nagaland

Known as the Land of Festivals, Nagaland is an Inland state situated in the northeastern part of India. Popular for its rich and diverse culture, and its mesmerizing natural beauty, the state is home to several indigenous tribes, each with its unique traditions and customs. Nagaland is also known for its vibrant music and dance scene, with traditional folk songs and dances still very much a part of the cultural fabric of the state. In terms of tourism, Nagaland offers visitors the opportunity to explore its lush green valleys, misty mountains, and cascading waterfalls, as well as its vibrant markets and bustling towns. The state is also known for its delicious cuisine, which features a range of spicy and flavorful dishes, many of which are based on locally sourced ingredients. Overall, Nagaland is a fascinating and vibrant state, with much to offer to visitors seeking to explore the unique culture and natural beauty of India's northeastern region.

The Official Language of Nagaland is English and is used in all official communications and government functions. Although Nagamese is a widely spoken language, it is a blend of Assamese, Naga languages, and English dialects. Nagaland is home to over 16 different tribes, each with its unique language and accent.

The history of Nagaland dates back to ancient times, with the region being inhabited by various tribes for centuries. The Nagas, who are the largest tribe in Nagaland, are believed to have migrated to the region around the 13th century. The Nagas were traditionally animists, with their religion being centered around the worship of nature and spirits. The region remained largely isolated until the arrival of the British in the 19th century, who established administrative control over the region. The Nagas, however, fiercely resisted the British and continued to fight for their independence until India gained independence in 1947. After India's independence, Nagaland became a part of the Indian Union in 1963, and a separate state was formed in 1963. The history of Nagaland is marked by the struggle of its people for self-determination and to preserve their unique identity and culture.

Nagaland is a northeastern state of India, inhabited by 16 major tribes, each with its unique customs, traditions, and beliefs. The Nagas are known for their rich and vibrant culture, which is deeply rooted in their history, mythology, and folklore. The Naga culture is characterized by its rich art and craft traditions, vibrant music and dance forms, unique culinary delights, and colorful festivals that are celebrated throughout the year. The Nagas are also known for their strong sense of community and their deep respect for their elders and ancestors. The culture of Nagaland is an integral part of the state's identity, and it continues to thrive even in the face of modernization and globalization.

• Kohima – Primarily known as Kewhira, Kohima is the capital city of Nagaland. The second largest city in the state, Kohima is a scenic hill station surrounded by lush green hills and offers a perfect blend of natural beauty and urban facilities. The city is also known for its rich history and cultural heritage, with various museums and monuments showcasing the region's unique traditions and customs.
• Dimapur – The largest city in Nagaland, Dimapur is a major commercial hub and transportation center in the region, with a diverse population consisting of various ethnic groups. The city is also known for its historical significance and cultural attractions.
• Kiphire – Situated at an elevation of 2940 ft, Kiphire is a district of Nagaland. It is known for its picturesque landscapes, with mountains, forests, and rivers offering plenty of opportunities for outdoor activities like trekking, camping, and fishing. The district is also abode to various indigenous tribes, each with its unique culture and traditions.
• Longleng – Longleng is a town located in the eastern part of Nagaland. Known for its adventurous roads, scenic natural beauty, rolling hills, and dense forests, the town is occupied by the Phom Nagas, with Phom, as the main accent spoken.
• Mokokchung – Mokokchung is a town known for its scenic beauty, with hills and valleys offering captivating views of the surrounding landscape. The most important urban center in Nagaland both politically and economically, Mokokchung town is the cultural hub for the Ao people.
• Peren – Peren is a small town located in the southwestern part of Nagaland. Famous for tribal festivals like Meleinyi and Minkut, Peren is home to Kuki and Zeliang tribes.
• Phek – Phek is a town located in the southeastern part with an abundance of flora and fauna. The serene Shilloi Lake is the major attraction of the town apart from the majestic valleys and landscapes.
• Tuensang – Popular for its handicraft and handlooms, Tuensang is a town in Nagaland founded in 1947 to administrate the former North Eastern Frontier Agency (NEFA) that consist of the present-day Districts of Tuensang, Mon, Noklak, Longleng, Kiphire, and Shamator.
• Zunheboto – Often known as Zunhebo, Zunheboto is a town situated at an elevation of 6076 ft. Inhabited by the Sumi Nagas, Zunheboto is home to the largest Baptist church in Asia, the Zunheboto Sumi Baptist Church.
• Wokha – Home to Lotha Nagas, Wokha is known for having a variety of fermented bamboo shoots. Wokha is also a major agricultural hub, with rice and maize being the primary crops grown in the region. The town is a major tourist destination in Nagaland because of its mountain Ranges, serene river, and vibrant culture.

