Every year, at the beginning of December, Nagaland hosts its largest event—the Hornbill Festival—to celebrate its diverse communities and culture. This festival has been celebrated annually since 2000 and runs from December 1 to December 10, coinciding with Nagaland Statehood Day. During the Hornbill Festival 2024, tribes and sub-tribes from various regions of Nagaland gather in Kisama, near the state capital of Kohima, to showcase the best of their community, including traditional dance, music, literature, and cuisine. If you are thinking of going to Nagaland to see the Hornbill Festival 2024, here are some other experiences in the state that you must add to your bucket list.
Visit Khonoma, known as India's first Green Village. Butterflies of all shapes and sizes flutter around you, indicating a healthy environment. Charming traditional Naga houses are nestled amidst thick forest cover. The village has an intriguing story: guided by the efforts of environmentally conscious individuals, the village elders made a historic decision to ban all forms of hunting and the misuse of forest resources. A designated forest area was set aside for the community's timber needs, but locals had to adhere to traditional forest laws. If someone needed to cut down a mature tree for housing, it had to be done in a way that allowed the tree to regenerate. No trees were to be felled for commercial purposes, and a zero-tolerance policy towards hunting was implemented. Vigilantes emerged to help apprehend poachers and illegal loggers, reinforcing these protections. This conservation drive led to the formation of Khonoma Nature Conservation and Tragopan Sanctuary (KNCTS). Read more about it here.
While you're here, check out Semoma Fort, which witnessed numerous battles between the British army and the Angami warriors from 1850 to 1879. Major John Butler of the British Army called it "the strongest fort in the North East." However, the fort's structure does not reflect its significant role in these crucial confrontations; aside from three small buildings made of heavy stones, there is a plaque honouring the village's British political officer, G.H. Damant.
Getting There
The nearest airport is in Dimapur. Take a taxi or bus to Kohima, the capital of Nagaland, about 2 hours away. From Kohima, Khonoma is a 20-kilometer drive, typically taking around an hour by road.
When visiting Kohima, one of the must-do activities is trekking to a peak like Japfu, which offers breathtaking views of the Naga Hills. From this viewpoint, you can enjoy the picturesque Dzukou Valley, with its lush green hills, and marvel at the beauty of Kohima. The mountain is frequently enveloped in mist, creating an enchanting atmosphere. It’s an ideal spot to take in the stunning vistas of the Naga mountains, including the snow-capped Himalayan ranges to the north. You can typically reach most high-elevation areas by taking a cab, followed by about an hour of trekking to the peak. Opting for organised trekking tours that are available locally in Kohima is also advisable. For more Nagaland trekking ideas, check out our recommendations here.
Dzukou Valley is a stunning destination on the border of Manipur and Nagaland, making it an ideal getaway for tourists and adventure enthusiasts. This lush, green paradise features breathtaking landscapes, valleys filled with Dzukou lilies, rolling hills, and refreshing mountain air. The valley's unspoiled beauty offers a tranquil experience, along with opportunities to capture postcard-worthy photos of the mountain mists, meadows, and spectacular vistas.
The Mon district of Nagaland is home to the Konyak tribe, known for their distinctive tattoos representing their heritage and identity. One of the notable features of the area is Lungwa village, which is unique due to its border with Myanmar. Interestingly, this border runs through the morung (longhouse) of the village chief, Angh. Lungwa is located a two-hour bus ride from the main town of Mon and is among the easternmost villages in India. The main tarred road that passes through the village marks the international border.
While in Nagaland, be sure to experience a church choir performance. Northeast India has a rich music heritage, highlighted by renowned bands, performers, and generations-old choirs. In Nagaland, both the government and the church actively encourage and support music, leading to the emergence of some of the most skilled choir groups in the country. One such ensemble is the Nagaland Chamber Choir (TNCC), recognised as Nagaland's oldest professional choral organisation. In 2023, the TNCC achieved remarkable success by winning two gold medals at the 12th World Choir Games in Gangneung, South Korea. It was also the only choir from India to qualify for the Champions competition.