Neatly is one of the eight northeastern states that make up the northeast region of India.
With a past that widely interests both scholars and travelers alike, Nagaland had long been sheltered from the outside world due to the measures taken back in the 1940s by the British administration who introduced the Restricted Area Permit on the state. It was only in 2011 that this permit was lifted making it easier for visitors to enter the state.
Nagaland is made up of 8 districts and there are 16 known tribes of which the Angami, Ao, Chang, Khiamniungan, Konyak, Lotha, Phom, Sangtam, Sema, Yimchunger and Zeliang are well-known. Each tribe has their distinct traditions and customs as well as dialects but Nagamese is the common dialect used in the state. Neither Nagamese nor the tribal dialects have a written script hence English is the unofficial and adopted first language of the state.
In recent times, Nagaland has become synonymous with the celebrated Hornbill Festival that takes place in the month of December. Now in its 16th year, the Hornbill Festival has gained popularity across the world not only because of the tribal customs and traditions that are on display but also because of the various activities and events such as the Naga chilly eating contest, Naga wrestling, motorcycle rally as well as a literature festival to name a few.
Apart from the Hornbill Festival, Nagaland also has other offering for its visitors and travelers. While each tribe celebrate their own festival at different times of the year, the Ao-leng festival celebrated by the Konyak tribe is now greatly renowned throughout the world.
Less than two hours away from Kohima, the capital, is the village of Khonoma, Asia’s first green village. Khonoma displays the quintessential way of the Naga life which is greatly dependent on farming.
One for the adventurers, the Dzukou Valley trek and camp site is not to be missed. Nagaland can still boast of its unspoiled and untampered natural habitat and Dzukou valley gives you a taste of just that.
A homage to the fallen soldiers of the Second World War, The Naga War Cemetery in Kohima should not be overlooked. Under the care of the Commonwealth War Graves Commission, this scenic and serene resting place with its beautiful gardens is a must visit.
Razhu Pru can help you organize trips and tours and create itineraries for your visit to Nagaland.If required, we can also arrange a guide. While the best time to visit is March to April and October to December, many of the tours aren’t bound to particular seasons, Please feel free to email us or inquire at the front desk once you reach Razhu Pru for any further information.
Some of the tour packages available are:
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Day trek to Pulie Badze eco-tourism site
The Pulie Badze trail is carpeted with carved stones and surrounded by nature. On reaching the hilltop, you can enjoy a birds-eye view of Kohima city and the neighboring villages.
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One day tour of Kohima city
This tour begins from the Kisama heritage village to Pfuchama where you will encounter the traditional way of building houses. It also includes a visit to the Kohima Cathedral Church, the War Cemetery as well as a visit to the local markets.
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One day tour to Khonoma Village
20 KM away from Kohima is the Khonoma Green Village. This one day tour includes a midway stop at Sosetsie to witness the monolith of the great Grandfathers of Khonoma. You will be taken to visit the Khonoma village guarding gates, the local forts which served as defense tower for the villagers during the colonial times, the morungs (boys dormitories) and also houses built in the traditional style. You will alsoget to see the Khonoma women weavers at work.At one of the local forts, we shall experience the bird-eye view of the traditional paddy cultivation being practiced by the Khonoma Angamis. Lunch of ethnic cuisine will be served.
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Southern Dzukou trek and camp
Day 1: Post breakfast drive to Viswema Dzukou base camp with packed lunch and trek. Lunch midway and then continue trek to the Dzukou trekkers hut. Camp for the night.
Day 2: Daylong experience at Dzukou exploring the valley, caves and variety of flora and fauna.
Day 3: Experience sunrise at the valley, and post breakfast trek downhill to base camp via Jakhama - drive back to Razhu Pru.
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Khonoma - Dzukou trek and camp
Day 1: Early drive to Khonoma Seikhakie Dziikou base camp - breakfast at Seikhakie base camp -hold and tent camp at Dziikou valley.
Day 2: Post breakfast return trek from Dziikou to Seikhakie - lunch at Seikhakie – drive back to Razhu Pru.
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Saramati Trek (highest peak of Nagaland)
Day 1: Post breakfast begin our journey towards destination from Kohima to Pungro guest House (via Chizami) - overnight stay.
Day 2: Early breakfast and we drive from Pungro to Thanamir Apple Village, lunch at Thanamir, begin trek from Thanamir base camp and camp the night midway.
Day 3: Post breakfast - begin trek from camp site to Saramati peak - lunch at the peak - spend the day in the wilderness of nature and camp the night at the peak
Day 4: Post breakfast - return trek from peak to Thanamir base camp - hold and camp at Thanamir
Day 5: Return journey from Thanamir to Kohima (full day drive) –back to Razhu Pru.
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Tailor-made tour package of Mon district: The land of the anghs - the last of the tattooed headhunters