Nagaland Travel Guide
The origin of the word ‘Naga’ is little confusing but popularly accepted view is that it originated from the Burmese word ‘naka’ or ‘naga’, meaning people with earrings. Others suggest it means pierced noses. Both naka and naga are pronounced the same way in Burmese.
The State of Nagaland was formally inaugurated on December 1st, 1963, as the 16th State of the Indian Union.
Also known as the ‘Festival of Festivals’, Hornbill Festival is the mostly enjoyed cultural meet in Nagaland. A riot of culture, music, folk dance and delicious cuisines, it is celebrated with full vigour and passion by all the Naga tribes.
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Sightseeing in Nagaland
Dzukou Valley
Dzukou valley is known for its scenic beauty, and also the cold water that flows through the valley. Here you can find gorgeous unique Dzukou lily which makes it more fascinating to visit.
Wokha
Wokha is the home of the Lotha tribe. Located about four hours away from Kohima, this place is absolutely beautiful. It is best known for its healthy and pesticide free oranges and pineapples. Its best features are the ancient stone monoliths which are found on the hill sides, established by the elders of the tribe.Kohima
Kohima is Nagaland’s capital. It has a great blend of culture and history which is quite fascinating. Enclosed by lush green hills and forest Kohima becames an ideal place to explore. The Japfu Peak (3048m) and the Pulebadze Peak is place of major attraction and is paradise for trekkers. Also Kesama Heritage Village which is only ten kilometers away from Kohima is an interesting place to visit. An open air museum is also a place of interest.
Here you will also find a huge range of traditional Nagaland buildings.
Mount Pauna
Mount Pauna is the third highest peak of Nagaland. It belongs to the Benreu range and offers some of the most breathtaking and picturesque views you have ever witnessed. Adventurous activities here such as trekking in order to discover the natural beauty of Nagaland.
Mokokchung
The Mokokchung district is where the renowned Moatsu festival is celebrated. It takes place in the month of May every year and is organized by the Ao tribe. Visit to Chuchuyimlang village which is half n hour away from Mokokchung is a place of significance, It is best known for its scenic beauty, splendour, hills and valleys.
Intangki Wildlife Sanctuary
The Intangki Wildlife Sanctuary is located about 37 kilometers away from the lovely city of Dimapur and houses various unique animals and birds which are exotic and very rare.
Triple Falls
The Triple Falls of Nagaland is one of the well-liked destinations .It is an ideal place for trekkers and is located in the Seithekima village.
Phek
Phek is one of Nagaland’s mountainous regions. It is covered with dense and evergreen forests and is known for its pleasant weather and wild orchids that grow here. It is the home of the Pochury and Chakhesang tribe and is a wonderful place.
Rangapahar Reserve Forest
Nagaland is an ideal destination for the national parks and reserve forests and Rangapahar Reserve Forest lives up to the mark. Here you will find some of the most stunning and wonderful animals and birds.
Shopping in Nagaland
- Basketry
Naga storage and carry baskets woven from fine strips of cane and bamboo are well known and sought after for their utility as well as aesthetic value. Headgears and mats are also woven from fine bamboo and cane strips.
- Metal work
Iron tin and brass were used to produce weapons as well items of utility and ornaments. The Konyak blacksmiths were famous for their works in the early days and their products were in great demand in the plains of Assam. To this day, the local dao, spears, chisels, ornaments and other items of utility are still made by local blacksmith whose skills are highly valued in society.
- Weaving
Naga women are excellent weavers and the colorful shawls, bags and jackets woven by them are genuinely popular. Each tribe uses unique colours and motifs, that are often based on tribal folklore. In addition, woven clothes were adorned with beads, cowrie shells and goats hair to denote the wealth and status of the weaver. Body cloth symbolizing Feast-giving and Head-taking added to the variety of clothes woven on the backstrap loom.
- Pottery
Pottery was known to the early Nagas and was generally done by the womenfolk. The pots made were generally very simple and importance was given to its functional value rather than aesthetics. Tseminyu and Ungma village were well known for pottery by aluminum and steel vessels, which have long replaced the simple clay pots.
