Nagaland – The Land of Festivals & Tribal Heritage

Nagaland, located in the far northeast of India, is known for its vibrant tribal culture, rolling hills, traditional villages, handloom art, wildlife, and rich heritage. From the world-famous Hornbill Festival to scenic viewpoints, trekking trails, and unique local cuisine, Nagaland is an ideal destination for cultural travelers, explorers, photographers, and adventure lovers.

Top Destinations & Attractions in Nagaland

1. Kohima

  • Kohima War Cemetery

  • Kisama Heritage Village (Hornbill Festival venue)

  • Kohima Cathedral

  • State Museum

  • Catholic Church viewpoint

  • Local Naga markets

2. Dzukou Valley

  • Famous for Dzukou Lily (rare flower)

  • Mesmerizing green rolling hills

  • Popular trekking & camping destination

  • Panoramic viewpoints and alpine-like meadows

3. Khonoma

  • Asia’s first green village

  • Angami tribal village

  • Terraced farming

  • Forest trails & eco-tourism

4. Mokokchung

  • Ao tribal culture hub

  • Longkhum village

  • Mopungchuket (cleanest village)

  • Scenic viewpoints & traditions

5. Mon District (Konyak Tribe)

  • Konyak tribes (last tattooed headhunters)

  • Longwa Village (one house in India & Myanmar)

  • Traditional tribal houses

  • Local handicrafts & tribal lifestyle

6. Wokha

  • Lotha tribe villages

  • Doyang Hydro Project

  • Popular birding location (Amur Falcons)

7. Tuophema Village

  • Traditional Naga huts for stay

  • Cultural performances & Naga cuisine

  • Village walks

8. Pfutsero

  • Highest & coldest town in Nagaland

  • Frozen mornings in winter

  • Trekking trails & viewpoints

9. Zunheboto

  • Sumi tribe region

  • Wildlife at Ghosu Bird Sanctuary

Activities & Things to Do in Nagaland

★ Cultural & Heritage Experiences

  • Attend the Hornbill Festival (1–10 December)

  • Tribal village walks (Angami, Ao, Sumi, Konyak, Lotha tribes)

  • Traditional Naga dance & music

  • Local cuisine tasting (smoked meats, herbs, bamboo delicacies)

  • Handicraft & handloom shopping

★ Nature & Adventure

  • Dzukou Valley Trek (one of India’s best treks)

  • Japfu Peak Trek

  • Camping in green meadows

  • Birdwatching (especially Amur Falcons)

  • Photography of tribal villages & landscapes

★ Unique Experiences

  • Stand at the India–Myanmar border house in Longwa

  • Try tribal homestays for an authentic experience

  • Explore terraced farming systems

  • Visit green eco-villages like Khonoma & Tuophema

Best Time to Visit Nagaland

  • October–May – Best for sightseeing, trekking & cultural tours

  • December – Hornbill Festival (peak tourism season)

  • June–September – Monsoon (green landscapes but heavy rains)

Famous Festivals of Nagaland

  • Hornbill Festival

  • Aoling Festival (Konyak tribe)

  • Moatsu Festival (Ao tribe)

  • Sekrenyi Festival (Angami tribe)

  • Tokhu Emong (Lotha tribe)

Nagaland is widely known as the “Land of Festivals” because every tribe celebrates its own festivals.

Why Visit Nagaland?

  • Vibrant tribal culture & eco-villages

  • Unique festivals and rituals

  • Beautiful landscapes & green valleys

  • Dzukou Valley – one of India’s most scenic treks

  • Traditions preserved for centuries

  • Perfect for cultural tourism, offbeat travel & photography