Beautiful Nagaland experiences for a first-timer

Nagaland sits snug in the middle with Arunachal Pradesh in the north, Assam in the west, Manipur in the south, and Myanmar in the east. For those planning to take a trip to Nagaland for the very first time, you are in for a very pleasant experience, one you can definitely write home about.

Dimapur, the largest city in Nagaland, is very well connected with the rest of the country by air, road and rail. Nagaland is home to 17 major tribes—Angami, Ao, Chakhesang, Chang, Kachari, Khiamniungan, Konyak, Kuki, Lotha, Phom, Pochury, Rengma, Sangtam, Sumi (Sema), Tikhir, Yimkhiung and Zeliang. To say that Nagaland is diverse, would be an understatement. Its 14 languages, 17 dialects and eight main festivals, along with plenty of other sub tribes and local dialects, Nagaland has a lot to offer you.

Here are six fun ways you can experience Nagaland:

The annual Hornbill Festival (Dec 1-10) is a great time to witness Naga culture and tradition up close and personal. The festival brings the entire state together for a period of 10 days and, through this festival, Nagaland’s cultural heritage is shared with a very large number of people who come to be a part of the event. Naga Heritage Village, Kisama (12 km from the capital Kohima), hosts this festival each year. The Hornbill Festival is a great way to understand the rich cultural heritage of Nagaland.

Spectacular valley bordering the states of Nagaland and Manipur, Dzüko is a place you will remember for a very long time and for all the right reasons. Dzüko Valley is famous for its green rolling hills, covered in seasonal flowers in the pring, and a blanket of white in the winter. Sitting at an altitude of 2452 m above sea level, Dzüko Valley is one of the most trekked places in India. The valley is also home to the endangered Dzüko Lily.

Buy local when in Nagaland. Nagaland is a land of souvenirs with Naga shawls, bamboo mugs, carpets, traditional garment and jewellery, and traditional pottery. Nagaland is big on handloom and handicrafts and the best part is, most of these products are sold by the craftsmen. Every purchase is a way of supporting the local arts and crafts.

India’s first Green Village, Khonoma is a very special place. Not just because it is lovely with its natural surroundings, but mainly because of the significant role that the town has played in single-handedly inspiring the entire state to walk the sustainable path. Khonoma is a success story of how a community of hunters are now the protectors of forests. The total ban on hunting and logging gave Khonoma the title of India’s first Green Village.

Mount Saramati is located near the village of Thanamir in the Kiphire District of Nagaland. Standing tall at 3,826 m (12,552 ft), Mount Saramati is the highest peak in Nagaland. Also known as the Crown of Nagaland, Mount Saramati attracts a lot of adventure travellers who are looking for that extra touch of adrenaline.