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Dimapur, Nov. 13 (EMN): Nagaland has a lot to offer in terms of tourism. From its vibrant, colourful culture and traditions to the mesmerising landscape, a visit to Nagaland is sure to leave the traveller in you spell bound and in awe of its hospitality and land.
A village forms the basic societal structure in Naga society and is headed by a village council chairman, who looks after the developmental aspects as well as settling disputes of the village.
The village is further divided into khels (colony/wards).
Here are some top villages to visit in Nagaland in no particular order,
Khezhakeno village
Khezhakeno village is a historical and an ancestral village of the Nagas located in Phek district 48 kms from Kohima. Folklore passed down generations’ state that different Naga tribes first settled in the village and then dispersed to their present day locations.
The village also has the legendary ‘Tso Tawo’, a large flat stone, which is believed to have doubled the rice paddies laid on it.
One can also visit the Chida Lake resort serenely located amidst the gentle rolling valleys.
A visit the village is a must for its historical significance as well as to get a glimpse of Naga history and genealogy.
Khonoma green village
Khonoma village is the first green village in India and the Asian continent. The village is located 20 kms away from Kohima and overlooks paddy fields and hills covered with lush green forests.
Earlier, the village thrived off of logging, foraging and hunting but ever since conservation efforts started way back in the 1990s, the village is now thriving on eco-tourism.
The village is also famous for the historic ‘Battle of Khonoma', which was the last organised resistance by the Nagas against the British.
If you are looking to unwind amidst nature and greenery, Khonoma village is the perfect getaway.
Benreu village
Benreu is a small village located on a mountain, 7000 feet above sea level, with Mount Pauna, the third highest mountain in Nagaland, overlooking the village and surrounded by dense forest.
The village is located in Peren district, about 67 km from Kohima and 120 km from Dimapur, the commercial capital of Nagaland.
The village is also known for its sheep breeding.
Houses in the village are stacked along the hill and slopes down into the village centre making for a peculiar and intriguing view.
One can enjoy the sights of the village and further go for a trek to Mount Pauna.
Longwa village
Longwa village is home to the Konyak Naga tribe and one of the largest villages in Mon district. What makes the village unique is the fact that the international border between India and Myanmar runs through the Angh’s (village chief) house, where the kitchen is in Myanmar and the other rooms in India.
The residents of Longwa hold dual citizenships and can roam freely in both countries. The natural beauty of the village is spellbinding as a total of four river flows through the village, two in India and two in Myanmar.
The Konyak tribe is also one of India’s last head-hunters (Head-hunting is no longer in practice). The village is located 42 kms from Mon town.
Dzüleke village
Dzüleke village is a popular picnic spot for the locals and is around 35 kms from Kohima. With its quaint little houses surrounded by forests and rice fields, the village offers one an opportunity to experience the peace, quite and calm of a Naga village amidst the greenery and fresh air.
The terrain and vegetation is perfect for bird and butterfly watching, nature walks and trekking.
The village also has a Trout Conservation and Breeding Centre and a rare species of rainbow trout can be found in the stream in this village.
(Also read: Hornbill Festival Nagaland 2022)
Kisama Heritage village
Kisama is 12 km from Kohima on National Highway 2. The village hosts the internationally famed annual Hornbill Festival. The village houses all the Morungs of the Naga tribes designed in their own traditional way to give the feel and vibe of a true Naga village and is like an open-air museum of Naga culture and traditions.
The best time to visit is during the Hornbill festival from Dec. 1 to the 10th but one can also visit the village anytime to see the Morungs though the place may be empty.
The village also houses a World War II museum.
Kigwema village
Kigwema village is located 15 km south of Kohima. The village is nestled in the foothills of Mount Japfü, the second highest peak in Nagaland at an altitude of 3,015 m (9,892 ft) above mean sea level and a popular trekking destination.
This mountain peak is home to the tallest rhododendron tree in the world. In 1993, the Guinness World Records recoded the tallest Rhododendron at 65 ft (20 m).
A trek to Mount Japfü from the village offers ones a panoramic view of the valley below and a magical sunrise.
(Also read: Top 10 tourist places to visit in Nagaland)
Tuophema tourist village
Touphema tourist village is considered as one of the ancient heritage villages of Nagaland. The village is located about 40 kms from Kohima, the state capital.
A walk around the village will take one back in time with its traditional homes. The village has 12 uniquely crafted cottages, representing the 12 khels of the village, offering visitors to stay in a quaint little hut.
Sekrenyi, the Angami tribe festival is also celebrated with great fervour in the village in the month of February and visitors can satiate their appetite with the Naga cuisines such as Ghalo and rice beer.
One can also visit the museum in the village and see the ethnographic collection of artifacts, handicrafts and textile among others.
Thanamir village
Thanamir, also known as the Apple village, is a small village under Pungro sub-division in Kiphire district. The village is located at the foothills of Mount Saramati.
The village grows apple in abundance due to a favourable climate for horticulture and holds the annual Thanamir Apple Festival.
A trek to Mount Saramati, the highest mountain peak in Nagaland, is bound to refresh the mind, body and soul. The village is situated near the Indo-Myanmar border and features stunning natural beauty, diverse flora and fauna and untouched river waters.
Entry Permit to Nagaland
Mention may be made that it is mandatory for domestic tourists (Indians) to obtain Inner Line Permit (ILP) for entry to Nagaland. The ILP fee is INR 50 for 15 days’ stay and up to INR 500 for 365 days.
The ILP can be obtained by logging in to Nagaland government’s official website or from any of the authorities mentioned below:
The Deputy Residential Commissioner, Nagaland House, New Delhi (+91 11 23012296 / 23793673); Deputy Residential Commissioner, Nagaland House Kolkata (+913322825247); Deputy Residential Commissioner, Guwahati (+91 361 2332158; Fax: +91 361 2333859); Deputy Commissioner, Dimapur (+91 36862 226530; Fax: +91 3682 230613); Deputy Commissioner, Kohima (+91 370 2290666; Fax: +91 370 229035).
However, foreign tourists can enter Nagaland with any permits but they should to register with the Foreigner’s Registration Officer (FRO) of the district they visit or the nearest Police Station within 24 hours of their arrival.