10 Things To Do In Nagaland That You Cannot Miss Out On

A stunning view of a lush green valley in Nagaland with a house on top during the day.

Enriched with heritage and tradition, Nagaland lies in a land enchanted with natural beauty and rich cultural heritage. Nagaland is a land of green hills, exclusive customs, and innumerable places of interest, making it a paradise for nature lovers, history buffs, and cultural explorers. There are plenty of things to see in Nagaland, from serene lakes and panoramic viewpoints to bustling markets and historic places. Here are some of the best things to do in Nagaland and activities that will make your visit unforgettable.

10 Popular Things To Do In Nagaland

Explore the captivating wonders of Nagaland with these engaging attractions and activities, perfect for an enriching retreat in northeast India.

1. Explore Kohima

Exploring Kohima is one of the top things to do in Nagaland for every traveller.

Photo: Vipin Joseph / Unsplash

Kohima is one of the most prominent places that any tourist visiting the state of Nagaland would like to see. The two main places of interest in Kohima include the Kohima War Cemetery, a reminder of World War II. It is a well-maintained site where memorial plaques remain as a memorial to the soldiers who lost their lives in the Battle of Kohima. Another key place of interest is the Nagaland State Museum, giving insight into the diversified cultures and rich traditions that bind the roots of this region.

Location: Kohima, Nagaland 797001

Suggested Read: places To Visit In Nagaland

2. Hike to Dzukou Valley

A view of Dzukou Valley with lush greenery all around and mountains in the background.

Photo: pratham malviya / Unsplash

Dzukou Valley is one of the most beautiful things to see in Nagaland. This picturesque valley is well-known for its pristine beauty and green biodiversity. The rolling green hills, vibrant flora, and silent surroundings make Dzukou Valley a paradise for any nature lover and photographer. The valley is specifically famous for its carpet of flowers that naturally bloom during the monsoon period. Some of the flowers that the visitors can explore include lilies, rhododendrons, and other wildflowers of different hues.

Location: Dzükou Valley Road, Viswema, Nagaland 797005

3. Visit Khonoma Village

 Visiting Khonoma Village is one of the most memorable things to do in Nagaland for all.

Photo: Ahe Phucho / unsplash

Khonoma is an ancient village in the Kohima district. The eco-friendly practices and community life of this village are popular throughout India. Known as Asia’s first green village, Khonoma has banned hunting and logging to preserve its rich biodiversity. The terraced fields and green landscapes serve as an ideal location for learning about the quaint conservation practices of the Angami tribe. Visitors can take walks in the village to view traditional houses, stone-paved walkways, and ancient forts dating back to British colonial rule.

Location: Khonoma, Nagaland 797002

Suggested Read: Things To Do In Dimapur

4. Explore Mokokchung

A breathtaking aerial view of Mokokchung town with colourful houses during the daytime.

Photo: Rocktim2019 / Wikimedia Commons

Mokokchung is one of the liveliest towns in Nagaland and is known for its natural attractions. It is culturally and intellectually the centre of the Ao Naga tribe, known for its bright traditions and numerous festivals. The town markets in Mokokchung are full of colourful textiles, handicrafts, and traditional Ao attire. Another key attraction visitors can explore here is the Ao Baptist Church, one of the oldest and largest churches in Nagaland. The District Museum is also a wonderful place to visit as it offers enchanting landscapes for trekking and nature strolls.

Location: Mokokchung, Nagaland 798601

5. Relax at Shilloi Lake

Strolling around Shilloi Lake is one of the most peaceful things to do in Nagaland.

Photo: Murari521 / Wikimedia Commons

Shilloi Lake is about 300 kilometres from Kohima. It is a serene water body surrounded by beautiful rolling hills. The lake resembles the shape of a human foot and is situated amidst picturesque landscapes that make this place famous among nature lovers and photographers. The calmness in the water reflects the hills surrounding it, making it a tranquil and picture-perfect scenario. Shilloi is also a great spot for birdwatching, as a variety of migratory and resident bird species visit here.

Location: Nagaland 797114

Suggested Read: Rangapahar Wildlife Sanctuary

6. Visit Intanki National Park

A stunning view of a two-hornbill sitting on a branch in a national park during the day.

Photo: Mathew Schwartz / Pexels / Image For Representation Only

Intanki National Park is one of the most beautiful places to visit in Nagaland. It is a perfect place for nature and wildlife enthusiasts. Intanki National Park is also famous for its golden langur, palm civets, and several species of hornbills. Visitors to Intanki National Park can enjoy wildlife safaris and guided tours to observe the park’s diverse animal and bird species in their natural habitat. Tourists will have to pay ₹20 to enter the national park.

