Nagaland Tourist Places: Where to Go, Best Time and Permits (2026)
Kohima, Khonoma, Dzukou Valley, Mon's Konyak villages and the Amur falcons at Doyang: the Nagaland places worth your time, when to go and what you need.
Nagaland is a small hill state on the Myanmar border, home to more than a dozen Naga tribes, each with its own language, dress and festivals. Most visitors come for the Hornbill Festival in December, but the state is worth seeing at other times too, for its villages, valleys and history.
The places worth seeing
Kohima
The capital, at about 1,450 m. The Kohima War Cemetery marks one of the decisive battles of the Second World War in 1944, on the slopes of what was the district commissioner's tennis court. Kohima Village, one of the largest Naga villages, sits above the town. Kisama Heritage Village, 12 km away, hosts Hornbill and has traditional houses from each tribe.
Khonoma
About 20 km from Kohima, Khonoma is an Angami village known for its terraced fields and its decision to end hunting and protect its forests. It's often called India's first green village. Homestays let you stay a night.
Dzukou Valley
A high grassy valley on the Nagaland–Manipur border, reached by a 3 to 5 hour trek from Viswema or Jakhama. Famous for its winter views and the Dzukou lily in summer. See our Dzukou Valley trek guide.
Mon and the Konyak villages
Mon district, in the far north-east, is home to the Konyak tribe. Longwa village sits right on the India–Myanmar border, and the chief's house is said to straddle it. It's a long drive from Kohima, so plan several days.
Doyang and the Amur falcons
In October and November, huge numbers of Amur falcons stop at the Doyang reservoir in Wokha district on their migration from Siberia to Africa. Pangti village is the best-known viewing spot.
Mokokchung and Pfütsero
Mokokchung is the centre of Ao Naga culture. Pfütsero, in Phek district, is one of the highest and coldest towns in Nagaland.
Best time to visit
| Months | What it is like |
|---|---|
| October to December | Dry and clear. The falcons arrive in Wokha, and Hornbill runs 1 to 10 December. |
| January to March | Cold, clear and quiet. Good for Dzukou views. |
| April and May | Warmer, with spring festivals in some districts. |
| June to September | Monsoon. Green, with the Dzukou lily, but slides close roads. |
For Hornbill dates and tickets, see our Hornbill Festival guide.
Permits
Visitors from outside Nagaland need an Inner Line Permit, applied for online before travel. Foreign nationals need a Protected Area Permit. See our Northeast permit guide.
Getting there
Dimapur has Nagaland's only working airport and its main railway station. From there, Kohima is about three hours by road. See Dimapur to Kohima.
Is Nagaland a dry state?
Yes. Nagaland has banned the sale and consumption of alcohol since 1989 under its prohibition law. The rule has been debated in recent years, so check the current position, but don't plan on buying alcohol or carrying it in.
Is Nagaland safe for tourists?
Kohima, Khonoma, Dzukou and the main tourist routes are visited by thousands of travellers every year, especially in Hornbill week. As anywhere in the hills, check road conditions and local news before travelling to remote districts.
Helpful Answers
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the best time to visit Nagaland?
October to March. December for Hornbill, October and November for the Amur falcons.
How many days do I need for Nagaland?
Four to five days for Kohima, Khonoma and Dzukou. Add three or four more for Mon.
Do I need a permit for Nagaland?
Yes. An Inner Line Permit for Indian visitors from outside the state, and a Protected Area Permit for foreign nationals.
Is Nagaland a dry state?
Yes. Alcohol has been banned under state law since 1989.
What is Nagaland famous for?
The Hornbill Festival, its tribal cultures, Kohima's war history and Dzukou Valley.
Plan This Journey
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