Guide · 5 min read
Nagaland, quick facts for travellers
People ask the same good questions about Nagaland before their first trip, where it is, what language works, whether it’s part of India, how many tribes there really are. Here are the answers in one place.
Quick answer: Nagaland is a hill state in Northeast India. Capital: Kohima. Gateway city: Dimapur (airport + railway). It has 17 districts, sixteen-plus recognised tribes, English as the official language, and Saramati (3,840m) as its highest peak. Indian nationals need an online ILP (₹200), waived during Hornbill week. Statehood: December 1, 1963, which is why the Hornbill Festival opens on December 1 every year.
The essentials
| Question | Answer |
|---|---|
| Where is Nagaland? | A hill state in Northeast India, bordering Assam, Arunachal Pradesh, Manipur and Myanmar |
| Is Nagaland part of India? | Yes, it became the 16th state of India on December 1, 1963 |
| Capital | Kohima (about 1,400m elevation) |
| Largest city / gateway | Dimapur, the only airport and railway station |
| Districts | 17 (Meluri newest, 2024) |
| Tribes | Sixteen-plus recognised Naga tribes (Angami, Ao, Chakhesang, Chang, Khiamniungan, Konyak, Lotha, Phom, Pochury, Rengma, Sangtam, Sümi, Yimkhiung, Kachari, Garo, Mikir) |
| Official language | English |
| Highest peak | Mount Saramati, 3,840m, on the Myanmar border |
| State bird | Blyth’s tragopan |
| Permit | None for Indian nationals; foreigners register on arrival |
| Best time to visit | October–May; December 1–10 for the Hornbill Festival |
The things the table doesn’t say
The tribes are the point. “Naga” covers sixteen-plus distinct communities, each with its own language, dress and festival calendar. Kohima and the arena at Kisama are where you see them together; villages like Khonoma are where you meet them properly.
English works. It’s the official language, signage, schools and government run on it. You will also hear Nagamese (the lingua franca) everywhere.
The distances are short, the roads are slow. Kohima to Dimapur is 74km and about three hours. Build your plan around that reality, we do.
Permits. Nagaland requires an ILP for Indian nationals: ₹200, 30-day validity, apply online at ilp.nagaland.gov.in. It is waived during the Hornbill Festival (Dec 1-10). Foreign nationals: ₹500 for 30 days. Our permit guide explains the details.
If this is your first trip, start with December’s Hornbill Festival, ten days, every tribe, one arena, and let the villages pull you back for the rest. See the 2026 packages or plan a custom trip.
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