Physiography

                  Nagaland, the16^th state of the Indian Union was born on 1^st Dec1963. It is bounded by Assam in the west and north, Tirap district of Arunachal Pradesh in the north east, and Manipur in the south. On the east it shares India's international boundary with Myanmar, Burma.

          The state is divided into seven districts : Kohima, Phek, Mokokchung, Wokha, Zunheloto, Twensang and Mon. The terrain is hilly, rugged and mountainous. The highest peak is Saramati in the Twensang district which is 3840 metres above sea-level. The average height of the peaks is between 900 and 1200 metres.

 The main rivers that flow through the state are Dhansiri, Doyang, Dikhu, Tizu and Melak. There is no waterfall in Nagaland. The only lake well known is Lacham to the east of Mehiri. 

The hill sides are covered with green forests. In the Angami region, the terraced fields are a feast to the eyes.

Historical and Cultural Background

People

        The population of Nagaland is entirely tribal. The Nagas belong to the Indo-Mongoloid  family. The fourteen major Naga tribes are the Angami, Ao, Chakhesang, Chang, Khemungan, Konyak, Lotha, Phom, Pochury, Rengma, Sangtam, Sema, Yimchunger and Zeliang. The Chakhesangs were earlier known as Eastern Angamis and are a combination of the Chakri, Khezha and Sangtam  sub-tribes.  Now the Chakhesang tribe is spilt further; Pochury's who were earlier a part of it  now claim a distinct entity. Each tribe has their own languages and cultural features. Literacy is 61.30 %. The population has shown a steady upward trend.The Naga's have different stories about their origin. The Angamis, Semas, Rengams and the Lotha's subscribe to the Kheza-Kenoma  legend. It is said that the village had a large stone slab having magical properties. Paddy spread on  it to be dried doubled in quantity by evening. The three sons of the couple who owned the stone used it by rotation. One day there was a quarrel between the sons as to whose turn it was. The couple, fearing bloodshed, set fire to the stone which as a result cracked. It is believed that the spirit in the stone went to heaven and the stone lost its miraculous properties. The three sons thereafter left Kheza-Kenoma, went in different directions and became the forefathers of the Angami, Sema  and the Lotha tribes. According to another legend,  to which the western Angamis subscribe, the first man evolved from a lake called Themiakelku zie near Khonoma. The Rengmas believe that until recently they and Lothas formed one tribe. The Aos and the Phoms trace their origin to the Lungterok (six stones) on the Chongliemdi hill. Some people believe that these Indo-Mongoloids are 'kiratas' frequently mentioned in the old Sanskrit literature of whom 'Nagas' were a sub-tribe.

The hill tribes in the areas now known as Nagaland had no generic term applicable to the whole race. The word 'Naga' was given to these hill tribes by the plains people. This proved to be a great unifying force to the tribes now classified as Naga. Nagas are of sub-medium height, the facial index is very low, the nasal index corresponds to a medium nose, the hair is generally straight, the skin is brownish yellow. The eyes significantly do not show Mongolian form.

 It could broadly be said that they are straight forward people, honest, hardworking, sturdy and with a high standard of  integrity. They are lacking in humility and are inclined to equate a kind and sympathetic approach with weakness. The Nagas have a very strong sense of self respect and would not submit to anyone riding roughshod over their sentiments. The Angamis are politically the most conscious group. The Zeliang and Pochury tribes in Kohima district  are comparatively simple and unsophisticated. The Tuensang tribes are un-spoilt children of nature. A striking characteristic of the Naga tribes is their hospitality and cheerfulness. To be greeted with a smiling face while traveling on the roads is a common experience. A visitor to Naga village is heartily received and entertained with a surfeit of rice-beer, which is generally served by the lady of the house or her young daughter with a warmth which is unforgettable. 

