Nagaland
-Land of Festivals
Nagaland is an enclosed state lying in the hills and mountains of the northeastern part of India.
It is one of the smallest states of the country bounded by the state of Arunachal Pradesh to the north, Assam to the west, Manipur to the south, and Myanmar(Burma) to the east. It’s the largest city is Dimapur.
Nagaland has a monsoonal (wet-dry) climate. Humidity levels are generally high throughout the state. Forests cover about one-sixth of the state.
Nagaland is mostly mountainous except for those areas bordering the Assam valley. This place is a natural wonder in itself. It creates a mystical aura for every traveller.
History of Nagaland
Nagaland has no early written history, the ancient history of the Nagas is unclear. Tribes migrated at different times, each settling in the northeastern part of present India.
There are no records of whether they came from the northern Mongolian region, southeast Asia or southwest China, except that their origins are from the east of India.
After India became independent in 1947, the Naga territory initially remained a part of Assam. However, a strong nationalist movement began seeking a political union of the Naga tribes, and extremists demanded outright secession from the Indian union.
Popular Languages of Nagaland:
Maximum people of the state speak Nagamese. However, there are several other languages spoken in the state. The Nagaland languages are classified into three divisions:
- Eastern Sub Group – the Konyak and Chang languages fall within this division
- Central Sub Group – languages such as Lotha, Ao, Phom, etc. belong to this division
- Western Sub Group – Sema, Angami, Rengma and Chakhesang are some of the major languages of this division
Capital of Nagaland
Nagaland’s capital city is Kohima.
Chief Minister of Nagaland
Neiphiu Rio is the Chief Minister of Nagaland.
Governor of Nagaland
RN Ravi is the Governor of Nagaland.
High Court of Nagaland
Gauhati High Court Kohima bench is located in Kohima, Nagaland.
Nagaland on Map:
Nagaland Tourism
Nagaland is as much about scenic beauty as it is about carefully preserved history and tradition. It is one of the most-loved hill station tourist destinations in India.
Nagaland is another name for beauty and bounty. Colorful costumes, spicy cuisines, pleasant weather, traditional villages, beautiful dance forms, and lyrical songs are all that define the north-eastern state of Nagaland.
Best Time To Visit Nagaland:
October to May would be the best time to go on a holiday to Kohima. From April onwards, the weather starts getting a little hot, just the perfect time to go for adventure activities.
12 Must-Visit Places in Nagaland:
1.Kohima
Nagaland is an unexplored beauty. Kohima is pure bliss for anyone who loves nature.
It is surrounded by breath-taking mountains and forests. One can also indulge in adventures like trekking, hiking, and camping in this region.
Must-see attractions- Kohima War Cemetery, Japfu Peak, Dzukou Valley, Kohima State Museum, Naga Heritage Village
2. Dimapur
It is the largest city in Nagaland, the airport is situated here. This place is counted amongst the top Nagaland tourist spots, as it offers an equal amount of delight to both nature and history lovers.
Must-see attractions- Kachari ruins, Diezephe Craft Village, Rangapahar Reserve Forest, Dimapur Ao Baptist Church, Kuki Dolong Village
3.Mokokchung
It is the third most important urban hub in Nagaland after Dimapur and Kohima. This is the liveliest district of Nagaland owing to the beautiful traditions and festivals.
Must-see attractions- Longkhum, Mokokchung Village and Park, Changtongya, Chuchuyimlang, Ungma village
4.Mon
In the entire state of Nagaland, Mon is considered to be the most fascinating and magical place because of its rich tribal heritage and uphill location.
Must-see attractions- Veda peak, Shangnyu Village, Longwa Village, Chui Village
5. Wokha
The town of Wokha is a spectacular blend of rolling mountains, rivers, lakes, and pristine forests. Wokha offers great trekking experiences.
Must-see attractions- Mount Tiyi, Doyang River, Totsu Cliff, Tehurang valley
6.Khonoma Green Village
This village is approximately 20 KM away from Kohima. It is one of the green villages and has its own history. The Forts and archaeological places are worth seeing.
7.Benreu
It is an unexplored village with 20 percent of its inhabitants being nature and animals. Apart from the quiet and beauty of nature, you can look out for the simple village life of the Naga culture here.
Must-see attractions- Peren, Mt.Pauna Tourist Village
8. Meluri
Meluri is a small and old-fashioned village. This village is a must-visit place in Nagaland not only because of its beauty but also for its fascinating rock formations.
Must-see attractions- Dzudu Lake, Zanibu Peak, Shilloi Lake
9.Tuensang
This district will let you take away some of the most beautiful and artistically rich handlooms, handicrafts, artwork, and jewelry.
Must-see attractions- The Living Stone of Tuensang, Tsadang
10. Longleng
Longleng is a thrill-seeker’s heaven on earth. A must-visit attraction close to this is Dhiku River where you can relax and have fun family time.
Must-see attractions- Dikhu River
11. Kiphire
It is home to the highest peak in Nagaland- Saramati. There are several popular adventures offering attractions in and around Kiphire like Cavers’ delight, Sukhayap or Lover’s Paradise, and Wawade.
Must-see attractions- Saramati Peak, Cavers’ delight, Sukhayap or Lover’s Paradise, Wawade waterfall, Thanamir- apple village, Fakim Wildlife Sanctuary.
12. Zunheboto
Zunhebo has a lot to offer a traveler with its largest Baptist church in Asia, a peaceful hamlet, a sanctuary housing endangered species of birds, and more.
