Nagaland is one of the most beautiful states in the North-East India. Connected with well laid out roads, rail and air Nagaland has lately seen a bit of increase in tourism in the recent years. This is also due to the hugely popular 10-day long Hornbill Festival that is held every year in December. The festival is a colourful feast celebrating the local culture, music, dance and food of the various tribes in the state. Widely anticipated, the festival is attended by people from across the country who travel to be there and soak in the Naga hospitality and culture. However, there are lot of places to visit and things to do apart from attending the Hornbill festival.
We have tried to list down some of the places and experiences in Mizoram that would inspire the offbeat traveler in you to go there, visit and experience the culture and the place. Based on your interests and time we could curate a personalized itinerary for you.

HORNBILL FESTIVAL
Hornbill festival is one of the most colourful festivals. It’s a celebration of local tribal art & culture, food coupled with natural beauty of the place and people. Held in Kisama Heritage Village just outside the capital city of Kohima, Hornbill festival takes place from 1st to 10th of December every year.
How To Get There: The nearest airport is in Dimapur (71 km away from Kohima). The best way is to hire a taxis/car from there to reach Kohima/Kisama.

HIKING IN DZUKOU VALLEY
The valley is one of the best hiking places in the state and region. Full of lush greenery and hills all around it’s a delight for trekkers, nature lovers and all those who love the outdoors. If you have enough time you should climb to the top of Japfu peak, one of the most beautiful trails.
Best Time To Visit: June to September (when the flowers are in bloom)
How To Get There: The valley can be approached from two towns: Jakhama and Viswema, which are the base camps. Jakhama is about 20 kilometers from Kohima and Viswema about 25 kilometers away from Kohima. You can take a shared taxi and reach either of the towns in an hour. From there, you will have trek all the way to Dzukou Valley.

MOUNT SARAMATI
Mount Saramati is the highest mountain peak of the Purvanchal Himalayas in India. It lies on the border of India and Myanmar. At an altitude of 3,826 m/12,553 ft, it is very prominent in the region. A popular yet challenging trek the trail is beautiful and loved by the adventurous trekkers and nature lovers.
Best Time To Visit: November to March (when the flowers are in bloom)
How To Get There: The trail starts from the Thanamir Village in Kiphire district. 84 km from Kohima, one should take a hired car/taxi to reach here.

NTANGKI NATIONAL PARK
Around 100 km from the capital city of Kohima is this wildlife sanctuary. With 5000 acre of forest land, the national park has exotic flora and diverse fauna. Prominent among the wildlife here are the elephants, along with tigers and leopards. A jeep safari is highly recommended to explore the national park and spot wildlife.
Best Time To Visit: November to April
How To Get There: 110 km from Kohima, one should take a hired car/taxi to reach here.

MOUNTAIN BIKING IN THE RAIN FOREST
If you love cycling then you should rent a mountain bike from Kohima and head to some amazing trails in the state. The popular biking trail areas are Lugsad, Rain Forest Trail, and Bakahan. The Naga roads are good and the best for anyone who has not taken a mountain road drive too. This is one of the best and adventurous way to explore and see the scenic valleys, green forests, the tall mountains and the abundant natural beauty of the state.

SHILLOI LAKE
Near the India-Myanmar border, around 113 km from Kohima at a place called the Lutsam Village in the Phek District is this scenic natural lake. A freshwater lake located at an altitude of 5,000 ft. It attracts lots of birds like Hornbill and migratory birds as well like the Siberian Crane. Surrounded by the greenery and the majestic mountains, it’s a beautiful place to take a stroll and have a picnic.
Best Time To Visit: November to April
How To Get There: 113 km from Kohima, one should take a hired car/taxi to reach here.

DOYANG RIVER
The nearest point to Kohima for the river is around 38 km away. The longest river in the state is a great place to spend a day boating, watching the local folks fishing and maybe participate in the activity yourself.
Best Time To Visit: November to April
How To Get There: 38 km from Kohima, one should take a hired car/taxi to reach here.

KOHIMA WAR CEMETRY AND MUSEUM
The Battle of Kohima was one of the bloodiest battles fought in the Second World War. Kohima War Cemetery is a memorial dedicated to soldiers of the 2nd British Division of the Allied Forces who died in the Second World War at Kohima, the capital of Nagaland, India, in April 1944. The soldiers died on the battleground of Garrison Hill in the tennis court area of the Deputy Commissioner’s residence.
There is a World War Museum in Kisama village that documents this battle. Highly recommended for a visit esp. for those who love history.

NAGALAND STATE MUSEUM
When you are in Kohima, do take time to visit the Nagaland State Museum. It’s a great place to know and understand the cultures of the various tribes in Nagaland. At the end of the tour here you will have the knowledge of the rich tradition, art, craft and the history of the Naga tribal communities.