Simple Joys

A Solo Trip to Kiphire and Pungro Along the Nagaland-myanmar Border.

- Sushobhan Roy

THE JOURNEY to the Nagaland- Myanmar border from the plains of Dimapur is difficult, but it offers many opportunities to feel the pulse of tribal villages. Here, the inhabitants have retained their relationship with nature; and this is a tale of one such journey I undertook a couple of years back to Pungro village, which is ensconced in nature’s lap, along the border with Myanmar.

The city of Dimapur serves as the gateway to the landlocked state of Nagaland, and is crowded with mid-range shops, as well as single-storeyed and multi-storeyed houses. The busy city is connected to Guwahati in Assam by rail, road and air. A good number of budget hotels and few in the high range group cater to travellers here.

Having booked a room at a budget hotel near the railway station, on my arrival, I noticed a counter selling bus tickets beside it. (A newly constructed inter-state bus terminal on the other side of the city serves as the point of contact for all long distance transport.) The people of a place define its characteristics, and Dimapur is no different. This town celebrates the diversity of the various Naga tribes along with the Christian beliefs that have gained foothold through the various missionaries that came to this part of the country. People are conversant with the English language and communication is easy for tourists.