Perched at 1444.12 metres above
sea level, Kohima enjoys a temperate climate throughout the year. The
two hour drive from Dimapur to Kohima on NH 39, can be an enjoyable
experience. You could sample the juicy, mouth watering pineapples or
treat yourself to a hot hearty meal of local cuisine from one of the
typical Naga wayside amenities that line the road at regular intervals.
The panoramic view of Kohima unfolds 16 kms from your destination,
nestled among the pristine hills. The lyrics of a local song says "there
is no place in the world half as fair as Kohima. A small exaggeration
perhaps, but Kohima does have its own incomparable charms that other
hill stations do not offer.
Kohima
is the cosmopolitan headquarters of 15 major tribes. The distinctive
character and identity ofeach tribe in terms of tradition, custom,
language and dress is clearly discernible to a visitor. Many are visibly
amazed by this contrast. The respective tribal festivals are celebrated
at regular intervals at Kohima. It is during such a time that one gets
to see a glimpse of the past animistic traditions ofeach tribe, being
enacted in their robust best. Shouldyour visit coincide with one
suchfestival, you will be welcomed like a family to share our past, for
a fleeting moment in time. You need no invitation to join the fun.
Remember that the Nagas have an Imown reputation for a warm hearted
hospitality. No city can offer you this camaraderie, even at a price.
Places of Interest:
The Kohima War Ccemetery:
It offers a space for a quiet moment of a contemplative stroll with
friends or family. This is a symbolic memorial raised as a citation/or
the supreme human sacrifices made by the officers and men of the allied
forces, to halt the tide of the Japanese onslaught during the Second
World War. This was their last post.
The cemetery is
beautifully and meticulously maintained by the Commonwealth War Graves
Commission. The heart moving epitaphs, engraved on bronze plaques by
their loved ones, is worth the time spent on reading. Depart as you
will.the writings on the cenotaph is bound to echo in your inner mind
for a long while : "WHEN YOU GO HOME TELL THEM OF US AND SAY
FOR YOUR TOMORROW WE GAVE OUR TODAY"
The State
Museum:
It is another visiting MUST. The historical artifacts,
the log drums, the tools and implements, the ancestral weaponry the Naga
currencies of old, the attire of warriors, the dresses of women, the
hearth of a Naga Kitchen,.... in short, the entire Naga traditional
lifestyle et al, have been depicted in dioramas. This is a bird's eye
view of the fifteen colourful tribes at close quarters.
The
Dzukou Valley:
It is tucked away at an altitude of 2438.4
metres above sea level. This is a valley that dreams are made up of.
From June to September, the entire valley is a carpet of wild
flowers.... the lilies white and yellow, the aconitum, the euphonies
etc, the crystal clear water of the stream leisurely meandering through
the valley... all in all, offers an unforgettable experience. Here you
are completely at peace with nature. This is assured. The numerous low
cluster of hillocks surrounding the vale. contains some costly natural
caves and rock overhangs, ideal for camping. Imagine, a night out in the
wilderness with a guitar and friends, sitting around a campfire to sing
your night away. Throw in a few mugs of local rice beer for good measure
! The crisp mountain air and a sunrise scene to match greet come morning
and you. No city can offer you this natural luxury.
The
Japfu Peak:
It would just be what the doctor ordered for the
adventure lovers and rekkers. Scaling the Japfu Peak at 3048 metre.
Above sea level can be very trying, but exilic nice up there, the
expansive vista of natures beauty more than compensates for the effort
put in. Relax in the company of friends and watch the sun paint
fascinating pictures over the entire is it travels slowly beyond the
horizon. Then marvel at the ocean of mist at the crack of dawn.
October-March is the right time to try this out, when the visibility is
at its best.
Khonama:
If you are keen to see a
village lifestyle of the people first you could perhaps check out
Khonama. This. is a village not only laced in history, but also known
for their ecolog propriety. The terraced fields, carved out from the
hill top to the lower valley, presents an interesting. You could also
sit at leisure with the elders of the village and absorb some
fascinating folklore and stories of courage and valor of their warriors
who bravely faced the awesome might of the British forces, in the times
of yore.
Kohima Village:
It is one of the largest
in Asia. It is here that you will see an admixture of the past and
present. A traditional gate greets you on entry, with scimitar of
hornbills and buffalo horns and so on. Stones ofvarying shapes and sizes
implanted within the compound or skulls of buffaloes and mithuns
adorning the portico, reminds you of the past glory and status of the
great ancestors who had performed grand feasts of merit. Kohima village
is no different.
The Zoological Park:
It offers
you a glimpse of the fauna of Nagaland. The rare Biythe's Tragopan,
believed to be on the verge of extinction, is being reared here in
captivity. Nagaland also boasts of more than 3 60 species of orchids.
Four different varieties of rhododendrons are endemic to Nagaland and
bloom abundantly during the months of March/April.
Dzulekie:
It is a spot of enchantment within easy reach of Kohima. Here the
domesticated bisons roam freely in the pastoral ambience and the rainbow
trouts swim the cold water streams. For centuries, this stream has
laboriously carved out awesome gorges, 90-100 feet deep, from the solid
rocks. The surrounding green hills with little waterfalls thrown in,
adds pleasure to a cool getaway. The Department of Tourism is
maintaining a small tourist rest house with a few cottage annexes.
Dimori
Core:
It is a small up coming resort run by private
entrepreneur. It serves local / Chinese or other Indian dishes. A small
swimming pool has also been developed. This establishment is 6 kms away
from Kohima, on the NH 39 towards Manipur An ideal place for relaxation
without hazards.
In general, Nagaland is a vibrant hill
station, rich in folklores passed down the ages through the -word of
mouth. It is a land of music: the traditional folk songs eulogising the
brave deeds of their ancestral warriors and heroes; the poetic songs of
love immortalising the ancient tragic love stories; the gospels that
touch the very core of your soul; the exquisite classical or the present
day tunes...they have them all. If you wish to mix a little bit of
culture to your tour, there are tribal artistes who give part time
performances at a reasonable fee. Indeed, a trip to Nagaland would be
incomplete without witnessing the tribal dances, which are uniquely
different from the rest of the country.
Places
to Visit
Kohima,
Dimapur
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