Hornbill Festival Tour

Upon arrival at Dimapur, you will be transferred to Kohima, the capital of Nagaland. Historically known as the ‘Manipur Road’, this journey along the Dimapur – Kohima Road is interesting owing to the exciting stories of this historic road since the days of the British rule and even now. Overnight at Kohima.

After breakfast, visit the Kohima War Cemetery which is one of the most iconic battlefields of the world maintained by the Commonwealth War Graves Commission (CWGC). In this cemetery, among others, one can still see the outline of the famous tennis court around which fierce fighting raged in 1944 during the WWII. It is where you will find out why the Battle of Kohima is also known as the ‘Stalingrad of the east’. It was in Kohima that the Japanese invasion of India during the WWII was stopped. We will also visit the famous Kohima Cathedral which is also one of the main highlights of Kohima town.

Later in the day proceed to the main venue of the Hornbill Festival at Kisama Heritage Village to experience all the vibrant festivities of the famous Hornbill Festival – the festival of festivals. Spend the rest of the day at the festival venue visiting the morungs (traditional houses) of all the major tribes in Nagaland, strike a conversation with the people from different Naga tribes, try out their local food and drinks and enjoy the cultural performances. Proceed to your hotel in Kohima in the evening. Overnight at Kohima.

Note: With some wise planning, this day can be made to coincide with the opening day of the Hornbill festival. The opening ceremony is a real treat for one’s body and soul.

After breakfast, visit the interesting Nagaland State Museum which showcases the history, culture and tradition of the all the tribes in Nagaland. Also explore the local market in Kohima to see the exotic local items and small creatures sold in different forms – alive, smoked, dried, etc.

The latter part of the day involves a visit to Khonoma village, also known as ‘Asia’s first green village’, and an important home of the Angami tribe. On reaching Khonoma, you will be able to see the Naga age-group houses (Morungs), forts, ceremonial gates and the Angami way of life through an engaging village walk. Overnight at Kohima.

Note: The drive from Kohima to Khonoma takes about 1 hour.

After breakfast, we will drive to Kisama Heritage Village to enjoy the Hornbill festival again. Upon arrival, we will also visit the Kohima WWII Museum. This is one of the best WWII museums in India. Enjoy the colorful dances and several traditional games performed by members of various tribes living in Nagaland.

Later, we will visit the beautiful southern Angami villages of Kigwema, Jakhama and Mima. In Kigwema the house where the Japanese General Sato was believed to have stayed, according to local legend, during the battle of Kohima can still be seen. While walking in the village of Mima, besides getting to know the way of living of the local people, we will also see the unique practice of underground bee keeping. Overnight at Kohima.

Drive from Kohima to Dimapur. Depart from Dimapur for your onward journey.

(Reporting time at domestic airport is two hours prior to the time of departure of flight)

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