Nagaland is a state in the far north-eastern part of India. It borders the state of Assam to the west, Arunachal Pradesh and part of Assam to the north, Myanmar to the east and Manipur to the south. The state capital is Kohima, and the largest city is Dimapur. It is one of the smallest states of India.

The state is inhabited by 16 major tribes - Ao, Angami, Chang, Konyak, Lotha, Sumi, Chakhesang, Khiamniungan, Kachari, Phom, Rengma, Sangtam, Yimchungrü, Kuki, Zeliang and Pochury as well as a number of sub-tribes. Each tribe is unique in character with its own distinct customs, language and dress. Two threads common to all, is language and religion - English is in predominant use and Nagaland is one of three states in India where the population is predominantly Christian, with conversions starting in the British Raj era.

By Air: Dimapur has the only Airport in Northeast India state of Nagaland at the moment. Direct flights connect the airport to Guwahati and Kolkata and connections can be made from all other airports in India.

By Rail: Dimapur has a railway station on the main line of the Northeast Frontier Railway. It is well connected to Guwahati, with a number of trains that shuttle between the two stations every day. Guwahati, on the other hand, has direct train lines with most major Indian cities.

By Road: A number of taxis ply from Dimapur to Kohima. Night buses connect Dimapur and Kohima to Guwahati and Shillong (Meghalaya). A very convenient way for reaching Kohima is to take the train or flight to Dimapur and then rent a taxi to Kohima. The Dimapur taxi stand is adjacent to the Railway Station.

Places to visit in Nagaland during rains:

1. Dimapur- A historically potent destination, Dimapur is blessed with exquisite natural beauty. It is the ancient capital of Damasi Kachari tribe kingdom and is also known as the ‘Gateway of Nagaland’. In Naga language, Dimapur means ‘The city near a great river’.

Points to cover: Chumukedima Village, The Kachari Ruins and Sumi Town Baptist Church

1. Kohima- The capital city of Nagaland, Kohima is the land of the Angami Naga tribe. It is situated on the foothills of Japfu range. It is the second largest city in the state and indeed have very beautiful tourist place too. Kohima has a cool winter and hot but rainy summers. The coldest months are from December to February, when frost occurs, and in the higher altitudes snowfall occurs occasionally. It is one of the most visit tourist Places in Nagaland.

Points to cover: Kohima War Cemetery and Kohima Museum

1. Diezephe- Diezephe is a village near the town of Dimapur which has come into lime light recently as a handicraft commercial hub of Nagaland. The village is 20 kilometers from the city of Dimapur. The village has taken a significant place in craft export to other states in recent times. The Tenyimei community is the primary inhabitants of the village and is known for their excellent craftsmanship, with deft woodcarving, bamboo and cane work and other forms of handloom and handicrafts products. It is one of the must visit tourist Places in Nagaland.

Points to cover: Craft Village and Nagaland Zoological Park

1. Ntangki National Park- Located 40 km from the town of Peren and about 37 km from Dimapur is the Ntangki National Park also known as the Intanki by many. Spread over a distance of 200 sq km, this park was established by the British administrators in the year 1923. Considered one of the best National Parks in the North East, it has thick rain forests which creates natural habitat for many birds, reptiles and mammals. Mountains, cliffs and dense forests make it a great place for camping and other adventurous activities. Here in this National Park you can see Wild Buffaloes (Mithun) and Hoolock Gibbon which is found only in Nagaland. Apart from this the park also boasts of Tigers, Sloth Bear, Wild Dogs and Flying Squirrels, making it a must visit spot for any tourist coming to this district. The virgin nature of the park adds a lot to its beauty.

Points to cover: Mt Kisa and Puilwa village

1. Dzukou Valley- A major attraction in Nagaland is the Dzukou valley. This valley is tucked away at a height of 2438 m behind the Japfu ranges. The valley, also called the ‘Valley of Eternal Charm,’ manages to surprise others with the variety of trees it encompasses. The streams flowing through this valley freeze during winters. This valley adorns pink and white lilies, colorful rhododendrons, euphorbia, aconitum, and several other species of flowers and shrubs. It is one of the best tourist Places in India for adventure lovers.
2. Khonoma Green Village- Khonoma ‘Green Village’ is a Rs. 3 crore project sponsored by the Ministry of Tourism, Government of India and the department of Tourism, Government of Nagaland. Since its inauguration by Nagaland Chief Minister Neiphiu Rio on 25th October 2005 it has become a model for all villages in Nagaland and other states to follow. Khonoma, one of the oldest Angami Villages has shown the way for others to follow. This Village lies 20 km west of Kohima.
3. Pfutsero- This little township at an altitude of 2233.60m is like a gateway to Southeast Asia with reasonably good surface transport available from Kohima via a 70 km border road. The place is known for its vegetable and fruit products. The people here are known for their wrestling prowess and robust health. They live off agriculture and are known for their adeptness in terrace cultivation – the carved fields for such cultivation are a sight to behold. It is one of the best tourist Places in India for peace lovers.

Points to cover: Glory Peak, Khezhakeno and Phüsachodü

1. Mount Saramati- Saramati is a peak rising above the surrounding peaks at the mountainous border of Nagaland state and the Sagaing Region, Burma. It is located near Thanamir Village in the Kiphire District of Nagaland. With a height of 3,826 m and a prominence of 2,885 m, Saramati is one of the ultra prominent peaks of Southeast Asia. It is the abode of one of the Pristine Forest of Nagaland and house to the variety of flora and fauna. It is one of the best tourist Places in India for natute lovers.

Points to cover: Mimi Cave, Fakim Wild Life Sanctuary and Wawade

1. Mokokchung- Mokokchung is the land of the Ao Nagas. Although almost all Aos have converted to Christianity, they still maintain their old customs and traditions and their hospitality can be seen during Christmas. This is the time when everyone, irrespective of their financial or social status, welcomes each other warmly in their homes. It is one of the best tourist Places in India for nature lovers.

Points to cover: Ungma Nature Park, Chuchuyimlang and Suteplenden

1. Longkhum- In modern times, Longkhum is also called as the ‘Vegetable Capital’ of Nagaland. It was recorded that during the harvest season farmers produce a total of approximately 230 MT of Tomato, 32 MT of Small Potatoes, 33 MT of Chilly and 71 MT of Cabbage. The village leads in the production of Tomatoes which is a major commercial crop for the area and exports to neighboring districts like Kohima and Dimapur and even to the state of Assam. Longkhum is one of the favorite Tourist Destination Villages of Nagaland with so much to offer to the Nature & Adventure Lover with beautiful Trekking Trails leading to Places of tourist interests.

Places to cover: Mata Kimong, Longlangba and Mongzu Ki – Eagle‘s Eyrie

Check out more on Nagaland:

Tourist Places in Northeast India: Discover Nagaland