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Nature could not have been kinder to Nagaland, some times referred to as
the ‘Switzerland of the East’. The exquisitely picturesque landscape, the
vibrantly colourful sunrise and sunset, lush and verdant flare, this is a
land that represents aberrant beauty, moulded perfectly for a
breath-taking experience.
Blessed with
salubrious climate throughout the year, it provides the right ambience for
a quiet get away from the hustle and bustle of city life.
Life here is one long
festival. Apart from the rich, incomparable traditional and cultural
heritage that is exclusive, Nagaland offers you a rejuvenating bonus of
the cool refreshing mountain air, and the dreamless sleep amidst the
roaring sound of silence.
People
Belonging to the Indo-Mongoloid stock.The Nagas have a reputation for a
warm-hearted hospitality, By nature, they are lovers of fun and frolic.
The different Naga
groups vary considerably in physique and appearance; the Angamis being
tall with regular feature and Semas shorter with more strongly pronounced
Mongolian features. Most are a beautiful light brown - the typical Kirata
‘gold’, but differing in shade from tribe to tribe; a light colour is
generally admired. There is wavy hair and straight hair and even the
Negrito frizzled hair.
The traditional
ceremonial attire of each tribe is in itself, an awe inspiring sight to
behold; the multi coloured ‘spears’ and 'daos' decorated with dyed goats’
hair, the headgear made of finely woven bamboo interlaced with orchid
stems, adorned with boar’s teeth and hornbill’s feathers, elephant tusk
armlets etc.
They adorn colourful
and intricately designed costumes, jewelry and beads. The present
generation has ventured into fashion designing in a big way; reproducing
Nagaland is a vibrant hill station with music in the air: the
traditional folk songs, the poetic love songs, the gospels, the exquisite
classical tunes …it has them all. Tourists can have a faste of such a rich
culture in their tour, for there are tribal artistes who give part time
performances at a reasonable fee.
Tribal festivals are
celebrated seasonally throughout the year. It is during such a time that
one gets to see a glimpse of the past animistic traditions of each tribe,
being enacted in their robust best. The visitor is welcomed like a family
to share their past, for a fleeting moment in time.
Places of tourist
interest
Dimapur:
The gateway of Nagaland, situated at an altitude of 195 meters above sea
level. Spots of particular attractions in and around Dimapur are:
 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 r egion.
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.
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, 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.
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
Governor’s 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 . |
