Dimapur, from a Kachari word Dimasa after the river, which flows through it, is the gateway and the only railhead and airport of Nagaland. An important trade and commercial Centre on National Highway No. 39, it wears a rather cosmopolitan look. In the medieval ages, it was the capital of the Kachari rulers. In the heart of the town, is an old relic of the Kachari Kingdom, which speaks about the once prosperous era.
History
Every place has a past and so does Dimapur. The gateway to Nagaland, Dimapur got its name from a Kachari word Dimasa ,after the river, which flows through it. In the medieval ages, Dimapur was the capital of the Kachari rulers and one of the important sites of megalithic culture today. Most of the ruins appear to be contemporaries with the Kachari civilization, established before the Ahom invasion in the 13th Century AD. There is evidence of a touch of Hindu influence, on most of them, though these are predominantly non-Aryans.
Culture
The Nagas are a race, full of folklore. Songs and dance are an intrinsic part of their life and culture. Festivals, marriages, harvests, or just the joy of the moment - are occasions for the Nagas to burst into dance. Weaving is a traditional art, handed down through the generations, with each tribe having its own distinctive design on the shawls. Warm and colourful shawls, hand woven shoulder bags, decorative spears, table mats, wood carvings and bamboo works, make magnificent souvenirs. Cultivation on terraced fields, is the main occupation, with rice being the important food grain.
Climate & Geogaphical Location
While the summers in Dimapur are tropical, the winters are dry and bitterly cold. Dimapur is situated at an altitude of 195 meters above sea level.
How to Reach
Dimapur is well connected by road, rail and air. The only airport, it has flights to Calcutta and New Delhi every alternate day, while daily flights to Guwahati, Imphal, and Jorhat. By road, National Highway 39 connects Dimapur to Guwahati and the northeastern region. The Nagaland State Transport Corporation runs buses from Dimapur to Kohima and Guwahati. Many private tourist buses ,also ply from Dimapur to various important cities and towns in the North-East. From Guwahati, one can connect to other major metros and cities in India. Dimapur is a railhead ,connecting it to Guwahati, which in turn, is well connected to the rest of the country.
Tourist Places
Khonoma Village
This village, which is held in great esteem by the Nagas, offer excellent mountain vistas, distant views of waterfalls, close-ups of varied vegetation, such as orchids and bracken ferns. But a journey should be attempted, only if you have your own vehicle, because the public bus schedule, does not permit visitors to go to Khonoma and back before nighfall. On approaching Khonoma, visitors notice the memorial stones, erected to commemorate feasts of merit, and the intricate system of bamboo pipes, which carry water from long distances. Khonoma village is built high on a spur, but spreads down to its array of paddy terraces : 20 types of rice are reputedly grown in Khonoma, each suited to the specific elevation and soil conditon of a particular block of fields. The pride of Khonoma, is its ancient bastion, approached through a traditional carved gate, up a flight of steep stone steps, and on to the highest point in the village. Here the Naga warriors made their last stand against the British in 1879. A simple white pillar commemorates G.H. Damant, Maj. C. R. Cock, Lt. H. H. Forbes and Sub. Maj. Nurbir Sai, who died fighting the Nagas in Khonoma.
Phek
The district headquarters and home of the Chakhesang (a combination of three tribes : che of chekru, khe of Khezhe and sang of Sangtam,) their culture and custom is distinctly different from other Nagas. 7 sukhenyie, the principal festival, is observed during March-April. The famous rare Tragopan birds are found in abundance here. One can also see great varieties of beautiful Orchids.
Japfu Peak
South of Kohima, Japfu peak is located at an altitude of 3,043 metres high. From November to March, during the dry season of Nagaland, the air is clear and the peak affords an excellent view of Kohima town and of distant, snow clad, Himalayan Peaks.
Dzukou Valley
Located at an elevation of 2,462 metres, this interesting valley, behind Japfu Peak, looks like a mown lawn from a distance and is watered by a meandering stream, which often freezes in winter. In spring, it is rich with wild flowers and pink and white rhododendrons. There are also interesting caves in the low hillocks, that cluster inside the valley. The best time for trekking is November to March.
Others
CHUMUKEDIMA - Situated on National Highway 39, this place seved as the first headquarters, of the Naga Hills District of Assam State, during the time of British rule in early 19th century. The Department of Tourism is constructing a Tourist Village on top of a hill.
INTANKI WILDLIFE SANCTUARY - An exotic wildlife sancturay, Intanki is the home for Hoolock Gibbon, the only Gibbon found in India. Other wildlife includes Elephant, Mithun, Sambar, Barking Deer, Goral, Flying Squirrel, Wild Dog, Tiger, South Bear etc.
KOHIMA - 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.
MOKOKCHUNG - Situated at an altitude of 1325 metres above sea-level, this picturesque town with a pleasant climate, is the centre of the culture and traditions of the Ao Nagas.
THE RUINS OF MEDIEVAL KACHARI KINGDOM - In the medieval ages, it was the capital of the Kachari rulers. In the heart of the town, there is an old relic of the Kachari Kingdom, which speaks about the once prosperous era.
THE TRIPLE FALLS - Situated in Seithekima village area, The Triple Falls is a resort being developed by the Department of Tourism. As the name suggests, it is a three tier waterfall, cascading from a height of 280 feet into an tempting natural pool.
WOKHA - Wokha, the home of the Lotha Tribe is a picturesque town, surrounded by a lot of eye-catching hiltop villages, where one can see monoliths erected by rich ancestors. The Lothas are also famous for their colourful dances and folk songs.
ZUNHEBOTO - Located at an altitude of 1,875 metres, Zunheboto, the district headquarters, can be reached from Kohima via Chazouba (150 km) and from Mokokchung (68 km). |
