So a visit to the government Emporium in Kohima is very rewarding. Gurtel near the war cemetery and Belho weavers are a shopper's delight. Browse around the local bazaar that springs up near the supermarket and see village women in their bright tribal costumes sell their wares ranging from farm produce to trinkets. With so much to do and see Nagaland will leave you asking for more.
Nature has been kind and bestowed it with mountains, pristine sub-tropical rain forests with a profusion of rhododendrons, wildflowers, herbs, bamboo, palms, rattan and mahogany forests.
Given the Nagas love for music and dance, life in Nagaland is one long festival. Their joie de vivre is contagious so Nagaland offers a tourism experience unlike any other in the world. If you love eco-tourism, and are willing to explore and enjoy tribal culture join a tour group right away.
Kohima is the capital and Dimapur and Mokokchung are important towns. Visit these and Wokha, Tuensang and Zunheboto You are sure to come upon the tribals belonging to the Angami, Sema, Konyak, Ao and Rengma tribes each with their distinct culture and lifestyle. Kohima has the famous World War II (when the Japanese invaded the Naga Hills) Memorial and the Kohima War Cemetery commemorating the names of men who sacrificed their lives so we could live in freedom. The legend at the cemetery says When you go home, tell them of us, and say: For your tomorrow, we gave our today. Kohima Village (Barra Basti) is where Kohima began as per Naga legend. It is said to be the second biggest. Village in Asia with fine ceremonial gates with beautiful carvings of warriors, guns and the Mithun (a symbol of prosperity). Dimapur is Nagaland's gateway town and was once the capital of the old Kacheri rulers. The medieval ruins can still be seen. If you visit Ruth's or Haralu emporia you can see women weaving exquisite shawls on traditional loin looms It is a great place to shop.
Mokokchung is a center of Ao Naga traditions. Their famous red and black shawls are an instant draw. Their two main festivals connected with agriculture Moatsu Mong in May (for sowing) and Tungremmong in August (harvesting) are interesting. If you happen to be there at the time, join in the tug-of-war.
Wokha is home to the Lotha tribe. The hilltop villages are studded with monoliths (Longsu) The folk songs and dances of the Loths are very colourful. Do not miss the delicious and juicy fruits here like oranges, and pineapples. Phek is home to the Chakhesang and famous for the colourful Tsukhenye festival (March-April). Tragopan pheasants and orchids add to the exotica.
Zunheboto, home to the martial Semas is famous for their dazzling war dances. Tuluni (July) is their unique festival. Besides the music, dance, culture and traditions, trekking up Japfu peak (3048 meters) awaits the adventurous. The Dzukou Valley is rich with wildflowers particularly rhododendrons.
The Intanki Wildlife sanctuary near Dimapur is home to the Hoolock Baboon besides other animals. The great Indian Hornbill is Nagaland's special bird giving its name to the Hornbill Festival held in the first week of December presenting a cultural extravaganza. The Naga Heritage Complex was inaugurated by the Government of Nagaland on 1st December 2003, where the Hornbill Festival is celebrated annually. It is a permanent site at KISAMA situated 12 kms away from Kohima. The Naga Heritage Complex serves as Window to Nagaland (WTN), aims to showcase the state in a single platform, through which one can have a peep into the Naga Heritage. The complex will also house the World War II Museum. The Sekrenyi is the festival the Angamis (February).
The Nagas have a very rich tradition of arts and crafts which are part of their lifestyle. You will want to buy everything you see from the fine baskets to the gorgeous shawls and sarongs, bags and jackets to woodcarving, Pottery, and unique jewellery, and metal work. So a visit to the government Emporium in Kohima is very rewarding. Gurtel near the war cemetery and Belho weavers are a shopper's delight. Browse around the local bazaar that springs up near the supermarket and see village women in their bright tribal costumes sell their wares ranging from farm produce to trinkets. With so much to do and see Nagaland will leave you asking for more.
Dimapur is the best place of entry for Nagaland with convenient connections by air and rail with rest of India. Visitors to Nagaland require an additional permit to visit. Foreign nationals should obtain this while applying for the Indian Visa overseas. If already in India they can obtain the permission from Ministry of Home Affairs, Government of India or FRRO Delhi, Calcutta and Bombay.