Resource and Biodiversity Base

Natural Resource 

 Forest 

  Though Nagaland is a small state but as far as types of forests are concerned it has been endowed with a wide variety of forest types. This is mainly due to the fact that though it is mainly in tropics, Nagaland has land elevation ranging from a few hundred meters up to about four thousand meters.

  (i)  Northern Tropical Wet Evergreen Forests -

            These forests once covered the Namsa- Tizit area but now only a small vestige is found in the Zankam area. It is found only in Mon District. The dominant species in this type of forest are Hollong (Dipterocarpus macrocarpus), Makai ( Shorea assamica), Nahor ( Mesua ferae ) etc

 (ii)  Northern Tropical Semi Evergreen Forests  -

This type of forests are found in the foothills of Assam-Nagaland border in Mokokchung, Wokha and Kohima Districts. The Species that make up these forests are similar to those of the Northern Tropical Wet Evergreen Forests. The only difference is that in the former case the evergreen species dominate though there are deciduous species like Bhelu, Paroli, Jutuli etc, whereas in the present case, the number of evergreen species decreases and the deciduous species are dominant.

(iii)  Northern Sub-tropical Broad Leaved Wet Hill Forests -

This type of forests are found in the hill areas below 1800m and above 500m in all the districts of Nagaland. The wet evergreen species are conspicuous by their absence and the dominant  species are mostly semi-deciduous. Some of the important timber species in this type are - Koroi, Pomas, Sopas, Gamari, Gogra, Khokan, Hollok, Sam, Am, Badam, Betula etc.

  (iv)  Northern Sub-tropical Pine Forests -

This types of forests are found in hill elevation of 1000 meters to 1500 meters in parts of Phek  and Tuensang  Districts of Nagaland. Pine is the dominant  species  and is found mixed with Quercus, Schima, Prunus, Betula and Rhododendron.

  (v) Northern Montane Wet- temperate Forests  -

This type of forests are found on the higher reaches of the tallest mountains in Nagaland above 2000 meters in - Japfu, Saramati, Satoi, Chentang  ranges. The species are typically evergreen with Quercus, Michelia, Magnolia, Prunus, Schima, Alnus and Betula.

(vi)  Temperate Forests  -

This type of forests are found in peaks of the tallest mountains (above 2500 meters) like Saramati and Dzukou area. The species that dominate are Rhododendron, Patches of Juniperus coxie and Birch.

Source: F.S.I. State of Forests1999

Mineral Resource:

Coal occurs in Nazira coalfields (North of Dikhu River) in Borjan and Tiru Valley, Mon district. Limestone occurs in Phek district. Nickel ferous chromite ore occurs in ultrabasic belt at Pokhpur, Tuensang district. Occurrences of thin lenses of chrysotile asbestos near Panchimi and Kurani in the Tugu valley and Pyrites in Mokokchung and Tuensang districts are reported. However, information on their potentials is lacking. For petroleum and natural gas, ONGC has delineated a number of prospective oil structures in the foothills where sufficient prognosticated resources (600 million tonnes) hydrocarbon have been forecasted. Out of these, a reserve of over 20 million tonnes with recoverable reserves of approx. 6 million tonnes has been established from Changpang oil fields. In Chumukedima area, three nos. of oil exploratory wells have been completed with no commercial outflow. The entire oil exploration work, however, is suspended presently by ONGC.

1. Mineral: Coal

Colour : Black

Mineral available at:
  

Total reserves available in million tonnes:
 

2. Mineral: Lime stoneColour : Grey to whitish Grey

Mineral available at: 

Total reserves available in 000' tonnes:
 

Chemical composition: LOI-42.56%, Si O₂ -1.17% , Al₂ O₃ - 0.65%, Fe₂ O₃ -0.5%, CaO-53.76%, MgO-0.70% and Moisture-< 1.0%

3. Minerals: Nickel, Cobalt and Chromium

Mineral available at: 
  

Total reserve available in 000' tonnes 
 

GROUND WATER RESOURCE AND UTILISABLE POTENTIAL 

MCM:Million cubic metre

Data Source: Central Ground Water Board, Report-1981

BIODIVERSITY

Nagaland is very rich in bio-diversity, both flora and fauna. Even today some pockets of forests are covered with gigantic trees, where sun- rays can not penetrate. Due to reckless and uncontrolled cutting of trees for timber, firewood, continued Jhum cultivation and annual fire in vast tracts of land, forests got degraded and barren, which accelerated diminishing of the most of the original characteristics of the forests.

