Right from their weird head dresses to their bizarre sense of wardrobe, from their excellent handloom to their taste in food, from their vibrant festivals to choice of trophies in the form of animals’ skull, Nagaland has always stood apart from all other states in India. A colourful land of impeccable culture and unprecedented traditions, this lesser known state is certainly an enticing destination to explore.
Nagaland
1. Kohima
The capital city of Nagaland, Kohima is undoubtedly the most charming place to visit in Nagaland. Despite being a commercial hub, Kohima hasn’t lost its natural charms and remains one of the most charismatic destinations to see in the state. The blend of the ancient and the modern has painted this town in an interesting colour and Kohima has become an indelible landmark for the state. The town offers plenty of scenic views; it also reminds one of the scenarios back in the time of Second World War. Kohima offers an insight into the life of the Angami tribe who predominate this region.
2. Mon
The land of Konyak Nagas, Mon is an interesting land to visit in Nagaland. Famed for warriors with tattoos on face, head hunting prowess and blackened teeth people, Mon is a fascinating place to be in Nagaland. The Konyaks call themselves the descendants of Noah and practice agriculture; it is believed that have the finest harvest in the state.
3. Dzukou Valley
Blessed with absolutely mesmerizing beauty, Dzukou Valley (2438m) is situated at a distance of about 30kms from the state capital, Kohima. Gorgeous Dzukou valley is a trekker’s delight and is reckoned to be the best trekking circuit in the country. Dzukou Valley to Nagaland is what Valley of Flowers is to Uttarakhand. An unexplored and pristine land replete with a sizeable number of multi-hued flowers, this valley is certainly a must visit place in Nagaland. Offering breathtaking vistas, Dzukou is dotted with many ravines and streams. The best time to visit Dzukou Valley is spring when the entire valley blossoms with flowers and looks heavenly; however, winter is also a good time to be here as at this time of the year one can witness a deserted yet magnificent view of the valley.
4. Wokha
Wokha is nature’s spectacular gift to Nagaland. Dotted with colourful orchards, carpeted with multi-hued flowers and fringed by hills and river, Wokha is a nature lovers’ paradise. About 4 hours drive from Kohima, this district is the perfect place to bask and see the glory of nature. A tourist village above Riphyim is a major attraction in Wokha district, this place is known to offer splendid views of a dam on Donyan River. The tourist lodge at Riphyim also makes a great place to visit as it renders uncluttered view from the window of its each room. Wokha is the land of Lotha tribe and one has wonderful opportunity here to interact with the tribal people and see their traditional art and craft.
5. Benreu
An epitome of untouched beauty, Benreu is a village located in Peren district of Nagaland. This beautiful village tucked on a ridge signifies ethnic tourism in Nagaland. Remaining unexplored, this village is a wonderful gateway to a quiet and peaceful holiday amidst immaculate nature. The simple village life and their day-to-day activities are the major attraction here apart from the breathtaking landscape of the place. Benreu can be considered as a cultural paradise that shows many colours of Naga lifestyle and culture.
6. Kiphire
Kiphire can be reckoned as an awe-inspiring district in Nagaland. Offering resplendent landscape views to visitors, Kiphire is also an ideal place for adventure enthusiasts as they can indulge in activities like trekking, rafting and canoeing. In Kiphire lies the highest peak of Nagaland called Saramati (3841m), where a trekker can enjoy a 3 day trek that passes through a beautiful Rhododendron forest. Kiphire is dotted with scenic villages like Pungro, Salumi and Mimi. Amongst which, Mimi and Salumi are believed to be virgin lands.