Kohima tourism and travel guide
Overview
A World War II battle sight, Kohima, original name Kewhira, came into existence in the 1870s when the British army took over the Naga hills and made it their headquarters. Kohima is in present-day Nagaland, one of the Seven Sister North Eastern States known for its tranquil beauty.
A hilly area, Kohima is the oldest district in Nagaland and is on the border of neighboring Assam. Kohima has a moderate climate throughout the year, although it is in the humid subtropical zone. It does not get too cold in the winter, and the summers are not unbearably hot because of interspersed rain showers, and the maximum temperature rarely goes higher than 34 deg. Celsius. Frost and cold winds occur between December and February.
Kohima is located on a high ridge and has a beautiful natural landscape. There are four rivers and their minor tributaries flowing through the district.
Kohima is a cosmopolitan area, and people from all over the country, including other parts of Nagaland, have made it their home. The indigenous settlers here are the tribal people from Angami Naga and Rengma Naga. They are skilled craftsmen and create beautiful woven baskets, clay pottery, metal works, and woodcarving.
The Angami Nagas, traditionally warriors, migrated to India from Burma, present-day Myanmar. The traditional religious practices of worshipping spirits and sacrificing roosters and pigs are not followed anymore. They are clannish, an important part of their social structure. Almost all Angami Nagas are Christians belonging to the Baptist denomination.
The Rengma Nagas were a primitive tribe, and not much is known of their origins. There are claims that they practiced slavery in the old days, and they come from the Yunnan region of China. The Indian government has had issues of militancy and insurgency with this tribal group.
Kohima is a great place to visit for lovers of Naga food. Some of the dishes you should try are Dry fish chuey made of roasted dried fish made into a chutney with chillies and tomatoes and a dash of akhuni (fermented soya beans). Normally eaten with steamed rice, this simple dish bursts with flavours; Bamboo fish, which has fish and bamboo shoots roasted over an open fire inside a bamboo stem; smoked pork with akhuni is a quintessential Naga dish and a must-try in Kohima.
The best way to spend your time in Kohima is to take in the breathtaking vistas of this region. The beautiful foot-shaped Shilloi lake at the foothills of the low Patkai ranges with conical peaks is a sight to behold. Walking around it, you will be mesmerized by the stunning views of the valley. A holy lake, the waters are undisturbed; there is no sailing, fishing, or irrigation done here.
The Kohima war cemetery is a touching memorial to the soldiers who lost their lives during World War II between the Japanese and British Allied troops.
