The Best Places to Visit in Kohima: The Ultimate Travel Guide to Nagaland’s Gem

If you are someone who always seeks peace amidst chirping birds, lush greenery, and towering mountains, Kohima might just be your paradise. Nestled at an altitude of 1,500 meters above sea level, Kohima, the capital of Nagaland, is beautiful, peaceful, and serene in every sense of the word. The city, with its emerald forests, rolling hills, and breathtaking landscapes, is a haven for nature lovers.

Beyond its natural beauty, Kohima also has a huge historical significance. It was a pivotal battleground during World War II, where an intense 64-day-long battle took place between the Allied forces and Japanese troops. The Kohima War Cemetery stands as a poignant memorial to the soldiers who lost their lives in this conflict.

If you're planning a trip to Kohima, here is a short guide that explores some of the must-visit places to visit in Kohima. Whether you're a history enthusiast, an adventure seeker, or simply looking for a peaceful retreat, our carefully curated list will help you make the most of your visit.

Best 10 Places To Visit in Kohima

From museums and wildlife sanctuaries to temples and markets, there are so many places to see in Kohima that you will fall short of days.

Here are some of the best tourist places in Kohima Nagaland: -

• Japfu Peak & Dzukou Valley
• Kohima War Cemetery
• Intanki Wildlife Sanctuary
• Touphema Village
• Khonoma Village
• Naga Bazaar
• Mary Help Of Christians Cathedral
• The Nagaland State Museum
• Ruzaphema Market
• Shilloi Lake

1. Japfu Peak & Dzukou Valley

The Nagaland is known as the “Switzerland of the East” and the Japfu Peak and Daukou Valley are a testament to that moniker. Nestled 25km south of Kohima, the Japfu Peak and Daukou Valley boasts the most breathtaking landscapes of the continent, making it one of the best places to see in Kohima.

The Japfu Peak, standing at 3048 metres, is the second-largest peak in Nagaland, offering you scenic views of the surroundings. Adventure lovers can climb the peak and admire the breathtaking beauty of Dazukou Valley, also known as the "Valley of Flowers of the East". When in full bloom, the valley is a sight to behold.

Location: 25 km south of Kohima

Best Time to Visit: June to September

1. Kohima War Cemetery

If you are a history lover, you wouldn't want to miss one of the famous Nagaland tourist attractions, the Kohima War Cemetery. Built in April 1994, the cemetery is dedicated to 10,000 soldiers who lost their lives during the invasion of the Japanese in India during World War II. It has been well-kept since, with lush greenery, blooming flowers, and groomed lawns creating a serene atmosphere. A prominent cemetery cross bears this moving epitaph: When you go home, tell them of us and say for your tomorrow, we gave our today.

Location: Garrison Hill, around 1 km from Kohima

Best time to visit: Winters

1. Intanki Wildlife Sanctuary

For animal lovers, the Intanki Wildlife Sanctuary is a must-visit tourist place in Kohima Nagaland. Declared a National Park in the year 1993, the century is home to a range of wildlife, which includes Golden langur, Hoolock gibbon, Palm civets, Tiger, Sloth bears, Wild dogs, Flying squirrels, Black stork, Monitor lizard, Pythons etc. The park also has dominant flora, such as Mahogany, Rattan, Bamboo, Pinus Khasyia, Pinus Caribiae, Palms, Passiflora edulis, Oroxylum indicum, etc.

Location: Approximately 111 km from Kohima

Best time to visit: November to February

1. Touphema Village

On a green and lush hillock lies a small town named Toupheme Village. Built by the local community in partnership with the Tourism Department of Nagaland, the village consists of small huts built in Naga style of architecture and decorated with native décor. The Touphema village is a must-visit tourist place in Kohima if you want to experience the lifestyle and culture of the Naga people. You can also book a hut in advance and experience how it feels to live in a Naga tribal house.

Location: Approx 34 km from Kohima

Best time to visit: All round the year

1. Khonoma Village

Situated approximately 20 km west of Kohima, Khonoma Village is renowned for being Asia's first green village, where hunting has been entirely prohibited to create a sustainable ecosystem. This act is considered a revolutionary call for a society where hunting is a way of life. Besides its sustainability practices, Khonoma village is also legendary for its courageous resistance against British colonial rule in the 19th century, overall making it a popular place to go in Kohima.

Location: 20 km west of Kohima

Best time to visit: November to March

1. Naga Bazaar

Located in the city's heart, Naga Bazar or the local market is a must-visit tourist place in Kohima for every traveller. The market is as old as the Kohima town itself and is famous for selling a wide variety of live stocks. The Naga cuisine is known for its uniqueness which mostly consists of a variety of living organisms, all readily available within the market's confine. Apart from the livestock, many vendors in the market also sell varieties of fish, traditional Naga tools and artefacts.

Best time to visit: All year round

1. Mary Help of Christians Cathedral

Renowned for its mesmerising architecture, the Mary Help of Christian Cathedral is a testament to the region’s spiritual heritage and a good place to visit in Kohima. The Church’s overall design blends into the hill on which it’s located, enhancing its beauty. It also features a 16-foot-high carved wood crucifix, which is one of the largest crosses in Asia. The overall ambience of the church exudes peace and tranquillity, making it an ideal tourist place in Kohima where one would want to spend more time in quiet reflection.

Location: Aradurah Hill, Kohima, Nagaland

Best time to visit: Any time of the year

1. The Nagaland State Museum

Want to know the evolution of Naga Culture? If yes, then the Nagaland State Museum is the best place to go in Kohima for you. The museum features the culture and traditions of around 16 tribal groups of Nagaland and also houses many ancient artefacts, tribal art, and traditional clothing that come together to tell you the story of Nagaland's past. So, take a leisurely stroll through the museum and look at the diverse artefacts on display. From necklaces, clan motifs, and precious stones to traditional costumes, you will find much to explore here.

Location: Upper Bayavü Hill, Kohima, Nagaland

Best time to visit: Winters

1. Ruzaphema Market

The Ruzaphema Market is a vibrant and bustling market, known for its local handicrafts, traditional Naga shawls, and fresh produce. From intricately woven baskets, pottery, and wood carvings to exquisite traditional jewellery and clothing, the market offers a range of things, making it a must-visit tourist place in Kohima Nagaland for shoppers. Tourists can stroll through the stall and find a variety of souvenirs to bring back home. Besides handicrafts, the market also offers fresh produce like fruits and vegetables that are unique to the region. Many stalls also offer spices, herbs, and condiments, allowing you to get a taste of Naga cuisine.

Location: Ruzaphema Market, Kohima, Nagaland 797004

Best time to visit: October to March

1. Shilloi Lake

Shilloi Lake is a foot-shaped lake, located in the heart of the Patkai range of Nagaland. It is surrounded by a verdant valley from all sides, offering a mesmerizing view to visitors. The lake is also considered important by the folks of Latsum village, who believe the spirit of a holy child rests at the bottom. This is why, no one fishes or uses the lake water for drinking and irrigation. So, make sure to add this largest lake in Nagalnd to your list of places to see in Kohima.

Best time to visit: November to April

As we conclude our exploration of places to visit in Kohima, it's clear that Kohima has so much to offer. From historical gems like the Kohima War Cemetery to natural wonders like Japfu Peak and Daukou Valley, every corner of Kohima tells a story, promising an unforgettable experience.

For a hassle-free and memorable experience, consider exploring the range of Kohima tour packages offered by Veena World. Each package on our site is tailored to match the needs and preferences of every traveller, ensuring you have memorable experiences.