Snigdha TiwariNagaland is popular for its natural beauty. Abundant in dazzling hills and mesmerizing valleys, it offers vistas unparalleled.
For any seasonal travelers wanting to feel a little rejuvenated, then the many unsung towns and villages in Nagaland are a perfect abode. And that’s not it, any journey through Nagaland provides its visitors with a deeper insight into its colorful life and culture. The traditional Naga people, the native inhabitants of this state, are one of the rare indigenous tribes-people in the world.
Nagaland in the least explored terrain of India but the natural abundance sprawled amidst the hidden places of Nagaland is no less than paradise.
Behind every wall is a place that you see on poster cards, of valleys, of cascades of waterfalls that leaves you with a profound feeling of awe, of trails that remind you of magnificent travel tales and of people who will leave no stone unturned in making you comfortable.
But now it’s time to discover the gems of Nagaland. So, let’s go.
Here are the Amazing Places To Visit In Nagaland:
1. Dzukou Valley
Being well known for its natural environment, seasonal flowers, and flora & fauna and situated at an altitude of 2452 m above sea level, Dzukou Valley is a valley located at the borders of the states of Nagaland and Manipur.
Mostly visited during the full bloom season, the beauty of the valley is best appreciated when lilies in white and pink, aconitums, euphorbias, and hundreds of other botanical species in varied colors adorn the valley in the monsoon.
But in summer, vivid green hillocks pave the way for blue mountaintops, and bright flowers wave in the winds amongst the tall grasses.
During winter, temperatures drop far lower than one would expect in such tropical states where Dzukou Valley freezes, sometimes covered in white snow.
So, walk on the multicolored carpets of blooming flowers. Take a look at the smiling Dzuko lily which can be spotted only in the Dzukou Valley. This valley is an undiscovered gem that is known only by the local people so don’t miss exploring this hidden gem of Kohima.
Related: 5 Amazing Places To Visit In Dimapur
2. Longkhum
Longkhum is a village located 17 km southwest of Mokokchung, in Nagaland that is situated at an altitude of 1846 m above sea level.
It is like a canvas with vivid landscape photography. Here you can enjoy the sightseeing of the lush green forest of the Naga Hills, including the undulating hills around from this spot.
If you are a nature and adventure lover, the bushes of Rhododendrons, Longlangba (stone bridge), Mongu Ki – cave on a cliff (eagle’s nest) would woo you for sure.
Whenever you are in Longkhum then don’t forget to enjoy a majestic hill view of its surrounding mountain ranges where you can relish a day trip at this village that allures with its beautiful scenic surroundings, which are perfect for landscape photography and capturing the ravishing Naga Hills. Reach the highest point in the village Jubilee Tower to get the gasping view of the entire village.
3. Pfutsero
Located at a distance of 70 km from the state capital of Kohima is the town of Pfutsero that is one of the highest mountains of Nagaland.
This untouched gem is majorly famous for not only its spectacular view of the mountains covered with lush greenery but also for its majestic view of the World’s highest mountain, Mountain Everest.
But if you haven’t heard of it before, the unsung town of Pfutsero in Nagaland, sits at an elevation of nearly 6,998 feet above sea level, with the temperature falling belong zero during winter.
And it means that for the rest of the year, the weather in Pfutsero remains most pleasant to travel to if compared to any other place in the state. So, don’t miss visiting Pfutsero for its spectacular view.
Related: 8 Amazing Places To Visit In Kohima
4. The Japfu Peak
Situated at 15 km south of Kohima, the Japfu Peak is one of the most important tourist attractions in Nagaland and is part of the landscape, which has given Nagaland the name “Switzerland of the East” which is one of the most important places to visit near Kohima and over the years the Japfu Peak has become one of the popular tourist spots in the entire North East.
But this peak is a paradise for trekking lovers that attracts numerous travelers throughout the year. Do you know? The trekking experience up to Japfu Peak is a breathtaking experience that you gotta try at least once when you’re in Kohima.
Also, being the second-highest peak in Nagaland, Japfu Peak provides a beautiful view of the Dzukou Valley that is affluent with lush green and thick vegetation that offers one of the most mesmerizing treks with the backdrop of snow-clad Himalayas.
With mist-covered forests and splendid scenic beauty, Japfu Peak is one of the must-visit places in Kohima. I am sure you don’t know about this but this valley is considered to be the “Valley of flowers” in the North East and is visited mostly during the full bloom and is considered to be the base of the crater of an old volcano.
