Excursion

Tourist Village Complex at Chumukedina Old Village, set up by the Dept. of Tourism. Short rides up the hill, and an absorbing view of Dimapur and its immediate surroundings can be seen, way down below. Up here, the summer air is relatively cooler.

Triple Falls
located in Seithekima village area is another resort being developed by the Dept. of Tourism. This three-tier waterfall, cascading from a height of 280 feet into an inviting natural pool, is a trekker’s haunt.North East Zone Cultural Center preserves the varied cultural heritage of the region. Cultural festivals are also held here from time to time.

Ruins of Medieval Kachari Kingdom, established before the 13th century AD. The monoliths represent the elaborate rituals of the cult of fertility. A touch of Hindu influence on most of them can be seen. Besides, this ancient Kachari capital contains other ruins of temples, and tanks. There still exist scattered blocks of stone and brick pieces with various designs.

Intanki Wildlife Sanctuary, at just 37 km. away from Dimapur, is a habitat of various animals including some rare species of birds.

Mokukchung
This picturesque town is the cultural center of the Ao Nagas. The foot imprints of China and Itiben - the Romeo and Juliet of the Aos - are found preserved in several places in the Ao- ranges.

White- water rivers of Milak and Tula are of scenic interest and have a lot of potential for monsoon angling.

Longkhum, a vanguard village in the ‘days of head hunting’, commands a natural view. Mongzu ki eagle’s eyrie is situated at a high precipice where eagles have nested for centuries. The Ao mythology talks of the eagles, which are believed to be the manifestations of the spirits of the dead. From Mata Yimkong, the top of the hillocks where once stood a fortress, the Himalayas look fascinating.

Ungma, the oldest and biggest Ao village, is of great interest to people who have a desire to peep into Ao folklore, customs and traditions.

Langpangkong: History speaks of an Ahom king who fled his capital due to court intrigues and rivalries and had taken refuge here. The cave which provided shelter still remains there.

Molung, having the American Baptist Mission being established in 1872. The earliest mission building is still preserved in the village premises. An ancient leechi tree, supposedly planted by Dr. Clark, the American Missionary, still exists.

Kohima
The two-hour drive from Dimapur to Kohima on NH 39 can be an amazing experience. One could sample the mouth- watering pineapples or treat oneself to a hot hearty meal of local cuisine from one of the typical Naga wayside amenities that line the road at regular intervals. The panoramic view of Kohima unfolds 16 km. from a traveler’s destination, nestled among the pristine hills. Spots in and around Kohima are:

War Cemetery, a symbolic memorial raised as a citation for the supreme human sacrifices made by the officers and men of the allied forces, to halt the tide of the Japanese onslaught during the Second World War. This was their lost post. The Commonwealth War Graves Commission meticulously maintains this Cemetery.

State Museum, depicting artifacts; log drums, tools and implements, ancestral weaponry, Naga currencies of old attire of warriors, dress of women, hearth of a Naga kitchen. In diorama it is the entire Naga lifestyle with traditional flavour.

Dzokou Valley tucked away at an altitude of 2438.4 meters above sea level. is at a 30-km. distance from the city. From June to September the entire valley is a carpet of wild flowers. The lilies - white and yellow, the aconitums the enphobias etc., the crystal clear water of the stream leisurely meandering through the valley,..…all in all, offer an unforgettable experience. The numerous low cluster of hillocks surroundings the vale, contains some cosy natural caves and rock over-hangs, ideal for camping. A natural luxury…to add with through in a few mugs of local rice- beer for good measure!

Japfu Peak, at 3048 meters above sea level, is situated for an exhilarating scaling and trekking. Watch the sun- paint fascinating pictures over the entire sky, as it travels slowly beyond the horizon. Marvel at the ocean of mist at the crack of dawn. October- March is the right time to try this out.

Kohima Village, one of the largest villages in Asia, is an admixture of the past and present. A traditional gate greets the visitor on entry, with a scimitar of hornbills and buffalo horns and so on. Stones of varying sizes and shapes implanted within the compound or skulls of buffaloes and mithuns adorning the portico, reminds the glorious status of the great ancestors who had performed grand feasts of merit.

