Nagaland
The State of Nagaland formally came into existence on 1st December, 1963, as the 16th State of the Indian Union. Nagaland is bounded by Assam in the West, Myanmar in the east, Arunachal Pradesh in the North and Manipur in the South. It has 11 Administrative Districts and inhabited by 16 major tribes and many other sub-tribes.
Nagaland is a land of folklore passed down the generations through word of mouth. Music is an integral part of life; folk songs eugolising ancestors, the brave deeds of warriors and traditional heroes; poetic love songs immortalizing ancient tragic love stories.Gospel songs that touch your soul or the modern tunes rendered exquisitely to set your feet a-tapping.
Each tribes and sub-tribes can be easily recognised by the colourful designed cosumes, jewellery and beads that they possess. The traditional ceremonial attire of each tribe is in itself, an awe inspiring sight to behold; the multi-coloured spears and daos decorated with dyed goats hair, the headgear made of finely woven bamboo interlaced with orchid stems, adorned with boar’s teeth and hornbill’s feather, elephant tusk armlet.. You name it! In days of yore every warrior had to earn each of these items through acts of valour, to wear them.
Nature could not have been kinder to Nagaland, sometimes referred to as the Switzerland of the East; the exquisitely picturesque landscapes, the vibrantly colourful sunrise and sunset, lush and verdant flora….. this is a land that represents unimaginable beauty, moulded perfectly for a breath taking experience.
Nagas belong to the Indo-Mongoloid stock, whose ancestors lived off nature’s abundant gifts, blessed with sturdy formidable dispositions. The people here are warm hearted and extremely hospitable! You will feel it in the air!
Nagaland is blessed with salubrious climate throughout the year and one can visit it anytime. If one is looking for a quiet getaway, from the hustle and bustle of city life, it provides the right ambience; as life here is laidback and slow – providing a tension free life.
Nagas, by nature, are lovers of fun and frolic and dance and songs are a part and parcel of all their festivities.
Nagaland Travel Information
HOW TO GET THERE?
By Air:
The only airport in Nagaland is at Dimapur which has daily flights from Kolkata and Delhi. It takes 2 and a half hours drive to reach Kohima from Dimapur airport.
By Road:
Nagaland has a good road network coverage. Kohima and Dimapur is connected to Shillong and Guwahati and other important cities of North East India by road. The commercial hub and the state capital is connected by National Highway 29 and Asian Highway 2.
By Rail:
Dimapur is the only city connected by rail and is connected to Guwahati with trains daily. Guwahati is in turn connected to the rest of the country with good number of trains. In few years time Sechü Zubza will be connected by train which is just 15 kms from Kohima.
Average Temperature:
Nagaland has a largely monsoon climate with high humidity levels. Annual rainfall averages around 70–100 inches (1,800–2,500 mm), concentrated in the months of May to September. Temperatures range from 21°C to 40 °C. In winter, temperatures do not generally drop below 4°C, but frost is at high elevations. The state enjoys a pleasant climate. Summer is the shortest season in the state that lasts for only a few months. The temperature during summer remains between 16°C to 31°C. Winter makes an early arrival and bitter cold and dry weather strikes certain regions of the state. The maximum average temperature recorded in the winter season is 24°C.
Inner Line Permit (ILP)
ILP is a compulsory travel document for Indian citizens to be obtained before entering the state of Nagaland. This undertaking is an effort by the Government of Nagaland to regulate the prevailing issue of Illegal immigration and to generate vital statistics for Tourism and other inter-state businesses. ILP is to safeguard the identity of the indigenous people of Nagaland from exploitation by outsiders.
Where to get Inner Liner Permit?
Inner Line Permits can be obtained from the Resident Commissioner’s office of Nagaland House in New Delhi, Kolkata and and at Nagaland House is Shillong and Guwahati.
Alternatively, Alder Tours and Travels can arrange Inner Line Permit for tourists and travelers. Visitors can apply online and the processing is taken care by Alder Tours and Travels. It take 24-72 working hours.
The link is shown here : http://aldertoursntravels.com/temporary-inner-line-permit
Restricted Area Permit (RAP) / Protected Area Permit (PAP)
Foreign Tourist no longer require special permits to visit Nagaland. This is to promote tourism in North East India and permit requirements have been relaxed for foreigners. However, tourists and visitors from Afghanistan, China and Pakistan and visitors having their origin from these three countries still requires permit to visit Nagaland with the prior approval of the Ministry of Home Affairs.
For more detail information about RAP/PAP you may check the Ministry of Home Affairs FAQ.