Nagaland, a narrow strip of mountain territory, lies east of Assam and west of Burma. This predominantly tribal state is blessed with great valleys, meandering streams, high mountains, deep gorges and a rich varieties of flora and fauna. It is the only state which has English as the official state language.
It is only in Nagaland ,that you will see the multicoloured spears, ceremonial daos, bracelets, chest plates and head dress of coloured bamboo. The state is mainly inhabited by 16 groups of Tibeto-Burman tribes whose arms are as colourful and varied as their dresses.
The first building at the entrance of a typical Naga village is known as Morung, or boy’s dormitory. It is also used for storing the weapons and displaying trophies and prizes of war. The village are generally situated on hill tops and ridges are protected by stone walls. The Nagas are wonderful musicians, singers and dancers with the great sense of rhythm which dominates traditional and contemporary music.

Tourist places to Visit in Kohima, Nagaland

The state capital ,Kohima is less than 3 hours drive from Dimapur on National Highway No.39.It s a hill station situated at an altitude of 1,495 mtrs. above sea level. Known the world over for halting the Japanease tide during world war II. The Japanese retreated from Kohima during the Second World War, and the War Cemetery is a symbolic memorial raised as citation for the supreme sacrifice made by the officers. Each grave is supported by Bronze plaque with a suitable epitaph that makes one reflect on the freedom that we take for granted.

 
MUSEUM
The Nagaland State Museum is a one-stop treasure house where you can get a glimpse into Naga culture through history. The main items exhibited are gateposts, statues, pillars, jewellery.a ceremonial drum which looks like a dug-out war canoe in a separate shed. The basement of the museum has birds and animals of North-Eastern hill states.

 
CATHOLIC CATHEFRAL
The Catholic Cathefral at Aradura hill is an important landmark in Kohima for it is one of the biggest Cathedrals in the whole North-East and house the biggest cross in India made of wood.

Tourist Places to Visit in Kohima Nagaland (Near By Places)

KHONOMA
Around 10 kms. from Kohima, is situated the village of Khonoma, that abounds in stories of valour and courage. The terraced fields which produce 20 types of paddy at different elevation, present a beautiful view. The Khonoma gate relates the story of British infiltration into Naga Hills.

DZUKOU VALLEY
One of the best trekking spots in the north-east region is Dzukou Valley situated at an altitude of 2,438.4 mtrs. above sea level, behind Japfu peak and 30 kms. to the south of Kohima.Theentire valley is over-shadowed with a type of tough bamboo brush which makes the place appear like a mowed lawn. White and Yellow lilies and numerous other flowers adorn the valley in summers, while rhododendrons ornament the hill surrounding the valley. Top in the list of tourist places to visit in Kohima, Nagaland.

DIMAPUR
Situated at an altitude of 195 mtrs. above sea level is Dimapur, an important commercial centre of Nagaland.Dimapur is the only airport in Nagaland and is also well connected with the neighbouring states of Manipur, Assam, Arunachal Pradesh, Meghalaya, Tripura and Mizoram by National Highway No.39. Top in the list of tourist places to visit in Kohima, Nagaland.
KACHARI KINGDOM
In the heart of town, you can see the last relics of the Kachari Kingdom.Just 5 kms away, on the Dimapue-Kohima Road is Ruzaphema, a place ideally suited for leisure and recreation with its colourful market and a wide range of tribal handicrafts which are exquisite in their style, not to mention the uniqueness of each of them.

WILDLIFE
Nagaland is proud of its rich wild life. Each sanctuary is different than the other in terms of variety and scenic beauty. The Fakim Sanctuary close to the Myanmar border receives high rainfall and is inhabited by tigers and Hoolock gibbon. Among the bird life, the tragopan pheasant is a bird watchers delight ringed in 9 sq. kms. area the Puliu Badze Sanctuary also lies in the proximity of Kohima. Top in the list of tourist places to visit in Kohima, Nagaland.

FESTIVAL FIESTA

The festivities and celebration in the North-Eastern states of India are a colourful reflection of the people and their lives. Throughout the year, festivals are celebrated by different people in different ways, most of them centering around their modes of living and livelihood.

Mimkut                        January
Sekrenyie                     February
Moatsu                         May
Naknyulum                 July
Tsungremmong         August

SHOPPING PLEASURES

Situated in the heart of Kohima town, opposite the state Bus Station, is the Sales Emporium, New market. Here one can find a wide range of Naga handicrafts. The colourful and warm Nagashawls, shoulder bags, wood carvings, bamboo baskets are all proud creation of the Nagas. There are also super markets where you can shop for handloom and handicrafts.