Nagaland:major cities and tourist places

Nagaland:major cities and tourist places

Major cities

Dimapur

Dimapur is the largest city in Nagaland, India. Contrary to popular belief, the city’s formation in Nagaland is separate from that of Assam. In the Middle Ages, it was the capital of the Dimasa Kachari Kingdom. In the heart of the town there is an old relic of the Kachari Kingdom which speaks about the once prosperous era. It is located at 25°54′45″N 93°44′30″E and is bounded by Kohima district on the south and east, the Karbi Anglong district of Assam on the west and stretch of Golaghat District of Assam, in the west and the north. The name Dimapur is derived from the Dimasa language]; “Di” means “water”, “ma” means “large” and “pur” (sanskritised word) means “city”, translating to “Big-river-city”, associated with the meaning of “Kachari” which is “people of the river valley” and after the river which flows through it (Dhansari). It is also the gateway to Nagaland and its only railhead. The city also has the only functional airport in the state.

Kohima

Kohima is the hilly capital city of India’s north eastern state of Nagaland. With a resident population of 99,039 it is the second largest city in the state. Originally known as Kewhira, it was founded in 1878 when the British Empire established its headquarters of the then Naga Hills. It officially became the capital after the state of Nagaland was inaugurated in 1963.

Mokokchung

Mokokchung is a town and a municipality in Mokokchung district in the Indian state of Nagaland. It is the district headquarters as well as the main urban hub of Mokokchung district. Mokokchung is the cultural nervecentre of the Ao people and is economically and politically the most important urban centre in northern Nagaland. In fact it is third most important urban hub in all of Nagaland after Dimapur and Kohima. Besides this the Government of Nagaland has also recognised Mokokchung district as ‘Land of Pioneers’ because this place has produced a great number of luminaries in many fields. The town is made up of 16 wards of which Kumlong, Sangtemla, Alempang and Yimyu are the largest. Mokokchung is particularly noted for its extravagant Christmas, New Year, Moatsu and Tsungremong celebrations. Its tradition of celebrating Christmas and New Year midnight celebrations in the main town square is regarded as one of the unique features of Mokokchung. Historically, Mokokchung was one of the first Naga Hills sites where the Assam Rifles, led by Britishers, established their outposts (then called stockades) in the later part of the 19th century. Much of the town initially grew around this post located in the DC Hill. The British administration was then gradually extended eastwards towards the remoter parts of the Naga Hills.

Nagaland:tourist places

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.

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.

Tuensang

Tuensang is the eastern-most district of Nagaland and is the homeland of the Chang Nagas. Although, Chang is the predominant tribe here, Tuensang is famed as the place where many tribes live together. This co-existence has resulted in a flavoursome blend of culture and tradition in this district. Tuensang is also popular for its handloom, handicrafts, artworks and jewellery. It is infact one of the best places to go souvenir shopping in Nagaland. Changsangmonko, Chilise, Chunglimiyti and Tsadang Village offer several legends that are quite interesting to hear; these villages also make some of the most interesting places to see in Tuensang.

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