Best months
Per-day budget
₹850–1,400/day
Getting there
Kohima is the capital of Nagaland, set on a ridge of the Japfu Barail Range. The city is known for the Kohima War Cemetery (the site of the 1944 Battle of Kohima — a turning point in WWII), and the Naga Heritage Village (Kisama, 12 km) with traditional Naga morungs (tribal houses). The Dzukou Valley (20 km away) is a valley of wildflowers — a 2-3 day trek to a valley floor at 2,452 m. Kohima is also the gateway to the Hornbill Festival (December 1-10) — the biggest cultural festival in Nagaland. It is a great destination for student backpackers looking for an affordable trip. The area is well-connected to major Indian cities by road, rail and air. The destination offers a mix of experiences that cater to all kinds of travellers, from solo backpackers to small groups.
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Why go
The Kohima War Cemetery has 1,420 WWII Commonwealth graves with the famous epitaph: 'When You Go Home, Tell Them of Us and Say, For Your Tomorrow, We Gave Our Today.' The Battle of Kohima (1944) was called the 'Stalingrad of the East.' The Kohima Museum has Naga artifacts, weapons and WWII exhibits.
The Naga Heritage Village (Kisama, 12 km) has 17 traditional morungs (tribal houses) representing each Naga tribe. The Hornbill Festival (December 1-10) showcases Naga dance, music, food and traditional sports. The local market sells Naga shawls, bamboo baskets and handwoven textiles. The Naga cuisine includes smoked pork and bamboo shoots.
How to reach
Kohima is 74 km from Dimapur (2-3 hours). The nearest airport and railway station are in Dimapur. Buses from Dimapur (₹100-150) and Guwahati (8-9 hours, ₹300-500) connect. Shared taxis from Dimapur cost ₹200-300.
What a day costs
| Budget hotel | ₹600–1,000 |
| Food (Naga thali) | ₹150–250 |
| War Cemetery entry | ₹0–0 |
| Bus from Dimapur | ₹100–150 |
When to go
October to May is best. December: Hornbill Festival (the best time). February-April: Dzukou Valley trek (flowers bloom). July-September is monsoon. November-February is cool (5-15°C).
Suggested itinerary
Day 1: History
Visit Kohima War Cemetery. Visit the Kohima Museum. Walk through the local market.
Day 2: Heritage
Visit Naga Heritage Village (Kisama, 12 km). Try Naga cuisine. Return.
Student hacks
- ▸Kohima War Cemetery is free — a powerful WWII memorial.
- ▸Hornbill Festival entry is ₹100-200 for Indians.
- ▸Bus from Dimapur costs ₹100-150.
- ▸Stay near the main town (₹600-800).
- ▸Naga thali costs ₹150-250 — try the smoked pork.
Safety & permits
Indian visitors do not require an Inner Line Permit for Nagaland as of 2025 — check latest rules. Foreigners need a PAP (Protected Area Permit). The city is safe. ATMs available. The Naga people are very hospitable.
FAQs
How do I reach Kohima from Delhi?
Flight to Dimapur (2.5 hours) then bus (2-3 hours, ₹100-150).
What is Kohima known for?
WWII War Cemetery, Hornbill Festival, Naga culture.
How many days do I need?
2-3 days are enough. You can extend based on your interests.