Though geographically being a small state, Nagaland has several types of forests, mainly because the state is mostly Tropical, and the altitudes range from a few hundred meters to about four thousand meters. The major types of forests found in the state, as per the classification of Champion & Seth, are as follows.

1. Northern Tropical Wet Evergreen Forests.

2. Northern Tropical  Semi- Evergreen  Forests

3. Northern  Sub- Tropical Broad  Leave  Wet Hill  Forests

4. Northern  Sub-Tropical Pine Forests

 5. Northern Montana Wet Temperate Forests &

 6.Temperate Forests.  

Coniferous:

Pinus khasyia(Indigenous), Pinus caribiae (Exotic),Pinus petula and Cryptomeria japonica (Exotic)

Broad leaved:

 Lagerstromia speciosa (Ajhar), Tectona grandis (Teak), Mangifera indica (Am), Alnus nepalensis (Alder), Morus laevigata (Bola), Tetrameles nudiflora (Bhelu), Trewia nudiflora (Bhelkar), Betula alnoides (Betula), Canarium resiniferum (Dhuna), Gmelina arborea (Gomari), Cinnamomum cecicodaphne (Gonsoroi), Nyssa javanica (Gahorisopa), Terminalia myriocarpa (Hollock), Adina eligocephala (Haldisopa),Cedrela toona (Jatipoma), Podocarpus nerifolia (Jinari), Altingia exelsa (Jutuli), Duabanga grandiflora(Khokon), Albizzia procera (Koroi), Anthocephalus kadamba (Kadam), Shorea assamica (Mekai), Endospermum chinensis (Phulgomari), / Melia azadirach (Ghoora-Neem), Stereospermum chelonoides (Paroli), Magnolia spp. (Sopas), Cassia fistula (Sonaru), Bombax ceiba (Semal), Ficus nervosa (Robar), Spondias axillaris(Hog plum), Michelia champaca (Titasopa), Bischofia javanica (Uriam), Juglans regia (Walnut), Mansonia  dipikai (Badam), Phoebe goalparensis (Bonsom), Dipterocarpus macrocarpus (Hollang), Terminalia chebula (Hilika), Schima wallichii (Gogra), Mesua ferrea (Nahar), Albizzia lebbeck (Siris), Quercus Spp. (Oaks), Artocarpus chaplasha Sam), Chukrasia tabularis (Bogipoma), Terminilia bellerica (Bahera). Hovenia dulcis(Coral tree), Acrocarpus fraxinifolius(Mandani), Bucklandia populnea(Pipli), Pseudostreblus indicus(Tsüngkoh)

World tallest Rhododendron tree, which is recorded in the Guineese Book,  has been found in Japfu Mountain of Kohima district.

Medicinal Plants.

Panax pseudo-gensing (Gensing), Taxus baccata (Yew), Aquilaria agallocha (Agar),Solanum khasianum, Ocimum sanctum (Tulsi),  Aegle marmelos (Bel), Rauvolfia serpentina (Sarpgandha),  Elaeocarpus ganitrus (Rudraksha), Dioscorea deltoides (Kath Aloo),  Emblica officinalis (Amla), Swertia chirata (Chirata), Rubia cordifolia, Oroxylum indicum, Clerodendrum colebrookianum, Passiflora edulis

 Bamboo :

There are 22 species of Bamboos available in the state. The important spp.of bamboo are:

1.                   Sinarundinaria griffithiana (Munro) Chao & Renv.

            ( Arundinaria griffithiana Munro) Saramati

2.         Sinarundinaria elegans (Kurz) Chao & Renv.       

            ( Arundinaria elegans Kurz) Puliebadze, near Kohima.

