Kohima, India: travel guide
Nagaland's hill capital, with war history and Naga culture at its door
Capital of Nagaland — site of the epic WWII battle at Garrison Hill, and gateway to the Hornbill Festival, celebrating the rich culture of Naga tribes.
About Kohima
Kohima is the capital of Nagaland, spread along a ridge in the Naga Hills of India's northeast. It has a twofold identity: a place remembered for a decisive Second World War battle, and a living centre of Naga tribal culture.
The Kohima War Cemetery on Garrison Hill is the main historical stop. Nearby you can visit the cathedral, wander the local bazaar for produce and weaving, and head to Kisama Heritage Village, where the Hornbill Festival is held each December. Day trips lead to the stone-terraced village of Khonoma and trails towards Dzukou Valley.
Things to do in Kohima combine history, food and walking, and it suits curious travellers prepared for hilly roads. October to April generally offers the clearest weather, with the festival season in early winter drawing the biggest visitor numbers.
- Country
- India
- Currency
- INR
- Time zone
- Asia/Kolkata
- Nearest airport
- DMU
Last updated
Top places to visit in Kohima
Kohima War Cemetery
Heritage · 4.7 rating · about 1 h · free entry
A moving, beautifully maintained memorial to the Allied soldiers who fell in the 1944 Battle of Kohima — terraced lawns and the famous "When you go home" epitaph.
Kisama Heritage Village
Cultural · 4.6 rating · about 1.5 h · entry ₹200
An open-air heritage village showcasing the morungs and life of all Naga tribes, and the spectacular venue of the annual December Hornbill Festival.
Dzukou Valley
Nature · 4.7 rating · about 8 h · check the fee at the gate
A breathtaking high valley on the Nagaland-Manipur border, famed for its rolling green carpet and seasonal Dzukou lily, reached by a rewarding trek.
Khonoma Green Village
Cultural · 4.6 rating · about 2 h · check the fee at the gate
India's first green village — a historic Angami warrior village of terraced rice fields, stone gates and a community-run conservation forest.
Kohima Cathedral
church · 4.4 rating · about 0.8 h · check the fee at the gate
The grand Mary Help of Christians Cathedral on Aradura Hill, one of the largest in the Northeast, with Naga-influenced architecture and town views.
Kohima Local Bazaar
Market · 4.2 rating · about 1 h · check the fee at the gate
A bustling market where Naga vendors sell hill produce, smoked meats, bamboo shoot, herbs and handicrafts — a vivid window into local life and cuisine.
Nagaland State Museum
Museum · 4.3 rating · about 1 h · check the fee at the gate
A museum displaying the tribal artefacts, costumes, weapons, jewellery and ceremonial gear of Nagaland's many tribes — a fine cultural primer.
Japfu Peak
Nature · 4.5 rating · about 8 h · check the fee at the gate
Nagaland's second-highest peak (~3,048 m), a challenging trek rewarded with sunrise Himalayan views and the world's tallest rhododendron tree.
World War II Museum Kisama
Museum · 4.4 rating · about 1 h · check the fee at the gate
A museum near Kisama dedicated to the 1944 Battle of Kohima, with arms, photographs, dioramas and personal accounts of the turning-point of the Burma campaign.
Dzulekie
Nature · 4.3 rating · about 2 h · check the fee at the gate
A serene offbeat hamlet beyond Khonoma with a trout stream, waterfalls and pine forest, a tranquil spot for nature lovers and quiet walks.
Things to do
- Dzukou Valley Trek Adventure · 16 h · from INR 2,500 per person
- Khonoma Village & Forest Walk Cultural · 3 h · from INR 800 per person
- Naga Heritage & Battle History Tour Cultural · 4 h · from INR 1,200 per person
- Naga Food & Market Trail Food · 2.5 h · from INR 1,000 per person
Day trips and tours
- Kohima Heritage & War History Day 8 h · from INR 1,800
- Dzukou Valley Trek Expedition 30 h · from INR 4,500
- Khonoma Green Village Day 7 h · from INR 2,000
Where to stay in Kohima
- City Center about INR 2,500 per night
Main commercial area with mid-range hotels
Hotels
- Razhü Pru Heritage Homestay 3-star · INR 3,000 to INR 5,500 per night
- Khonoma Village Homestay 2-star · INR 1,800 to INR 3,500 per night
- Hotel Vivor Kohima 4-star · INR 4,500 to INR 8,000 per night
- The Heritage Kohima 3-star · INR 3,500 to INR 6,500 per night
- Dovipie Inn 3-star · INR 2,200 to INR 4,000 per night
- Hotel Japfü 3-star · INR 3,000 to INR 5,500 per night
Where to eat
- Ozotho Naga, Northeastern · about INR 400 per person
- Dream Cafe Cafe, Continental, Naga · about INR 350 per person
- De Oriental Dream Naga, Chinese, North Indian · about INR 350 per person
- Razhü Pru Restaurant Naga, Angami · about INR 450 per person
- Cafe Terrace Cafe, Tibetan, Continental · about INR 250 per person
- Naga Kitchen Naga · about INR 250 per person
- Hotel Japfü Restaurant North Indian, Chinese, Naga · about INR 400 per person
- Bamboo Hut Naga, Chinese, Tibetan · about INR 250 per person
Getting to Kohima
Airport: Kohima (DMU)
Getting around
- Shared Taxi
- Taxi
- Walking
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Frequently asked questions about Kohima
- What are the top-rated places to visit in Kohima?
- The highest-rated places in our Kohima guide are Kohima War Cemetery, Dzukou Valley, Kisama Heritage Village, Khonoma Green Village, Japfu Peak.
- Where should I stay in Kohima?
- Our guide covers these areas to stay in Kohima: City Center.
- How do I get around Kohima?
- Ways to get around Kohima covered in our guide: Shared taxi, Taxi, Walking.
- Which airport is nearest to Kohima?
- The nearest airport to Kohima has the code DMU.