Nagaland, located in the north-eastern part of India is a beautiful state, filled with lush green forests, green serene and peaceful valleys, charming hills, remote tribal villages, and enchanting rivers flowing. This region is home to 16 major tribes, each having their own tradition, culture and language. What makes them totally unique is the tradition and culture they have been following from ancient times, and how they still remain connected to nature.
Here’s a short guide to visit the top tribal villages of Nagaland to have an encounter with the unique tribes of the state:
1. Kohima, cultural hub of Nagaland
Popular Tribe of the region: Angami Tribe
Kohima is the capital of Nagaland and is home to the Angami Tribe, who believe in staying connected to nature, known for its sustainable practices and handcrafted wooden work. They indulge in terrace farming with great agricultural skills, and popular for their warrior history and folklores.
What are the main Highlights?
- Visit the Kisama Heritage Village, which is the main center of celebrating the Hornbill Festival every year in December. The Hornbill Festival is accompanied with cultural dance, music, exciting games and traditional tribal food.
- To know about the lifestyle of the Angami tribe, explore the terrace farming rice paddy fields and learn about their agricultural skills and their sustainable practices.
- Kohima is also known for the the Kohima War Cemetery, comprising of World War II history. Have a unique cultural experience with the best travel agents India!
How to Reach?
- By Air: Dimapur airport, 68 km away from Kohima.
- By Train: Dimapur Railway Station
- By Road: From Dimapur taxis and buses are available.
2. Mon, home to Konyak Tribe, the Land of Headhunters
Popular Tribe of the region: Konyak Tribe
The Mon region is famous for the Konyak Tribe, who were once the headhunters; they have intricately carved tattoos in the body and wear colorful ornaments. The number of heads they hunted, they use to wear carved head designs in their ornament.
What are the main Highlights?
- The Longwa Village located in the India-Myanmar border is home to the Konyak tribe, the headhunters. The house of chief is in between India-Myanmar border, and the natives are allowed to live in both the countries, representing a mix of culture.
- Aoling festival is the New Year festival of the Konyak tribe and is celebrated in April. The festival is accompanied with traditional dance, music and feasts
- The headhunters are skilled in making traditional jewelery, wooden carving and guns.
How to Reach?
- By Air: Dibrugarh Airport in Assam is the nearest airport.
- By Train: Dibrugarh Railway Station in Assam is the nearest Railway Station.
- By Road: Private vehicles and shared taxis are available from Dibrugarh town in Assam.
3. Mokokchung, center of folklore, colorful festivals
Popular Tribe of the region: Ao Tribe
Mokokchung is home to the Ao tribe, who are popular for their fascinating folklores, vibrant festivals and great welcoming nature.
What are the main Highlights?
- Head to the birthplace of the Ao tribe located in Ungma Village, which is designated as the oldest village in Nagaland. Take tips and advice from a travel agency in India for having the best cultural experience in India.
- Attend the Moatsu Festival (an agriculture related festival) which is celebrated in May, accompanied with traditional dance, music, grand feasts.
- The Ao tribe women are skilled in weaving traditional shawls and garments.
How to Reach?
- By Air: Dimapur airport, 212 km away from Mokokchung.
- By Train: Dimapur Railway Station
- By Road: From Dimapur and Kohima, taxis and buses are available.
4. Tuophema Village, rich in architecture, customs, and cuisine
Popular Tribe of the region: Angami Tribe
The Tuophema village is home to the Angami Tribe, and is an Angami heritage village who are still connected to their traditional lifestyle, and are popular for their architecture, customs, and traditional cuisine.
What are the main Highlights?
- Visitors can have an immersive experience by staying at one of the traditional house of the Angami Tribe.
- Attend traditional festivals of the tribe.
- Taste the local cuisines, for example, bamboo shoot curries, smoked meats and other items.
How to Reach?
- By Air: Dimapur Airport is situated around 122 km from Tuophema village.
- By Train: Dimapur Railway Station.
- By Road: From Kohima, taxis and buses are available.
5. Phek, where culture is connected to nature
Popular Tribe of the region: Chakhesang Tribe
The Phek region is home to the Chakhesang Tribe who are connected to nature, practices eco-friendly lifestyle, and is popular for their complex handcrafted items and aboriginal games.
What are the main Highlights?
- Explore the Dzükou Valley famous for its dense forests, vast green meadows, and local seasonal flowers of the valley.
- Visit the Shilloi Lake which is filled with mythological stories and enchanting legends.
- Interact with the skilled artisans of the region famous for their amazing hand weaving skills and craftsmanship in building bamboo baskets, mats and wooden furniture.
How to Reach?
- By Air: Dimapur airport, 120 km away from Phek.
- By Train: Dimapur Railway Station
- By Road: From Kohima, taxis and buses are available.
6. Wokha, home to the Lotha Tribe, popularly called The Land of Amur Falcons
Popular Tribe of the region: Lotha Tribe
Wokha village is home to the Lotha Tribe, who are popular for their stunning architecture of their houses, customs, and traditional dance.
What are the main Highlights?
- Foreign travelers can have an enthralling experience watching the birds and enjoying a small picnic at Doyang River.
- Let the best travel agents India guide you, have a chance to witness the Great migration of the Amur Falcons, a fascinating sight to observe, making it a hot spot to visitors, globally.
- Attend the Tokhu Emong Festival which is celebrated in the month of November with great fervor, dance, music and feast.
How to Reach?
- By Air: Dimapur airport, 150 km away from Wokha.
- By Train: Dimapur Railway Station
- By Road: From Kohima and Dimapur, taxis and buses are available.
7. Khonoma, home to India’s First Green Village Initiative
Popular Tribe of the region: Angami Tribe
Khonoma village is home to the Angami tribes, who are popular for their sustainable living practices, customs, traditional dance and music and connected to nature.
What are the main Highlights?
- Learn are the eco-friendly and sustainable living practices.
- Visit the terraced paddy fields and learn about their farming ways.
- Visit the historical monuments and pay your respect to the Naga warriors.
How to Reach?
- By Air: Dimapur airport, 74 km away from Khonoma.
- By Train: Dimapur Railway Station
- By Road: From Kohima, opt for a short drive.
8. Zunheboto, land of warrior history and music
Popular Tribe of the region: Sumi Tribe
Zunheboto village is home to the Sumi tribe, who are popular for their agricultural practices, warrior history, customs, and traditional dance and music.
What are the main Highlights?
- With the help of a travel agency in India, visit the Ghosu Bird Sanctuary, home to unique colorful birds.
- Attend the Tuluni Festival which is celebrated in the month of July fir fertility and abundance.
- Have a glimpse of the Sumi tribe wear their rational colorful costumes accompanied with jewelries.
How to Reach?
- By Air: Dimapur airport, 245 km away from Zunheboto.
- By Train: Dimapur Railway Station.
- By Road: From Kohima and Dimapur, taxis and buses are available.
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