Kohima Travel Essentials

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"A land ruled by the Nagas"

Kohima Tourism

Kohima is the hilly capital of Nagaland, which is one of the seven sister states of India. ‘Kohima’ is the anglicized name given by the British, the original name being 'Kewhira' derived from the Kewhi flowers found in the region. Famous for its ethereal environment and untouched beauty, it is a land of folklore passed down through the ages. Situated at a height of 1500 metres above the sea level, it is endowed with quaint hills, emerald forests and a picturesque landscape. It is the go-to place for all you adventure enthusiasts as it is ideal for trekking, camping and hiking.

Kohima was built by the British and is home to the Naga and Kulkis tribe who can amaze one with their independence and a mystical and colourful culture that surrounds them. Kohima finds its place in history as the site of an intense fight with the Japanese, a part of a 64 day long battle during the World War II. One of the most popular sits here include the Commonwealth War Cemetery which homes thousands of soldiers of the World War II. Other than that, the city has a lot more to offer to its visitors - a museum, zoo, sanctuary, valleys, self governing villages and much more.

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History of Kohima

Kohima was initially inhabited by the Angami Naga tribes, one of the largest of its kind. In around 1840, the British started the incursions to take on the territory which was met by stringent resistance by the freedom loving Nagas, who had never been conquered by any empire before. For this fact, the British took around four decades to capture the comparatively tiny territory. Kohima was the first seat of British modern administration as the headquarters of Naga Hills District in 1879. It has also been etched in history for the infamous Battle of Kohima during the Burma Campaign in 1944 at the time of World War 2. It was a 64-day long war with the Japanese who eventually lost to the allies. Afterwards, post-independence, when Nagaland became a full-fledged state in 1963, Kohima was made its official capital.

Restaurants and Local Food in Kohima

Kohima fosters both traditional Nagaland cuisines as well as a number of options for Continental and Chinese food and flattering choices for vegetarians as well. The local cuisine is dominated by spicy, colourful, delicious and a bit adventurous non-vegetarian preparations.
The state has a somewhat westernized eating style. Pork, beef, mutton, chicken and also lots of jungle animals are eaten here. Delicacies prepared with bamboo shoots, ginger, Naga King chilly are also found. Also, Nagaland is a dry state and hence you won't easily find beers and other alcoholic drinks. However, locally brewed Rice beer is available at places.
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Suggested Itinerary for Kohima

Day 1 - You should start your trip by visiting the State Museum to know about the Naga Culture. Then you can visit Bara Basti and appreciate the traditional architecture of the village. Afterwards, you can visit Cathedral of Reconciliation. Then you can spend the evening at Dzulekie having a picnic.
Day 2 - Start your day by visiting the beautiful place Dzukou Valley and enjoy the exotic view of nature. Then you can visit the Intangki Wildlife Sanctuary. You can also visit Japfu Peak. You can try the Black Dog’s meat at Naga Bazar. You can buy souvenirs at Ruzaphema.

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How to Reach Kohima

How to Reach Overview

Dimapur is the closest Airport as well as Railway station. It is a 2 hours drive from Kohima. Kohima is also connected to nearby cities like Imphal, Dimapur, Guwahati, etc. by the bus service.

How to reach Kohima by flight

Kohima does not have an airport. The nearest airport is Dimapur Aiport which is around 74 km away from Kohima. It is a domestic airport and is well connected to major cities. The second nearest airport is Imphal Airport which is around 145 km from Kohima. It is also a domestic airport. You can easily find taxis and buses from both the airports to reach Kohima.

How to reach Kohima by road

Kohima can be reached easily via road. You can either hire a taxi or drive there yourself. It is also connected to all the nearby cities by regular bus services.

How to reach Kohima by train

Kohima does not have a railway station. The nearest railway station is in Dimapur which is around 74 km away from Kohima. This station has regular trains from Guwahati and Kolkata. You can hire a taxi from Dimapur to reach Kohima. 


Local transport in Kohima

Walking around the city is the best option! You can even hire a bike to move around the streets of Kohima.

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Kohima Photos

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Kohima Museum

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FAQs on Kohima

What is famous about Kohima?

Characterised by beautiful peaks, misty winds, tearing clouds, rivers flowing through it, and abundance of flora and fauna.

What is not so good about Kohima?

People already living in hilly areas like Himachal or Dehradun will not find anything outstanding here.

Who should visit Kohima?

The place is for a family vacation and also for couples. Elders and kids both can enjoy this place. This is an ideal place for a vacation for people living in nearby metro cities.

What is the best time to visit Kohima?

October to May tends to be the best time to visit Kohima, the winters offering an ideal chilly vacation. The summers are characterised by heavy rainfall which almost turns into a cloudburst during the monsoons.
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What is the local food in Kohima?

Kohima fosters both traditional Nagaland cuisines as well as a number of options for Continental and Chinese food and flattering choices for vegetarians as well. The local cuisine is dominated by spicy, colourful, delicious and a bit adventurous non-vegetarian preparations.
The state has a somewhat westernized eating style. Pork, beef, mutton, chicken and also lots of jungle animals are eaten here. Delicacies prepared with bamboo shoots, ginger, Naga King chilly are also found. Also, Nagaland is a dry state and hence you won't easily find beers and other alcoholic drinks. However, locally brewed Rice beer is available at places.
Read More

What is the best way to reach Kohima?

Dimapur is the closest Airport as well as Railway station. It is a 2 hours drive from Kohima. Kohima is also connected to nearby cities like Imphal, Dimapur, Guwahati, etc. by the bus service.
Read More

What are the things to do in Kohima?

The top things to do in Kohima are Dzukou Valley and Japfu Peak, Kohima Museum, Touphema Village, Kohima Zoo, Khonoma Village, Shilloi Lake, Kohima. You can see all the places to visit in Kohima here

What are the places near Kohima?

The top places near to Kohima are Dimapur which is 35 km from Kohima, Diphu which is located 71 km from Kohima, Phek which is located 36 km from Kohima, Kaziranga national park which is located 121 km from Kohima, Majuli which is located 142 km from Kohima

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Kohima Reviews

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Shashwat Kant

5 years ago
- If you are visiting Kohima during winter make sure you carry warm clothings with you. The air is freezing cold in the morning.
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