3.             Sinarundinaria rolloana (Gamble) Chao & Renv.

              ( Arundinaria rolloana Gamble) Japfü Range, Kohima.

4.             Sinarundinaria nagalandiana Naithani  Niriyo Peak, Wokha.  

5.             Chimonobambusa callosa (Munro) Nakai

            ( Arundinaria callosa (Munro) Puliebadze above Kohima and Mao. 

6.              Neomicrocalamus prainii (Gamble) Keng f.

            (Arundinaria prainii Gamble)   Puliebadze, Japfü Range.        

7.             Bambusa balcooa Roxb.       Wokha

8.             Bambusa tulda Roxb.   Kohima, Jaluki

9.             Bambusa palliada Munro Wokha, Kohima and Zeliang village

10.         Dendrocalamus hookeri  Munro   Kohima, Wokha

11.       Dendrocalamus hamiltonii Nees et Arn ex Munro

             Dimapur-Kohima Road, and Wokha

12.         Dendrocalamus giganteus Munro Kohima, Mao. 

13.         Dendrocalamus calostachys (Kurz) Kurz

             Phikrokezema, Dimapur and Kohima

14.          Schizostachyum polymorphum (Munro) Majumdar

            (Pseudostachyum polymorphum Munro) Longsachu near Wokha

15.           Schizostachyum dullooa (Gamble) Majumdar

             ( Teinostachyum dullooa Gamble) Yikum near Wokha

16.       Schizostachyum fuchsianum (Gamble) Majumdar

             (Cephalostachyum fuchsianum Gamble) Kohima, Zulhama-Kilomi  

 17.       Melocanna baccifera (Roxb.) Kurz.   ( M. bambusoides Trin.) Jaluki

Canes:

1.       Calamus rotang

2.       Calamus flagellum

3        Calamus erectus

4.       Calamus gracilis

5.      Calamus floribundus                             

Orchids:

      Nagaland has about 340 spp. out of 1250 spp. of orchids found in India. Most of the Orchids here are epiphytes or lithophytes. A few terrestrial orchids are also found in the state.

