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Hardly explored… sitting comfortably with the eastern frontiers of the Himalayas, Kohima is a land known for its striking virgin beauty. The capital of Nagaland, a land known for its thick woods, picturesque hills, and exotic tribes; Kohima makes a wonderful getaway for those looking forward to enjoying a relaxed laid back holiday amidst peace and tranquility.

Originally known as Thigoma and later Kewhira, which translates to ‘the land where the Kewhi (flower) grows; its name was changed to Kohima by the British; after the state was conquered by them. Later Kohima was declared the capital of Nagaland, after being declared a state in 1963.

Rich in flora, fauna and history; this city provides some interesting attractions, some of which include the Commonweatlh War Cemetery or the Kohima Memorial. A beautiful memorial, maintained by the Commonwealth War Graves Commission, it commemorates the sacrifices made by thousands of soldiers during World War II. Here one can find markers for each of the brave men who laid down their lives along with their names and the moving inscription on a bronze plaque ‘When you go home/ tell them of us and say/ For your tomorrow / We gave our today’.

Nagaland is proudly acklowlegded as the home of some of the bravest warriors and exotic tribes; a fact that be mirrored by the knowledge that it took nearly four decades for the British to conquer this tiny state. The Kohima Museum is a great place to find out about the lifestyles, culture and habits of the sixteen tribes that live here. From weapons to ancestral jewellery, precious stones, traditional costumes, musical instruments, and various artifacts, the museum is home to it all including Naga Morung the models of the various huts used by the tribes here.

The Cathedral at Aradrah Hill that sports a unique blend of aboriginal and modern architectural styles is another prominent landmark of the city and is also the largest Catholic Church of north east India.

Credited to being the second biggest village in Asia, Barra Basti or the Kohimo Village is known for its traditionally carved ceremonial gates that provide access to city’s highest point.

Also called the ‘Valley of thermal charm’, the Dzoko Valley located at an altitude of 2438 m above sea level is known for the thrilling trekking trails. Sitting pretty amidst rhododendrons, lilies, and other seasonal wild flowers, this valley is surely one of the most beautiful valleys of the state, where tourists can enjoy nature at its very best.

At 3048 m above sea level, Japfu Peak approx.15 km from Kohima is Nagaland’s second highest peak that even finds its mention in the Guinness Book of World Records as it is home to the tallest Rhododendron tree that stands at over 109 feet tall with the girth of its base measuring over 11 feet. Besides the tree this peak is also known for its lush greenery and picturesque trekking trails.

Another interesting excursion is Mokochung for its Fusen kei and Mongzu ki caves. The Longlanpa Tsungrem Shrines en route to Longkhum along with the Longritzu Lenden and Tangkum Marok Springs here make wonderful attractions.

Enveloped by lush sub-tropical forests, Dzulekie 40 km from Kohima at an altitude of 2133 m above sea level is another wonderful excursion that makes a great picnic spot; the forest here along with the forests of the Satoi range are home to the rare Blythe’s tragopan a species that is on the verge of extinction.

Apart from the stunning flora, Nagaland is also home to some exotic fauna, the Intangki Wildlife Sanctuary and the Zoological Park being ideal places to enjoy the fauna of the state. Some species spotted here include the tragopan, rare hoolok gibbon, mithun a species of wild buffaloes, tigers, elephants, sambhar, barking deer, hornbill, sloth bear and many more. The Zoo carved off a hill has been effectively designed to create natural space for the animals within the zoo to move about.

While the land is one that can’t help but mesmerize anyone touring, a special mention must be made of local tribes who welcome all with hospitality. While November to March are the best months to visit the state/ city, visiting Nagaland during any festival proves to be extremely rewarding for  tourists as they get a glimpse of the tribe’s culture and lifestyles. Some important festivals that are celebrated here include Angami Festival Sekrenya (25^th February), Zeliang Festivals – Hega and Chega Gadi, Rengma Festival Ngada (last week – November) and last but not the least the Hornbill festival that is a celebration of the Naga culture, bringing together all the tribes with a celebration of food, music and dance.

Rich in art and crafts, no trip here is complete without indulging in the amazing crafts churned out by the state’s skilled craftsmen. From furniture to beautiful bamboo baskets, bags, shawls, jackets and more, shopping here is an absolute delight!

A city known for its enchanting attractions, breathtaking lakes, majestic peaks, rolling valleys, this unexplored tourist destination is one that will provide tourists with several beautiful memories that can be cherished for a lifetime!