Nagaland

Introduction to Nagaland

Nagaland is a world apart. Nature resplendent in all her full-bodied glory. Exquisitely picturesque, vibrantly colourful, all lush fertile, the land represents unimaginable beauty, created by nature, to take your breath away... The Nagas, inhabitants of Nagaland, are said to belong to the indo-mongoloid stock, a race whose presence was first noted ten centuries before Christ, at the time of the compilation of the Vedas. Nagaland is bounded by Assam in the west, Burma on the East, Arunachal Pradesh & Assam on the North and Manipur in the South. The state consists of seven districts with sixteen tribes & sub-tribes inhabiting it. The Naga tribes are generally full of folklore. They are fond of seasonal songs, solo, duet and choric. Here man has to fight nature all the time. The struggle however, makes people tough. The people here are strongly built, simple, honest and hard working.

Altitude: 1495 meters above sea-level. Main Rivers: Dhansiri, Doyang, Dikhu, Milak, Zungki and Tizu. Highest Peak: Saramati (3877 meters above sea-level). Area: 16,527 Sq. Kms. Tribes: Angami, Aao, Sema, Lotha, Rengma, Chakhesang, Sangtam, Konyak, Phom, Chang, Yimchunger, Khiamungan, Zeliang, Kuki and Pochury. Climate (deg. C.): Summer- Max.31, Min.16. Winter- Max.24, Min.4. Average Rainfall: 250 cms (100). Clothing: Summer- Cotton Tropical, Winter- Heavy Woolens. Languages Spoken: Nagamese, Local dialects, Hindi, English etc. Best Season: October to May.

Tourist Attraction:

The Tribes: One of the biggest tourist attractions in Nagaland is in fact in its people, their folklores and festivals. The sturdily built martial tribes with spears and headgears display an awe-inspiring look. As many as 16 tribes live here which vary from one another in their attires, traditions and cultural heritage.

Kohima Village: The capital of the state houses the village of the Nagas. The village with a ceremonial gateway mirrors typical tribal architecture and handicrafts in its houses. The splendid gateway is adorned with motifs of weapons, warriors and folk prosperity-symbols.

World War II Cemetery: During the World War II, the combined troop of the British and the Indians stopped the Japanese troop in Kohima. The martyrs lie buried here. Amid the manicured lawn two tall crosses stand. A touching inscription in one of them reads: "When you go home, tell them of us and say / For your tomorrow, we gave our today".

Shangnyu Village: An 8ft high and 12ft wide wooden monument stands in the village, which is believed to have been constructed by heavenly angels. The village is ruled by Angh (hereditary chief) and there are other memorial stones in front of the Angh's palace.

Japfu Peak: The second highest peak in the state boasts of the tallest Rhododendron. Measuring over 130 ft. in height and the girth at the base of around 11 ft. it is featured in the Guinness Book of World Records. It offers breathtaking view of Himalayan peaks beyond and sprawling Kohima town.

Other tourist attractions in Nagaland include: Nagaland State Museum, Dzukou Valley, Intangki Wildlife Sanctuary, Fakim Sanctuary and many other tribal villages.

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