A. MAMMALS

 Common Name                                                 Scientific Name                             

1. Asian Elephant                                                Elephas maximus.

2. Gaur (Indian Bison)                                         Bos gaurus.

3. Jackal                                                              Canis aurius

4. Tiger                                                                Panthera tigris.

5. Sambar                                                            Cervus unicolor

6. Leopard                                                           Panthera pardus.

7. Barking Deer                                                    Muntaiqus muntijak

8. Wild boar.                                                        Sus scrofa

9. Sloth Bear                                                        Melursus arsinus

10. Serow                                                            Capricornis sumatraensis

11. Hoolock                                                         Hylobatus hoolock

12. Common Langur                                             Presbytis antillus

13. Macaque                                                         Macaca spp.                           

14. Leopard Cat.                                                   Filis bengalensis

15. Himalayan Squirrel                                           Callosciuras pygerythru      

16. Pangolin.                                                          Manis crasicaudata

17. Civet.                                                                Vivirra Spp.

18. Wolf                                                                  Canis auririus

19. Fruit bat                                                             Cynoptirus sphinx

20. Porcupine                                                           Hystrix indica

21. Hispis hare                                                          Caprogus hispisdus

22. Slow Loris                                                          Nycticebus causeang

23. Otter                                                                   Lutra lutra

24. Wild Dog                                                            Cuon alpinus

25. Orange billed Himalyan  Squirrel                          Cirrus unicolor                                 

26. Mangoose                                                           Herpester spp.

27. Musk Deer.                                                          Moschus moschiferous.

28. Binturong                                                              Arctictis binturong

29. Jungle cat                                                               Filis chaus.

30. Mole rat                                                                 Bandicota bengalensis

31. Indian hare                                                             Lypus nigricolis.

32. Martin                                                                    Martis spp.

33. House Mouse                                                         Mus musculus

34. Field Mouse                                                           Mus booduga

35. Goral                                                                      Nemarahidus goral

36. Clouded Leopard                                                   Niofolis nibulosa

37. Palm Civet                                                              Paguna larvata

38. Wood cat                                                               Rattus blaufardi

39. House cat                                                               Rattus rattus

40. Fulvous fruit bat                                                      Tousettus leschinuitas

41. Indian fox                                                               Vulpis bengalensin

B.REPTILES:

Common Name                                   Scientific Name

Monitor lizard   Tortoise

Python ( reticulate)                                           King cobra

Common krait Banded krait

Viper                                                                  Common cobra

c. BIRDS      

Common Name                                  Scientific Name

Greyheaded fishing eagle                                   Ichuophaga nana

Crested serpent eagle                           pilernia cleala

Bearded vulture                                              Gypactus barbatus

Forest eagle owl                                                 Bubo nipalensis

Collared pigmy owlet                                                    Tus bakkameena

Collared scope owl                                            Laucidium brodei

Tragopan                                                         Tragopan blythii

Kaleej Pheasants                                            Lophura leucemelona

Common hill patridge                             Arboraphila forqueola

Common pheasants                                          Entropus simensia

Red Jungle fowl                                              Gallus gallus

Peacock pheasants                   Polyplectron bicalcaratum

Pintailed green pigeons                             Treron apicauda

Rutous turtle dove                                               Streptopolia orientalia

Marrnbacked imperial pigeon               Ducula badia

Emarald dove                                          Chalcophapa indica

Himalayan Jungle nightjar                                     Caprimulgus indicus

Indian roller                                                      Coracias bengalensis

Chestnut threaded bee-eater                        Morapa leschanaulti

Bluethreated barbet                                            Mengalaima lineata

Great barbet                                                    Megalaima virens

Great pied hornbill                                     Buceros bicornis

Rufousnecked hornbill                          Aceros nipalensis

Goldenbacked throated woodepecker         Dimopium shorii

Darjeeling pied woodpecker                          Picoides darjellensis

Redaered by woodpecker                                 Lythipicus pyrrhotis

Bluenapped pitta                                                   Pitta nepanlensis

Mrs. Gould’s sunbird                                           Aethopyga gapldinale

Nepal Yellow backed sunbird               Aethopyga nipalensis

Black breasted sunbird                                   Aethopyga saturata

Firetailed yellow backed sunbird                    Aethopyga ignicauda

Longtailed broadbill                                   Serilophus lunatus

Red drumped swallow              Hirundedaurice

Tyflers swallow                                                   Hirunderustice tyleri

Balcknapped ariole                                                 Oriolus chinesis

Himalayan tree pie                                       Dendrocitta formosee

Bronzed drongo                                                      Dicrurus aeneus

Large brown thrush                                        Zoothera menticola

Lesser racket-tailed drongo                                     Dicrurus renifer

Large racket tailed drongo                                  Dicrurus paradiseau

Black drongo                                                     Dicrurus adaimilis

Grey drongo                                                       Dicrurus  leucephaecus

Clouded Leopard                                            Niofolis nibulosa

The endangered species- both flora and fauna in Nagaland and measures taken by the Government to protect them and prevent extinction.

The local population being are intricately involved with the forests for their sustenance, be it  agriculture, timber, small, timber, day to day use items or medicinal plants etc. These forest products are also their main source of economy. Therefore, when the main stay of the  people is dependent on forest, destruction of forests is imminent and thereby endangering many valuable species. Due to the primitive method/ practice of cultivation (i.e slash burning) the rich Biodiversity of the state is dwindling year by year.

