Kohima the capital city of Nagaland is a picturesque hill station surrounded by green hills and mountains. It lies in the southern part of Nagaland, covering an area of 1041 sq.kms. The average altitude of the district is 1444 m above sea level. Kohima lies north of the Japfü Barail intersection. When Nagaland became a full fledged state on 1st December 1963, Kohima was christened as the state capital. Since then, parts of Kohima had been carved out twice - once in 1973 to create Phek District and in 1998 when Dimapur was declared as a separate district. Kohima has the advantage of being centrally located - being bounded by the state of Assam on the west, Wokha district on the north, Zunheboto and Phek districts on the east and Manipur state on the south.

Population

The Angami, Rengma and Zeliangrong communities mainly inhabit Kohima District. However, Kohima being the capital city, has a cosmopolitan mix of people from all the different communities of Nagaland. The total population of the district stands at 314,366 (according to 2001 census). The sex ratio stands at 944 females per 1000 male.

Administration

The Deputy Commissioner (DC) at Kohima heads the district.

Additional Deputy Commissioner (ADC) Headquarters at Peren and Tseminyu

Sub-Divisional Officer SDO (C) Headquarters at Chiephobozou, Jakhama, Tenning and Jalukie.

Extra Assistant Commissioner (EAC) Headquarters at Sechü, Kezocha, Nsong, Athibung and Pedi.

Education

The district has a literacy rate of 67.11%. Besides 22 Govt. High Schools, 22 Govt. Middle Schools, 101 Govt. Primary Schools and 3 Govt. Colleges, there are several private educational institutions that offer quality education to students.

Health

To promote and well-being of the people, 21 Primary Health Centres have been established. The notable health institutions are the Naga Hospital, Mental Hospital nd T.B. Hospitl (Khuzama). The Naga Hospital hsa Tele-Medicine Connectivity with the Apollo Hospital at Delhi where top physicians can be consulted for serious and complex cases. Apart from these, there re several privately managed well equipped Nursing Homes and Clinics.

Festivals

The important festivals of the district are the Angami Festival Sekrenyi (celebrated on the 25th February), the Rengma Festival Ngada (celebrated in the last week of November) and the Zeliang festivals Hega and Chega Gadi (celebrated during February and October).

Climate

The climate is salubrious - winters cold and summers warm. Kohima receives an average annual rainfall of 2000mm. Summer temperatures range from 80 - 90 Fahrenheit. December and January are the coldest months when frost occurs. Heavy rainfall occurs during summer and Kohima receives an average annual rainfall of 2000 mm.

How to reach

By Air

Nearest airport is at Dimapur about 74 kms away.

By train

The nearest railhead is at Dimapur about 74 kms away.

Places of Interest

Kohima War Cemetery

The picturesque Kohima War Cemetery, a symbolic memorial commemorating the memories of the officers and men who sacrificed their lives during World War II is a must visit. Well maintained by the Commonwealth War Graves Commission, and steeped in tranquility, it is embellished by two tall crosses against the backdrop of seasonal roses and lush grass. The gentle hill where the cemetery is located is embellished by stone markers with shining bronze plaques, each one commemorating the name of the men who sacrificed their lives.

State Museum

The State Museum showcases in dioramas, some of the most fascinating aspects of Naga tribal life in all its variety and wealth of tradition. Housed here is ancestral weaponary, caved gatepost, status pillars that records Feast of Merit and traditional Naga costumes and jewellery. It has a rare collection of artifacts of the different tribes which inhabit the state. It depicts the different aspects of life of the people in all its varied forms. A must see for getting an idea of the people's lives. . The basement has animals and birds from the northeastern hill states.

Kohima Village

Also called Barra Basti (Big Village) is where Kohima began, according to Naga legend. Said to be the second biggest village in Asia, it has one of the finest ceremonial gates, common to all Naga villages. As one enter this village, one will notice a number of gates with the scimitar of horns of mithun. These motifs indicate the bravery and valour of the Angamis. In this village, one comes across wooden carvings looking like horns atop some houses. One also see relics of stone erections here and there in front of the houses which are memorial symbols of the grand feasts offered by their ancestors.

