Day 131 - Kohima

Kohima, the capital city of Nagaland lies smugly shrouded at the eastern frontiers of the mighty Himalayas. Known earlier as Thigoma, Kohima got its name from the wild flowering plant called Kew Hi which is found in the mountains of Nagaland. The original inhabitants of the place were the Angami Nagas and the Rengma tribes, but in recent times people from other parts of the region and country have come and settled here.Kohima is known for its virgin beauty and the amazing views of the Naga Hills. The place holds historical importance as the site of the battle between the British and Japanese troops during the World War II. Verdant forests provide a perennial green cover to the entire region and make way only to provide some space to their lesser fierce siblings of rhododendrons and multihued orchids.


How to reach here:

By Air: Nearest airport is Dimapur which is at distance of 74 km from Kohima.

By Rail: Nearest rail-head is also Dimapur, which is connected to Kolkata (Kamrup Express) and Guwahati (Dbrt Rajdhani Exp).


Best time to visit: October to May.


Languages spoken: Nagamese, Hindi, English, Angami.


Must eat: Axone, Vunenuo, Ga.


Famous Restaurants: Bob Marlin Restaurant and Grill, Maki Yaki The Japanese Restaurant, Red Platter, Bigg's Diner.


Places you must visit:

War Cemetery is a historic site, which reminds of the brave warriors, who died during the Japanese Invasion at the time of World War II. This cemetery comprises around 1420 commonwealth funerals, which have stone markers on them. Commemorative inscribed bronze plate is placed over the burial of every warrior. This cemetery comprises around 1,100 British burials, 5 Canadian and 330 Indian burials. This cemetery preserves two prominent crosses at its highest and lowest points.The upper cross states “Here, around the tennis court of the Deputy Commissioner lies men who fought in the battle of Kohima in which they and their comrades finally halted the invasion of India by the forces of Japan in April 1944”. The other cross reads “When you go home, tell them of us and say for your tomorrow, we gave our today”. This cemetery is located in Kohima, on the battle grounds of Garrison Hill and Commonwealth War Graves Commission is the in-charge for its maintenance.

Catholic Church is considered as one of the biggest churches in the north-east region of India and is one of its kinds in the entire Kohima. In 1948, Sisters of the Missionaries of Christ Jesus came to Kohima to facilitate services at one of the civil hospital of the region. At the same time, this church began to spread Christianity, which produced substantial results. As a result of this attempt, separate diocese for the states of Manipur and Nagaland were created.The church has experienced steady growth because of the missionaries and its believers. Since then, various services offered by this church like educational and social services have spread in the whole region. Located on the Aradhurah Hill, this church is also known for its architecture, which reflects the blend of indigenous and creative art.

Dzukou Valley is renowned for its trekking trails and is frequented by adventure seekers visiting Kohima. This valley is located at an altitude of 2,438 m above sea level. This entire valley is adorned with lilies, aconitum, euphorbia and multi-colored rhododendrons.

Zoological Park or The Kohima Zoo  is home to the rare bird specie, tragopan bird, which is the state bird of Nagaland. Wild buffalo, popularly known as Mithun, can also be seen in this zoological park. Besides, golden langur is another animal species that can be seen in this park.This zoo is famous for various other activities like bird watching and nature trips.

Tuophema is promoted as the Ancient Heritage Village by the state Government. This village is known for its calm and beautiful surroundings, which attracts many visitors. Tuophema presents a different perspective of social system of the Nagas and offers a beautiful ambiance as of the ancient village charm.

Japfu Peak, located at an elevation of 3048 m from the mean sea level, is the second highest peak in Nagaland. The famous rhododendron tree, which is around 130 ft tall with an 11 ft girth, is situated at this peak. This tree is registered in the Guinness Book of World Records.This peak attracts adventure seekers, as it is famous for its trekking trails. 

Nagaland State Museum, which holds exhibit of the evolution of Naga culture, is known as one of the major attractions in Kohima as well as Nagaland. Tourists visiting this museum can see the tribal habitats that are pre-dominant in the eastern territories of India.One of the major attractions of this museum is the collection of rare artifacts of all the 16 tribes that inhabit the state. Some of the artifacts exhibited in this museum are clan motifs, precious stones, necklaces, traditional attires and inscriptions.This art gallery also showcases the Naga Morung, which are the hut models that display variance of architecture between the tribes. Musical instruments made of bamboo and buffalo horns are also on display in this museum. 

Kohima Museum presents the display of diverse tribal habitats and cultures of Nagaland. It is known for the preservation of some of the antique creations, which belong to the tribes inhabiting the region.This museum holds exhibit of the traditional dresses of the diverse tribes of Kohima, farm implements, gadgets for kitchen and beer mugs. Besides all these, it also displays carnelian, tourmaline and coral, which are the authentic precious stones.Furthermore, the clan motifs, dialect and practices are also presented in this museum. A collection of hut models and musical instruments like log drum can also be seen. Traditional instruments that are fabricated from buffalo horns and bamboo are also showcased at the museum.












Intangki Wildlife Sanctuary preserves several species of wild animals like tiger, elephants, mithun and many more. Major attraction of this sanctuary is hoolak gibbon, which is only one of its kinds found in India. The sanctuary is surrounded by thick cover of green forests and has various hills and mountains.Spread over an area of 202 sq km, this sanctuary is home to various species of flora and fauna, which are rarely found elsewhere. Renowned as a birdwatcher's paradise, this sanctuary is home to various species of birds like hornbill, common pheasant, khaleej, black stork and many others.

Dzulekie is among the beautiful picnic spots around Kohima that is surrounded by lush evergreen sub-tropical forests. This stream flows from a sleek and narrow gorge and appears to seep underground at some places.Abounded by beautiful hills, this forest preserves the rarely found blythe's tragopan, which is a species of pheasant. Various domesticated bisons and mithuns are also found at this place.It is located at an elevation of about 2133 m above the sea level and is 40 km away from Kohima.

Khonoma Village is known for being the last base of the Naga warriors, who rebelled against the British Empire. Renowned as one of the most famous villages of Nagaland, this hamlet is situated at a distance of 20 km from Kohima. A traditionally carved gate provides access to the highest point of the village. This village also comprises carved terraces on the hills that are used for cultivation of 20 different types of paddy.

Naga Bazzar is counted among one of the famous tourist attractions in Kohima. It is famous for the trading of livestock, which attracts many visitors. Trading of livestock means that it is the market where all living things area available including the black dog, which is the integral part of Naga Cuisine.Dressed in the traditional Naga outfit, women of the Naga tribes can be seen selling variety of handicrafts, poultry and fishery products in this market.