Most of species, both flora and fauna, appears to be endangered due to heavy biotic pressure/ interference and reckless deforestation. Their details are as follows.

Flora:

 Dipterocarpous macrocarpous (Hollong), Shorea assamica ( Makai)  , Rodhodendron Spp. , Mesua ferra (Nahar), are rare and endangered spp. Panax gensing (Gensing)  is found only in Tuensang district at higher altitude. It is endangered. Aquilaria agallocha (Agar )is also a endangered species. Rare and Endangered species of Orchids available in Nagaland are as follows,

Thunia 1 spp, Arundinaria graminifolia ( Bamboo orchid), Renenthera (Red vanda), ,Rhynchostylis ( fox tail), Pleoni, Phauis (ground orchid) 2 spp, Paphiopedilum 1 spp, Cymbidium tigrinum 1 spp.

The Govt. is taking measures for propagation conservation and protection of these spp. through different afforestation schemes.

Fauna:

The largest Asian mammal, Elephant is endangered spp. The other endangered spps are Melurses ursinus (Sloth Bear ), Prionodon pardicolor (Spotted linsang, Tiger-civet), Panthera tigris (Tiger) , Macaca assamensis (Tailed Pig). The Gaur, or Indian Bison   in habitats in Intangki National Park and Fakim Wildlife Sanctuary and other hilly areas is facing extinction from Nagaland The different Horn bills and Tortoise are also endangered

WILDLIFE

For management and preservation of wildlife in the State, the Department has a full-fledged wildlife wing under Chief Wildlife Warden, an officer of CCF rank. Wildlife Preservation Division was created during the year 1976-77 with Headquarter at Dimapur which is entrusted with following responsibilities

i.          Intangki National Park                          20202 ha .

ii.          Zoological Park Kohima.

            iii.         Rangapahar Wildlife Sanctuary        470 ha.

iv.         Fakim Wildlife Sanctuary                                  642 ha.

v.         Puliebadze Wildlife Sanctuary         923 ha.

  Zoological Park at Kohima

  The Government has decided to shift the present Zoological Park to Dimapur at Rangapahar Wildlife Sanctuary, with a view to introduce many species of animals and birds of warm region. The present Zoological Park shall however be converted into captive breeding center for Tragopan .

Tragopan Breeding Project in London ( U. K.)

  This Captive Breeding Project under the auspices of the World Pheasant Association was successful in breeding of Blythe’s Tragopan, but its quality and character have degenerated due to inbreeding. The Department is likely to send one more pair of birds to the association to minimise the risks of inbreeding, to the association in near future.

Wildlife Sanctuaries and National Park 

  i.        The Intangki National  Park covering an area of 20202 ha. has been maintained during the year. Radio Telecommunication installed during 1988-89 continued to function.  The efforts to keep the park free of encroachers continued unabated.

ii.          The Rangapahar Wildlife Sanctuary, Dimapur, covering an area of 470 ha. shall be converted into Deer Sanctuary in near future. The proposal is pending with the G.O.I.

iii.         In addition to the above sanctuaries, the other two Wildlife Sanctuaries:-  

(a)   Puliebadze Wildlife Sanctuary in Kohima District covering an area of 923 ha was maintained.  It is a natural habitat for Blyth’s Tragopan.

