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| Destination
In India
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Nagaland |
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Facts and Figures |
| AREA |
16,579 Sq. Km. |
| CAPITAL |
KOHIMA. |
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AIRPORT |
DIMAPUR. |
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MAIN LANGUAGE |
NAGAMESE, ENGLISH. |
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General Info |
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Nagaland Situated in the north-eastern corner of the country, Nagaland has
Assam, Arunachal Pradesh and Manipur on its domestic borders, while Myanmar
shares with it, an international boundary on the east. The Naga Hills run
through this small state, which has Saramati as its highest peak at a height
of 12,600 ft. The main rivers that flow through Nagaland are Dhansiri,
Doyang, Dikhu and Jhanji. Administered earlier by the President, Nagaland
was made a state in 1963. In Kohima, the Second World War Cemetery, State
Museum and Zoo are the principal places of interest here. |
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Excursions |
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Excursions from Kohima lead to Khonoma village, Japfu peak, Dzakou Valley and
Mokokchung. The Intaki sanctuary, at a distance from Kohima, is the home of the
hoolok baboon, the only gibbon in India. |
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¤ Capital |
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Situated at the southern tip of the state, overlooking the valley, is the
mountainous capital. Kohima does not have monuments, monasteries or temples to
offer by way of stock tourist attractions. However the unhurried pace of life,
calm and serene environs and fresh, unpolluted air makes a welcome change for a
jaded city dweller. |
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¤ The People |
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The Nagas are a handsome and friendly people. High cheekbones, almond eyes,
sparkling teeth and bronzed skin set the Nagas apart. In colourful tribal
outfits, with bamboo shields sheathed in bear skin and decorated spears, the
Nagas are simple people, almost entirely tribal. There are 16 tribes, each with
its own dialect and customs the common link being their passion for music, dance
and pageantry. The social position of a Naga is borne out by the number of bone
necklaces he wears. |
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¤ Handicrafts |
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Weaving is a traditional art handed down through generations in Nagaland. Each
of the major tribes has its own unique designs and colours. Warm and colourful
Naga shawls, handwoven shoulder bags, decorative spears, table mats, wood
carvings and bamboo works make magnificent souveniers. Cultivation on terraced
fields, is the main occupation with rice being the important foodgrain. |
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¤ Tribals |
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Tribal dances of the Nagas give us an insight into the inborn reticence of these
people. War dances and dances belonging to distinctive tribes, form the major
art form in Nagaland. In colourful costumes and jewellery, the dancers go
through amazing mock war motions, that could prove very dangerous, if one were
to be a little careless. Festivals, marriages, harvests, or just the joy of the
moment - are occasions for the Nagas to burst into dance. |
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¤ Festivals |
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Sekrenyi, a 10-day festival of Angami Nagas of Kohima in Feb-end; summer
festival in May; 10-day Autumn festival in Oct; Tuluni, 5-day harvest festival
of Sema Nagas in early July; Tsumgreng Mon, the harvest festival of Ao Nagas in
August; Tokhu Emong, harvest festival of Lothas in early Nov. CLIMATE: Climate
(deg. C.): Summer- Max.31, Min.16 Winter- Max.24, Min.4. Average Rainfall : 250
Cms (100"). |
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¤ Best Season |
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October to May. |
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