NAGALAND

Fast Facts Area:                          16,579 sq km Population:  1.4 million Capital:                  Kohima Climate Summer (Mar to June) - Pleasant Monsoon (July to September) - Warm and Humid Winter (October to February)- Chilly to Cold Clothing Summer - Tropical Winter - woolens. Languages spoken Nagamese, Angami, Ao, Chang, Konyak, Lotha, Sangtam, Hindi, English Best Time to visit October to May

Introduction:

One of the smallest states in India, Nagaland, situated in the north eastern corner of the country, attained statehood in 1963. Nagaland is bound by Assam in the west, Arunachal Pradesh and Assam on the North and Manipur in the South, and shares an international border with Myanmar on the East. The Naga Hills run through this small state, which has Saramati as its highest peak at a height of 12,600 ft. The main rivers that flow through Nagaland are Dhansiri, Doyang, Dikhu and Jhanji.

The state consists of seven districts, with sixteen tribes and sub-tribes. The Nagas, inhabitants of Nagaland, are said to belong to the Indo-Mongoloid stock, a race whose presence was first noted ten centuries before Christ, at the time of the compilation of the Vedas. Nagaland is today, one of only 3 states in India, with a Christian majority.As a tourist destination, Nagaland is almost unexplored - making it a perfect getaway for the adventurous.

 This predominantly tribal state is blessed with great valleys, meandering streams, high mountains, deep gorges and a rich valley of flora and fauna.
The state of Nagaland, covering an area of 16,488 sq. km. is encircled by Assam in the north and west, by he Burma and Arunachal Pradesh in the east, and Manipur in the South. The state is predominantly dominated by Naga communities and hence, it forms a single cultural region generally definable by common cultural and linguistic traditions. This state was carved out of the territories that were earlier known as Naga Hills - Tuesnsang Area (NHTA), through the State of Nagaland Act, 1962. It was inaugurated on 1st December, 1963 by the then President of India, Dr S. Radhakrishnan.

The state lies between 2506 deg and 2704 deg of the equator and between the longitudinal lines 93015 deg E. The Barail range extending from the south-west via North Cachar runs up to Kohima, with its highest Peak, Japvo, attaining a height of 3,048 metres.

Climate
The beginning of winter is marked by a steep fall (almost 5 degree Centigrade) in temperature during December. January is the coldest month. In February, the temperature starts rising gradually. The monsoon lasts for five months from May to September with June, July and May, being the wettest months. The annual rainfall varies from 100 cm to over 300 cm.

Handicrafts

Nagaland's handloom and handicrafts own a reputation for their quality. The beautifully hand woven tribal shawls of various tribes, Naga mekhelas (Sarongs), Naga hand bags, which are exquisitely and intricately designed, have won worldwide appreciation. The new generation of Nagas have ventured into fashion designing on a commercial scale, reproducing fabrics that represent the past, fused with modern taste. They have handicrafts like beads,garlands & baskets, made of cane & bamboo.

Flora & Fauna
The variations in the altitude, latitude, climate and soil have given rise to a diversity of forest types, ranging from tropical evergreen to temperate evergreen and the coniferous.

Bamboo groves are extensive everywhere. Among the common species, mention may be made of the Naga Bhe and plants such as Mesuaferrea, Careyaarbotrea and Fiscus Electica. On the hill slopes are found oak, chestnut, birch, magnolia, cherry, maple, laurel and fig. Pine trees are found at high altitude areas, varying from 3,000 to 4,000 ft. Wild vegetables, roots, fruits and tubers are found in abundance throughout Nagaland.

Nagaland constitutes a meeting ground for the sub-Himalayan, Indian, Chinese and Burmese type of fauna. Elephants, tigers, barking deer and sambar are found in different places through the state. Monkeys, jackals, wild buffaloes, wild pigs, bear and wild dogs are sparsely distributed through the Naga Hills. Among the ritually most valued species is Mithun. Other common species are lizards, toads, monitors.

