NAGALAND

It is a land of folklore passed down the generations through word of mouth. Here, music is an integral part of life. By nature Nagas are lovers of fun and frolic and here life is one long festival. The Nagas with their joie de vivre, dance and songs are a part and parcel of all their festivities. Most of their dances are performed with a robust rhythm. This is an affluent fashion station of the East.

Blessed with salubrious climate throughout the year, one can visit it anytime. If one is looking for a quiet getaway, from the hustle and bustle of city life, it provides the right ambience, as life here is laid-back and slow.

Nature could not have been kinder to Nagaland. Sometimes referred to as the 'Switzerland of the East' it has exquisite picturesque landscapes, vibrant colourful sunrise and sunset, lush and verdant flora. This is a land that represents unimaginable beauty, moulded perfectly for a breath taking experience.

For the adventurous and the intrepid, Nagaland is an ideal place for trekking, rock climbing, jungle camping and offers limitless exploration possibilities in its lush and verdant sub-tropical rain forests which are also a treasure trove of a plethora of medicinal plants. The major tourist attractions in Nagaland include the Second World War cemetery, State Museum and Zoo that are located in the capital city of Kohima.

PLACE OF INTEREST:

KOHIMA:

Situated at an altitude of 1495 m above sea level is the capital of Nagaland. Kohima hosts the five days Hornbill Festival, which showcases the cultures of all of Naga tribes from December 1-5 every year. The State Museum has a rare collection of artifacts of the different tribes which inhabit the state. A must see for getting an idea of the people’s lives.

WAR CEMETERY:

The well maintained War Cemetery was constructed in memory of the officers and men who made supreme sacrifices during World War II. On each grave there are beautiful epitaphs engraved in bronze.

KHONOMA VILLAGE:

This Angami village, which lies 20 km west of Kohima was known for its fighting prowess in the past. It is also known for the fallow management of its alder trees, which balances nature in the surrounding areas. The beautiful terraces that are carved out of the hill slopes surrounding the village are a sight to behold. These terraces grow over 20 types of paddy at different elevations.

DIMAPUR is situated at an altitude of 900ft. above sea level. It is the getway district of Nagaland. This first developing town is the commercial centre of state. Dimapur was the capital of ancient Kachari kingdom and it has one of the important sites of megalithic culture. Most of the ruins appear to be contemporaries with the Kachari civilization, established before the Ahom invasion in the 13th century A.D.

TUOPHEMA VILLAGE:

This village which is 41 km from Kohima is a model village for common Angami Sekrenyi festival which is celebrated during February 25-27 every year. Sekrenyi is a festival of purification and revolves round rituals and ceremonies of cleansing the village well.

MOKOKCHUNG:

This picturesque town is the cultural center of the AO Nagas. The main festival of the Aos are Moatsu, celebrated during the first week of May (1-3) every year. There are Ao villages near Mokokchung which is worth visiti.

UNGMA the biggest Ao village, according to legend the early Aos settled here first after coming from Chungliyimti. This village is many centuries old and can be interest to people who have a desire to peep into Ao folklores, customs and traditions.

LONGKHUM:

Situated at an altitude of 5500 ft. above sea level. The Aos have a belief that Longkhum is the resting place of the spirit of the dead on their onward journey to paradise. As the local legend goes a single visit to Longkhum is not enough……for you have to return to the village again to collect your soul, which had stayed on your first visit.

MON:

The headquarters and home of the Konyaks, old Konyak men often have elaborate facial tattoos and wear adornments made from boar teeth and animals horns. Konyaks are ruled by hereditary chiefs known as Anghs and the institution of Anghship is only prevalent among the Konyaks. The most colourful festival of the Konyaks is ‘Aoling Monyu’ which is celebrated in the month of April (1- 6) every year.

LONGWA VILLAGE:

The village straddles the international boundary line, falls within the Indian Territory and the other half lies in Myanmar. However the whole village is controlled by the Angh and the village council chairman.

KIPHIRE:

Home to the Sangtams, Yimchungers and Sumis. It is situated at an altitude of 896.42 meters above sea level and is 254 km from state capital Kohima. Saramati the highest peak of Nagaland at 3, 841 meters is situated in this district.

