Nagaland Tourism

Dimapur
        Dimapur is a sleepy town in the midst of the foothills of Nagaland, flush with verdant forests and tumbling streams.  The area is a staging ground for treks into the surrounding wilderness and is an interesting place in its own right due to the indigenous culture there.
        
Kachari Ruins
         The ruins of the Kachari civilization are located very near to Dimapur.  An ancient prehistoric civilization, the ruins have many monoliths heralding an era predating the arrival of the Hindus in the area.  The many megaliths at the site are hypothesized to be icons of fertility.  The ruins are intermingled with the local forest and are a poignant reminder of times long past.
        
Diezephe
          Nearby Dimpaur is the craft village of Diezephe, where tourists and locals alike come to buy the many works of artisanship here.  Locals excel at carving wood and bamboo, as well as weaving, and many intricate and beautiful items can be had here at low cost.
    
Kiphire
        Kiphire is a small village known for being the site of Nagaland's highest mountain, Saramati Peak.  It is a challenging day hike for travelers to the area, and offers superb views of the surrounding hills and valleys.            
    
Kohima
        Kohima is among the largest villages of trial peoples in India.  The town is an excellent instance of the culture of the Nagas.  The town entrance is decorated by a large arch replete with animal bones and horns, and one of the first thing one notices is the small stones in front of the local houses.  These stones are dedicated to their ancestors.  
        
War Cemetery
         On Garrison Hill, site of an important World War II battle against the Japanese, a battle which prevented the Japanese from rushing into the Indian subcontinent and a major turning point in the war.  Thousands of graves are here, as well as a memorial to the Indians cremated on the site.  
        
Japfu Peak
         Just south of Kohima is Japfu Peak, the second highest mountain in Nagaland.  The peak is a popular hiking destination and has an amazing view of the surrounding forest and hills.  People hiking the mountain should start in the morning, when it is shrouded in mist, so by noon they can see the area clearly when it heats up a bit.
           
Mon
        Mon is a small town very close to the Myanmar border with a large community of the Konyak and Aos tribes.  It is a unique place in India and offers an entirely different culture than any where else in the nation.  It is nearby some fabulous wildlife as well as interesting sites,  such as Veda Peak.
        
Shangnyu
         Shangnyu is a small village in the area famous for the massive wooden monument in the town center, covered in detailed carvings of man and animal, a true testament to the artistry of the Konyak people.
        
Veda Peak
         The tallest mountain in the area, Veda Peak offers a spectacular view of both the Brahmaputra and Chindwin valleys, and there is a magnificent waterfall on the slopes of the peak as well.
    
Phek
        On the border with Myanmar is the small town of Phek, a popular tourist attraction because of its sweeping hills full of animal life and emerald forest.  There are many festivals in the area as well, and the town, nestled on top of a hill, is one of the most scenic in India.
        
Pfutsero
         Pfutsero is at a the highest elevation of any town in Nagaland and is located in idyllic farm country, covered in mango and apple orchards.  The nearby Glory Peak is a popular hiking spot, and there are some ancient temples in the area worth a look too.  The Miracle Cave is close to Pfutsero, and is a popular tourist attraction.
        
Shilloi Lake
         Shilloi lake is a gorgeous paradise nestled in a deep valley.  Looking like a foot, the lake is held to be the home of many animal spirits.  It is a short hike or drive from Phek and many people come here to worship as well as enjoy the beautiful scenery.

Nagaland History and Culture

    Nagaland, home of the Naga tribe as well as many less populous others, has essentially been their homeland since time immemorial.  Known variously throughout their history as the Chingmee or Hai, the Naga have been more culturally tilted towards Burma and Assam than the Indian subcontinent, and the many tribes of the area have always been known for their independence.  Since there is no record of the land's history, though, many of the particulars of the area remain unknown.
    There are records of the area in the annals of neighboring Manipur, but recorded history really began during the British Raj.  The area was famous for its rebellious nature and the British struggled to establish a presence in the area, but gradually did so.  The arrival of Westerners radically changed the culture of the area.  Thousands of years of traditions went out the window, with the British outlawing the habitual violence that broke out between tribes and ending headhunting entirely.  Other, more peaceful traditions also began to disappear.  The British arrival also heralded the coming of many American Baptist Missionaries, many of whom saw the Nagas and other tribes as barbaric and in need of a total break with the past.  Baptist missionaries converted most of the Naga people, with Nagaland today being more Baptist at 90% of the population than even the deepest parts of the American South.
    In World War II, Nagaland saw itself in the center of the British/Indian and Japanese conflict.  The Nagas suffered grave persecution from the Japanese and refused to align with them.  Kohima saw the high water mark of Japanese fortunes in South Asia as well, with a decisive victory by British and Indian forces ending Japanese expansionism.  Today, there is a memorial in Kohima dedicated to the sacrifices made by the men and women who died there.
    After the war, it became apparent that India would have its independence and many Naga leaders began to lobby for their own independence.  The Indian government refused, however, and Nagaland remained part of the union.  A compromise was made, however, permitting for a high amount of autonomy for the state, a tradition that is maintained to this day.
    The arrival of Europeans in Nagaland permanently altered more than the culture.  Nagaland, while still heavily forested, has seen a drastic reduction in its wildlife and forests, a consequence of the new technologies brought by foreigners and a total lack of conservation policy ubiquitous to much of the subcontinent.  However, changes have also reduced the harshness of life in the area, with much of the violence and disease of former generations having disappeared.
    In spite of the recent worries about conservation, though, Nagaland remains a premier destination for eco-tourism, as it is among the most wild and pristine of Indian states.  Additionally, the vibrant culture of the Nagas and the many other tribes is a significant attraction, with their many festivals and cultural customs being a source of fascination for many.  For anyone visiting India, Nagaland is one of the best places to get away from the world and see a different kind of earth.