Having spent over a year in Nagaland, our writer has now begun to understand its intricate social fabric and unique natural beauty. If you are planning to visit this northeastern state, here are some good-to-know things before you embark on your trip. By Zitin Munshi
Nagaland is a delight for any tourist who loves a rustic, rural life amid mountains and enjoys peaceful surroundings. But before you pack your bags, keep these tips in mind.
Things to keep in mind when planning a trip to Nagaland
The vibrancy of Naga identity
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Nagaland’s vibrancy comes from its tribes, which form a strong part of the people’s identity here. The state is home to 17 tribes. Each tribe is characterised by different food items, games, languages or dialects, and customs. To witness a grand showcase of all the tribal culture under one roof, visit between December 1 to December 10 during the Hornbill Festival. And if you can’t make it then, catch a glimpse of the rich Naga culture at Kohima’s Nagaland State Museum.
Multitudinous picnic spots
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Picnics are a sure-shot way to enjoy outdoors in Nagaland. Some of my favourite spots are:
- Glory Peak, Phek to see Mt Everest and Saramati Peak amid breathtaking views of huge coniferous trees
- Chida Post, Phek to spot a village in Manipur while standing in Nagaland
- Khonoma, Kohima to witness beautiful terrace farms
- Dzulekie, Kohima to absorb the beauty of large paddy fields while sipping tea
- Zungki river, Kiphire to relax by the river or enjoy fishing
Glorious blossoming
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For the longest time, I thought one needs to travel to Japan to see cherry blossoms. Little did I know that Northeast India, too, is abundant with blossoms through the latter half of winter and early spring. Nagaland, in particular, experiences a bonanza of blossoms. Visit between November to December for cherry blossoms (my favourite!), February to March for apple blossoms, and March to April for peach blossoms.
Importance of roads
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Dimapur, Nagaland’s commercial hub, is the only location in the state that has a railway station and an airport; and, therefore, it’s your first port of call. Because of this, roads are the best way to reach anywhere and everywhere across the rest of the state. Ask for the Nagaland State Transport (NST) taxi stand at Dimapur railway station where shared SUVs are available for 10 passengers at a time. However, this has been reduced to five to seven passengers in the post-COVID-19 era. Earlier, Dimapur to Kohima in a shared SUV would cost around INR 300, however it has now been increased to INR 500-600.
Inner Line Permit (ILP)
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An Inner Line Permit (ILP) is like a visa mandatorily required to visit Nagaland. This document is necessary for both, domestic and foreign tourists, alike. In 2019, the Government of Nagaland introduced an online procedure to apply for an ILP via the official permit website.
Related: Explore The Green Village Of Khonoma In Nagaland Through A Series Of Stunning Photographs
Zitin Munshi
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