Shangnyu Village and the monument built by Angels

Have you ever seen a monument or structure built by heavenly angels? Shangnyu village in Nagaland is the right place to watch the 8 feet high and 12 feet broad wooden monument which is believed by the locals to be built by angels. Shangnyu is a prominent village in the Mon district ruled by the chief Angh. Many humans and different animals are carved in the huge wooden monument. There is also a huge memorial stone in front of the Angh palace. The culture and tradition of the Shangnyu and Mon villages are worth an experience. The tattooed tribal people in these villages are very friendly and helpful.

Dimapur is the nearest airport; the city also has a railway station linked to Guwahati. There are several hotels and resorts in Dimapur for tourists and culture enthusiasts to stay and experience Nagaland.

Kohima War cemetery

“When you go home, tell them of us and say, for your tomorrow, we gave our today”

This is the inscription written on the entrance of the Kohima war cemetery build to remember and respect the brave soldiers who sacrificed their life while protecting the country during the Second World War. The Kohima War Cemetery is located at the battle ground of Garrrison Hill. It is maintained by the Commonwealth War Graves Commission and the cemetery contains around 1420 Commonwealth burials of World War II soldiers. At the highest point of the cemetery stands Kohima Cremation memorial, where the remains of 917 Hindu and Sikh soldiers are kept. During Second World War the combined army of British and India fought bravely and stopped the progressing Japanese troops in Kohima. Today the Kohima war cemetery is a very much visited tourist attraction in Nagaland.

The state has an airport in Dimapur which is linked to Guwahati and Kolkata, Dimapur also have a railway station. Kohima can be reached by road from there. The town also has several hotels and resorts for over night stay.

Attractions in Dimapur

Dimapur is the main commercial centre and the largest city in Nagaland which is situated at a distance of 74 km from Kohima. Dimapur is having the only airport in Nagaland. It is also known as the ‘Gateway of Nagaland’. During 13^th century it was the capital of ancient Kacharis.

Dimapur is one of the fastest growing townships in the Northern Eastern region of India. All the developmental and economic activities take place in this city. In Dimapur you can find all the different communities of people. Thus we can say Dimapur is a mini India. The megalithic cluster of huge stones was seen in the time of Kachari civilization. The fertility rituals part of the culture is found in the archeological finds.

The accommodation facilities in Dimapur are found in a great way as they provide accommodation in a very cheap rate. Getting there in Dimapur is very easy as it has all mode of transportation such as airport, railway station and well connected roads.

Phek, Nazu Festival

The Nazu festival in Nagaland is one of the merry making festivals of the region. The time for Nazu festival celebration in Nagaland is in the month of February and the duration is 10 days and this festival is celebrated in Phek. The Nazu festival in Nagaland is the major festival of the Pochury tribe of Nagaland.

Nazu Festival is very colorful festival. The main purpose of the festival is to make the festival more entertained and competitive rather than making all rituals. The Khupielilie dance is the main attraction of the festival where women perform the folk of the Pochury tribe. The Nazu festival shows a picture of the wonderful culture and tradition of the region. The people enjoy with lots of eating and drinking along with lots of fun such as dancing and singing.

Nagaland provides you good accommodation. Dimapur Airport is the nearest airport and the nearest railway station is Dimapur Station.

The Dzukou Valley: Heaven’s gateway

Nagaland is the land of eternal beauty, filled with mountains and thick forests. The main rivers are Barak, Doyang, Dhiku and Chinwin. The fact is most of natural attractions are unexplored and uncorrupted.  Untouched for centuries and the government is trying to preserve it for the coming generations.

There is one place in Nagaland which can make us wonder if it’s really a part of this planet. The closest way to watch heaven on earth is to take a trip to the Dzukou valley. It is a fairyland of eternal beauty. The entire valley is filled with carpets of wild flowers from June to September. The valley is just 30km from the capital city Kohima. Some call Dzukou valley, the valley of celestial charms. Lilies and other wild but beautiful botanical species in all colors inhibit the valley during the monsoon seasons.

 The nearest airport is Dimapur, take a taxi from there and then forget everything till the vacation ends. There are very few hotels and resorts in Dimapur, but worth a stay.

Hornbill festival – Best of Naga culture

Planning a trip to Nagaland? You might want to time it with the Hornbill festival held every December. It could give you a great appreciation of Naga culture, one of the most vibrant in North East India.

The weeklong festival showcases the state’s rich culture and traditions in a very enlightening and entertaining way. All aspects of Naga culture, including dances, music, cuisine, handicrafts etc. come to the fore. What is heartening to note is that everyone, from the government to the common man, gets together as one to bring this festival to life.

So, to get the best of Nagaland, plan a trip in December. Alongwith catching up Kohima, Dimapur and the other towns and villages, the Hornbill festival would be just the ethnic touch your holiday could do with. A great way to get to know one of the Seven Sister States better!

Intanki Wildlife

The Intanki Wildlife Sanctuary in Nagaland is under the preservation of the Forest Wildlife Department. It is home to various animals including some rare species of birds. One of the main attractions of the Intanki Wildlife Sanctuary is the Hoolock Gibbon, the only Gibbon found in India. Some of the other species of animals found in the Sanctuary are Sloth Bear, Elephant, Tiger, Mithun, Sambar, Goral, Flying Squirrel, Barking Deer, and Wild Dog etc.

The ideal time to visit the sanctuary is from November to February.

Journey to Intangki Wildlife Sanctuary is quite convenient as the closest airport and railhead is at Dimapur.

Ghosu Bird Sanctuary

The uniqueness of this bird sanctuary is the maintenance of the sanctuary by the village community itself. This is home to more than twenty varieties of birds. The earlier Naga habit of rampant hunting and poaching in this area has now been strictly prohibited by the neighboring village communities.

Tourist can have a wonderful view of various migratory birds.

Mokokchung: one of the district in Nagaland

The Home of the “Ao Naga” tribe. It covers an area of 1,615 sq km. It is the district headquarters as well as the main urban hub of Mokokchung District. The “Ao’s “were the first of the Nagaland people to embrace Christianity in the 19th century.

Mokokchung is the cultural center of the “Ao people”. It is particularly famous for its extravagant Christmas, New Year, Moatsu and Tsungremong celebrations.

One of the most popular attractions is “Mokokchung District museum” in the Arts and Cultural Complex. The museum display exhibits various artifacts of AO Naga tribe such as swords, shield, shawl, clothing, traditional jewelry, accessories and more. Another popular attraction of the town is the “Town main park”, which is located just above the Town Center.

Dzukou Valley in Nagaland

The Dzukou Valley is located above the sea level, behind the Japfu range in the north eastern state of Nagaland in India. The Dzukou Valley is just 30 km from Kohima. The valley is also called the valley of flowers.

The entire valley is covered with a carpet of wild flowers in the month of June & September. In summer, wild herbs and shrubs grow along the streams of banks. Lilies in white and pink, and hundreds of other botanical species in varied colors adorn the valley in monsoon.

The Dzukou Valley is one of the most ideal places for peace and nature lovers. This is one of the best trekking spots in the North-Eastern Region. The valley is surrounded by hills, natural caves & rocks and is thus, ideal for camping. A few tourist rest houses are constructed for trekkers.