For reasons plenty, not many visit Nagaland and Dzokou. I visited once and loved the culture as well as the people. The ten-day Hornbill fest held every December isn’t to be missed-it’s so much fun with a mix of North East art and plenty of cultural shows. The city of Kohima is blessed with some beautiful landmarks along with being a beauty in itself. The Heritage Villages are unique to Naga culture and indeed to be explored, and how can one miss the lush green and beautiful Dzokou Valley Trek!
Reasons why you must visit Nagaland:
- Dzeko Valley, the land of beautiful colourful (wild rhododendrons and lilies) flowers and lush green meadows, is a paradise to say the list-the beauty unmatched by any other hill station in India. Kudremukh in Karnataka may give a parallel comparison, but it can’t beat the beauty of Dzeko.
- Japfu Peak(2438 m) makes for an ideal trekking treat with the Dzukou and Japhu rivers flowing by, the greenery and charm unexploited—a breath of fresh air!
- The famous Hornbill fest in Naga Heritage Village houses about 20 bands who fill the air with dancing music and an aura of happiness along with crazy competitions like Naga Chilli and sweet pineapple eating competitions(watch my video).
- Wokha, another city of Nagaland, offers splendid views of natural beauty with green hills and beautiful flowery orchards with meandering rivers.
- The Kohima War Cemetery in Kohima, Nagaland is known for its historical win by allied forces over Japanese forces; It is not a place to be missed. The Kohima Cathedral Church offers a beautiful view of Kohima city, and the church inside out is equally beautiful.
Location: Kohima is about 350 km from Guwahati, the capital of Assam and 70 km east of Dimapur.
Tourist Attraction on the Spot:
Kohima War Cemetery, Nagaland State Museum, Kohima Cathedral Church, Naga Heritage Village, Puliebadze, Touphema, and Khonoma are nearby places around Kohima to visit.
Tourist Attractions in the Vicinity:
Imphal, Dzokou Valley, Guwahati, Wokha, Ukhrul, Aizawl, Shillong, and Haflong are some exciting places 300-400 km from Kohima.
Distance Charts:(From Kohima)
- Guwahati(350 km)
- Imphal(140 km)
- Loktak Lake(185 km)
- Dimapur(70 km)
- Itanagar(330 km)
- Tawang(620 km)
- Wokha(75 km)
- Gangtok(890 km)
- kolkata(1365 km)
- Agartala(630 km)
- Aizawl(540 km)
- Shillong(410 km)
- Darjeeling(850 km)
How to Reach Imphal/Ukhrul:
Road Routes:
Guwahati (Assam)-Dimapur (Nagaland)-Kohima – Dzokou / Wokha
IMPORTANT NOTE FROM MY EXPERIENCE:
1) Hornbill Fest-this is the time you should be here-1st to 10th December-any 3. One of the days of the fest and you are good to go-rock music, unique cultural art and food display, and Naga Heritage on display-do, don’t miss. Don’t forget the Inner Line Permit when you’re in Nagaland-ahghh how did I forget it!
2) If I have talked about Hornbill Fest, why miss Dzokou Valley. How can one miss Dzokou Valley when they are in Nagaland. You’ll reach the proper Dzokou Valley and know what I mean! The green valleys and hills with a slight drizzle make a complete package!
3)Khonoma Village was a unique experience for me because it showcases the core Naga culture and the beautiful landscape. It takes quite a bit of walking, but it’s worth it; you won’t even regret the short trek, and I hope you do!
4)Now, if I have talked about December and Hornbill, then beware that getting hotels is complicated and if by chance you get one, be ready to pay 2500 INR plus a couple or more. So book in advance with cancellation if you want to save some big bucks-a folded hand request!
Rail: Dimapur is the nearest rail station, after which public transport helps you reach Kohima.
You can watch the below video to get a better idea!Do like and share if you find it worth…
AIR: Dimapur has its airport well connected to any part of India.
ROAD: One and only one route. You come from around the world-land to Guwahati and then get a train to Dimapur or road. From there, take a shared car/bus to reach Kohima, the capital of Nagaland. Assam State Transport helps you to get to Nagaland quickly.
Map:
Time to Visit:
Best time to visit will be from October to May.
Spend Time With:
Family,Friends,Solo,Couple
Food and Lodging:
Hotels are readily available in non-peak seasons only; if you land here somewhere in Hornbill fest, you’ll regret not booking from before. Better go to Goibibo, MakeMyTrip, and EaseMyTrip if you want to save some bucks by making a booking. Even food is costly here . Zomato and swiggy can be used for food bookings! You won’t face the issue of food and snacks at most places in Nagaland.
Expense:
For a 3 day trip to Kohima(during Hornbill fest):
Food: INR 150/person/day(3 times a day)X3
Transport: Consider INR 1000 from Dimapur to Kohima; Kohima local shared transport.
Lodging: INR 1200/day X3 at Kohima (two nights stay)(can be 700-800 INR in non-peak rainy season)
Entry Fees include various places (varies): Consider around INR 300 in total(Dzokou entrance-50 INR, state museum, Khonoma, Naga Heritage Village)
Total: 6250 INR
Nearby Attractions(Kohima) :
- Guwahati(350 km)
- Ukhrul(215 km)
- Loktak Lake(185 km)
- Itanagar(330 km)
- Cherrapunji(460 km)
- Thimpu-Bhutan(800 km)
- Tawang(620 km)
- Mechuka-Arunachal(745 km)
- Gangtok(890 km)
- Agartala(630 km)
- Aizawl(540 km)
- Shillong(410 km)
- Darjeeling(850 km)