Location: Peren, Nagaland 797110

7. Explore Longwa Village

Exploring Longwa Village is one of the most serene things to do in Nagaland for all.

Photo: mortenrochssare / Shutterstock / Image For Representation Only

The fascinating village of Longwa offers an unparalleled taste of the old Konyak Naga way of life and is one of the top things to see in Nagaland. It is situated on the eastern edge of Nagaland state, almost on the Indo-Myanmar border. If you are highly interested in indigenous cultures, you should not miss visiting this place. The village is well-known for its traditional thatched houses, decorated with animal skulls and other trophies from headhunting days.

Location: Nagaland 798621

Suggested Read: Exploring Khonoma Fort

8. Stay at Tuophema Village

A stunning view of a lot of people standing in front of a bamboo hut in a village.

Photo: MOHAMED ABDUL RASHEED / Pexels / Image For Representation Only

Tuophema Village is a heritage town located about 40 km from Kohima. It is famous for its natural beauty and preservation of traditional Naga culture, allowing visitors to experience local hospitality in traditional Naga huts as part of an innovative, community-driven tourism program. The local museum here contains antiques and exhibits that depict the Angami Nagas’ rich history and culture. Tuophema Village is also famous for its delectable local food, which features meals made from locally available ingredients such as bamboo shoots, pork, and other herbs.

Location: Kohima, Nagaland 797105

9. Explore Kiphire

Explore the picturesque town of Kiphire as one of the best things to do in Nagaland.

Photo: Pixabay / Pexels / Image For Representation Only

Kiphire is a picturesque town in eastern Nagaland that provides scenic beauty and a peaceful atmosphere. It is one of the top attractions in Nagaland. Kiphire is also the entryway to some of Nagaland’s most spectacular natural features, such as Saramati Mountain, the highest mountain in Nagaland. The trek up to Saramati Peak is strenuous, but the view from the summit is truly rewarding, with panoramic views of the surrounding mountains and valleys. Kiphire is a biodiversity hotspot with thick forests that shelter a variety of flora and fauna.

Location: Nagaland 798611

Suggested Read: Nagaland State Museum

10. Visit Naga Heritage Village

A breathtaking view of the entrance gate to Naga Heritage Village during the daytime.

Photo: Ganesh Mohan T / Wikimedia Commons

Naga Heritage Village, located in Kisama near Kohima, is both a cultural exhibition and a historically significant place. The community hosts the annual Hornbill Festival honouring Naga culture with traditional dances, music, and crafts. The festival, celebrated in December, draws visitors from all over the world and is one of the top things to do in Nagaland. The hamlet is intended to replicate the traditional architecture of many Naga tribes, with each morung (dormitory) highlighting distinct features of the tribe’s culture and lifestyle.

Location: Viswema, Nagaland 797005

The various things to do in Nagaland present a rich tapestry of experiences highlighting the region’s natural beauty and cultural vibrancy. From exploring the enchanting hills and lush forests to engaging with the diverse traditions of its various tribes, Nagaland offers an array of captivating activities. Discover the treasures of Nagaland with TripXL—your gateway to an extraordinary Nagaland adventure.

Cover Photo: Nilotpal Kalita / Unsplash

Frequently Asked Questions

The best time to visit Nagaland is from October to May, as the weather is perfectly cool and agreeable for sightseeing or any other kinds of outdoor activities.
Nagaland is well-connected by air, with Dimapur Airport serving domestic flights. The state is also accessible by road from neighbouring states.
Nagaland offers a range of accommodation options, from luxury hotels to budget guesthouses, catering to various tastes and budgets.
You should try local Naga dishes such as Smoked Pork with Bamboo Shoot, Axone (fermented soybean), and Anishi (fermented yam leaves). Don’t miss out on the variety of local snacks and traditional sweets.
Adventure activities in Nagaland include trekking, camping, rock climbing, and river rafting, particularly in areas like Dzükou Valley and the foothills of Mount Saramati.
Cultural experiences in Nagaland include attending traditional dance and music performances, visiting tribal festivals like the Hornbill Festival, and participating in local ceremonies and rituals.
Yes, other local festivals include the Aoleang Festival of the Ao Naga, the Moatsu Festival of the Ao Naga, and the Sekrenyi Festival of the Angami Naga, each celebrating different aspects of Naga culture.

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