Kohima

Kohima, the picturesque town is the hilly capital of Nagaland state. Lies in south of Kohima District, it is also one of the three Nagaland towns with Municipal council status along with Dimapur and Mokokchung. Kohima is the land of the brave and daring Angami Naga tribe.

Nestled in the eastern frontiers of the Himalayan mountain range and panoramic view of rugged Naga hills all around, Kohima is calm and serene hillstation which can be visited throughout the year.

Perched at an altitude of 1500 meters above sea level, it is a typical Naga town which depicts the exotic tribal culture of the northeast.

The name, Kohima, was officially given by the British as they could not pronounce the Angami name Kewhima (Kew Hi Ma means the men of the land where the flower Kew Hi grows). Earlier, Kohima was known as 'Thigoma'. Eventhouh, the town was set up by the British but all the colonial structures were destroyed during the Second World War.

Places to see in Kohima

World War II Cemetery

This is the most famous attraction of Kohima. It is a War Cemetery in memory of British Army who died in action during 1941 to 1945. Maintained by the Commonwealth War Graves Commission, it has well maintained lawns. The rose bushes bloom here in season. At the lowest and highest point of the cemetery, there are two tall crosses. The upper cross carries the inscription, as follows :-.

"Here, around the tennis court of the Deputy commissioner lie men who fought in the battle of Kohima in which they and their comrades finally halted the invasion of India by the forces of Japan in April 1944".

At the base of the lower cross, there is a touching four line epitaph reads as follows:

"When you go home
Tell them of us and say
For your tomorrow
we gave our today"

State Museum

One of the major attractions in Kohima as well as Nagaland, it is situated at Bayavu Hill. This museum exhibits the culture of Naga. There is a collection of anthropological exhibits of all the 16 Naga tribes such as necklaces, clan motifs, traditional attires, status pillars, a ceremonial drum, gateposts and jewellery. The basement has animals and birds from the North Eastern hill states. Musical instruments made of bamboo and buffalo horns are also on display in this museum. This museum also organises Hornbill Festival along with State Tourism and Art & Culture Departments, which showcases a cultural displays.

Visit : Monday to Saturday from 1000 to 1500. (Tuesday to Sunday)

Kohima Village ( Bara Basti)

It is a historic village with large wooden gate carved with motifs of guns, warriors and symbols of prosperity. The traditional Naga house built here had crossed 'horns' on the gables, Skull of Mithuns (depicts valour of Angami warriors) signify the status of the family, a huge basket to hold the grain in front of the house.

Dzukou Valley

Another famous famous tourist spot in Kohima, Dzukou Valley is abut 30KM from Kohima. Known as the valley of eternal charm, it is situated at an altitude of 2438 Meter above sea the level, behind the Japfu Peak. It has natural caves and one of the best trekking destination of North East India.

Kohima Catholic Church

Situated on Aradurah Hill near the Little Flower School, this red-roofed Cathedral is the most prominent landmark in Kohima. Known for its interesting and beautiful architecture, this is supposed to be the largest cathedral in the North-East. The church also offers a magnificent view of the town.