Kohima

 Kohima, the capital city of Nagaland is a picturesque hill station surrounded by green hills and mountains (Interactive map of Kohima). It lies in the southern part of Nagaland and it is the first seat of modern administration as the Headquarter of Naga Hills District in 1879.  When Nagaland became a full-fledged state on 1st December 1963, Kohima was christened as the state capital. 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.

Places of Interest in Kohima 

War Cemetery

 The picturesque Kohima War Cemetery is a symbolic memorial commemorating the memories of the officers and men who sacrificed their lives during World War II. 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 covered by stone markers with shining bronze plaques, each one describing the name of the men who sacrificed their lives.

State Museum

 The State Museum has some of the most fascinating aspects of Naga tribal life in all its variety and wealth of tradition. This Museum also has the ancestral weaponry, status pillars that record Feast of Merit and traditional Naga costumes and jewellery. There is a rare collection of artifacts of the different tribes, which inhabit the state.

Sales Emporium

The Government Sales Emporium is in the heart of the town. It has a collection of Naga Handloom and Handicraft items.

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.

Kohima Village

Also called Barra Basti (Big Village), it 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. There are 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.

Dzukou Valley

 Untouched by civilization and resplendent in its beauty, this Valley also called as 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. The serpentine streams that flow leisurely through Dzukou freezes during extreme winter.

Dzulekie

This place marks the lush evergreen sub-tropical forests and 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 the place. A rare species of rainbow trout is found in this stream.

Japfu Peak

This is the second highest peak in Nagaland and stands 3048 metres above the sea level. It is about 15 km south of Kohima. In the Jaapfu ranges, lies 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 girth of the base measures more than 11 feet. When it is in bloom, it is indeed a visual delight.

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.