Kohima
State capital
Kohima, the capital of Nagaland, is a hill city built across steep ridges at around 1,450 metres, the seat of the Angami Nagas and the administrative and cultural heart of the state. It is world-famous for the Battle of Kohima in 1944, when the Japanese advance into India was halted here in ferocious fighting, commemorated at the immaculate war cemetery in the town centre.
Each December, Kohima becomes the focus of the entire Northeast when the Hornbill Festival — the 'festival of festivals' — is staged at nearby Kisama, drawing all sixteen Naga tribes and visitors from around the world. Beyond festival time it is the base for Khonoma, the Dzukou trek and the living culture of the Naga hills.
What it's known for
- The capital of Nagaland and seat of the Angami people
- The Battle of Kohima (1944) and its war cemetery
- The Hornbill Festival at nearby Kisama each December
- The base for Khonoma and the Dzukou valley trek
What to see in & around Kohima
See & do
- Kohima War Cemetery and the WWII museum
- Kisama Heritage Village (Hornbill Festival)
- The State Museum and the Sunday market
- Day trips to Khonoma green village and Dzukou
Getting there
About 3 hours by road from Dimapur, the state's airport and railhead. An Inner Line Permit is required.