CULTURE & HERITAGE OF NAGALAND

Nagaland is a land of picture post card landscapes, lush and verdant flora, peopled by 15major tribes, who have hundreds of years of tradition as warriors and headhunters. Christian missionaries were able to convert almost the entire population to Christianity, from the earlier animist practices. Considered remote, and full of hazards, it is now easily accessible. The Nagas are a fun loving and deeply religious people, having a tradition of handicrafts, folklore, dances and music. Here traditional folk songs, eulogizing ancestors, and brave deeds, poetic love songs, gospel songs and modern pop tunes go hand in hand. For a people known to be headhuntersin the past, they are remarkably warm hearted and hospitable. The salubrious climate, is an added attraction, for a year round holiday, except perhaps for the monsoons. The Nagaland is fast modernizing - but the Nagas still retain their tribal culture and values. However do not expect to see people in the tribal costumes, as shown on this web site in every day life. These fabulous costumes are worn on festivals and other special occasions.

Nagaland is reached by road from Guwahati, Shillong, Jorhart, or Kaziranga or directly by air to Dimapur airport. The rail head is a Mariani.
Kohima Capital City - a peep into Naga traditions and cultureReached by a 74 kms road journey from Dimapur Airport, it is located at an altitude of 1444 meters. Kohima is the headquarters of 15 major tribes, with amazing diversity in dress, Customs, language and traditions. Main attractions are -
§ State Museum is a "must see" for an over view of tribal lifestyles
§ War Cemetery is a symbolic memorial to the sacrifices made by soldiers from many nations who halted the Japanese invasion of India at Kohima in the Second World War.
§ Gurttel Handloom and Handicraft outlet has a fine collection of saleable tribal shawls, hand bags, wood carvings, sarongs, cane and bamboo handicrafts, and ready wear garments of traditional weaves designed for modern taste
§ Kewkima Village is an admixture of past and present
§ Kohima Cathedral reflects traditional architectural style in a modern building set in nature
§ Zoological Park houses the rare Blyth's Trogopan, and other fauna.

Japfu Mountain Range –Pastoral paradise
The range of mountains on which Kohima is located offers opportunities to explore the lovely mountain countryside of Nagaland and its traditional villages.
§ Khonoma Village located close to Kohima, offer an opportunity to see local lifestyles and meet people
§ Japfu Peak rising to 3048 m is only 15 kms from Kohima and offers trekking option with panoramic views
§ Dzokou Valley at elevation of 2483 m, located 30 kms from Kohima, offers unadulterated nature. Easy trek to see dwarf bamboos, mountain streams, wild flowers, Rhododendrons, and other flora.
§ Dzulekie Valley located 40 Kms from Kohima at elevation of 2133 m has a river flowing through deep gorge, with rainbow trout. It is surrounded by green hills, waterfalls, and grazing domesticated bison.
§ Touphema Angami Tribal Tourist Village; set up to enable tourist to live in ethnic huts with modern facilities, with a chance to explore surrounding Angami villages
Wokha and Mokukchung Ao and Lotha tribes
Reached by a 80 Kms roar journey from Kohima, Wokha is at the hub of the habitat of the Lotha tribe. It can also be approached from Jorhat airport in Assam. The picture post card, hill top villages are worth exploring.
Mokokchung town is located 162 Kms from Kohima It can also be reached from Jorhat airport in Assam. This town is the cultural hub of the Ao tribe. Main attractions are the villages located close by . These are -
§ Longkhum Village: renowned for its head hunters in the past is just 17 kms away.
§ Ungma Village is a centuries old Ao tribal Village worth visiting for peep in to folklore, customs and traditions. Mopungchukit and Impur villages, which are attempting to revive ancient Ao culture, under the leadeship of the Baptist Mission Center

Sema Nagas at Zunabotu
Located 150 kms from Kohima and 70 Kms from Mokokchung, Zonubotu is the home of the Semas- the martial tribe with ceremonial war costumes.
Satoi Range with its virgin forests, and Rhododendrons is ideal for camping and trekking.
Ghosu bird sanctuary is an example of community preservation. Maintained by the village community. The sanctuary is home to 20 species of endangered birds and migratory birds.
Tuensang – Changs, Yimchungers, Khiamungans, Sangtams, Sema and Phom tribes
Located 269 Kms from Kohima the tribes of this area have a rich cultural heritage, colourful attire and heart warming song and dance. Saramati Peak, 3841 meters- the highest peak of Nagaland is located in the district. .Two days of trekking from Pungro village is required to reach the peak. Longtrok village offers lovely panoramic views.
Mon – home of the Konyaks
Located 357 Kms from Kohima it is better approached from Dibrugarh in Assam. Konyaks are distinctive with tattooed faces, feathered head gear and traditional dresses. The tribals are adept artisans and skilled craftsmen. Wood carvings, machetes called daos, guns, gun powder, heir brushes, necklaces and more.

