Northeast - An Exotic World Waiting To Be Discovered

Snow-clad peaks and frozen lakes. Wildly crashing waterfalls and green hills. Vibrant tribal cultures and traditions that seem to belong to another time. Serene monasteries perched on cliff sides, orchid gardens and fields of rhododendron. Fiery pork dishes, fermented bamboo shoots and locally brewed beer. The states of the Northeast are an exotic world waiting to be discovered.

- Priya Bala

NAGALAND

Kick off your Nagaland holiday by arriving in Dimapur. Drive from there to Kohima, the state capital, stopping on the way at Zubza. Spend the afternoon walking about the hilly town of Kohima, visiting the Kohima State Museum and Kohima village where the Hornbill Festival is held in early December every year. The next day, leave for Tuophema, which is an hour’s drive from the capital. In Tuophema, visit Vishwema village which showcases the way of life of the Angami tribe, and Kigwema village. You could stay at the Tuophema Tourist Village and be entertained by Naga folk music and dance at night. From here you can get guided walks to the nearby peaks and rice fields and also get a taste of local hospitality.

On day three, head out to Mokokchung, the drive taking about five hours. Stop on the way at Longsa village, home of the Lotha tribe. At Longkhim village, peopled by the Ao tribe, you can get a tour of a local home and get a peek into their way of life. The Circuit House is a good place to stay in Mokokchung.

Spend the next morning exploring Mopungchukit village and then leave for Tuensang. En route, stop at Longkhim village of the Sangtam tribe. On day five, drive to the very edges of Nagaland and reach Mon via Tobu. This is the last Indian village before the border with Myanmar.

The next morning, schedule a visit to Shangnyu village, taking in also the Shangnyu Village Museum and rock memorials the area is known for. In the latter half of the day, drive to Chui village to see Wangkhao Ang House, an Ang home that is beautifully decorated with tribal motifs.

On the last day of your trip to Nagaland, drive to Sivasagar (in Assam), if you haven’t done the Assam circuit before. It was once the capital of the Ahom dynasty which ruled Assam for over 600 years and is replete with history.

NAVIGATOR