So now, you gotta need to add this amazing place to your Kohima bucket list as the entire Japfu Peak is similar to a canvas of emeralds that is interlocked with the adjoining villages and cities – the view from a significant height is worth a capture for all nature lovers. Trust me, you are not gonna regret it.
5. Rangapahar Reserve Forest
Rangapahar Reserve Forest is a famous forest reserve of Nagaland that is nature’s bounty because it is blessed with serenity in its ambiance and has a beautiful landscape.
It provides shelter to various wild animals and serves as a perfect destination for spending a day’s itinerary. The place is known for its wildlife and there are various plants available that are relevant to medicines.
Apart from that, you will also see a variety of bird species which attracts a lot of bird watchers to the forest. The reserve forest is a perfect destination to visit with family or kids and offers its varieties of flora and fauna to nature lover tourists.
So, nature lovers are you there? Please don’t forget to explore this wonderful reserve forest whenever you are in Dimapur.
6. Shilloi Lake
Located in Lutsam village of Phokhungri area under the Meluri sub-division in Phek district, A beautiful foot-shaped lake in the heart of the Patkai range of Nagaland, Shilloi Lake is a very picturesque destination with a verdant valley surrounding it from all sides.
The winding road down to the lake from Washelo, through the slopes of the rocky hills, presents a majestic sight. Shilloi Lake lies on the lower slopes of the hill ranges running along the Myanmar ridges. It is surrounded by tall, striking, and attractive hills.
But the lake is considered very important by the folks of Lutsam village as it is believed that the spirit of a holy child rests in the bottom of the lake. It is one of the reasons why no one fishes or uses lake water for drinking and irrigation.
If you are in Nagaland and you have not been to Shilloi Lake, you have missed out on experiencing the beauty of the largest natural lake in Nagaland. So, don’t miss it.
5. Khonoma Village
Famed as Asia’s first green village, the centuries-old Khonoma Village is a great place to introduce yourself to the Naga lifestyle and unwind in the lap of nature.
Nestled at the base of the mountains of Nagaland you would pass through misty valleys, gently sloping hillocks, terraced farms, and an air of a strong bond with nature.
A visit to the village offers you an opportunity to interact with the people of the local Angami tribe and learn about how they have succeeded in creating a more conserved and sustainable ecosystem for themselves. The village is also known for being one of the cleanest villages of Nagaland.
You can also enjoy birdwatching and trekking during your visit to Khonoma Village that you would not like to miss it at any cost.
8. Saramati Peak
Located near Thanamir Village in the Kiphire District of Nagaland, Saramati is a peak rising above the surrounding peaks at the mountainous border of Nagaland state and the Sagaing Region, Burma.
With a height of 3,826 m and a prominence of 2,885 m, Saramati is one of the ultra prominent peaks of Southeast Asia. It is the abode of one of the Pristine Forest of Nagaland and houses a variety of flora and fauna.
Mount Saramati offers great trails to mount on. In order to soar the mountain, you have to traverse through various villages and towns which in a way offers a great insight into the local lifestyle and culture.
So, don’t miss trekking to this scenic peak while you’re in Nagaland.
Related: 5 Amazing Places To Visit In Mon
9. Longwa Village
Exploring the uncharted boundaries of Longwa Village will actually introduce you to a unique chronicle. It might be an excellent option to push yourself and explore this unchartered territory.
Longwa village is just one of the best examples of it with the largest acres of encompassing area. The unique thing about Longwa is that the inhabitants of the village have dual citizenship- one of India and the other of Myanmar.
Explore the enchanted Longwa Village to get introduced to one of the finest places. The people of the Longwa Village don’t have the concept of borders as they are not differentiated by it.
The village itself is one of the best places to visit in the northeast with such unique and interesting facts.
It is abundant with scenic beauty like the Doyang River, Nagaland science centre, Hong Kong Market, Shilloi Lake, and many more tourist attractions to see.
10. Khezakenoma Village
Located 22 km from Phek district headquarters and can be reached only via roads, Khezhakeno Village is one of the tourist attractions that is widely renowned for its historical significance.
This small village has an exciting background and picturesque surroundings. It is believed that many Naga tribes have originated from Khezhakeno and migration led them to the other parts of the region.
According to another popular legend, the village has a stone slab from which helps paddy miraculously multiply when placed on any drying land. Such mysterious beliefs pull visitors to the tiny village.
But if you want to extend your cultural knowledge about Nagaland then the place to visit is Khezhakeno Village. Being the birthplace of the Nagas, Khezhakeno receives a lot of attention on the front of historical significance and can prove to be an excellent way to know about how the Nagas came to be.
The village is also blessed in the terms of scenic beauty which makes it an excellent getaway for nature lovers.
