Nagaland is a small state in the north-eastern part of India, bordering the state of
Assam in the west and north, the state of
Arunachal Pradesh in the north, the state of
Manipur in the south and Myanmar in the east. It covers a total area of 16,579 sq km and has a population of two million. This tribal state is blessed with great valleys, meandering streams, high mountains, deep gorges and a rich variety of flora and fauna. It has a 60-seat, single-chamber Legislative Assembly.
The entire state is covered with ranges of hills that are the northward extension of the Arakan Mountain system. Nagaland's capital is Kohima, a charming hill station perched at an altitude of 1,495 m above sea level. The Nagas are the inhabitants of Nagaland. The traditional art of Nagas is weaving. There are sixteen different tribes and sub-tribes, each with its own dialects, culture and traditions. About two-thirds of the population are Christians and the others are Hindus and Muslims. Nagas have accepted English as the official language, but the
Nagamese language is still widely spoken. It is a land of song and music - the Nagas are wonderful musicians, singers and dancers with a great sense of rhythm. Nagaland has a salubrious climate throughout the year and it can be visited at anytime. Rice, millet, sugarcane, potato and tobacco are the main crops of Nagaland.
Kohima War Cemetery, Nagaland State Museum,
Kohima village, Chedema Peace Camp, Pulie Badze Peak,
Japfu Peak,
Dzukou valley,
Dimapur, Seithekima Triple Falls and Chumukedima village are the tourist attractions. Its festivals are connected with the spring season, sowing and harvesting. They follow the lunar calendar to celebrate the festivals. The Naga festivals are celebrated with great passion and gaiety, with traditional dances and music.