(b)  Fakim Wildlife Sanctuary spread over 642 ha. was maintained

Kohima

The Second World War Cemetery
Cemeteries are, generally gloomy places. Kohima's second world war cemetery, however, is not such a place. No place so beautifully situated, so superbly maintained, and dedicated to the memories of those who sacrificed their fives regardless of race, nationality or religion can be gloomy. The Kohima war cemetery is serene and beautiful. Roses bloom in season, the grass is always billiard-table smooth and two tall crosses stand at the lowest and highest points of the cemetery overlooking Kohima. between them, and stretching all the way across this gently rising hill in the centre of the town, are stone markers with shining bronze plaques. Each commemorates the name of a single man who gave his fife for freedom. At the base of the. upper cross there is an inscription which says : "Here, around the tennis court of the deputy commissioner he men who fought in the battle of Kohima in which they and their comrades finally halted the invasion of India by the forces of Japan in Aprd 1944". To one side of this memorial cross, and often n-dssed by visitors, there is a tree with a small plaque on it. The plaque says : This flowering cherry tree is of historical interest. The original tree was used as a sniper's post by the Japanese and was destroyed in the fighting which raged round the tennis court and marked the limit of the Japanese advance into India. The present tree is from a branch from the old one. And at the base of the lowest cross, an inscription reads When you go home Tell them of us and say For your tomorrow We gave our today.

The State Museum
A fascinating place filled with dioramas showing the lifestyles of the many individual tribes of Nagas, carved gateposts, status pillars to record feasts of honour, and traditional jewellery. An essential item used in Naga jewellery is the seashell. Visitors should also examine the ceremonial drum housed in a shed of its own in the grounds of the museum. The drum not only looks like a huge, dugout war canoe, but it also has a figurehead on its stem, stylised waves painted on its prow and paddle-like drum-strikers. These cultural pointer lend support to a Naga belief that their ancestors came from the sea. Scholars speculate that the ancestors of the Nagas were venturesome seafarers from Sumatra who settled in the mountains of North-East India after a long migration but still retained memories of their Island's past in their legends, ceremonial jewellery and their great village drums.

The Market outside the supermarket
This is a visual delight. Village women in their bright, tribal costumes offer for sale the products of farm, field, forest and stream : Rice, Mushrooms, Fruit and Fish of great variety. Also a host of other things which would tempt the most adventurous palate.

Kohima Village (Barra Basti)
This is where Kohima began, according to Naga belief. Barra basti, the big village, is reputedly the second ranking village in all Asia for its sheer size but there is a lot more to the village than its dimensions. There is, for instance, a ceremonial gateway- the traditional entrance to all Naga Villages- carved with defensive motifs of warriors and guns, and the symbols of prosperity the Mithun. Further up. and to the side of the road, the old gate still stands in its own little shelter, still respected in its retirement. And still further into the heart of the steeply- rising Alage is a house built in the traditional Naga style with the upthrust crossed 'horns' crowning the gable, carved Mithun heads to indicate the status of the owners, a huge basket granary in the Verandah, and a trough in which to make rice beer for the whole community.

The Zoo
Built into a green and wooded hillside, this is a caged Zoo of the old Menagerie type with very few open enclosures. Of particular interest to visitors is the semiwild Mithun Bison of the Nagas, to the left of the entrance. Also the beautiful golden langurs discovered by an India-based naturalist E.P. Gee, in this century, in the forested mountains of the Indo-Myanmarborder and named after him. Keen ornithologists might also want to see the rare Tragopan pheasant in its cage at the highest point in the Zoo. Open : Summer 9 to 1 1 AM and 1 Winter : 9 to 1 1 AM and 1 to 4 PM. Closed on Monday.

Khonoma Village
The 2Okm drive to this village, which is held in great esteem by the Nagas, offers excellent mountain vistas, distant views of waterfalls, close-ups of varied vegetation such as orchids and bracken ferns. But the journey should be attempted only if you have your own vehicle because the public bus schedule does not permit visitors to go to Khonoma and back before nightfall. On approaching Khonoma visitors should notice the memorial stones erected to commemorate feasts of merit, and the intricate system of bamboo pipes which carry water from long distances. Khonoma village is built high on a spur but spreads down to its array of paddy terraces : 20 types of rice are reputedly grown in Khonoma, each suited to the specific elevation and soil condition of a particular block of fields. The pride of Khonoma is its ancient bastion approached through a traditional carved gate, up a flight of steep stone steps, and on to the highest point in the village. Here the Naga warriors made their last stand against the British in 1879. A simple white pillar commemorates G. H. Damant, Maj. C.R. Cock, Lt. H.H. Forbes and Sub. Maj. Nurbir Sai who died fighting the Nagas in Khonoma.