Faith & Culture
The entire Naga inhabited area may be described as one culture area, on account of several ethno-historical factors. There are 14 tribes in Nagaland. The traditional faith, religious beliefs and practices of Naga tribes show signs of being animistic. There is a belief of a supreme creator of mankind, and many deities, ghosts and spirits of trees, rivers and hills. There are priests and medicine-men that placate these spirits, banish those who give diseases, attract those who help and guard, and also take the lead in the rites and festivals, which stimulate the processes of agriculture. Among the Naga tribes (Chang, Sangtam, Khiamngan), there is a belief that the soul, after death, goes down a narrow path to the land of the dead that is guarded by a spirit with whom it must struggle. Most Naga tribes regard the ultimate ancestors of man and the tiger, as very intimately associated. The ancient Kachari capital, Dimapur is one of the important sites of megalithic culture. The ruins appear to be contemporaries with the Kachari civilisation, established before the Ahom invasion in the 13th century A.D. There are evidences of Hindu influence on most of them, though these are predominantly non-Aryan. Today 85% of the people are Christians.

PLACES OF INTEREST:

Kohima

The Capital: Perched at 1444.12 metres above sea level, Kohima enjoys a temperate climate throughout the year. The two hour drive from Dimapur to Kohima can be an enjoyable experience. You could treat yourself to a hot hearty meal of local cuisine from one of the typical Naga wayside amenities that line the road at regular intervals. The panoramic view of Kohima unfolds at 16 kms from your destination, nestled among the pristine hills.

Kohima War Cemetery

Kohima War Cemetery offers a space for a quiet moment of a contemplative stroll with friends & family. This is a symbolic memorial raised as a citation for the supreme sacrifices made by the officers and men of the allied forces, to halt the tide of the Japanese onslaught during the Second World War. This was their last post. The cemetery is beautifully and meticulously maintained by the Commonwealth War Graves Commission.

State Museum

For the tourists, there are historical artifacts, log drums, tools & implements, old Naga currencies, attire of warriors, dresses & costumes all preserved here. This museum provides a bird's eye view of the fifteen colourful tribes at close quarters. 

 Dzukou Valley

This valley is tucked away at 2438 metres above sea level. From June to September, the entire valley is covered with a carpet of wild flowers. Here, you are completely at peace with nature. The valley is surrounded by hills, natural caves & rocks ideal for camping.

Japfu Peak

Scaling the Japfu peak at 3048 metres above sea level can be very trying, but exhilarating. Once up, the expansive vista of nature's beauty more than compensates the effort put in. The range gets covered by mist at the break of dawn, adding to its mystic beauty.

Khonoma

This place offers a peep into the village lifestyle of the people here. This village is not only laced in historybut also known for its ecological propriety. The terraced fields carved out from the hill top to the lower valley,present an interesting study. You can always hear fascinating stories of folklore here from the villagers.

Kohima Village

Considered to be one of the largest in Asia, a traditional gate greets the visitor. There are stones of varying shapes and sizes implanted within the compound or skulls of buffaloes and mithuns adorning the portico, reminding you of the past glory and status of the great ancestors.

Zoological Park

This place offers you a glimpse of the fauna of Nagaland. The rare Blythe's Tragopan believed to be on the verge of extinction is being reared here in captivity. Rare species of Orchids can also be seen here.

Dzulekie

This is an enchanting place near Kohima, where domesticated bisons roam freely in pastoral ambience. The surrounding green hills and little waterfalls thrown in, add to the pleasure to being in this cool getaway.

Dimapur

On the way to Kohima, this site was the first headquarter, established by the British. The Triple Falls located in Seithekima village area, is another resort being developed by the Department of Tourism. As the name suggests, it is a three-tier waterfall, cascading from a height of 280 feet into an inviting natural pool. Dimapur was the ancient capital of Kachari Kingdom. A small footprint of the megalithic culture still exists.

Intanki Wildlife Sanctuary

Intanki Wildlife Sanctuary is just 37 kms away from Dimapur. It is the habitat of various animals and rare species of birds.

