Escape to

Nagaland

Festivals, hill villages and sixteen-plus tribes.

Naga dancers in traditional dress in front of a morung — Nagaland, Nagaland

Capital: Kohima
Nearest airport: Dimapur (74km from Kohima)
Permit: ILP ₹200 online; waived during Hornbill
Best time: Oct–May; Hornbill in Dec

Nagaland is a hill state of sixteen-plus tribes, each with its own language, dress and festival calendar. The capital Kohima sits on a ridge about 74km from Dimapur, the gateway airport and railhead. Most journeys here run through green hills, terrace fields and villages that still build their own houses.

Two things pull travellers back: the Hornbill Festival each December, when all the tribes gather at Kisama; and the quiet of villages like Khonoma, where tourism is still a conversation rather than an industry.

Quick answers

Nagaland at a glance

Where is Nagaland?

Nagaland is a hill state in Northeast India, bordering Assam, Arunachal Pradesh, Manipur and Myanmar. The capital is Kohima; the gateway city is Dimapur.

What is the capital of Nagaland?

Kohima, a ridge-top hill capital at about 1,400m, roughly 74km (3 hours) from Dimapur airport and railway station.

How many districts are there in Nagaland?

Nagaland has 17 districts, Meluri became the newest in 2024.

How many tribes are there in Nagaland?

Sixteen-plus recognised Naga tribes, including Angami, Ao, Chakhesang, Chang, Khiamniungan, Konyak, Lotha, Phom, Pochury, Rengma, Sangtam and Sümi, each with its own language, dress and festivals.

Is Nagaland part of India?

Yes. Nagaland became the 16th state of India on December 1, 1963. Indian nationals need an online ILP (₹200, 30 days), waived during the Hornbill Festival.

What is the official language of Nagaland?

English is the official language of Nagaland. Nagamese is the lingua franca, and each tribe speaks its own language.

Which is the highest peak in Nagaland?

Mount Saramati, at 3,840 metres, on the Nagaland–Myanmar border in the Tuensang district region.

Is Nagaland a state?

Yes, Nagaland is a state of India, granted statehood on December 1, 1963. It is not a country of its own.

When was Nagaland formed?

Nagaland became a state of India on December 1, 1963, which is why the Hornbill Festival opens on December 1 every year.

What is Nagaland famous for?

The Hornbill Festival each December, sixteen-plus Naga tribes with distinct cultures, the Dzükou Valley trek, and hill villages like Khonoma and Kisama Heritage Village.

What is the folk dance of Nagaland?

Nagaland has many folk dances, among the best known are Chong (Zeliang), Chang Lo (Chang) and Moyar Atilo (Ao). Each community keeps its own dances, performed at festivals like Hornbill, Moatsü and Sekrenyi.

Do I need an ILP for Nagaland?

Yes, outside festival week: ₹200, valid 30 days, apply online at ilp.nagaland.gov.in with a photo and an Aadhaar/PAN/voter ID/passbook/ration card. During the Hornbill Festival (Dec 1–10) the requirement is waived. Foreign nationals pay ₹500 for 30 days.

Where to go