Kohima

About Kohima

Kohima sits at 1,444 metres in the Naga Hills and serves as the capital of Nagaland, the state shaped by the traditions of sixteen major Naga tribes. The city is the ancestral home of the Angami Naga people, whose terraced cultivation, stone monoliths, and warrior customs remain alive in surrounding villages. In 1944, Kohima witnessed one of the most decisive battles of World War II, fought partly on the grounds of what is now called the “Battle of the Tennis Court.” That history gives the city a weight few Indian state capitals carry. Kohima is also the nearest major town to Kisama Heritage Village, the site of the Hornbill Festival held every year from December 1 to 10. Beyond history, the city opens access to Dzukou Valley and Japfu Peak, two of the most rewarding hill treks in Northeast India.

Top Attractions in Kohima

• Kohima War Cemetery is a beautifully maintained Commonwealth War Graves Commission cemetery built on the slopes where the 1944 battle was fought, with over 1,400 graves and a famous inscription that stops most visitors in their tracks.
• Kisama Heritage Village is the permanent venue for the Hornbill Festival, 12 km from Kohima town, with full-scale tribal morung houses representing all Naga tribes.
• Dzukou Valley is a high-altitude valley at around 2,452 metres, 30 km from Kohima, accessible from Viswema village or Zakhama, and renowned for seasonal wildflowers from June through September.
• Japfu Peak is the second-highest peak in Nagaland at 3,048 metres, a full-day trek from Kohima that rewards with sweeping views over the Naga Hills.
• Khonoma Nature Reserve is 20 km from Kohima, a community-run conservation area protecting the rare Blyth’s Tragopan and set within the historic Khonoma village.
• Nagaland State Museum in Kohima town holds a thorough collection of Naga tribal artifacts, weapons, textiles, and cultural objects from across the state’s sixteen tribes.
• Touphema Tourist Village is a model Angami Naga village 41 km from Kohima on the Kohima-Medziphema highway, offering traditional hut accommodation and cultural experiences.

Why Visit Kohima

Kohima is the most historically layered city in Nagaland, combining WWII memory with living Naga tribal culture. The Hornbill Festival, held at Kisama every December 1-10, draws all sixteen Naga tribes into one place for music, food, craft, and ceremony. For trekkers, Kohima is the base for Dzukou Valley, one of the best high-altitude hiking destinations in Northeast India.

Best Time to Visit Kohima

October through February offers the most comfortable weather, with clear skies and cool temperatures. December 1-10 is the peak period for the Hornbill Festival at Kisama Heritage Village, 12 km from Kohima: accommodation across the city fills up fast so book at least six to eight weeks ahead. June through September is the trekking season for Dzukou Valley, when the valley floor blooms with Dzukou lilies and other wildflowers, though the roads can be wet and slippery.

How to Reach Kohima

By Air: Dimapur Airport (DIM) is the only airport in Nagaland, with daily flights from Kolkata and Guwahati and connections to Delhi. Kohima is 74 km from Dimapur Airport, approximately 2 hours by road.

By Rail: Dimapur railway station is the only railhead in Nagaland. From Dimapur station, taxis and shared sumos run regularly to Kohima. The journey takes 2 to 2.5 hours depending on road conditions.

By Road: From Guwahati (Assam), Kohima is approximately 290 km on NH 29, around 7 to 8 hours by road. From Dimapur, the 74 km stretch on NH 29 takes about 2 hours. State buses and shared sumos operate this route daily.

Permit Requirements

All visitors to Nagaland, including Indian nationals from other states, require an Inner Line Permit (ILP). The ILP is free for Indian citizens and can be obtained at the Nagaland House in Delhi, Kolkata, and Guwahati, at Dimapur Airport on arrival, or at designated checkpoints on entry roads. Foreign nationals must obtain an ILP before entering Nagaland: it is issued at Dimapur Airport and at select border offices. The permit is checked at multiple points on the highway between Dimapur and Kohima.

Nearby Destinations

Kohima connects easily to other hubs across Nagaland. Dimapur is 74 km away and serves as the transport gateway for the entire state. Mokokchung, the cultural heartland of the Ao Naga people, is 165 km from Kohima on a 4 to 5 hour drive through hilly terrain.

Plan Your Kohima Trip

Kohima works well as both a base for day trips and a longer cultural stay. Read more about what to see and do across the state on our explore all Nagaland destinations page.