Land in
Dimapur
The gateway city: airport, rail and the Kachari ruins.
- Role
- State gateway
- Airport
- Dimapur (DMU)
- Rail
- Dimapur station
- Heritage
- Kachari ruins, Rajbari
- To Kohima
- 74km, about 3h
Dimapur is Nagaland’s gateway: the state’s only airport and railway station sit here on the plains, and the road to Kohima climbs 74km from the city. The name’s own history is the Kachari kingdom’s: medieval brick monoliths and gate ruins stand inside the modern city.
Nagaland’s ILP applies here (₹200 online for Indians, waived during Hornbill week); sort it before the climb.
Quick answers
Dimapur at a glance
How do I get from Dimapur to Kohima?
Shared taxis and buses run all day, 74km and about 3 hours up the hill; read our transport guide for the honest details.
Do I need the ILP at Dimapur?
Yes outside festival week: ₹200 online for Indians at ilp.nagaland.gov.in; during Hornbill (Dec 1–10) it is waived.
Practicals
Permits & season
ILP required for Indian nationals outside the Hornbill window (waived Dec 1–10 with photo ID), online at ilp.nagaland.gov.in; foreign nationals pay a fee.
October to March is the clean window; December adds the Hornbill Festival, and the monsoon makes eastern roads slow.
When to go
Plan around these months
Festivals
Time your trip
Nearby
Close enough to combine
Things to do
What you're here for
Kachari ruins
The medieval mushroom pillars and gate of the Kachari kingdom.
Super Market
The sprawling bazaar that feeds the hills.
Journal
Read before you go
Guide · 5 min
Aoleang Festival: the Konyak festival of Mon, Nagaland
Aoleang Mon Yü is the Konyak tribe's spring festival, held in the first week…
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Best time to visit Northeast India, month by month
The best time to visit Northeast India, month by month: weather, festivals, crowds and…
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Capital of Nagaland: Kohima, the Hill Capital Explained
Kohima is the capital of Nagaland, not Dimapur. History, why the confusion exists, what…
Guide · 4 min
Dzukou Valley in October: green season
Dzukou in October: the valley still green after monsoon, clear October light, trek conditions…
Guide · 6 min
Festivals of Northeast India by month, the full calendar
The month-by-month festival calendar of Northeast India: Hornbill (Dec), Sekrenyi (Feb), Aoleang (Apr), Moatsü…
Guide · 8 min
Festivals of Nagaland, the complete calendar
Every major festival of Nagaland, month by month, Hornbill in December, Sekrenyi in February…
More guides in the journal (127 total).
Explore Dimapur
Facts checked against the official Nagaland tourism portal · Last verified 2026-09-26