Must-see attractions- Sumi Baptist Church Zunheboto, Keltomi Village, Ghosu Bird Sanctuary, Satoi Range
Nagaland Is Famous For:
If you are looking forward to truly unusual travel experience in India, it is time to train the spotlight on Nagaland. It is a land that is remote, mystical, and home to many, it will take you deep into nature as well.
1.Dimasa Kachari ruins
The Dimasa Kachari ruins in Dimapur is one of the most ancient ruins sites in the country. The site is marked with strange, mushroom domed pillars.
2.Diversity at its best
Nagaland is perhaps the most vibrant of all the Indian states. The state is inhabited by 16 major tribes – Ao, Kacharis, Sangtams, Konyaks, Changs to name a few.
3.The land of festivals
Nagaland is known as the ‘Land of Festivals’. It is called so because the people there enjoy celebrating life in all its different aspects. Each month is marked by a festival organized by its various tribes.
4.Hottest Chilli pepper ever
One of the coolest things about Nagaland is the fact that it is also home to the hottest chilli peppers in the world. Apart from its use as a condiment, it was once rumored to be used in experiments by the defense forces as possible warfare ammunition.
5.Heads as trophies
Konyak tribe of Nagaland known for their headhunting history, which was a part of their strong warrior tradition.
Keeping the heads of their enemies as trophies. The culture in Nagaland is so different from other Indian regions.
Famous National Parks and Wildlife Sanctuaries in Nagaland:
Nagaland is rich in flora and fauna. About one-sixth of Nagaland is under the cover of tropical and subtropical evergreen forests.
1.Ntangki National Park
This national park is a beautiful place located in the Peren district of Nagaland.
Among the species that inhabit the park are the rare Tiger, Elephant, Wild Dog, Leopards, Porcupine, Sambar, Elephants, etc.
2.Fakim Wildlife Sanctuary
Fakim Sanctuary with an area of 642 hectares is a must-visit. It is home to rich fauna like Tiger, Slender, Himalayan bear, etc.
Bird species like Great Hornbill, Tragopan, Jungle Fowl, and Doves, which can be discovered during the winter season, November to February.
3.Puliebadze Wildlife Sanctuary
PulieBadze Wildlife Sanctuary (with an area of 9 sq Km) is an important catchment area of Kohima Town.
Dzuku valley and Japfu peak – the two important features in the area are located adjacent to the sanctuary and have been designated as Important Bird Areas.
4.Rangapahar Wildlife Sanctuary
It is one of the top wildlife sanctuaries in Nagaland that is not only famous for being the home to wild animals but also different categories of plants as well.
The entire area of the forest is around 50 acres, and it is a visual treat for any nature lover.
5.Intanki Elephant Reserve
One of the most popular tourist attractions in Kohima. The park was declared as an elephant reserve by the government.
Some of the dominant flora found are – Mahogany, Rattan, Bamboo, etc. Intanki Elephant Reserve is the 13th Elephant Reserve in India.
6.Singphan Elephant Reserve
Singphan Elephant Reserve is located in the Mon district of Nagaland and spreads over an area of 5,825 acres.
It is the 30th Elephant Reserve in India, which has an elephant population of 446 (as of 2017).
Fairs and Festivals in Nagaland:
1.Sekrenyi
The Angami tribals celebrate Sekrenyi in the month of February. It is a “purification festival” held to wash off all past sins.
The objective of the festival is to renew and “make holy” by cleansing the “body and the soul” of the village as a whole, and to bring forth unity among all communities of Nagaland.
2.Aoling Festival
Lasting six days, the Aoling Mongu festival provides excellent insight into the rich cultural heritage of the Konyak tribe.
The Festival celebrates the arrival of spring and prays for a good upcoming harvest. The celebrations are held in the first week of April and coincide with the start of the Konyak New Year.
3.Moatsu
It is celebrated in the first week of May every year. The Moatsü festival is marked by songs and dances.
The whole festival full of merrymaking and fun is observed only for three days from May 1 to 3.
4.Tuluni
Held in the month of July, the Tuluni is the most important festival of the Semas. Nobody is allowed inside the village on the first day of this five-day festival.
The fourth day is one of prayers and offerings to Litsaba, the deity of fruitfulness who gives life and protection to the crops.
5.Naknyulem
Chang is a Naga tribe of Nagaland, India. It is one of the recognized Scheduled tribes.
No marriage ceremonies are performed during the festival. The Chang decorate their houses with a special kind of tree called the Ngunam.
6.Hornbill Festival
The Hornbill Festival is a celebration held every year from 1 to 10 December, in Nagaland.
It is also called the ‘Festival of Festivals’.he highlights of the festivities are a glorious range of traditional songs, music, dance, and indigenous games.
7.Metemneo
The Yimchungers celebrate the Metemneo festival after harvesting the millet crop. The 5-day festival is also an occasion to pray for the souls of the departed while young girls and boys often get engaged at this time.
8.Amongmong
This festival is celebrated in the first week of September when the new crop is ready for harvesting. The main feature of the festival is worshipping the God of the House and the three cooking stones in the fireplace.
9.Tsokum
The Khiamgan tribesmen celebrate the Tsokum festival during the harvesting season which takes place in October.
10.Tokhu Emong
With the harvesting over and the granaries full, the Lotha community celebrates the Tokhu Emong festival with prayers and gaiety.
11.Ngada
The festival is observed toward the end of November/December. It is a popular belief of the ancient Rengmas that the spirits of the dead visit their graves and the homes of their relatives once every year, particularly during this festival.
12.Monyu
The Phoms community of Nagaland celebrates the Monyu festival with great energy from the 1st to 3rd April after the annual sowing of paddy.
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