Ruzaphema

It is a place, ideally suited for leisure and recreation with its colourful bazaars and a wide range of tribal handicrafts, which are exquisite in their style.

Fakim Sanctuary

This sanctuary, close to the Myanmar border is inhabited by tigers & Hoolock gibbons and recieves high rainfall.

Pulie Bazde

Another sanctuary, Pulie Bazde lies in close proximity of Kohima.

ADVENTURE IN NAGALAND:

Trekking in Nagaland

State: Nagaland, the north eastern state of India.
Best Season to Trek: November to March.
Locations for Trekking: Dzukou Valley, Mokokchung, Pungro, Mount Tiyi, Satoi Range.
Trekking Tips: Take trekking shoes and other trekking equipment with yourself. Try to contact a proper trekking guide, who would help you in your trekking requirements and also in organizing your treks to Nagaland.

Trekking in Nagaland
Nagaland in the north eastern part of India is trekker's paradise. The adventurous land of Nagaland offers bountiful trekking opportunities. The physiology of Nagaland is hilly and mountainous with lush green surroundings. The environment of Nagaland is salubrious, providing healthy atmosphere to the tourists in Nagaland. For a driving and daring leisure seeker, few destinations in the world would match the trekking dimensions of Nagaland.

The journey to the extreme north eastern part of India is arduous and extremely adventurous in its nature. Trekking through the challenging terrains of Nagaland with outstanding wealth of varied botanical species is justly unique and breath-holding. The route to each trek is a quite an unique experience.

The Major Treks in Nagaland
Dzukou Valley
Dzukou Valley is tucked away at a height of 2433.4 Sq. Mt. Above the sea level on south-east of Kohima. Located about 25 km from Kohima, Dzukou Valley can be reached from different land routes via NH-39. The gentle rolling hills and undulating values of Dzukou valley offer solace & peace to any tourist from any part of the world. Dzukou Valley is a favourite destination of young trekkers and meditation groups. Dzulou is also blessed with a rich ecosystem of bio-diversity. The swirling streams and rippling rivulets flow abundantly through the valley, and rhododendron of various colour, beatify the hills, rocks & riverbanks during spring. During summer this valley becomes a veritable garden of Eden with variety of flowers such as Lilium, Mackliniae, Caltha palustris, Anemone revelries, Euphorbias, etc in full bloom.

Mokokchung
Mokokchung is 162 km from Kohima via Wokha, 70 km from Zunheboto, 115 km from Tuensang, 102 km from Amguri (Assam) and 103 km from Mariani (Assam). Situated at an altitude of 1325 m above sea level, Mokokchung is a picturesque location and the cultural centre of the Ao Nagas. White water rivers of Milak and Tzula are of scenic interest has a lot of potential for monsoon angling. This is alos an ideal trekking haunt for the trekkers.

Pungro
The circle headquarters is only 36 km from Kiphire. From here it takes two days of trekking to reach Saramati peak, a part of which falls in Myanmar.

Mount Tiyi
Mount Tiyi is situated at an altitude of 1969.61 m from sea-level. Trekking is an adventurous experience, taken by several tourists here. Colourful Rhododendrons are found on the cliffs and steep slopes. The mountain peak offers a panoramic view of the valley down below.

Satoi Range
Satoi Range is one of the only remaining unspoilt forests left in Zunheboto district. Satoi Range a place of pristine beauty. This place is the natural habitat of the Blythe's Tragopan, a rare bird on the verge of extinction. During the months of April, May you may also find rare Rhododendrons adorning the hills. It is an ideal spot for outdoor camping and trekking.

Information About Trekking in Nagaland, India
Physical Requirements for Trekking in Nagaland, India
Not much physical requirement is necessary for low-altitude trekking and nature walks. However, for high-altitude trekking, the physical requirements are almost the same as for mountaineering and climbing. People with high/low blood pressure or who are overweight are advised not to participate in high-altitude games and sports. People below 16 years and above 60 years are also discouraged from participating in this sport.

