North Eastern Hilly Capital Kohima is in the Nagaland state of India, bordering Burma on one side and Assam and the Manipur state of India on the other side. Kohima is at an altitude of more than 4000 feet above sea level.
A flowering plant called Kewhi is found in abundance in Nagaland. The name Nagaland is linked to this plant. The people of Nagaland are extremely warm and friendly.
This is the entrance to Kohima Town. Source: Wikimedia Commons
Visiting Kohima is knowing more about India and World War II. Kohima was the British’s first administration seat in the Northeastern States of India. The British fought for decades, trying to capture the areas from defending tribes of Nagaland. The Kohima city was a well-planned idea by the British as a watch post for the eastern region.
Kohima is famous for the Battle of Kohima, also known as Stalingrad of the East, which was the battle between the British and the Japanese in 1944 during World War II.
Battle of Imphal, another major battle in the same period in the nearby state of Manipur, was also fought to defend the British and its allies from the advancing Japanese army. The British decimated the Japanese. It was one of the worst defeats for the Japanese.
The Commonwealth War Graves Commission maintains a war memorial cemetery at Kohima.
Kohima Zoo is a tourist location. There is a Sanctuary in Kohima.
Hornbill Festival in December
The Hornbill Festival is from December 1 to 10th. Thousands of people from around the world assemble here for this festival. Traditional dance, music, and other cultural activities are the order of the day. Art, crafts, adventure sports, and food items are on display and sale. You can also see the making of local craft items. You can communicate with the local ethnic groups here. Also, You can visit the villages around the venue.
Festival of Festivals is another name for this festival. It is a significant activity for all ethnic groups of Nagaland.
The Hornbill Festival is conducted at Kisama Naga Heritage Village. This village is about 10 kilometers from Kohima. The entry fee is Rs. 30 for Indians and Rs. 100 for others.
You can stay in the hotel rooms, tents, and dormitories near the Hornbill Festival site. You can book them in advance. Indian Navy has a food pavilion here.
This festival was started in 2000. The state government organizes it. The Welcome desk near the entrance provides a beautiful brochure on the 10-day activity. Do not forget to collect this free brochure.
IRCTC has a group tour package named HORNBILL Festival Tour with IRCTC Ex-Guwahati. It starts from Guwahati city, the capital of Assam state. The places covered under the package are Kohima and Khonoma. It is a 04 Nights / 05 Days package. Overall, the charge for a single person is Rs. 38,890.
As the climate is unpredictable, please carry the necessary clothes, especially those required to resist cold conditions.
Nearby Tourist Places to Kohima
Dimapur Wednesday Market
Dimapur Wednesday Market is about 70 kilometers from Kohima. Many tourists visit this market. Organic vegetables are the main attraction here. Fruits and flowering plants are also there in plenty. Kitchen utensils, wooden plates, glasses, etc., are also available.
Dzukou Valley and Japfu Peak Trek
Dzukou Valley trekking site is about 23 kilometers distance from Kohima. Japfu Peak can be trekked from here. Japfu Peak is 3000 feet above sea level on the Himalayas.
The giant Rhododendron Tree, the Guinness Record Holding Tree, which is 130 feet in height and 11 feet in girth, is near Japfu Peak.
What about the climate of North Eastern Hilly Capital Kohima?
The climate of Nagaland is that of a humid subtropical climate. July and August are the Monsoon season with heavy rains. In December and January, occasional snowfall may occur. Summer is pleasant, and the same is the case with winter months.
What is the ideal time to visit North Eastern States of India?
The ideal season to visit the North Eastern states is barring the Monsoon season. i.e., Except during July and August.
How Do I Go to Kohima?
Dimapur is the nearest major city at around 70 kilometers from Kohima. There are buses to Kohima from Dimapur. It takes around 3.5 hours by bus. Dimapur is a major city with a railway station.
Do I need a Permit to Visit the North Eastern Hilly Capital Kohima?
Those who want to visit Nagaland state must get an Inner Line Permit (ILP) except for Dimapur city. It may take a few hours to get the permit. You must give your Identity proof, two passport-size photos, and a small fee (INR 50 or so). ILP has a validity of one month.