Nagaland

Perched on the northern most part of the eastern India, Nagaland is a hilly region surrounded by mountains from all corners. One of the most amazing features of the smallest mountainous state in the north-eastern part of India, Nagaland, is its wide variety of tribal communities, dwelling in the thick forests, living the livelihood of the ancient uncivilized folks. A visit to the tribal world of Nagaland would vividly portray the early hours of human civilization. Each of the tribal communities can be distinguished with the help of their costumes and jewellery that they wear in the course of their day-to-day life. The traditional aura in the air of Nagaland pulls the maximum attraction of the tourists from all across the world.

Demographics

The primitive landmass, Nagaland is inhabited by as many as two million people in its 16,579 km area. The uniquely amazing state consists of as many as 16 different tribes, namely, Chakhesang, Konyak, Phom, Angami, Lotha, Rengma, Sumi, Ao, Kachari, Pochury, Yimchunger, Sangtam, Chang, Zeliang, Khiamniungan and Kuki; all posing distinguished characteristics and cultural exhibition.

The tribes speak 60 varied dialects that are derived from the ancient Sino-Tibetan culture of languages. Though Nagamese is the commonly spoken language of the region, yet there are individual mother tongues for each of the tribes. However, the tribes prefer to communicate in the Nagamese language within themselves. The official language of the region is English, which is used as the only medium of imparting education.

Geography

The mountains of Nagaland are located in the northernmost section of eastern India. The primitive state is surrounded by Myanmar to the east, Assam to the West, Arunachal Pradesh and some part of Assam to the north and Manipur in South. The 2000 feet high Naga Hills source from the Brahmaputra Valley in Assam, and rise further in the southeast direction to upto 6000 feet. The highest peak of Nagaland, Mount Saramati has an elevation of 12,552 feet above sea level. Nagaland is webbed with the rivers, Doyang and Dhiku, the Chindwin River and the Barak River across its stretch.

Climate

Nagaland’s climate is characterized by rain and more rain! It is mostly monsoon in the region with high humid temperature. The temperature ranges between 70 degrees and 104 degrees Fahrenheit. The annual rainfall is around 70-100 inches. The rainfall is more during the months between May and September. The winter temperature does not dip below 39 degrees Fahrenheit. Frost can be found in the higher altitudes.

Flora and Fauna

The huge vegetation and forest surrounding the vast stretch of the small state holds a plethora of rich flora and fauna. The tropical and sub-tropical evergreen forests include palm, bamboo, rattan and timber vegetation that are worth an amazing gaze absolutely in wonder. Such a flora and fauna enriched place is rare in many other parts of the world. The dense timber and mahogany forests constitute a rich source of state reserve and conservation. Fauna that thrives on the vast stretch of the thick forest state include monkeys, Sambar deers, oxen and buffaloes. Nagaland is also famous for the famous Great Indian Hornbill. The Fakim Wildlife Sanctuary is one of the richest reserves of the flora and fauna of the Nagaland.

Major Attractions

Nagaland constitutes a wonderful vacation destination with a plethora of major tourist attractions appealing travelers from all across the globe like:

The State Museum in Kohima: The State Museum explicitly exhibits the rich Naga culture of the region. The tribal heritage is exhibited through the display of carved gateposts, traditional Naga costumes and jewelry, ancestral weaponry and carved and arched gateways. The museum is a rich treasure of some of the rarest and most valuable antiques of the tribal culture in Nagaland. At the basement region of the museum is located a separate chamber for the animals and birds found especially in the north-eastern part of India.

The Dzukou Valley: The month of June and September witnesses a valley of flowers bedecking the Dzukou Valley in Nagaland. The valley is situated at a 2438 meters altitude above sea level and is an ideal definition of a peaceful abode. There are rivers flowing by the valley that froze during the winter season.

Japfu Peak: The second highest peak in the region, the Japfu displays a wide vista of the snowcapped Himalayas. The region is famous for the tallest Rhododendron that is prevalently found in here.

Besides these few major attractions, there are certain villages across the stretch of Nagaland that displays some of the beautiful and ancient culture of the tribes inhabiting in the region. The Kohima Village and Bara Basti are some of the ancient villages of the tribes. Each of the villages reflects the heritage of their ancestors and their retention in today’s world. Moreover, the tribal population, their costumes, jewelry and every other aspect are a wonder to watch at and discover every moments of their survival.

Tips

- There are certain tips handy that might help you to get yourself a fruitful and pleasurable trip to Nagaland.
- It is best to visit Nagaland during the Hornbill Festivals in the 1st week of December. It is one of the greatest events in the region and involves many games, activities and merrymakings.
- The foreigners from abroad are required to possess a Restricted Area Permit before entering the premise of Nagaland. You can avail the permits at the Indian consular offices abroad, or else can also get it from the Ministry of Home Affairs, South Block, New Delhi.