Precautions Required for Trekking in Nagaland, India
1. It is advisable not to go for unrealistic programs. When chalking out your program, give sufficient time for altitude acclimatization. During the program never try to be too hurried. It can be dangerous.

2. Decide what you want to participate in: is it high-altitude trekking or nature walking only? Look for the level of difficulty involved in the program and whether your physical fitness is up to the level of competence required.

3. Important addresses, phone numbers, and email IDs should be distributed among the organizers, coordinators, and all the group members.

4. All the medicines that one may require and other basic surgical equipments should accompany group.

5. Divide all the responsibilities among the group members. Each member of the group should have proper training and experience of handling mountaineering equipments.

6. Sufficient ration should be there to take care of any eventuality.

7. High-altitude sickness or high-altitude madness is a common phenomenon among the trekkers and mountaineers. If you are participating in these programs for the first time, make yourself aware of the symptoms and methods to deal with this problem. It is necessary for the members of the expedition to know how to deal with snow blindness, frostbiting, and sunburning.

8. All the members should know proper mountaineering guidelines, high-altitude survival techniques, and first-aid techniques.

9. Sensitivity to environment and respect of the local culture are some of the social issues for which all the members of an expedition group should be counselled properly. Go away from the campsite for the morning chores. Do not attend to nature's call within a range of 300 feet from the water source. If you are using toilet papers, remember to bury them in the ground. Do not leave anything back in the hills.  

Dzukou Valley

This valley is tucked away at 2438 metres above sea level. From June to September, the entire valley is covered with a carpet of wild flowers. Here, you are completely at peace with nature. The valley is surroundedby hills, natural caves & rocks and is thus, ideal for camping.

The Flora of Dzukou Valley
Untouched by civilisation and splendiferous in its beauty, this valley otherwise called the valley of celestial charm has an tempting appeal to all who gaze it. In summer, wild herbs and shrubs sprout along the stream banks. Lilies in white and pink, euphorbias, aconitums and hundreds of other botanical species in varied colours adorn the valley in monsoon.

Though Dzukou is known for its bio-diversity, the predominant plant is the tough bamboo brush because of which it looks like a justly mown lawn from far away. Rhododendrons of different colours beatify the hills abounding the valley.

Dzukou Valley - Trekker's Paradise

This is one of the best trekking spots in the North-Eastern Region. The valley is surrounded by hills, natural caves & rocks and is thus, ideal for camping. Inspite of the difficult terrain and non-availability of facilities, this is one of the most frequented trekking spots in the entire North East India. Its emerald green rolling hills interlinked by gentle flowing streams are trekker's fancy. A few tourist rest houses are constructed for trekkers.

Japfu Peak

Scaling the Japfu peak at 3048 metres above sea level can be very trying, but exhilarating. Once up, there the expansive vista of natural beauty more than compensates the effort put in. The range gets covered by mist at the break of dawn, adding to its mystic beauty.

Wildlife Sanctuaries:

Fakim Wildlife Sanctuary

State : Nagaland, the north eastern state of India.
Best Time to Travel: November to February.
Locate: Situated close to the Myanmar (Burma) border in the north eastern state of Nagaland in India.

Know the Fakim Wildlife Sanctuary in Nagaland

Journey to Fakim Wildlife Sanctuary
Airport : Kohima, the state capital is linked to Guwahati (Assam) by the NH 39. One can easily reach the sanctuary from Kohima by road.

Railhead : Nagaland does not possess well laid rail lines. As the rail lines do not connect all of Nagaland, one can only reach the sanctuary by road. The closest railway station from the Fakim Sanctuary is located at Dimapur in Nagaland.

Road Transport: NH 39 links Nagaland to Guwahati by road. Once in Kohima, one can easily reach the sanctuary by bus or taxi.

Staying near Fakim Wildlife Sanctuary
Circuit House and PWD Inspection Bungalow are available for the tourists in Nagaland.

