Nagaland

About Nagaland

Nagaland is the state of India, lying in the hills and mountains of the northeastern part of the country. It is one of the smaller states of India. Nagaland is bounded by the Indian states of Arunachal Pradesh to the northeast, Manipur to the south, and Assam to the west and northwest and the country of Myanmar (Burma) to the east

Forests cover about one-sixth of Nagaland. Below 4,000 feet (1,220 metres) are tropical and subtropical evergreen forests, containing palms, rattan, and bamboo, as well as valuable timber species (notably mahogany). Coniferous forests are found at higher elevations. Areas cleared for jhum (shifting cultivation) have a secondary growth of high grass, reeds, and scrub jungle.Elephants, tigers, leopards, bears, several kinds of monkeys, sambar deer, buffalo, wild oxen, and the occasional rhinoceros live in the lower hills. Porcupines, pangolins (scaly anteaters), wild dogs, foxes, civet cats, and mongooses also are found in the state. The longtail feathers of the great Indian hornbill are treasured for use in traditional ceremonial dress.

Agriculture employs about nine-tenths of the population. Rice, corn (maize), small millets, pulses (legumes), oilseeds, fibres, sugarcane, potato, and tobacco are the principal crops. Nagaland, however, still has to depend on imports of food from neighbouring states. The widespread practice of jhum has led to soil erosion and loss of soil fertility. Only the Angamis and Chakhesangs of the southern regions of Kohima use terracing and irrigation techniques. Traditional implements include the light hoe, the dao (a multipurpose heavy knife), and the sickle; except in the plains, the plow is not used. Forestry is also a primary source of income and employment.

Chief Minister Area Name of Capital No of Districts People Official language
Neiphiu Rio 16,579 km2 Kohima 12 1,980,602 English

Tourist Places in Nagaland

Dimapur

Reckoned to be the entry point of the state, Dimapur officially welcomes you to Nagaland. It is a well connected town that boasts excellent road conditions and scenic landscape. The town offers ample of opportunities to nature and history lovers. The 13th century Kachari Ruins is amongst the most attractive places in Dimapur, while the ruins here are the evidence of Ahom invasion. For nature aficianados Dimapur opens a wide door and takes them on an unforgettable journey. Nichuguard Village, Kuki Dolong Village, Chumukedima, Sethekima Village and Medziphema are some of the places that are known for their spectacular landscape beauty. Quiet and far away from the hustle and bustle of the city lives, these destinations in and around Dimapur are ideal for tourists. Diphuphar is one of the best places in Nagaland to witness the culture of various tribes like Angami, Lotha, Chakehsang, Sumi, Sangtam, Ao, Rengma Pouchury and Zeliang. Ruzaphema is a one stop shop in Dimapur for shopping; located about 5 kms from Kohima, this place is famed for exhibiting some of the finest artefacts of Nagaland.Dimapur is a colourful land that reflects authentic Nagaland. It is infact the only place in the state with an airport. Apart from above mentioned attractions, Dimapur houses Zoological Park, Ao Baptist Church, Diezephe Craft Village, Nagaland Science Centre, Green Park, Rangapahar Forest Reserve, Intaki Wildlife Sanctuary and Shiv Mandir.

Kohima

The capital city of Nagaland, Kohima is undoubtedly the most charming place to visit in Nagaland. Despite being a commercial hub, Kohima hasn’t lost its natural charms and remains one of the most charismatic destinations to see in the state. The blend of the ancient and the modern has painted this town in an interesting colour and Kohima has become an indelible landmark for the state. The town offers plenty of scenic views; it also reminds one of the scenarios back in the time of Second World War. Kohima offers an insight into the life of the Angami tribe who predominate this region. A perfect mélange of culture and history, Kohima is indeed a place to be. The Japfu Peak (3048m) and the Pulebadze Peak have always been the major attractions for tourists. On the other side, Tseminyu remains the interest of history lovers who can see delight ancient ruins, abandoned villages, broken pottery and graveyards here. Kohima War Cemetery, Naga Bazaar, Kohima Zoo, Kohima State Museum and Deputy Commissioner’s Bungalow are other places of interest for the tourists.

Mokukchung

Reckoned to be the most beautiful and a lively district in Nagaland, Mokukchung is the home of the Ao tribe. Known for its hospitality, rich traditions and festivals, Mokukchung is gradually becoming a hotspot for tourism in Nagaland. It is often said that one of its destinations named Longkhum is a paradise for nature enthusiasts. Its hillocks are adorned with Rhododendron and its pristine environment is worth falling in love with. Longkhum is also known for its ethnic handloom and handicraft and a sect called Limapur that practice animist religion. Ungma is yet another destination of interest in Mokukchung district that is believed to be the first place founded by Ao tribe when they entered Nagaland from Chungliyimti. Ungma is considered to be a living museum of the Ao tribe. You may also be interested in visiting Chuchuyimlang, which is a tourist village and is often referred to as festival village. This village is known for the celebration of festivals of Ao Nagas like Moatsu festival (celebrated in the month of May). Other than these places, visitors would also like to check out Mokukchung District Museum, Changtongya and Mokukchung Park.