- Woodcarving
Nagas are exceptional woodcarvers. Making use of simple rudimentary tools and implements such as the local dao, hand drill and chisel, skilled craftsmen produce great piece of art that local adorn village gates and house posts as well as objects of utility like the common wooden dish.
The Diezephe Craft village in Dimapur is a fine example of a craft concentrated village where the major sourse of income is from woodcraft.
Almost everywhere in Nagaland, you can find central markets or a bazaar filled with local items such as handmade bags, baskets made of cane, home decor items, shawls, ornaments and war weapons.
Places such as Mokokchung, Mon, Wokha, Zunheboto and Tuensang also offer splendour work of ornaments and traditional cloths that one simply cannot pass by without trying it out.
Kohima is a major hub and the capital of Nagaland, there are many places to shop. Handicraft and Handloom Emporium is a great place to shop for aforementioned items such as different tribal shawls, handmade items, silk clothings and ornaments.
From fashion’s point of view, Nagaland is deeply influenced by Korean culture.
There are multiple stores around entire Nagaland but since Dimapur is the commercial capital one can find latest trends imported from the Asian countries (mostly from Bangkok).
Nagaland Cuisine
Naga cuisine is known for its variety and simplicity. Just as their tribal culture and ancient traditions – their cuisine is distinct and stands apart from the rest of the regional cuisines in India.
A normal Naga food meal would include rice, some kind of meat (either dry or pork with bamboo shoots), boiled vegetables, and spicy chili sauces. Here meals are eaten with hands.
- Hinkejvu
Hinkejvu is a simple dish made with colocasia, shredded cabbage leaves, mustard leaves and some French beans this dish is a part of their daily meal.
- Akibiye
Akibiye is a simple dish made with colocasia and bamboo shoot which is mostly enjoyed by the Sema community in Nagaland. It has a thick gravy and goes best with rice.
- Akini Chokibo
Snail meat is popular in Nagaland. It is often included in pork dishes but this particular dish is a snail delicacy. The word ‘akini’ refers to perilla seeds and chokibo means snails.
- Smoked Pork in Akhuni
Fermented soyabean is a staple in Naga curries and it is locally known as Akhuni or Axone in Nagaland. Moreover, pork is the preferred meat in Nagaland which makes this dish special. Akhuni comes in powdered or cake form and is used commonly in stews along with other vegetables. Another popular combination is the dried river fish with akhuni.
- Fish in Bamboo
One of most interesting ways to prepare fish in Nagaland, in this dish the fish is filled inside a bamboo tube with few spices and left to be smoked over fire. This allows the flavours to permeate and offers an aromatic dish.
- Zutho
This is the famous rice beer from Nagaland. The technique of fermentation is used quite often to prepare pickles and drinks in Nagaland. Zutho is one such fermented drink made with rice. This whitish and porridge-like drink is popular among the Angami Nagas.
- Galho
Galho is a soupy mixture of rice and vegetables or meat. It mostly used an assortment of seasonal greens and is flavoured with smoked pork or chunks of pork fat.
- Bushmeat
One of the favourite dishes of the Naga people is the Bushmeat or otherwise known as dog meat. It is considered to be very delicious by the Naga people.
- Roasted Intestines
Pork is a huge part of Naga food culture and here nothing is wasted, and internal organs happen to be some of the most prized possessions. These roasted intestines are like naturally cured strips of bacon combined with sausage.
- Zutho
This is the famous rice beer from Nagaland, similar to Apong. Zutho is fermented drink made with rice. This whitish and porridge-like drink is popular among the Angami Nagas.
Interesting Facts of Nagaland
The State Of Nagaland is one of the few states in the country that require a permit to enter its periphery.
Hornbill Festival is one of the most cherished festivals of the state.
Nagaland is known for the insanely hot and spicy chilli pepper, the Bhut Jolokia or ghost pepper.
The vibrant red impeccable Naga weaves with vivid designs and patterns are actually symbolic of the social hierarchy of the state.
16 major tribes with myriads of small-scale tribes inhabit Nagaland. There is nothing known as ‘Naga tribe’ or ‘Naga language’ in particular.
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