Sightseeing in the Fakim Wildlife Sanctuary
The Landscape
Physiographically, the area is covered with hills, high ridges deep gorges and narrow valleys. Because of this variation, in altitude, vegetation of this district is equally varied and variegated. Forest of the district is tropical to sub-tropical. Important trees found in the district are, Bonsum, Bogipoma, Khasi Pine, Oaks, Amari, Gamari, Hollock, Nahor, Uriam, Alder, Kachnar, Sasi, etc.

Because of heavy rainfall in these area the forests are full of undergrowth shrubs. More than dozen species of ferns and numerous species of orchids are found in this district. Rhododendrons are found flowering pleasantly in March- April.Various variety of canes bamboos are also found in abundance. Trees of Dalchini and Tejpata are found scattered in the area.

The Fauna
The Fakim Sanctuary is quite rich in its variety of fauna. Some important animals found in the district are; Tiger, Hoolock gibbons, Panther, Jungle Cat, Himalayan Bear, Bison, Sambar, Barking Deer, Wild Boar, Slender Loris etc. Indian Horn Bill, Tragopan Pheasant, Grey Pheasant, Jungle Fowl, Green Pigeon, Doves etc are important birds found in the district.

Intanki Wildlife Sanctuary

State: Nagaland, the north eastern state of India.
Best Time to Travel: November to February.
Locate: The Sanctuary lies at a distance of 37 Km from Dimapur and 111 km from Kohima in Nagaland.

The Intanki Wildlife Sanctuary in Nagaland
The Intanki Wildlife Sanctuary in Nagaland is under the preservation of the Forest Wildlife Department. Home to various animals including some rare species of birds. The sanctuary is a large collection of birds. The sanctuary is rich with varied wealth of flora & fauna.

Journey to Intangki Wildlife Sanctuary
Airport: The closest airport is at Dimapur. One can easily reach the sanctuary from Dimapur by road.

Railhead: The closest railhead is at Dimapur. One can take a bus or taxi from here to reach the sanctuary.

Road Transport: NH 39 links Nagaland with rest of India. NH 39 directly links Nagaland to Guwahati in Assam. One can easily reach the sanctuary by bus or taxi from here.

Staying near the Intangki Wildlife Sanctuary
Circuit House and PWD Inspection Bunglow are available for the tourists in Nagaland. There is a Forest Rest House and transport on hire subject to availability.

Sightseeing in Intanki Wildlife Sanctuary
The Landscape
The landscape of this part is abound with hills and mountains. The complete surrounding is covered with a thick carpet of green plantations.

The Fauna

An exotic Intanki Wildlife Sanctuary is home to Hoolock Gibbon, the only Gibbon found in India; other wildlife includes Elephant, Mithun, Sambar, Barking Deer, Goral, Flying Squirrel, Wild Dog, Tiger, and Sloth Bear, among Birds are Kaleej and common pheasant, Hornbill and Black Stor.

FESTIVALS IN NAGALAND:

There are more or less identical fairs and festivals among the sections of the Angami, Sema, Lotha and Rengma Nagas. In the sphere of religion, the Rengma resemble the Angami and the Sema, and their festivals also roughly correspond. As among the Angami, there is a female first reaper, and stone pulling ceremony is practiced. Every tribe has it's own festivals. Several festivals are connected with agricultural activities such as reaping, sowing and harvesting. Moastu festival is performed by Ao Naga in the month of May, after the sowing. Among the Lotha, pithi is the sacred specialist who performs all ceremonies and rituals. He inaugurates the sowing and harvesting. The Ao Naga celebrate many other festivals also, most of which are celebrated to mark the beginning and end of a particular agricultural activity. When crops are ready, the festival of Tsungremong is performed. Pigs are sacrificed during this ceremony, in honour of the deity, Lijaba. The other prominent festivals are Kuki Mimkut, Angami Sekrenyi, Phom Monyu, Konyak Aoling, Rengma Ngada and Zeliang Nga-Ngai