TUENSANG:

It is mini Nagaland, home to six different tribes. The tribes inhabiting the district are rich in cultural heritage and their dresses are very colourful. Their dances are rhythmic and songs are heartwarming. This area is also known for its handicrafts and handloom products.

PERMITS:

Permits are essential for traveling to Nagaland. Indian tourists wishing to visit Nagaland require an Inner Line Permit (ILP) valid for 10 days and Foreign Tourists require Protected Area Permit (PAP) valid for a maximum stay of 10 days. Permits can be extended.

BEST TIME TO VlSlT:

Mid September to mid March are the best times of the year to explore Nagaland.

HOW TO REACH:

Dimapur is well connected by train and air both from Delhi and Calcutta. Liza World Travels, staff will meet you on arrival and arrange transfer to your destinations.

Nagaland Cultural Tour

Duration : 12 Days
Day 01 : Delhi - Dibrugarh
•Assistance on arrival at Dibrugarh airport and transfer to Hotel.
•Evening free
Overnight at Dibrugarh- HOTEL LITTLE PALACE

DAY 02: Dibrugarh-Mo
• Morning after breakfast leave Dibrugarh for Mon (180kms/approx 8hrs),
• Enroute visit Wakching, a typical Konyak tribal village.

Overnight at Mon- PAYING GUEST HOUSE
Mon, the home of Konyaks, is situated at an altitude of 897 Mts. above sea level. It is interesting to see the tattooed faces wearing feathered headgear and traditional dresses. Konyaks are adept artisans and skilled craftsmen. One can find excellent wood carvings, daos (matches), guns, gun powder, head brushes, headgear, necklaces etc. made by these artisans and craftsmen. It is an exciting experience to visit an Angh’s house. Hereditary chiefs known as Anghs rule the Konyaks and the institution of Anghship is prevalent only among the Konyaks.

DAY 03: Mon-Langmeing-Chui-Mon
• Full day explore Konyak tribal vallges like Langmeing (62kms/2hrs and while returning from Langmeing visit Chui (8kms)
Langmeing to see head hunting trophies. On way back to Mon visit Chui village still retains its old world charm. One can see the Angh’s mansion and other houses constructed in the true Konyak tradition with palm leaves roofing and the main pillars jutting out.

Overnight at Mon- PAYING GUEST HOUSE

DAY 04 : Mon-Longwa-Mon
• Full day excursion to Longwa (45 km) to see the Konyak tribes.
Longwa is among the biggest village in the district. As the village straddles the international boundary line, one half of the Angh’s (King’s) house falls within the Indian territory and the other half lies in Myanmar. However, the whole village is controlled by the Angh (King) and the village council Charirman.

Overnight at Mon- PAYING GUEST HOUSE

Day 05: Mon -Tuensang(1371 mts)
• Leave Mon for Tuensang 165kms/approx. 7hrs), the homeland of Chang, Khiamniungan and Yimchuger Nagas.
• En route visit Changhangshu village of upper Konyak.
• Evening visit Tuensang village, the oldest and biggest village in Tuensang Dist. It is inhabited by the Chang Nagas.

Overnight in Tuensang: Government Guest House

Day 06: Tuensang-Noklak-Shamator
• Morning drive to Khiamniungan naga villages like Noklak, Pangsha villages. On the way back to Tuensang visit Shamator, to see Yimchuger Nagas.

Overnight in Tuensang- Government Guest House

Day 07:Tuensang-Mokokchaung (1325mts)
• Leave Tuensang for Mokokchung (115kms/approx 6hrs), this picturesque town is the cultural center of the Ao tribes. The Ao Nagas is famous for their colourful dances.
• Evening visit Ungma village, the biggest Ao village and looks like adjunct of Mokokchung town. According to legend, the early Aos settled here first after coming from Chungliyimti. This village is many centuries old and can be of interest to people who have a desire to peep into Ao folklories, customs and traditions.
Overnight in Mokokchung- Tourist Lodge
• After breakfast leave Mon for Mokokchung (208kms/approx. 7-8hrs drive)
• Arrive Mokokchung and check into Government Circuit House
• Evening visit Ungma village
This picturesque town is the cultural center of the Ao tribes. The Ao Nagas is famous for their colourful dances. Evening visit Ungma village, the biggest Ao village and looks like a adjunct of Mokokchung town. According to legend, the early Aos settled here first after coming from Chungliyimti. This village is many centuries old and can be of interest to people who have a desire to peep into Ao folklories, customs and traditions.


