The time you set your feet in the hilly state of Nagaland, you get transported to a land that you may have seen in your dreams.
For the uninitiated and the footloose traveller backpacking his way through Nagaland, you will come across plenty of spots and they are quite unlikely to be found on any popular tourist destination list. This is for the explorer who wishes to go deep and find new places on his own.
Benreu
Situated in the Peren district, this quaint village in Nagaland is supposedly known to have plenty of herbs and orchids. This village has Mount Pauna, the third highest peak in Nagaland. A photographer can go shutter-crazy with amazing snaps of mesmeric locales like Teipuiki River, the forests that are still untouched and even be lucky to spot a mithun or even the Blythe’s Tragopan bird once in a while.
Meluri
Located in the district of Phek, Nagaland is the home of Pochury tribe. Meluri can be explored for the hills, and of course, the scenic Shilloi Lake. Travellers visiting Meluri do not skip the Dzudu Lake and the Zanibu Peak. The beautiful Mount Saramati is also not very far from the town’s centre.
Kiphire
Home of Sangtam, Yimchunger, & Sumi Nagas, Kiphire is also well-known for its Mount Saramati. The mount offers a panoramic view of the nearby areas and is one of the most loved spots in the entire Nagaland by tourists and nature photographers. Fakim Sanctuary, one of the top known names in the wildlife sanctuary, Wawade waterfalls, and lakes combine to give Kiphire some of the best attractions for the travellers.
Peren
Peren is best known for its forests and wildflowers, that house many exotic birds and that are preserved with care by the locals. Since Peren shares its boundary with Assam on one side and Manipur on the other side, it is in a proper reach. The Mount Kisa and Mount Paona are some of the scenic and off-beaten places here.
Mopungchuket
This is not a spot for the usual tourist and this is just right for the ones who wish to know about Ao tribe culture in Nagaland. The village of Mopungchuket is clean and has a tower in the middle of the village commemorating two lovers. Mopungchuket is just fifteen kilometres from Mokokchung.
Longwa Village
Longwa village is located in Mon district and is home to the head-hunting Naga tribes of Konyak. The Longwa Village is known for sharing India-Myanmar border, which passes right through the house of the Chief of this once-fierce tribe of Konyaks. Now, however, this tribe is leading a peaceful life, and you shall find some of the beaded jewellery that is made here by the locals.
Ungma
Located very close to Mokokchung is Ungma village that is to be visited to see and experience Ao culture. The village is known to celebrate two festivals- Moatsu and Tsungremong. The village has a park and some scenic spots too.
Intanki Wildlife sanctuary (Kohima)
Located in the state capital is Intanki Wildlife Sanctuary that has some of the wild animals, which are native to this hill state. From Mithun to elephants, to Common pheasant, and even the Hornbill, Intanki should feature on your list of must-visit.
Hong Kong Market (Dimapur):
A trip to any place in the world is incomplete without a visit to the local flea market. But Hong Kong market in Dimapur in Nagaland is not your regular bazar. Every next Naga youth you’d meet are dressed in some of the most fashionable modern and even fake Armani suits and Gucci. You shall also get fashion accessories here.
Langpangkong caves (Mokokchung)
You might have by now got the idea of how versatile the locales in Nagaland are and so, just before you think you’ve seen every interesting or off-beat place here, do not miss out on Langpangkong caves in Mokokchung district. Located by the Tzula and the Dikhu rivers, are the Langpangkong caves.
Nagaland is more than just a tourist spot. The green rolling mountains that are interrupted here and there by a waterfall, or a river or stream, lazily breaking through, and the wild orchids springing up surprise are nature’s way of loving the home of Naga tribes, Nagaland.
