Trip at a Glance
About Kohima
Nagaland's capital is draped over the high ridges of the southern Naga Hills, globally known as the site of the Battle of Kohima (April-June 1944) — often called the "Stalingrad of the East" — where British and Indian forces halted the Japanese advance into India. The Kohima War Cemetery on Garrison Hill holds 1,420 Commonwealth burials and the well-known Kohima Epitaph.
Beyond its wartime history, Kohima is the launchpad for exploring the rest of Nagaland. It's the base for the Hornbill Festival at nearby Kisama Heritage Village — a purpose-built complex housing full-scale morungs from all 16-plus major Naga tribes, quiet and open for photography most of the year, then erupting into ten days of tribal sport, music and rice-beer tasting each December — as well as the gateway to Dzukou Valley and Angami strongholds like Khonoma.
How to Reach Kohima
Dimapur Airport & Railway (~70 km, ~2.5-3 hrs)
Dimapur is Nagaland's main entry point; from here our SUVs climb NH29 into the hills to Kohima.
Assam Connection
A comfortable drive from Jorhat (~215 km, ~5-6 hrs) or Dibrugarh (~305 km, ~7-8 hrs) via Dimapur.
The City Base
Kohima is the hub for day trips to Kisama, Khonoma and Dzuleke.
Things to Do & Curated Circuits
Tier 1: Leisure
WWII Heritage & City Sights
Full Day · Easy
The Kohima War Cemetery, the preserved tennis-court battle site, and the local Naga market.
Tier 2: Seasonal
The Hornbill Festival Experience
Dec 1-10 · Event
A specialised itinerary centred on Kisama Heritage Village, managing festival crowds and covering all 16-plus tribal morungs.
Tier 3: Active
The Angami Highland Circuit
Multi-day · Active
Based in Kohima, branching out to Khonoma Green Village and the Dzukou Valley trek.
Season Guide
| Season | Months | Weather & Highlights |
|---|---|---|
| Festival Peak | Dec 1-10 | Kohima is electric during the Hornbill Festival — book months ahead as hotels sell out. |
| Crisp Winters | Oct – Feb | Cool and dry, good weather for the War Cemetery and the Dzukou Valley trek. |
| Monsoon | Jun – Sep | Green hills, but heavy rain can disrupt the Dimapur-Kohima highway. |
Where to Stay in Kohima
Accommodation Arranged by Nomadic Northeast
City hotels across every category — book well ahead during Hornbill Festival week, when the city sells out. We arrange the stay as part of your itinerary — you won't need to book anything separately.
What’s Included When You Book With Us
We Arrange
Vehicle & driver, accommodation, permits (where required), local guide and transfers between stops on your itinerary.
Usually Paid Separately
Personal meals beyond what's specified, entry/safari/camera fees, and personal expenses — confirmed exactly in your written quote.
Who This Trip Suits
Ideal For
- ✓ History enthusiasts, especially around WWII sites
- ✓ Festival travellers during Hornbill in December
Less Suitable For
- × Travellers wanting to avoid crowds during festival week
What to Expect
Good city infrastructure, though December sees very heavy crowds and requires advance hotel booking.
The Nomadic Northeast Advantage
Festival Logistics
Premium accommodation pre-booked and daily transfers to Kisama managed to avoid festival-week parking chaos.
Local Naga Fleet
Drivers who know the steep, winding topography of the capital and its surrounding villages.
Permit Management
Inner Line Permit formalities handled before you land in Dimapur.
Often Combined With
Kohima is the natural base for Dzukou Valley and Khonoma Green Village, both reachable as day trips or short extensions.
Frequently Asked Questions
Permit rules and fees can change. Requirements are verified against current government guidelines before your trip. Last checked: September 2026.
What is the Kohima War Cemetery?
Maintained by the Commonwealth War Graves Commission, it's a memorial on the actual 1944 battlefield of Garrison Hill, holding 1,420 Commonwealth burials from the Second World War.
Do Indian citizens need an ILP for Kohima?
Yes — an Inner Line Permit is mandatory for all domestic tourists entering Nagaland, which we arrange.
Can we visit the Hornbill Festival on a day trip?
It's technically possible from Dimapur, but given the traffic and festival scale, we'd recommend basing in Kohima for at least two nights.