Mon

The land of Konyak Nagas, Mon is an interesting land to visit in Nagaland. Famed for warriors with tattoos on face, head hunting prowess and blackened teeth people, Mon is a fascinating place to be in Nagaland. The Konyaks call themselves the descendants of Noah and practice agriculture; it is believed that have the finest harvest in the state. Around Mon, a traveller can have a number of interesting encounters, for instance if you happen to be in Longwa (the biggest village in Mon district), which shares border of Myanmar, you can actually have the opportunity to have half of your body in India and other half in Myanmar. The chief’s house, where the chief resides with his 60 wives, is also a major attraction in Longwa. The large number of trophies made of animals’ skull in the residence is some unforgettable sight. Shangnyu Village and its famed wooden carving, Veda Peak and Chui Village are some of the other attractions in Mon. If you visit Mon in the month of April, you have a good opportunity to witness the lively harvest festival of Konyak Nagas called Aoleong Monyu Festival. It is a weeklong festival that is celebrated with offering sacrifice and hosting large feasts.

Wokha

Wokha is nature’s spectacular gift to Nagaland. Dotted with colourful orchards, carpeted with multi-hued flowers and fringed by hills and river, Wokha is a nature lovers’ paradise. About 4 hours drive from Kohima, this district is the perfect place to bask and see the glory of nature. A tourist village above Riphyim is a major attraction in Wokha district, this place is known to offer splendid views of a dam on Donyan River. The tourist lodge at Riphyim also makes a great place to visit as it renders uncluttered view from the window of its each room. Wokha is the land of Lotha tribe and one has wonderful opportunity here to interact with the tribal people and see their traditional art and craft. Apart from this, Mount Tiyi, Liphanyan Governor’s Camp, Water Pool, Totsu Cliff, Tehurang Valley, Baghty Valley and Vankhosung town are the places that may interest travellers in Wokha. The Lothas celebrate a post-harvest festival called Tokhu Emong Festival in the month of November. It is believed, this 9 days festival is the best period to visit Wokha.

Dzukou Valley

Blessed with absolutely mesmerizing beauty, Dzukou Valley (2438m) is situated at a distance of about 30kms from the state capital, Kohima. Gorgeous Dzukou valley is a trekker’s delight and is reckoned to be the best trekking circuit in the country. Dzukou Valley is to Nagaland is what Valley of Flowers is to Uttarakhand. An unexplored and pristine land replete with a sizeable number of multi-hued flowers, this valley is certainly a must visit place in Nagaland. Offering breathtaking vistas, Dzukou is dotted with many ravines and streams. The best time to visit Dzukou Valley is spring when the entire valley blossoms with flowers and looks heavenly; however, winter is also a good time to be here as at this time of the year one can witness a deserted yet magnificent view of the valley.

Tuophema Village

A tourist village, situated about 41kms away from Kohima, Tuophema is built around ethnic model of tourism. The village offers traditionally styled thatched huts, traditional artefacts, jewelleries, clothing and souvenir museum and authentic Naga delicacies. This place gives an opportunity to soak the colour of Nagas and learn more about the culture of this fascinating land. The Angami Sekrenyi festival celebrated between the 25th and 27th of February each year is a major attraction of this village.

Khonoma Green Village

Khonoma Green Village is the result of responsible Naga tribes. Situated at a distance of about 20kms from Kohima, Khonoma Green Village is one of its kinds in India. The village is the home of the Angami tribe who have given up hunting and only practice agriculture (jhum or shift agriculture) to make a living. The houses in Khonoma are made using natural means and it is a way of Angami to show concern for the conservation of natural resources. In this green village, baskets are woven and handloom work is carried on along with agriculture. Khonoma is undoubtedly an inspiring place that takes us one step closer to nature and urges us to take initiatives to conserve and protect our natural environment. The energy of this place is something that everyone must experience.

Benreu

An epitome of untouched beauty, Benreu is a village located in Peren district of Nagaland. This beautiful village tucked on a ridge signifies ethnic tourism in Nagaland. Remaining unexplored, this village is a wonderful gateway to a quiet and peaceful holiday amidst immaculate nature. The simple village life and their day-to-day activities are the major attraction here apart from the breathtaking landscape of the place. Benreu can be considered as a cultural paradise that shows many colours of Naga lifestyle and culture.

Meluri

Snuggled amidst green rolling hills, Meluri is a part of Phek district of Nagaland. This small village is situated halfway on the important route to Mt. Saramati in Kiphire district. Meluri is the land of the Pochury tribe, who are known for their excellent hunting skills. For a traveller in Meluri, the major attraction is the interesting rock formations. Meluri is also known for its two lakes namely, Dzudu and Shilloi. These lakes are believed to have supernatural powers and were avoided by human for a very long time; however, with the passage of time, one of the two lakes (Shilloi Lake) has become a popular tourist place and is used for angling. The Zanibu Peak located around Dzudu Lake is a good place to visit as this place offers a vantage point from where one can get the view of a large part of Nagaland.

List of Universities & Colleges in Nagaland

Universities

  • Nagaland University
  • North East Christian University
  • ICFAI University, Nagaland
  • St. Joseph University, Nagaland
  • The Global Open University, Dimapur

Law Colleges

  • City law college, Dimapur
  • Kohima Law College
  • Mokokchung Law College, Mokokchung

Social Science Colleges

  • North East Institute of Social Sciences, NEISSR Dimapur

List of Railways Stations in Nagaland

# Code Station Name Place
01 DMV Dimapur Dimapur
02 DSR Dhansiri Dhansiri
03 RXR Rangapahar Rangapahar
04 RXRX Rangapahar Crossing Rangapahar Crossing