5 Things You Must Do When In Nagaland

Welcome to the Land of the great Nagas – Nagaland, a place that figures very rarely on anyone’s bucket list or travel itinerary. The land of the sixteen esteemed and proud indigenous tribes in the far north-eastern edge of the Indian sub-continent, this hidden haven is surrounded by lush, rugged mountains stretching from the Brahmaputra valley in Assam till the Patkai Range that border Myanmar. The intense flora of the area allows beautiful species of birds to flock and flourish. But there is more to Nagaland than meets the eye. Here are some interesting suggestions of the things to do when you are travelling to Nagaland next:

# Reconnect with the Head-Hunting Tribes

Nagaland is a land of 16 main tribes and painted with a rich history and generations of traditions. Tribe and Clan loyalty is an important virtue of the people. One of these tribes is the Konyak tribe. What sets them apart is the history of fierce headhunting. They would go to war with rival tribes and bring back severed heads of the enemies as trophies. There was a time when human skulls adorned the doorways of the huts of the headhunter tribe, and the number of skulls would prove the power of the warrior. The present-day Konyaks are very proud of their warrior traditions, which live on in the form of war dances and the skulls of the enemies that are unearthed to be displayed as testimonies to the recent past.

# Take a stroll to Traditional villages

When it comes to rural tourism, the villages in Nagaland stand out from the rest. Villages such as Khonoma Green Village, Naga Heritage Village, Mt.Pauna Tourist Village, Keltomi Village, Naga Heritage Village, and Dieziphe Village are some attractions brimming with fresh and clean air, calm and peaceful atmosphere and showcases rituals and traditions passed from generation to generations. No matter where ever you are, travel to the local villages will rejuvenate you, and the place will hold a special spot in your heart.

# Stay close to nature

Everyone nowadays talks about how green and beautiful the Northeastern states are; well, it’s absolutely true. But Nagaland has a (green) league of its own. Filled with treacherous hills, home to several species of mammals and birds, deep valleys, and picturesque terrains are some of the attractions that will take you on a journey of a lifetime. The capital of Nagaland, Kohima, in all probability, is one the most charming nature spots to visit in this state. Even though this place is commercialized, Kohima has not lost its beauty and its connection with nature. Other than this, spots such as Wokha, Meluri, Kiphire, and Peren are some of the other locations with plenty of scenic views, which are perfect for anyone looking for the perfect getaway.

# Trek to Dzukou Valley

Known as the “valley of flowers,” Dzukou Valley is a famous trekking spot that highlights the ravished scenic bliss adorned by Northeast India. Nestled at the height of 2,452 meters, the Dzukou Valley trek boasts of the incredibly tall and slender rolling hills, the lush towers of tropical forests, and jewel-blue streams. An unexplored gem for quite a long time, Dzukou Valley is not known by many foreign travellers. Hence it is less crowded compared to any other Northeast state. This fun-filled trek can be experienced by any backpacker as it is one of the easiest trekking sites in India.

# Be a part of the Colourful festivals

Nagaland is known as the “Land of festivals.” Rich in stories and folklore, Nagaland is home to numerous tribes which have their own set of cultures and heritage. No matter what time of the year it is, the locals love to get along and celebrate one or two festivals with great enthusiasm and joy. Amongst the various festivals, the Hornbill festival stands out as the most important festival of Nagaland. Celebrated in the month of December, this festival is celebrated to revive, sustain and protect the richness of the Naga heritage and tradition. Other than this, festivals such as Mimkut, Bushu, Yemshe, Miu, and many more festivals are celebrated with enthusiasm and fervour in this part of the country.