Overnight at Mokokchung- GOVERNMENT CIRCUIT HOUSE

DAY 08 : Mokochaung-Zunheboto(1874mts)
• Drive to Zunheboto, the home of Sumi Naga. The town is spread out of the clusters of hillocks. Sumi’s are considered to be the Martial tribe among the Nagas. Their ceremonial war dresses are worth seeing.
• Tulumi is their main festival which is celebrated on 5th July every year.

Overnight in Zunheboto- Govt. Guest House

Day 09 : Zunheboto-Pfutsero (2134mts) via Chatheba
• Today drive to Pfutsero, the land of Chekhesnag Naga. This beautiful town is situated at an altitude of 2134 Mts above sea level and is the highest altitude in Nagaland.
• En route visit Satakha Sumi tribal village later proceed to Chetheba Cultural Centre.

Overnight in Pfutsero- Guest house.

Day 10: Pfutsero-Kohima
• Morning visit Chekhesnag Naga tribal village like Thetsumi, Khezhakeno and Pfutseromi village.
• Later drive to Kohima (72kms).

Overnight in Kohima- Hotel Japfu

Day 11: Kohima
• Morning excursion to Khonoma village, this village that lays 20km west of Kohima was known for its fighting prowess in the past. It is also known for the fallow management of its alder trees, which balances nature in the surrounding areas. The beautiful terraces that are carved out of the hill slopes surrounding the village are a sight to behold. These terraces grow over 20 types of paddy at different elevations.
• Post Lunch visit Museum later visit Angami tribal villages like Viswema, Jakhama, Kigwema and Phesama.

Overnight in Kohima- Hotel

Day 12: Kohima-Dimapur-Culcutta
• Morning transfer to Dimapur (70kms/approx. 3hrs) for to connect fight to Calcutta
• Tour ends

Nagaland Tribal Tour

Duration : 11 Days

Day 01 : Dimapur - Kohima
• Assistance on arrival at Dibrugarh airport and transfer to Hotel.
• Evening free

Overnight at Dibrugarh- HOTEL LITTLE PALACE

DAY 02: Dibrugarh-Mon
• Morning after breakfast leave Dibrugarh for Mon (180kms/approx 8hrs).
• Enroute visit Wakching, a typical Konyak tribal village.

Overnight at Mon- PAYING GUEST HOUSE
Mon, the home of Konyaks, is situated at an altitude of 897 Mts. above sea level. It is interesting to see the tattooed faces wearing feathered headgear and traditional dresses. Konyaks are adept artisans and skilled craftsmen. One can find excellent wood carvings, daos (matches), guns, gun powder, head brushes, headgear, necklaces etc. made by these artisans and craftsmen. It is an exciting experience to visit an Angh’s house. Hereditary chiefs known as Anghs rule the Konyaks and the institution of Anghship is prevalent only among the Konyaks.

DAY 03: Mon-Langmeing-Chui-Mon
• Full day explore Konyak tribal vallges like Langmeing (62kms/2hrs and while returning from Langmeing visit Chui (8kms)
Langmeing to see head hunting trophies. On way back to Mon visit Chui village still retains its old world charm. One can see the Angh’s mansion and other houses constructed in the true Konyak tradition with palm leaves roofing and the main pillars jutting out.

Overnight at Mon- PAYING GUEST HOUSE

DAY 04: Mon-Longwa-Mon
• Full day excursion to Longwa (45 km) to see the Konyak tribes.
Longwa is among the biggest village in the district. As the village straddles the international boundary line, one half of the Angh’s (King’s) house falls within the Indian territory and the other half lies in Myanmar. However, the whole village is controlled by the Angh (King) and the village council Charirman.

