Kohima is Nagaland's hill capital, known for the Second World War cemetery, the Hornbill Festival circuit and access to villages and trekking landscapes outside the city.
What to see
- Kohima War Cemetery — a carefully maintained memorial to the 1944 Battle of Kohima.
- Nagaland State Museum — an introduction to the state's communities and material culture.
- Kisama Heritage Village — the Hornbill Festival venue south of the city; outside festival dates, access and activity differ.
- Cathedral and city viewpoints — useful for understanding the steep ridge geography.
- Khonoma or Dzukou Valley routes — separate excursions requiring planning, guides or permits according to route.
Planning the visit
Dimapur is the main rail and air gateway, followed by a winding hill transfer. Verify Inner Line Permit requirements before travel. October to May is generally easiest; Hornbill Festival dates bring very high demand and require early booking.
Road time is slower than distance suggests. Use local operators for trekking and village visits, and ask before photographing people or private spaces.
Sources checked against Nagaland tourism and current permit guidance.
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