Phek & Pfotsero - Chakasang habitat
145 Kms for Kohima, Phek is the center of Chakasang culture. Home of colourful orchids and the rare Blythe’s Tragopan, Pfutsero, is coldest township in Nagaland located at 2133 meters elevation. Grows apples. Believed to be the originating place for the southern tribes.

Heart of the North East India :Assam

Assam is the heart of the North East region of India. This region is Sandwiched between Bhutan, Tibet, Myanmar, and Bangladesh at the Eastern tip of India, it is approachable by air from Delhi and Calcutta, and by rail from any part of India. The most convenient gateway airport and rail station is Guwahati, the capital city of Assam state. You can also fly in to Dibrugarh ( Mohanbari) for Upper Assam, Dimapur for Nagaland, and Jorhat for Kaziranga. The North East is a Pandora's box of surprises. The panorama of the Himalayas, forests, rivers, bazaars , monasteries, exotic people with varied cultures languages, and beliefs, are indeed too vast and complex to be spanned by one tour. Our journeys of discovery, and adventures link together sights, sounds, and experiences, both unique and memorable.
Assam lies astride the mighty Brahmaputra River, whose lush 700 Kms valley is sandwiched between the Himalayan foothills of Arunachal Pradesh, in the North, and the hills and plateau of Meghalaya, in the south. Here the Ahom civilization flourished for more than six centuries. It is the heart of North Eastern India. It has vast forests, miles of tea gardens, great rivers, wildlife, temples, flora, and a gentle and cultured people full of dance and music, which are adept at many handicrafts. Guwahati - Gateway to the North EastThe Assamese Capital City sprawls on the Southern bank of the mighty Brahmaputra, whose northern shore is invisible due to the vastness of the channel. It is the gateway to the North East States and is connected to Delhi and Kolkota by air and to all parts of India by rail and road.Guwahati features an interesting bazaar, which is the main market of the North East States. Main sights are: -

§ The Kamakaya temple: a fine example of Assamese architecture, the temple is known for its power and enrichment. It is also a wonderful viewpoint.
§ Saulkuchi is a silk weaving center famous for its golden colored Muga silk.
§ Hajo: a unique pilgrimage center revered by Hindus, Muslims and Buddhist.

Kaziranga National Park – a wildlife world heritage siteThe 340-sq Kms Park is located on the South bank of the Brahmaputra 233 kms from Guwahati; it is famous for its 1000 plus, population of one-horned Rhinos. Tigers are also present in sizable numbers. Other attractions include the wild buffalo, magnificent swamp deer, hog deer, wild boar, Hoolak gibbon, langur and Badger. Amongst the birds, the Crested Serpent Eagle is common, also the Pallas Fishing eagle, Grey Headed Fishing Eagle, Crane, Great Adjutant Stork, Bengal Floricab, Bar Headed Goose, Whistling Teal and Pelican can be seen in the wild. Jeep and Elephant Safari, is the mode of exploration. Nameri Wild Life & Nature Sanctuary Located 250 kms from Guwahati and 80 kms from Kaziranga the Park lies astride a 25 kms stretch of river Jai – Bhoroli, it is a treasure house of sub-tropical flora, on the border of Arunachal Pradesh. It preserves, Leopard, Tiger, Bison, Elephant, Wild Boar, Himalayan Bear, capped Langur, Giant Squirrel, and the endangered Hispid Hare, White Winged Wood Duck, Hornbill, and other birds. An Eco camp provides a base for jungle safaris for flora, wildlife, bird watching, boating, rafting and angling, on a catch and release basis, and visit to the Tippi Orchid Research Station.

Majauli Island – Hindu monasteries and centers of art
The world’s largest River Island is reached by ferry 100 kms from Kaziranga and 320 kms from Guwahati. It is famous for its twenty-two 15th Century "satras". These are Hindu vashnite monasteries functioning as centers of Assamese arts. The worship of Lord Vishnu is through dance, music and poetry.

Beauty of Sikkim and Darjeeling

Wedged between Nepal, Tibet, Bhutan, and the North Bengal Plains of India, this region is a tangled mass of mountains drained by the Teesta, and Rangit Rivers.From the visitors angle, Sikkim Himalayas include the geographical area of Sikkim, Darjeeling and Kalimpong.The grain of the country rises from near sea level to 8500 meters, in a short distance, forming a giant amphitheater, hewn as it were from the great mountains. This provides an arc of the most magnificent snow clad mountains as a backdrop to your holidays.This region is connected to Delhi, and Calcutta by daily air services. The nearest airport is at Bagdogra. Train service from NJP railway station are avalable to all parts of India.



