Visit offbeat destination Nagaland

Nagaland, the land of the hospitable and warm Nagas, lies in the corner of India’s North-East-bordering Myanmar. It has always evoked a sense of awe and wonder in the minds of people including the visitors. Although most of the Nagas have now become Christians, they still preserve the remnants of their early animist culture and ancient traditions.

Historically, the Nagas have always been brave warriors. They consider the safety and security of their guests as an honour and prestige and will never allow any harm to be done to any of their guests/visitors.

Topographically, Nagaland is mostly a hilly region with a pleasant and salubrious climate throughout the year, except for a small region in the foothills.

Nagas are by race of the Mongoloid stock and speak Tibeto-Burman group of languages. But English and Hindi are widely spoken and language is no problem in Nagaland.

Colourful life and culture are an integral part of the 16 officially recognized Naga tribes of Nagaland. These 16 tribes are different and unique in their customs and traditions. These customs and traditions are further translated into festivals which revolve around their agricultural cycle. Songs and dances form the soul of these festivals through which their oral history has been passed down the generations. Nature has been kind to the Nagas and their land. Though by virtue of her natural beauty, the whole of Nagaland is a tourist hotspot, yet certain exceptionally charming places have been identified and developed by the Government to promote tourism in the state, some of which are highlighted in the website.


Foreign tourists as of January 1, 2011 no longer require a Restricted Area Permit (RAP) / Protected Area Permit (PAP) to enter Nagaland. Previously, tourists were required to travel in a minimum group of four people. They were allowed to visit all 11 district headquarters and specified places with this permit, valid for 10 days, with an option to extend for up to a month.

The new rules only require foreigners to register themselves at the local Foreigners Registration Officer (FRO) of the district they visit within 24 hours of their arrival. However, the the citizens of Pakistan, Bangladesh and China still need to apply for PAP/ RAP from Home Ministry to visit Nagaland.  This is a temporary change in effect for one year. The RAP/PAP application process is included below for those tourists who may still be affected by the previous rules.

For best results, apply for the permit at:

NAGALAND HOTSPOTS
DIMAPUR : Ruins of the Medeival kachari Kingdom, Diezephe Craft Village, rangapahar Reserve Forest, Handloom & Handicrafts Emporium, North East Zone Cultural Centre.

KOHIMA : World War II Cemetery, State Museum, Catholic Cathedral, Sales Emporium for souvenirs and ethnic crafts, Gurtel shop, Belho Weavers, Naga heritage Complex at Kisama – Kohima, Heritage Museum and Crafts Centre at Khonoma, Trekking and Camping in Dzukou Valley, The Heritage DC’s Bungalow.

MOKOKCHUNG : Longkhum Village, Mopongchuket Village, Impur – First Christian Mission Centre, AKM Monument, Ungma Village, Chuchuyimlang Village, Langpanglong Village, Molung Village, Fusen Kei and Mongzu ki caves, Longritzu Lenden Valley and Tangkum Marok Spring.

LONGLENG : OFF ROAD DRIVING ADVENTURERS PARADISE

MON : The Village Markets, Naganimora Village, Longwa Village, Chui Village, Langmei Village, Stone Monoliths and Local Museum at Shangnyu Village, Veda Peak and Waterfall.

PEREN : Benreu Village, Mt. Pauna Tourist Village, Mount pauna and the Stone Carvings / Monoliths around it.

PHEK : Pfutsero Town and Village in its peripheries, Khezakenoma Village, Ruzhazho Village, Thetsumi Village, Poruba Village, Zhavame Village, Weziho Village, Yurba Village, Suthazu Village, Chizami Village, Chakhesang Cultural Research Institute, Glory Peak, Dzudu lake and Zanibu peak (trekkers) and Shilloi Lake.

TUENSANG : The Villages of Changsangmonko and Chilise, the Stones of Tsongliyangti, chungliyangti and Tsadang.

KIPHIRE : The Villages caves, Stones and geysers of Mimi and Salumi, Sukhayap Cliff, Wawade Waterfall, Yimgphi Village, Stone Monolith of Siphi, Mihki, the River of Salt, Fakim Wildlife Sanctuary.

WOKHA : Mount Tiyi, Totsu Cliff, Doyang River, Lagoons and Valley.

ZUNHEBOTO : Aizuto Village, Lake Aizuto, Aizuto Forest, Ghosu Bird Sanctuary, Satoi range with Pristine Wilderness, Sumi Naga Villages.