Nagaland is home to 16 distinct Naga tribes, each with its own language, weaving traditions, and warrior heritage. The Hornbill Festival held every December at Kisama Heritage Village near Kohima brings all 16 tribes together for ten days of dance, music, and craft. Kohima also holds the Kohima War Cemetery, marking the 1944 Battle of Kohima, widely regarded as the turning point of the Second World War in Asia. Dzukou Valley, straddling the Nagaland-Manipur border, is one of the finest alpine trekking destinations in India.
An Inner Line Permit (ILP) is required for all non-Nagaland Indian nationals and foreign nationals. ILPs can be obtained online or at Dimapur checkpoint on arrival.
Cities to Explore
Hub Cities & Gateways
Major base cities to plan your Nagaland trip from
Dimapur
Essential hub city for exploring Nagaland. Main gateway with airport and railhead; logistics hub for the state.
Explore city guide
Kohima
Essential hub city for exploring Nagaland. Capital city; history, culture and access to treks.
Explore city guideMokokchung
Essential hub city for exploring Nagaland. Cultural hub of the Ao tribe; village-based stays and authentic culture.
Explore city guideMon
Essential hub city for exploring Nagaland. Remote cultural hub of the Konyak Nagas near the India-Myanmar border.
Explore city guideWokha
Essential hub city for exploring Nagaland. Scenic hill and lake hub, famous for Amur falcon roosting.
Explore city guideFood & Dining
Restaurants & Cafes in Nagaland
157 dining spots across 5 cities
The full list
All destinations in Nagaland
Nagaland Travel: Common Questions
- What is Nagaland famous for?
- Nagaland is famous for the Hornbill Festival (held each December at Kisama near Kohima), the Kohima War Cemetery marking the 1944 Battle of Kohima, the Dzukou Valley alpine trek, Doyang Reservoir (where millions of Amur falcons arrive each October), and its 16 distinct Naga tribes with their weaving traditions and warrior heritage.
- Do I need an Inner Line Permit to visit Nagaland?
- Yes. An Inner Line Permit (ILP) is required for all non-Nagaland Indian nationals. Foreign nationals also require an ILP (or Restricted Area Permit). The ILP can be obtained online, at the Dimapur entry checkpoint, or through embassies and high commissions. It is typically issued for 15-30 days.
- What is the best time to visit Nagaland?
- October to May is the best time to visit Nagaland. The Hornbill Festival runs from 1-10 December each year and is the most popular time to visit. Dzukou Valley is best for trekking between April and June (when the Dzukou lily blooms) and again in September-October. The monsoon (June-September) makes mountain roads difficult.
- How do I get to Nagaland?
- Dimapur has the only commercial airport in Nagaland, with direct flights from Kolkata, Guwahati, and Delhi. From Dimapur, Kohima is 74 km by road (about 3 hours). Dimapur is also on the Assam-Nagaland rail line. The Hornbill Festival period (December) sees significantly higher fares and limited accommodation, so book months in advance.