Dimapur

Dimapur, from a Kachari word 'Dimasa' after the river which flows through it, is the gateway to Nagaland and its only railhead. The only airport of the state is also here and Indian Airlines operates a daily Fokker Friendship service from Calcutta to Dimapur via Guwahati and back. It is an important trade and commercial Centre on National Highway No. 39, and wears a rather cosmopolitan look. In the medieval ages, it was the capital of the Kachari rulers. In the heart of the town there is an old relic of the Kachari Kingdom which speaks about the once prosperous era. The relics, being preserved by the archaelogical department, are only 1 km from the NST bus station and railway station.Among other places of interest for the tourist are Ruth's and Haralu emporia where one can see women weaving exquisite Naga shawls on traditional looms, and also make purchases of traditional handicrafts. An excursion can be made to Intanki wildlife sanctuary, 37 km from here.

Intanki Wildlife Sanctuary
111 km from Kohima, 37 km Dimapur. An exotic wildlife sanctuary, Intanki is- the home for Hoolock Gibbon, the only Gibbon found in India; other wildlife includes Elephant, Mithun, Sambar, Barking Deer, Goral, Flying Squirrel, Wild Dog, Tiger, Sloth Bear, among Birds are Kaleej and common pheasant, Hornbill and Black Stor. There is a Forest Rest House and transport on hire subject to availability.

 

Other Places

Mokokchung
160 km from the capital, the centre of the culture and traditions of the Ao Nagas. The warriors of this tribe used to wear the beautiful black and red handwoven shawl with its white decorated band to signify their prowess over their enemies. Situated at 1,325 metres up in the hills, it has a very pleasant climate.

The two main festivals celebrated here are connected with sowing, 'moatsu' in early May, and harvesting, 'Tsungremmong' in August. The highlight of Tsungremmong is the Tug-of-War between men and women's teams.

Wokha
80 km. The district of the same name, Wokha is the home of the Lotha Tribe. A picturesque Town, 80 km each from Kohima and Mokokchung, and 58 km from Furkating Railway Station, Assam, Wokha is surrounded by a lot of eye-catching hilltop villages where one can see monoliths erected by rich ancestors. The Lothas are also famous for their colourful dances and folk songs. 'Tokhu Emong' and "Pikhuchak" are their principal festivals. Wokha district is covered with luxuriant vegetation and the best varieties of oranges and pineapples are grown here.

Phek
134 km. The district headquarters and home of the Chakhesang (a combination of three tribes: cha of chekru khe of Khezhe and sang of Sangtam) their culture and custom is distinctly different from other Nagas. 7sukhenyie', the principal festival, is observed during March-April. The famous rare tragopan birds are found in abundance here. One can also see a great many varieties of beautiful Orchids.

Zunheboto
150 km. Located at an altitude of 1,875 metres, Zunheboto, the district headquarters, can be reached from Kohima via Chazouba (150 km) and from Mokokchung (68 km). Zunheboto is spread out on a cluster of hillocks inhabited by the Semas, the martial race among the Naga tribes. The Sema tribes are renowned for their colourful war dance and folk songs, and their ceremonial war dresses. 'Tuluni' is one of the most important festivals observed in the second week of July every year.

Japfu Peak
1 5 km South of Kohima, 3,043 metres high. From November to March, during the dry season of Nagaland, the air is clear and the peak affords an excellent view of Kohima town and of distant, snow clad, Himalayan Peaks.

Dzukou Valley
25 km from Kohima, at an elevation of 2,462 metres. This interesting valley, behind Japfu Peak, looks like a mown lawn from a distance and is watered by a meandering stream which often freezes in winter. In spring it is rich with wild flowers and pink and white rhododendrons. There are also interesting caves in the low hdlocks that cluster inside the valley. The best time for trekking is November to March.