Dzukou Valley

Untouched by civilization and resplendent in its beauty, this Valley otherwise called the valley of eternal charm has an irresistible appeal to all who behold it. Its emerald green rolling hills interspersed by gentle flowing streams are a trekker's delight. It is tucked away at an altitude of 2,438.4 metres behind the Japfu ranges. It is about 30 kms south of Kohima, half of which has to be approached through rough trekking. The serpentine streams that flow leisurely through Dzukou freezes during extreme winter. In summer, wild herbs and shrubs sprout along the stream banks. Lilies in white and pink, euphorbias, aconitums and hundreds of other species of flowers and plants in varied colours adorn the valley in monsoon. Though Dzukou is known for its bio-diversity, the pre-dominant plant is the tough bamboo brush because of which it looks like a fully mown lawn from afar. Rhododendrons of different colours ornament the hills surrounding the valley. This is the valley immortalized by Vikram Seth of Suitable Boy fame in his Beastly Tales from Here and There in the poem entitled "The Elephant and the Tragopan" where Dzukou has been described by a different name - Bingle Valley - for rhyming and from the conservationists point of view. This is one of the best trekking spots in the North-Eastern Region. A few tourist rest houses are constructed for trekkers.

Japfu Peak

This is the second highest peak in Nagaland and stands 3048 metres above sea-level. It is about 15 km south of Kohima. The best season for climbing this mountain is from November to March. The sunrise from the peak is an experience to remember. From the peak, one can have a bird's eye view of the surrounding hills, including parts of Dzukou Valley. In the Jaapfu ranges, one can find the tallest rhododendron tree which is featured in the Guiness Book of World Records. This tree, which was first discovered by two professional hunters of Phesama village is over 109 feet tall and the base measures more than 11 feet. When it is in bloom, it is indeed a visual delight. It is quite an adventure to see this tree as it entails more than five hours of strenous trekking through steep inclines to have a view of this World Record holding Rhododendron arborea tree.

Sales Emporium

The Government Sales Emporium is in the heart of the town. It has a collection of Naga Handloom and Handicraft items. There are also a number of private shops nearby where one can buy handloom items.

Khonoma

The picturesque village of Khonoma, which lies 20 km west of Kohima offers delightful views of Nagaland's natural beauty and ecological diversity. This village was known for its fighting prowess in the past. It is also known for the fallow management of its older trees which balances nature in the surrounding areas. The beautiful terraces which are carved out of the hill slopes surrounding the village are a sight to behold. The unique variety of soil condition and elevation of its fields have resulted in about 20 types of rice being grown here. Passing through the traditional carved ceremonial gate, steep stone steps lead you to the highest point in the village. Here, the Naga warriors made their last stand against the British in 1879. Khonoma Nature Conservation and Tragopan Sanctuary (KNCTS) was set up in 1998 by the ecologically conscious people of Khonoma village. This sanctuary which covers an area of over 70 sq. kms. is privately owned and managed by the Village Community of Khonoma. This sanctuary is also the habitat of many other endangered and rare species of plants and animals. The sanctuary is also an ideal place for adventure and nature study.

Cathedral

The Catholic Cathedral at Aradurah Hill is an important landmark at Kohima. It is the largest Cathedral in the whole North East and its quiet and serene ambience is conducive for meditation and prayer. It has a blend of the indigenous and modern architectural styles.

Dzulekie

If you are looking for an ideal getaway from the tensions and rat race of an urban existence, this is an ideal place for you. The lush evergreen sub-tropical forests are a feast for the eyes. Here, you can spot Mithuns (Bos Frontalis) grazing gently on the way side. This place is 40 km west of Kohima and is at 2,133.6 metres above sea level. Another interesting feature of Dzulekie stream is that it flows through a deep and narrow gorge making it look as if the stream has gone underground ta places. A rare species of rainbow trout is found in this stream. A tourist rest house and some cottages have been constructed here.

Dimori Cove

China Town restaurant at Dimori Cove run by an entrepreneur is about 14 km from Kohima on NH 39 towards Imphal. It has a mini-swimming pool, a children's park nd a collection of both local and exotic orchids, flowers and plants. A souvenir shop is also attached to the unit. Paying Guest accommodation ia also available nearby on advance booking.

Tuophema Village

This village which is 41 km from Kohima, is known for its model Village Development Board, for its effective execution of the village development programmes. This village has been chosen by the Tourism Department for promotion of common Angami Sekrenyi festival celebrated during February 25-27 every year. A Tourist Village here has been developed and maintained by the village community. In this Tourist Village, you will get all modern amenities in an ethnic setting. You will also have the experience of living in a village with the rural people. The village is open to tourist trhoughout the year.

Zoological Park

This place offers you a glimpse of the fauna of Nagaland. The rare Blythe's Tragopan believed to be on the verge of extinction, is being reared here in captivity. Rare species of Orchids can also be seen here.

Ruzaphema

It is a place, ideally suited for leisure and recreation with its colourful bazaars and a wide range of tribal handicrafts, which are exquisite in their style.

Fakim Sanctuary

This sanctuary, close to the Myanmar border is inhabited by tigers & Hoolock gibbons and recieves high rainfall.

Pulie Bazde

Another sanctuary, Pulie Bazde lies in close proximity of Kohima.