The capital of Sikkim, is located in the shadow of the Chola Range at an altitude of 1767 m. It has a rich cultural heritage, bustling modern bazaar, exotic handicrafts, and lovely people. The main attractions are:-
§ Rumtek Monastery, for its gilded "chorten", traditional architecture, exquisite paintings, intricate woodwork, treasures of manuscripts and icons.
§ The Tibetology Institute, displaying Buddhist icons, religious paintings, and literature.
§ The Directorate of Handicrafts, where ancient skills are kept alive.
§ The old bazaar for atmosphere.
§ The holy Tsangu Lake at 3800 m altitude, on the old trade route to Tibet, with its rugged snow peaks, mountain & valley views, and the Kyangnosla Nature Park, for Alpine Flora. Buddhist monasteries at Phodong and Labarang
This most rugged and spectacular district of Sikkim, has its Headquarters at Mangan. Is 76 kms from Gangtok. It comprises the valleys of Lachen, Lachung (the valley of flowers), Dzongu and Tholung. Each of these is formed by fast flowing glacier fed rivers originating from The Great Himalayan Range and its offshoots, The Singelila Range and The Chola Range. Mighty peaks ranging between 6000 to 8500 meters, enclose it on three sides. A part of North Sikkim, even lies across the Himalayas, on the Tibet Plateau. The visitor can visit the high altitude, Yumthang Valley of Rhododendrons, the tribal villages of Lachung and Lachen, With special permits you can trek through the remote Tolung Valley to the Kishong-la or the Khangchendzonga climbers base camp at Green Lake.
Western Sikkim – Monasteries & delights of trekkingThe legendary installation of the Namgyal dynasty, by three monks in 1642, introduced Buddhism in Sikkim. They came together at Yoksom, and as it had been prophesied, in sacred texts, they searched, and found Phuntsog Namgyal; anointed him with holy water, gave him the title of "chogyal" – meaning king of religion, and urged him to spread Buddhism, amongst the ethnic Lepchas. At that time the local people were animist worshipping nature spirits. On various hill tops inter- visible to each other, are located a string of holy sites. upto the Goche-la.
Rinchenpong & Vershay – Flora, great views and nature treks.
For those who want to be lost in nature, and enjoy a secluded holiday, Rinchingpong at elevation of 1500 meters offers, home-stay at a Sikkimese heritage farm, There are easy nature walks, in forests of Oak, pine, fir, Rhododendrons and many other flora, bird watching, visits to Buddhist Gompa built in 1730, and a unique heritage Lepcha tribal home. There are superb views of all the great peaks. Our five days nature trek from Rinchenpong to Utterey via the Vershay Rhododendron sanctuary reaches up to 3696 m. The Rhodedendrons bloom in March- April – but the autumn trek in Oct-Nov is equally enchanting with better views.
Darjeeling & KalimpongNestling in the lush green midranges of the Eastern Himalayas, with an incredibly stunning backdrop of towering snow capped peaks; Darjeeling and Kalimpong, are twin hill stations of the "Raj". Premium tea gardens, colonial bungalows and churches, Buddhist monasteries, exotic bazars, handicrafts, and orchids. The sparsely populated and least visited area around Kalimpong are your best bet. These comprise forests of , mountain streams and rivers, and the picture postcard Lepcha valleys of Samthar, where time stands still. All this and more, in a land peopled by an amazing ethenic mix, of Lepchas, Tibetans and Nepalies, forming a unique sub culture of their own. Relax and laze, raft the white waters, explore forests and flora, hike, trek and take in the breathtaking sunrise and sunset views.
Kurseong – premier biodynamic tea gardensK
Kurseong is a a tiny town, at an altitude of 1200 m, named after the wild white orchid. Famous for tea gardens, producing premium Darjeeling tea; it also has a forest Museum. It offers a chance to explore a tea estate producing bio-dynamic tea for the international market, You can go round the estate, and the factory, peep into methods of tea tasting and buy some premium tea, and take short walks.Whist at Kurseong, it is a good idea to take a short ride in the “Toy train”, and visit the very successful, SASAC project run by Canadian Father Abrahams. Here you can observe innovative eco friendly ideas to support local villages including diary, compost plant, solar water heating, biogas for cooking, mushroom cultivation, a children school, and a organic farming project.

DARJEELING