Overnight at Mon- PAYING GUEST HOUSE

Day 05: Mon-Tuensang (1371 mts)
• Leave Mon for Tuensang 165kms/approx. 7hrs), the homeland of Chang, Khiamniungan and Yimchuger Nagas.
• En route visit Changhangshu village of upper Konyak.
•Evening visit Tuensang village, the oldest and biggest village in Tuensang Dist. It is inhabited by the Chang Nagas.

Overnight in Tuensang: Government Guest House

Day 06: Tuensang-Nokilak-Shamator
• Morning drive to Khiamniungan naga villages like Noklak, Pangsha villages. On the way back to Tuensang visit Shamator, to see Yimchuger Nagas.

Overnight in Tuensang- Government Guest House

Day 07: Tuensang-Mokokchung (1325mts)
• Leave Tuensang for Mokokchung (115kms/approx 6hrs), this picturesque town is the cultural center of the Ao tribes. The Ao Nagas is famous for their colourful dances.
• Evening visit Ungma village, the biggest Ao village and looks like adjunct of Mokokchung town. According to legend, the early Aos settled here first after coming from Chungliyimti. This village is many centuries old and can be of interest to people who have a desire to peep into Ao folklories, customs and traditions.

Overnight in Mokokchung- Tourist Lodge

• After breakfast leave Mon for Mokokchung (208kms/approx. 7-8hrs drive)
• Arrive Mokokchung and check into Government Circuit House
• Evening visit Ungma village
This picturesque town is the cultural center of the Ao tribes. The Ao Nagas is famous for their colourful dances. Evening visit Ungma village, the biggest Ao village and looks like a adjunct of Mokokchung town. According to legend, the early Aos settled here first after coming from Chungliyimti. This village is many centuries old and can be of interest to people who have a desire to peep into Ao folklories, customs and traditions.

Overnight at Mokokchung- GOVERNMENT CIRCUIT HOUSE

DAY 08 : Mokokchung-Touphema
• After breakfast drive to Touphema (120km/approx 4hrs drive).
• Enroute visit Longkhum village.
A vanguard village of the Aos in the days of headhunting is strategically situated at an altitude of 1846 meters. The people of this village are hard working and one can find exquisite handicrafts and handloom items in this village. On a clear day, on can view the eastern Himalayas of Arunachal and beyond and also the industrial smoke bellowing from the industries in Assam. The Aos have a belief that Longkhum is the resting place of the spirit of dead on their onward journey to paradise. As the local legend goes- a single visit to Longkhum is not enough for you have to return to the village again to collect your soulm, which had stayed behind on your first visit.

Overnight at Touphema-TOUPHEMA TOURIST VILLAGE

DAY 09: Touphema-Kohima
• Leave Touphema for Kohima (80kms/approx. 2hrs drive)
• Arrive Kohima and check into hotel.
• Afternoon local sightseeing of Kohima.
Kohima the state capital of Nagaland is situated at an altitude of 1444mts a beautiful town wide panorama views, you can have visit to Kohima village (Bara Basti) with a large traditional wooden gate decorated with the horns of buffalo representing bravery and valor of the Angami tribe, also visit IInd World War Cemetery & local market.

Overnight at Kohima-HOTEL JAPFU

DAY 10: In Kohima
• After breakfast excursion to Khonoma village (20kms/approx. 2hrs drive).
• Afternoon visit Museum and Angami tibal villages like Kigwema and Phesama etc.
Khonoma this village that lays 20km west of Kohima was known for its fighting prowess in the past. It is also known for the fallow management of its alder trees, which balances nature in the surrounding areas. The beautiful terraces that are carved out of the hill slopes surrounding the village are a sight to behold. These terraces grow over 20 types of paddy at different elevations.

Overnight at Kohima-HOTEL JAPFU

DAY 11: Kohima-Dimapur-Calcutta
• Morning transfer to Dimapur (70kms/approx. 3hrs) for to connect fight to Calcutta.
• Tour ends.