• Kohima war cemetery – Located in Kohima town, Kohima War Cemetery is a memorial to the brave and fearless soldiers who fought and sacrificed their lives in the Battle of Kohima during World War II. Managed by the Common wealth War Graves Commission, the Kohima War Cemetry contains over 1,400 graves, including soldiers from India, the United Kingdom, Australia, and other countries.
• WWII Museum – The WWII Museum in Kohima is dedicated to the history of the Battle of Kohima, which took place during World War II. The museum contains various exhibits and artifacts, including photographs, documents, and weapons used during the battle.
• Khonoma Village – Inhabitat to the Angami Naga group, Khonoma Village is located at a distance of 20 km from Kohima town. Khonoma is the first Green Village in India, where all forms of hunting have been banned for a more sustainable ecosystem and to preserve their natural habitat.
• Kisama Heritage Village – Located on the slopes of a hill between Kigwema and Phesama Villages in the Kohima District, Kisama Heritage Village is also known as the Naga Heritage Village. The village hosts the annual Hornbill Festival and houses the morungs (traditional dormitories) of all the 17 ethnic groups of Nagaland which is designed in the form of an ancient Naga village to give the feel of a typical traditional Naga village.
• Shilloi Lake – The largest lake of Nagaland, Shilloi Lake is located in the Lutsam Village of the Phek District. Edged beautifully with the heightened pine trees, Shilloi Lake is one of the major attractions of Nagaland.
• Touphema Village – Touphema is a beautiful and impressive village built with the intention to showcase the culture, tradition, and customs of the tribes of Nagaland. Known for its beautiful landscape, traditional Naga huts, and the warm hospitality of the locals. Touphema Village is an initiative by the local community and the State Tourism Department of Nagaland.
• Kachari Ruins – Often known as Dimasa Kachari Ruins, Kachari Ruins is located in Dimapur town. The ruins are a series of mushroom domed pillars created during the reign of the Kachri Kingdom in the 13th century. These neglected pillars are believed to be built back then to play a game similar to chess.

• ETHNIC Table – The ETHNIC Table situated in Dimapur is one of the best places to have a good meal. The restaurant serves a variety of delicious food options and they also have a thalion their menu which include Boiled rice with daal and unique dry fish chutney.
• Ili-Ah Restaurant – Ili-Ah Restaurant is a dine-in and take away restaurant with a beautiful scenic view. Serving a variety of options in food, the restaurant is best known for having Indian Food.
• Rusoki’s Kitchen – Rusoki’s Kitchen restaurant is an attractive restaurant in Dimapur. The restaurant has relevant arrangements for both outdoor and indoor seating with a trendy photo booth area decorated with two white large wings.
• Ruby Cafe – Small cozy yet comfortable, Ruby Cafe in Dimapur attracts many visitors because of its lovely décor. The Cafe is best known for its Coffee and apart from that it serves a variety of options in food and drink.
• ETE Cafe – One of the best hangout places in Nagaland, ETE Cafe is located on Billy Grahman Road in Kohima. The cafe offers its best coffee with strong flavors and mild flavors. Apart from amazing coffee, the café has a variety of pastries. The major highlight of this place is its interior decoration.

• Longchen Homestay – Located at a distance of 4 km from the Dimapur Airport, Longchen Homestay is a hushed and peaceful escape. The Hotel offers traditionally designed rooms with attached balcony areas.
• Razhu Pru – Built in an old Bungalow property, Razhu Pru is a well-maintained hotel in Kohima. Retaining the Naga tradition, the hotel offers splendid views of mysterious mountains and colonial charisma.
• Hotel Vivor – Hotel Vivor is a 4-star rated cozy hotel in Kohima town. The hotel offers a perfect blend of modern amenities with the traditional culture of Nagaland.
• Konyak Tea Retreat – Set on the edge of the lush green hill, Konyak Tea Retreat is a classic and pleasant homestay. The Stay at Knoyak Tea Retreat offers a tranquil escape from the chaotic life in midst of the organic working farm, cultivating tea and delicious oranges.

