Kohima travel guide

Things to do in Kohima

1. Kohima War Cemetery

   1 h · Free

   Kohima War Cemetery is a moving World War Two memorial built on the site of the historic tennis-court battlefield at Garrison Hill. It holds 1,420 Commonwealth burials and a memorial for Hindu and Sikh soldiers who were cremated here.

   Tip: Dress modestly and maintain a quiet, respectful tone while walking through the grounds.

2. Kisama Heritage Village

   2 h · ₹50 entry

   Situated on a hill slope in Kohima district, this heritage village is the main venue for the annual Hornbill Festival. It showcases authentic traditional architecture and houses the morungs of all seventeen ethnic groups of Nagaland, offering a glimpse into local tribal culture.

3. Hornbill Festival

   8 h · ₹50 entry

   The Hornbill Festival is an annual celebration held from the first to the tenth of December in Kohima, Nagaland. Known as the Festival of Festivals, it brings together all the diverse ethnic groups of Nagaland to showcase their unique heritage.

   Tip: Plan your accommodation well in advance as hotels and camps fill up quickly during the festival days.

4. Khonoma Village

   3 h · Free

   Khonoma is a Western Angami Naga village located about 20 km west from Kohima in Nagaland. Known as Asia's first green village, it is home to a population of about 1,943 people settled in 424 households.

5. Dzukou Valley Trek

   10 h · ₹100 entry

   Dzukou Valley is a high-altitude valley on the Nagaland and Manipur border known for its rolling meadows and seasonal wildflowers. It lies behind Mount Japfü and serves as a major trekking destination in Northeast India. The area is also a rich habitat for local wildlife, including Blyth's tragopan and the Dzukou Valley horned frog.

   Tip: Carry your own waste back with you to help protect the sensitive local ecosystem from pollution.

Where to stay in Kohima

• Kohima town

  ₹1,500–4,000

  Hotels near the market.

• Kisama & Khonoma homestays

  ₹1,200–3,000

  Village stays, essential during Hornbill.

What to eat

• Smoked pork with bamboo shoot

  local dish

  The Naga classic.

• Axone dishes

  local dish

  Fermented soybean curries.

• Raja mirchi

  local dish · veg

  Ghost-pepper chutney — careful!