11. Dzuleke
Dzuleke, just about 10km from Khonoma which is the first ‘green village’ of India and about 40km from Kohima is a treat to the eyes.
The village gets its name from the river Dzuleke that, during its course, goes underground once it reaches Dzuleke. ‘Dzu’ means water and ‘leke’ means underground in the local language.
It has the sparsest population of about 200 households, mostly inhabited by the Angamis – one of the major tribes of Nagaland. Dzuleke is a delight to visit because of its serene beauty. But it is one of the most underrated places to visit in Nagaland.
Now, having gotten its name from river Dzuleke, there’s not just gorgeous flora and fauna but also incredible wildlife, especially ever since this hunting village banned hunting to protect wildlife.
So, don’t be surprised if you spot animals such as the stump-tailed macaque, barking deer, mountain bamboo partridge, and even Blythe’s tragopan – the state bird of Nagaland. Don’t forget to explore Dzuleke.
12. Chilise
The Chilise village has an incredible history. This gorgeous village in Tuensang is a significant tourist attraction. If you are an adventure lover, then you’ll love what this place offers.
Its history, local legends, and headhunting are very famous. However, it is believed that the last headhunting was done in August 1978.
This village is raw and adventurous. You can gain an experience of stunning natural beauty.
The village is surrounded by forests and offers unique travel that you won’t like to miss at any cost if nature attracts you.
Related: 5 Amazing Places To Visit In Phek
13. Jotsoma Village
Jotsoma Village is a scenic spot nestled in the hills of Kohima. To get acquainted with the beauty of Nagaland, hiking to this village is absolutely breathtaking and essential for you to be introduced to the beauty of Nagaland.
Jotsoma is a quaint place where you can visit Doordarshan Kendra, a reservoir, and the famous Mount Pulibadze.
Do you know? Jotsoma Village has a population of not more than 3000 people.
So, with a population not exceeding 3000 people, it is one of most quiet places in Nagaland that I will definitely urge you to travel there whenever you are traveling to Kohima and especially if you are looking for some peace of mind. Don’t miss visiting this amazing and peaceful village of Kohima, Nagaland.
14. Mopungchukit
Located 16 km off the district headquarter, Mopungchuket is perhaps the most visible rural tourism destination in the Mokokchung district.
Recognized as one of the cleanest villages in Nagaland, Mopungchuket is also famous for the legendary love story of Jina and Etiben, regarded as the ‘Romeo and Juliet’ of the Ao Nagas. Mopungchuket village has been in the news for its effort in beating plastic pollution and declaring it as a plastic-free village.
Known for its clean living, picturesque landscape, parks, memorabilia, and artifacts exhibit, and the warmth of the villagers, Mopungchuket receives thousands of visitors annually.
If you are planning a trip to Nagaland then Mopungchuket is a must-visit place for you.
15. Veda Peak
Located about 70 km from the district headquarters, Veda Peak is also known as Pak Koi and is the highest peak of the Mon district of Nagaland where you will experience a picturesque view of the mountains and the rivers from Veda Peak will surely mesmerize you.
You can view the mighty Brahmaputra and the Chindwin rivers from the peak on a clear day. You will be also able to see the amazing Konyak Countryside view which will steal your heart.
The beauty of this place is unexplainable and it is considered to be one of the most beautiful locations in the entire Konyak countryside. There is a beautiful waterfall near this peak.
If you have a passion for photography, the views of beautiful Naga Hills are sure to allure you here and do not miss the Chui village and Longwa Village nearby they have enough reasons to keep you mesmerized.
16. Kiphire
Kiphire is one of the small towns of Nagaland that is located in an exotic location overlooking the Saramati Mountain, the highest mountain peak of Nagaland.
Kiphire is home to the Yimchungru, Sangtam, and Sumi Naga tribes that have a strong historical significance because of the stories about the movements of these tribes from and within this district when they were settling in Nagaland hundreds of years back.
Kiphire is also the name of a newly-formed district that was carved out of the Tuensang district in 2004.
You will delight in the picturesque surrounding of Kiphire overlooking the Saramati Mountain. The mountain stays snow-clad throughout the winters, adding to the exotic beauty of the place.
The town of Kiphire overlooks the mountain and many would say that Saramati guards the small, picturesque town.
So, don’t miss exploring Kiphire while you’re in Nagaland.
17. Noklak
Noklak is located in the easternmost part of Nagaland, bounded by Tuensang in the North and northwest respectively, Kiphire in the south, and Myanmar in the most part of the east that is mainly occupied by the Khiamniungan Naga tribe.
