When you envision a trip to North East India, primarily Shillong or Gangtok would be the first places that come to your mind. But here's a hidden gem that you shouldn't miss: Kohima, the capital city of Nagaland. It neatly blends history, nature and vibrant tribal culture. For you to have the best of your vacation, you may consider having it planned with reliable North East travel agents, who will arrange a vacation that you will never forget.
Therefore, if you are curious as to why this strange hill town is worth packing your bags for, here are five compelling reasons to put Kohima at the top of your bucket list of travels.
1. Experience the Hornbill Festival
Kohima is well-known for celebrating the Hornbill Festival in December, a week-long festival where all Nagaland tribes gather to present their culture, music, dance, cuisine, and traditional games.
2. History Of The Place
History enthusiasts will be interested in Kohima's World War II history. The Battle of Kohima, fought in 1944, was a turning point of the Burma Campaign. The war cemetery for the men who fought here is to be found in the Kohima War Cemetery, on the crest of Garrison Hill. You simply can't avoid feeling a sort of odd sorrow and respect when you're here, reading the tombstone inscriptions and gazing out at the faraway hills.
3. Natural Beauty
Kohima is flanked by picturesque green hills and evergreen woods. You'll be in for a shock if you enjoy nature. Drive half an hour out of the city and you're at Dzukou Valley, 'Valley of Flowers of the North East' as it is called. The trekking here is great, but if you're an occasional walker, the vicinity of Kohima has plenty of trails and picnic spots to provide.
4. Delicious Naga Cuisine
Sampling the local cuisine is half the fun of travel. Naga food is spicy, earthy, and intense, but always tasty. From bamboo shoot barbecue pork to fermented fish chutneys and wild shoots picked fresh from the woods, every meal has a story of the country and people to tell.
Visit the local bazaars or experience a homestyle restaurant for the real thing. And in case you are visiting for the Hornbill Festival, you can experience the cuisine of various Naga tribes altogether.
5. Friendly, Welcoming People
One thing that makes Kohima special is its people. The locals are very welcoming, hospitable, and they love to share their stories. Spend some time in the nearby villages like Khonoma, India’s first green village, and you’ll see how deeply the Nagas respect nature and community living.
If you travel with the best travel agents in the Northeast, they will organise village stays or cultural experiences so that you can learn to prepare a traditional dish or weave a local shawl. It's the perfect way of accessing the heart of Nagaland.
Final Thoughts
Kohima is a location that takes you by surprise with its humility and beauty. Whether you are dancing to tribal rhythms at the Hornbill Festival, trekking through foggy valleys, or simply sitting by a bonfire to hear oral tales, Kohima welcomes you into a world untouched by the madness of the times.
Then, therefore, if you're in the mood for a real, authentic, and quirky type of holiday, try Kohima. And don't forget that experiencedNorth East travel agents can assist you in unearthing those out-of-the-way secrets and insider information that make the trip such an unforgettable experience.
