Kohima: History, Naga Culture and Nature

Kohima can be associated with a wide range of travel themes: remembrance of the Second World War, Naga architecture, annual festivals and nature experiences. Specific points of interest range from the Kohima War Cemetery to the trails in Pulie Badze Wildlife Sanctuary and the wildlife-watching opportunities in Dzulekie. When planning your trip, it is worth considering cultural events, historic sites and nature activities as separate areas of focus.

History and Naga Culture

The Kohima War Cemetery commemorates soldiers of the 2nd British Division who died in April 1944 fighting the Japanese invasion during the Second World War. It is located at the exact site of the battle and offers panoramic views of Kohima. Remembrance and views of the city shape the site in different ways: the battle’s history is directly named, while the view takes in Kohima.

Architecture also tells a story of cultural influences: the Mary Help of Christians Cathedral in Kohima features various elements of traditional Naga houses. The Nagaland State Museum on Bayavu Hill in Kohima displays artefacts, tribal art and traditional clothing that tell the story of Nagaland. The architectural forms of the cathedral and the museum’s cultural collections thus stand side by side as different facets of Naga culture.

Kisama Heritage Village is designed in the style of an old Naga village. The Heritage Complex at Naga Heritage Village includes a group of sixteen houses for each tribe, designed in traditional indigenous architectural styles. The tribal houses are also called “Morungs” or youth dormitories. The buildings’ forms and names give the site its own cultural focus.

The Hornbill Festival takes place every year from 1 to 7 December at Kisama Heritage Village. Check the dates for the relevant edition before your trip. Tuophema Tourist Village promotes the celebration of the Angami Sekrenyi Festival every year from 25 to 27 February. The December and February dates therefore offer two different time frames for a festival-focused trip.

Nature, Biodiversity and Activities

Dzukou Valley lies at an altitude of 2,438.4 metres. Well-maintained trails wind through Pulie Badze Wildlife Sanctuary, which is also home to more than 250 different plant species. The trails and biodiversity offer two different ways to experience the sanctuary: you can appreciate nature while exploring on foot or focus specifically on its plant life.

Khonoma is the first Green Village in Asia. The Khonoma Nature Conservation and Tragopan Sanctuary was established there in 1998 to protect the endangered Blyth’s tragopan, as well as other wildlife and rare plant species, in their natural habitat. For more than two decades, birdwatchers from around the world have watched birds and listened to their calls in Khonoma. The nature-related activities here therefore range from protecting a specific habitat to birdwatching.

In Dzulekie, a stream provides a habitat for a rare species of rainbow trout. There are also opportunities for birdwatching and butterfly watching, nature walks and trekking, as well as sampling local cuisine. Wildlife watching, spending time in nature and regional food culture offer different ways to enjoy your stay.

Plan Your Travel Dates and Hotel Search

Your reason for travelling is a helpful first filter when choosing a hotel in Kohima. If a festival is your main focus, you can plan around the dates listed; if you are interested in culture or nature, the historic sites, architecture and outdoor activities offer other areas of focus.

More Destinations

Discover more destinations: Viswema, Kohima, Khonoma, Dimapur.

Go to the main travel overview: Nagaland.