Kohima
(Nagaland)
Nagaland's Pride
In every way that one can think of, Nagaland is a vibrant kaleidoscope of colours, people, nature and experiences of every hue. It affords you peace and serenity, excitement and vivacity. With the traditional and modern, the exotic and the universal, all co-existing in one of the most splendid and unexplored holiday options India and perhaps the world, has left to offer. As you enter Kohima, the state capital of Nagaland, the first impression is that the town is a breathtaking study of contrasts. The impression persists as the jean-clad young mill about. Nike shod, hair cut and coloured per MTV diktat, ceaselessly chewing paan like their forefathers with consummate ease.
Mingling effortlessly with unlettered clansmen and cousins in mekhla skirts with wide striped borders, carrying baskets overflowing with fresh produce to market! Seeming to slip smoothly into their myriad roles devout Christian, proud practitioner of tribal ritual, computer geek, dutiful son, rap singer, folk dancer and citizen of the world all fascinatingly rolled into one. Perched at 1444.12m above sea level, Kohima, a small, pleasant town surrounded by hills dotted with villages; offers panoramic views of gentle green hills fading into rugged blue peaks that reach upwards to meet pink clouds. It comes as no surprise then that a local song goes there is no place in the world, half as fair as Kohima. An exaggeration perhaps, but Kohima nevertheless, does have its own incomparable charms that few other Indian hill stations can offer.