• Naga Bazaar – Located in Kohima, Naga Bazaar is one of the oldest markets in the town. Popular for trading a variety range of livestock, the Bazaar also has vendors selling varieties of fish, traditional Naga tools, and artifacts. In recent years, the market is slowly evolving into a modern market.
• Hongkong Market – Hongkong Market is situated in Dimapur town and is known for buying foreign goods at a cheap rate. The market offers various products from clothes to accessories, daily household products, and even gadgets. Mostly the products found here are exported from Thailand and Myanmar.
• Local Market – A regular market in Mon district, Local Market is popular because of the Konyak Naga tribe and their appearance which includes tattooed faces, blackened teeth, and unique dressing. Being tourists one can find many surprising products in this market that will represent the culture of Nagas especially Konyak Nagas.

• Hornbill Festival – One of the biggest festivals of Nagaland, the Hornbill Festival is a cultural festival celebrated every year. The festival is usually celebrated from December 1 to 10, showcasing the diverse tribal cultures and traditions of Nagaland through music, dance, food, crafts, and sports. The festival is named after the Hornbill bird, which is considered sacred by the Nagas.
• Moatsu Festival – The Moatsu Festival is a traditional festival celebrated by the Ao Naga tribe. The festival is celebrated every year in the first week of May. It marks the completion of the sowing season and the beginning of the new agricultural cycle.
• Sekrenyi Festival – The Sekrenyi Festival is a major festival celebrated by the Angami Naga tribe. It is a 10-day festival usually celebrated in the month of February tomark the onset of spring. The festival is a celebration of purification, reconciliation, and renewal of relationships between families, communities, and the spirit world. The intention behind this celebration is to purify the body and soul.
• Tuluni Festival – A harvest festival celebrated by the Sumi tribe, Tuluni Festival is usually celebrated in the month of July. The festival is celebrated by prayers and offerings to the Litsaba, the God of fruitfulness who gives life and safety to the crops.
• Tsokum Festival – The Tsokum Festival is a post-harvest festival celebrated by the Lotha Naga tribe. It is usually celebrated in the month of August and is a time for feasting, singing, dancing, and offering thanks to the gods for a bountiful harvest. The festival also includes various games and sports competitions.
• Tokhu Emong Festival – The Tokhu Emong Festival is a harvest festival celebrated by the Lotha Naga tribe. It is usually celebrated in the month of November and is a time for feasting, singing, dancing, and offering thanks to the gods for a bountiful harvest. The festival also includes traditional games and sports competitions.
• Aoleang – The Aoleang Festival, also known as the 'Spring Festival,' is a major festival celebrated by the Konyak Naga tribe. It is usually celebrated in the first week of April and marks the beginning of the new year.
• Tsukhenyie – The Tsukhenyie festival is a traditional festival celebrated by the Chakhesang Naga tribe. It is usually celebrated in the month of January and is a time for singing, dancing, and various rituals and customs that seek to bless the new harvest, protect the community from evil spirits, and promote unity and harmony among the people.

• Changsang – Changsang dance is a traditional folk dance performed by the Chang tribe of Nagaland. The dance is typically performed during agricultural festivals such as the Moatsu and Tsungremong and involves rhythmic movements to the beat of native musical instruments such as the log drum, bamboo, mouth organ, and bamboo flute. The dance is an important cultural expression of the Chang tribe and is known for its vibrant and colorful costumes.
• Monyu Asho – Monyu Asho dance is a traditional dance performed by the Ao Naga tribe of Nagaland during the Monyu Asho festival. The dance involves rhythmic movements and energetic steps and is performed by both men and women dressed in traditional attire. The dance is accompanied by the beating of drums and traditional musical instruments and is an important cultural expression of the Ao Naga tribe.
• Angushu Kighilhe – Angushu Kighilhe is a traditional dance form, from the Chakhesang tribe of Nagaland. The dance is performed during the Sekrenyi festival, which is a celebration of purification and renewal. The dance involves a series of slow and graceful movements accompanied by singing and is performed by young men and women dressed in traditional attire. The dance is an important cultural expression of the Chakhesang tribe and is performed to seek blessings from the gods for a bountiful harvest.
• War Dance – The War Dance in Nagaland is a traditional dance form performed by various Naga tribes, including the Konyak and Angami tribes, as a part of their victory celebrations after a successful headhunting raid in the past. The dance involves energetic movements, martial poses, and the use of weapons such as spears and shields.

The best time to visit the Land of Festivals, Nagaland is during the winter or early summer season. During this time, one can witness different festivals which will give the opportunity to learn more about different tribes of the region and their culture.