, 2.5hrs)
  • Check-in to hotel and lunch
  • Afternoon: Visit Kohima War Cemetery
  • Evening: Explore local market and State Museum
Day 2

Dzukou Valley Trek

  • Early morning: Start trek to Dzukou Valley (4-5 hours)
  • Enjoy valley views, seasonal flowers
  • Photography and lunch at valley
  • Trek back in evening
Day 3

Village Experience

  • Visit Khonoma Green Village (Asia's first green village)
  • Interact with locals, learn about Angami culture
  • Traditional Naga lunch
  • Shop for handicrafts and shawls
Day 4

Departure

  • Morning: Last-minute shopping
  • Optional: Visit Kohima Cathedral
  • Afternoon: Drive to Dimapur and departure

Estimated Budget

Accommodation: ₹10,000 - ₹15,000
Food: ₹3,000 - ₹5,000
Transport: ₹5,000 - ₹7,000
Activities: ₹2,000 - ₹3,000
Total: ₹20,000 - ₹30,000 per person

Gallery

Hornbill Festival Cultural Performance
Dzukou Valley Landscape
Traditional Naga Culture
Kohima City View

Capturing the essence of Nagaland's vibrant culture and breathtaking landscapes

Frequently Asked Questions