Zoological Park offers a glimpse of the fauna of Nagaland. The rare Blythe’s Tragopan, believed to be on the verge of extinction, is being reared here in captivity.

Khonoma, a village not only located in the history of valour and courage, but also known for its ecological prosperity. The terraced fields carved out from the hilltop to the lower valley, which produce 20 types of paddy at different elevations present an interesting view. A visitor could also sit at leisure with the elders of the village and absorb some fascinating folklore.

Dzulekie, a spot of enchantment, presents a majestic view. The river flows through a deep and extremely narrow gorge making it look as if the river has gone underground at places. The Tourism Department maintains a tourist resort with a few cottage annexes.

Top    

Wokha
Attractive villages on hilltops.
Monoliths erected by the rich ancestors of the villagers to exhibit their status.

Dance and Festivals.
Mount Tiyi:
Trekking, rock climbing. Legend says, it is the abode of the departed souls. Colourful Rhododendrons are found on the cliffs and steep slopes. Offers a panoramic view of the valley down below.

Mount Totsu:
deep cliffs having a gorge in between divide the two adjacent faces of the rocky mountain .Legendary belief has it that the fight between the two different sides of the mountain, one lost its right ear and the other lost its head.Truly both of them have telltale signs of it. The mountain is also said to be guarded by a giant snake and a crab. There are small lakes and other water bodies at the foothill, including one related to a legendary man and the lady spirit of the lake.

Liphanyan Governors Camp:
From here to watch the river Doyang flowing swiftly gushing through hills and vales in a zigzag way is a splendid scene. Ideal for rafting, angling, picnics and river camping. A Rest House is also there.

Zunheboto
Spread out on the clusters of hillocks. Home of the Martial tribe. Ceremonial war- dresses are worth- seeing. Colourful dances, songs and festivals.

Satoi range, the virgin forest with pristine beauty, is the natural habitat of rare birds. Rare rhododendrons also adorn the hills. Ideal for camping and trekking.

Ghosu Bird Sanctuary is solely maintained by the village community. Habitat of more than twenty species of endangered birds. Tourist can have a wonderful view of various migratory birds.

Top    

Mon
Shangnyu Village, with a wonderful wooden monument measuring 8 feet in height and 12 feet in breadth. Heavenly angels are believed to be constructed this place. Carvings of human beings and other creatures are engaged on this monument. Memorial stones are also found in front of the Angh (Chief)’s palace.

Longwa village: Interestingly, as the village straddles on the International boundary line, one half of the Angh’s house falls within the Indian territory, whereas the other half lies in Myanmar. However, the Angh and the Village Council Chairman control the whole village. The cross- border jurisdiction and the number of wives of the Angh are amazing.

Veda Peak: A clear view of both river Brahmaputra and Chindwin can be seen from here on a clear day. There is a waterfall on the precincts of this peak.

Naganimora, the only coal- field in Nagaland founded by the East India co. in 1907 is nearby. Every Saturday there is an interesting market with a medley crowd of Assamese and Konyak Nagas. A place of legend, speaking of a Naga queen.

Phek
Some of the most colourful species of orchids are found here. Habitat of the world- famous Blythe’s Tragopan, a pheasant of Nagaland. Chakesang culture and customs are quite different from the other Naga tribes. The stones and pillars near Chesezumi village on the Chazouba Road bear testimony to the existence of head- hunting among villagers in the ancient days.

Pfutsero: The coldest town in Nagaland. Apples are grown here, at an altitude of 2,133.6 meters above sea- level.

Khezakenoma Village: Believed to be the originating place of many of the southern Naga tribes from where further migrations into the wild had begun. Legends speak of a slab of stone in this village, which was supposed to multiply paddy when spread over it for drying. This stone is still preserved.

Shilloi Lake, also known as the Lachem Lake, lies on the lower slopes of the hill ranges running along the Myanmar borders. Spread over 0.25 to 0.30 sq. km., the lake has the shape of a footprint. The lake is believed to be the abode of spirits. The water is dark gray, perhaps because of the large amount of silt, adding to the mystery.

Top