Nagaland – Have you visited “The Switzerland of the East”?

Hello! Apuni bhal ase?

Adorned by the magical beauty of rolling hills and mountains, lush vegetations and colorful cultures, this 16th state of India boasts of its pleasant climate, natural beauty and much more. Images of pristine landscapes, rice terraces dotted with huts and colorfully dressed people in traditional clothes, with their spears and exquisite cowry shells, beads, and hornbill feathers continue to portray Nagaland as an exotic destination.

Sometimes modern life in Nagaland is carefully etched out to give a visual representation of Nagaland as Eden — untouched and unspoiled, at least to the untrained eye.

It is often referred to as “The Switzerland of the East”.

Let’s together take a trip and explore everything that this North-eastern beauty has in-store for us tourists…

A treat to the Soul: What you will experience 

Tribes: Nagaland is known for its varied tribes each with unique language and extremely rich culture and beliefs. There are 16 identified Scheduled Tribes in Nagaland some of them are Anāl, Angami, Chirr, Chang, Lotha, and Konyak. There is so much to learn from the ancient tribes that have been able to conserve their culture.

Witnessing a festival in Nagaland is one of the best ways to understand the difference between these tribes and also the fact as to what keeps them so attached to their cult and customs. The most prominent among them being the Hornbill Festival.

The Hornbill Festival (Naga Heritage Village): Hornbill Festival is one of the most popular festivals of Nagaland, It is celebrated every year from 1st to 10th December. The Hornbill Festival is indeed the most renowned celebration of Nagas. The Hornbill Festival is one of the largest celebrations of the indigenous warrior tribes of Nagaland. Experience the uniqueness of this tribe and spent some time with the locals. 

In spite of the tremendous modernity entering into their lives, the people have preserved their customs and legacy. The state is called the ‘Land of Festivals’ and people dwelling here have a fondness of celebrating the deeds of their ancient warriors and folk heroes.

Crafts: The rich arts and crafts of Nagaland portray the artistic caliber and creative imagination of the local craftsmen of the northeastern state of India. The local crafts include weaving, Embroidery, Wood Carvings, Basketry, Traditional Ornaments, Paintings, Bamboo Works, Mats, Cane works, Pottery and Metal Work. 

You need to see for yourself how these beautiful artisans work on their pieces for yourself to know its true beauty. 

Diezephe Craft Village is located 13km away from Dimapur and is home to the skilled weavers and craftsmen who make wonders through their traditional art. It has so much to offer and you can’t get enough of it. An art lover would be in paradise seeing the intricate paintings and the complicated patterns they create with materials. You NEED to take a workshop if you get the opportunity to make an attempt to learn about their work, first hand.

Naga Cuisine: grab yourself a bottle of water and some sugar is all we can say to be prepared. Naga cuisine is spicy and rich in flavor. The spice is mainly known for because of the love Naga people have for the most famous king chilly (known as Raja Mircha in the North East). The major ingredients also include Bamboo Shoot, Pork, Axone (fermented soybean), Anishi (dry colocasia stems and leaves) and Fermented dry fish. 

Are you already are drooling? I certainly am. 

War Cemetery: the Kohima War Cemetery is a memorial in honor of those officers and soldiers killed during World War II. Formerly known as Garrison Hill it is designed as a series of terraces with magnificent stone steps, bearing testimony to one of the most stubborn, close and bloody fighting in the whole of the Second World War.

Every story heard there gives you goosebumps and a sense of patriotism you may have never felt before. 

Before leaving Kohima the British erected a moving memorial in memory of their fallen comrades: “When you go home, tell them of us, and say: ‘For your tomorrow, we gave our today.”

A treat to the Eyes: What you will see

Nagaland is a hilly destination with a breath-taking view of the majestic hills and valleys. The hills and the valleys make a perfect destination for camping, trekking, and other adventurous activities.

Dzükou Valley: located between the North Eastern States of Nagaland and Manipur, this enchanted valley leaves its visitors mesmerized with its unconditional and prolific natural bliss. Trekking amidst the gargantuan rainforests in Zakhama located 20kms from Kohima, the North Eastern Valley of Flowers is a treat to wandering soul and appetite to hungry travelers. 

Every location here leaves you in awe from waking up in a small hut to trekking to the Japfu Peak. Such is the surreal beauty of the place. It is pure in its sense of beauty and unadulterated by the modern world and its tech frenzies. Life here is simple.

Kohima: or Kewhima [the land where the Kewhi flower grows] is home to the Angami Naga tribe. The hilly capital of Nagaland is filled with locations that linger in the minds of travelers.

Kigweman village is located in Jakhama Tehsil in Kohima District. This place offers typical Naga local experience. It extremely rich in culture and provides travelers with an experience of pure authenticity.

This is the best location for Homestays and to take in the true essence of Nagaland and its people.

Dzulekie Stream flows through Nagaland is one of the key picnic spots of this state, being away from the hustle and bustle of the city. Based 40 km west in Kohima, Dzulekie stream is surrounded by lush evergreen forest. A rare species of rainbow trout can be sighted in this stream.

Imagine sitting here, your favorite book or people and have the most relaxing time absorbing the sun rays and the sight breeze. You can sense its beauty even with your eyes closed such is the feeling of this place.

Mount Tiyi: it is one of the most popular tourist attractions of Wokha, Nagaland. Apart from the breath-taking view from the summit, the view of the valley and the villages below, Tiyi offers its visitors a range of adventure activities that get their adrenaline rushing. The place is also popular for the sunsets and sunrises for which travelers trek to the peak. 

Nagaland has centuries of heritage which is well reflected in its culture and the sites. The geopolitical reality of this place is best articulated with a wonderful account of the Battle of Kohima in 1944 where the British Army, assisted by Naga warriors, defended the capital from the Japanese invasion. 

State Museum: the museum is a treat to any traveler who loves to learn more about the World War. Located in Kohima, it encapsulates the history of Nagaland down to every detail for the people visiting to learn from. 

The state lies in the wild, untamed Northeast of India. Home to many tribes and indigenous cultures, Nagaland celebrates various festivals throughout the year. The land is simply bursting with culture and wildlife like you’ve never experienced before.

Nagaland is here with all it has to offer, Where are you?

For further details on tours contact: +91 7674062589