Nagaland Tourism

Nagaland

Nagaland is "Gateway to the heart of India" as known as the "Switzerland of the East". It is a quaint state in the north-east part of the country and is one of the most-loved hill station tourist destinations in India. When you think of Nagaland, you think of a colorful culture, vibrant traditions, distinctive cuisine, vivid apparel, and a veritable depository of natural beauty. Nagaland is definitely all that, and more. Nagaland is as much about scenic beauty as it is about carefully preserved history and tradition and a visit to this mesmerizing state will open up a vista of things you can see and do to make your holiday a memorable one. Inhabited by the tribes who are very protective towards their culture and identity, Nagaland is another name for beauty and bounty. Colorful costumes, spicy cuisines, pleasant weather, traditional villages, beautiful dance forms and lyrical songs are all that define the north-eastern state of Nagaland. Japfu Peak, Dzukou Valley, Shilloi Lake are some of the places for nature lovers while the villages of Nagaland add rustic charm to your trip. Like other north-eastern states, Nagaland is also rich in culture with the variety of tribes spreading colors in it. The artistic skills of local people will not only amaze you but excite you to learn the weaving and carving which is simply mesmerising.

Geography of Nagaland Nagaland is one of the seven North-Eastern states of India and is bordered by the states of Assam, Arunachal Pradesh and Manipur and shares an international boundary with Myanmar on its eastern side. The capital of this state is Kohima, and the largest city, the hub of commercial and tourist activity is Dimapur. The state is predominantly a mountainous region and consists of the Naga and Patkai hill ranges. Many rivers like Doyang, Diphu and Barak, flow through these mountains and join the Brahmaputra, making the state a lush green haven for wildlife. 

History of Nagaland 

The history of individual Naga tribes is unclear, but there are records of them having lived together, though there were frequent inter-tribe battles. The British East India company tried to establish control over this strategic region for a long time but were successfully repelled by the Naga tribes. The British presence in the area was very limited, and a policy of on-interference was widely followed, and this led to the preservation of Naga tribal culture till date. After independence, there were many conflicts between the government and amongst tribals but an autonomous region within the state of Assam as established to give administrative independence to the tribal population. Eventually, this area was granted statehood on 1 December 1963. Insurgent activity was common in the state until the last decade impeding economic growth but peace has now been established, and this has resulted in a dramatic rise in tourism, which is currently an important part of the state economy.

What's Great?

Pleasant climate throughout the year. Super natural beauty and plenty of wildlife.

Not so Great?

Difficult to access because of poor road and rail connectivity. Occasional violence and political instability.

Festivals of Nagaland

Nagaland has unique festival like below.

Nagaland Hornbill Festival: also known as the "Festival of Festivals".  They celebrates all its festivals with great pomp and vigour and the most renowned festival that tourists love to participate in is the Hornbill Festival, owing to it being the most important and well-loved festival in the state. This festival takes place in December, and it is nothing short of a riot of colours, cultures, dance, music and delectable cuisines. This is the venue of the famous Hornbill Festival and has been developed as a tourist and cultural centre. It has also become a symbol of unity among the various tribes who work together for economic progress and respect each others' traditions. 

Culture of Nagaland

The tribes of Nagaland state include Chakhesang, Angami, Zeliang, Ao, Sangtam, Yimchunger, Chang, Sema, Lotha, Khemungan, Rengma, Konyak, Pochury and Phom. Christianity is the prime religion followed by a majority of Nagaland people. Nagamese is the language which is spoken by almost all the people of Nagaland.

Local Food of Nagaland

Local Food and Cuisine of Nagaland has unique flavors, colors, styles and a distinct dash of adventure. The Naga cuisine is primarily non-vegetarian and goes beyond the typical non vegetarian ingredients with spiders, dogs, cats, beef, pork, crabs, chicken and even elephants in its platter. The food here is generously hot and spicy, given the usage of Naga King Chili in most of its dishes. The everyday food of Naga people is rice with meat or vegetables. Smoke dried pork curry with Akhuni, Rice beer and snails are the traditional aspects of Nagaland's cuisine. 

Koat pitha is a popular sweet dish to be relished, made with bananas, rice flour, and jaggery. Dried pork, smoked pork stew, boiled vegetables, bamboo steamed fish, roasted intestines, beans mix, bitter melon, chicken rice soup, crab chilly sauce, naga ghost chillie sauce are the unique treasures of the area's cuisine. Also, it is safe to say that the options for vegetarian food here are limited and will not offer the same variety as in case of local non-vegetarian food.