This North-Eastern village offers a great view of the mountains and vales of the Himalayan Range that has recently become quite popular amidst travelers and is filled with tribesmen and their cultures and ancient traditions.
But Noklak is untouched as because tourism has not yet completely bloomed in this village, it is still unruffled by other travelers and gives you a chance to explore the raw mystery of Noklak.
Being one of the places to visit in Nagaland, you must not miss shopping for the colorful local goods from this village as souvenirs.
18. Chumukedima
Located 14 km from Dimapur city, Chumukedima is a village that lies on the foothills of the Naga Hills. Situated in the foothills of Naga Hills, Chumukedima served as the first district headquarters of the then Naga Hills district of Assam during the 19th century of British rule.
Several waterfalls adorn the beautiful hills of the Chumukedima village, an ancient village near Dimapur which is now being promoted as a must-visit tourist attraction.
Chumukedima is a tourist village on the top of a hill project giving a bird’s eye view of the whole district of Dimapur and even of Karbi-Anglong District of Assam.
Many waterfalls are also located in and around this amazing village that you need to explore it for sure.
19. Liphanyan Governor’s Camp
Located around 43 km from Dimapur, Liphanyan Governor’s Camp rests at the foothills of the mountainous Wokha district in Nagaland.
The camp is close to the Doyang River and gives an excellent view of the meandering ways of the river amidst the mountains and valleys. The Wokha peak and hills are all covered by timber forests, adding to the scenic beauty of the camp.
The scenic beauty of this camp makes it a popular picnic spot for family, where you can enjoy adventure sports like rafting, river camping, and angling.
While the river twists and turns through the mountains, you can witness the trees and forests of the place. Liphanyan Governor’s Camp is a safe place to visit while reconnecting with the wild nature’s way of life. So, don’t miss it.
20. Tuophema Village
The ride from Kohima to Botsa, and further up the hill to Tuophema Village, is only one and a half hours long, but it feels like a world apart from the uphill ascent from Dimapur to Kohima.
Tuophema Tourist Village is located 41 km from Kohima has been modeled around the ethnic tourism model where you will be offered modern and hygienic accommodation in traditional huts in an ethnic setting and can experience the local culture and cuisine.
Situated on a gentle hillock with a panoramic view of the surrounding valleys, Tuophema offers a chance to stay in quaint little huts, enjoy pleasant evenings around bonfires with cultural dances just adding to the rustic feel of the entire place.
The scenic locales offer some of the best photo opportunities there are and the Naga tradition of serving local dishes with homemade rice beer is just super! Don’t miss it.
21. Chuchuyimlang
Chuchuyimlang is a village that is divided into four sectors or “mopu”, namely Longzung mopu, Teyong mopu, Impang mopu, and Imlang Mopu.
This village is the epitome of natural beauty and also renowned for the glorious celebrations of various tribal festivals. The famous Moastu Festival lasts for 3 full days and commences on 1st May. The roads to Chuchuyimlang are well connected and take you through some breathtaking views.
Protected by the hill range on one side and cliff on the other, the road from Mokokchung to Chuchuyimlang village is blessed by complete nature bliss that you would not like to miss at any cost when you’re in Nagaland.
22. Chenloisho Village
Located near the international border of Indian and Myanmar, Chenloisho Village is one of the biggest villages in the Chen area whose primary tourist attraction of this village is a museum.
This museum houses different types of ornaments that are found across the region. There are all types of pieces of jewelry worn by the tribal people are displayed here and is quite interesting. There is also a place called Waloo where human skulls dating back to the headhunting days are displayed.
If you are a history lover then Chenloisho Village is a must-visit for you.
23. Kohima War Cemetery
Kohima War Cemetery is a memorial dedicated to soldiers of the 2nd British Division of the Allied Forces who died in the Second World War at Kohima, the capital of Nagaland, India, in April 1944.
The soldiers died on the battleground of Garrison Hill in the tennis court area of the Deputy Commissioner’s residence. This spot is a must-visit as it tells people more about our ancient history. To prevent the Burma attack, the Japanese army attacked the British army who was then stationed in North East India in March 1944. The cemetery is well kept with lush green, mowed lawns, and well-groomed flowers.
The epitaph on the cemetery wall reads? When you go home, tell them of us and say That for their tomorrow, we gave our today…..?
On the 18 plots of the cemetery, there are 1421 slabs erected in memory of soldiers who were killed in the battle of Kohima. The soldiers were from UK, Japan, East and West Africa, and Burma.
A visit to the cemetery leaves you absolutely fascinated by the courageous tales of the martyrs who rest here.
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