Kohima: Naga Culture, History and Nature
Accommodation in Kohima
Kohima combines powerful memorial sites with Naga culture and experiences in nature. The Kohima War Cemetery stands at the exact site of the battle and offers panoramic views of Kohima. At the Nagaland State Museum in Bayavu Hill, artefacts, tribal art and traditional clothing tell the story of Nagaland’s history. Visitors interested in architecture, history and landscapes will find a variety of ways to connect with the region on their trip.
History and Culture in Kohima
The Kohima War Cemetery commemorates the soldiers of the 2nd British Division who died in April 1944 fighting the Japanese invasion during the Second World War. Its location at the exact site of the battle gives the memorial special historical significance. The panoramic view of Kohima adds a perspective on the city to your visit. The Mary Help of Christians Cathedral also offers a striking cultural connection: its architecture incorporates various elements of traditional Naga houses.
The Nagaland State Museum is located in Bayavu Hill in Kohima. Its exhibits include artefacts, tribal art and traditional clothing that tell the story of Nagaland’s history. For travellers who enjoy exploring a region’s history through specific exhibits and clothing, the museum offers a different perspective from the historic cemetery or the cathedral’s architecture.
Villages, Traditions and Festivals
Kisama Heritage Village is designed in the style of an old Naga village. It is 12 kilometres from Kohima headquarters; take this distance into account if you include Kisama in your travel plans or choose Kohima as the location when searching for a holiday apartment. The Hornbill Festival takes place every year from 1 to 7 December at Kisama Heritage Village. This fixed period may be important when planning the timing of your trip.
The Heritage Complex of Naga Heritage Village houses a museum dedicated to the Second World War. The complex also includes a group of sixteen houses, one for each tribe, designed in traditional indigenous architectural styles. These tribal houses are also known as “morungs” or youth dormitories. Tuophema Tourist Village, in turn, promotes the celebration of the Angami Sekrenyi festival every year from 25 to 27 February. It is considered a model village for rural homestays and has twelve individually designed cottages, representing the village’s twelve khels.
Nature, Birdwatching and Trails
Nature also reveals itself in many different ways. Dzukou Valley lies at an elevation of 2,438.4 metres. Pulie Badze Wildlife Sanctuary is home to more than 250 different plant species, and well-maintained trails run through the sanctuary. Travellers who enjoy combining nature observation with activity can explore these places for different reasons, while appreciating each landscape in its own right.
Khonoma Nature Conservation and Tragopan Sanctuary was established in 1998 to protect the endangered Blyth’s tragopan, as well as other wildlife and rare plant species, in their natural habitat. Khonoma is the first Green Village in Asia. For more than two decades, birdwatchers from around the world have observed birds there and listened to their calls. This makes Khonoma particularly appealing to visitors who want to focus on birdwatching and nature conservation.
In Dzulekie, a stream provides a habitat for a rare species of rainbow trout. There are also opportunities for birdwatching, butterfly watching, nature walks and trekking. Visitors can also sample local cuisine there. This combination appeals to travellers who want to include regional food culture in their trip alongside scenery and wildlife watching.
Choosing the Right Location
When searching for a holiday apartment in Kohima, it may help to first decide which experiences matter most: history, museums and architecture are closely associated with Kohima, while Kisama—with the Hornbill Festival and its design as an old Naga village—offers a distinct focus. Those who prefer nature watching, trekking or local cuisine can consider Dzulekie, Khonoma and Pulie Badze Wildlife Sanctuary as separate points of interest.
For further orientation, you can also visit the pages for Viswema, Kohima and Khonoma.
For the broader travel overview: Nagaland.
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