It’s a land of many brave warriors, exotic tribes and nature undisturbed… Perched at the foothills of the Himalayas, and tucked away in the remote northeast corner of India, Nagaland bordered by Myanmar in the East, Manipur in the south, Assam in the West/ some parts of the north and Arunachal Pradesh in the North is simply one of those picture perfect States.
Having everything you could dream of for a perfect vacation, here are some attractions that sets Nagaland apart from other Indian states!
Think Nagaland and the first thing that comes to  mind are its exotic tribes! Here one can experience many tribes, some even donning multicolored spears and daos adorned with dyed goats hair, huge headgears, armlets and other finery embellished in animal teeth and bird feathers.
It was once a “paradise of headhunters”, where bringing home the severed head of an enemy was a symbol of courage. Though this practice no longer exists, skulls from the head hunting days can be found in Museums here.
Today Nagaland is home to 16 officially recognized major tribes, each unique having their own distinct festivals, languages and dress. While these tribes are further divided, some of the main tribes here include the Angami, Ao, Chakhesang, Khiamniungan, Chang, Konyak, Lotha, Phom, Pochuri, Mao, Maram, Zeliangrong, Yimchunger, Tangkhul, Sumi, Rengma.
The main places of interests here include Dimapur, Kohima and Szukou Valley.
The capital of the Kachari rulers in ancient times, Dimapur is today  the gateway to the sister states of Manipur, Tripura and Mizoram as it is home to the major railhead and airport, also making it an important commercial town in this area.
Intriguing tourists here are the ruins of the exquisitely carved temples, gateways and other ruins of the Kachari dynasty dating back to the 13th century, and monoliths scattered around the area. Other attractions here include the Triple falls, a magnificent three tier waterfall. Governor’s camp is a must for tourists for its angling and rafting activities.
Chumukdima around 14 km from here is known for its splendid waterfalls; from here one can enjoy a bird’s eye view of Dimapur. The Intangki Wildlife Sanctuary around 37 km from here is home to many  rare species of birds and animals and should not be missed!
Looking at picking up some exquisite handicrafts from here? Head to Nagaland Handloom and Handicrafts where one can pick some excellent woven shawls or try Ruzaphema around 5 km away where one can find handicrafts in abundance.
Moving on to the capital of the state, Kohima, the capital town of Nagaland is abounding in natural beauty. Home of the brave Naga tribes, the War Cemetery is a must for all who visit this town. Erected in memory of the brave men who lost their lives here one can find each grave supported by a bronze plaque with a heartrending epitaph “When you go home / Tell them of us and say / For your tomorrow / We gave our today.”
The best place to learn about the lifestyle, history and values/traditions of the Nagas is the State Museum, a treasure trove housing many rare collections belonging to different tribes. Believed to be Asia’s second largest and most populated village… give the Kokima village also referred to as Bara Basti a try! An interesting village  – welcoming tourists who visit it is a wooden gate with carving of warriors and the skull of a mithun (for prosperity) mounted on it!
One of the largest cathedrals of North East India, the Catholic Cathedral at Aradura Hill is worth a visit. The Zoological Park is an excellent place to enjoy the rich wildlife of the region. Home to animals such as the Blythe’s Tragopan, a species believed to be on the verge of extinction, makes a visit here even more worth it.
Come June to September and the Dzukou Valley behind the Japfu Rang transforms into one of the most beautiful destinations the state can offer any tourist. Covered with wild flowers, red and white rhododendron, and lilies, surrounded by hills, caves, and rocks, it is a site that no tourist visiting Nagaland can afford to miss, the perfect place to enjoy picnics and breathtaking trekking trails treks amidst nature.
It would take one nearly five hours to have a look at this wonder! At 3050 m above sea level, Japfu Peak here is not noted for being just the second highest peak in Nagaland, but also for the massive Rhododendron tree it houses! Standing at 130 ft tall having a girth of 11 ft, this tree is a Guinness record holder!
But you don’t have to complain about the long trek as it is also one of the most picturesque ones you’ll experience here. Once here the scenic views of the snow clad Himalayas, the lush green valleys, the crystal clear lakes make this trek worth the while.
From picking some exquisite wood carvings and interesting souvenirs, to viewing skulls from the earlier head hunting days displayed in front of the houses, Mon once the home of headhunters, is an interesting place one should try! Greeting you are the Konyak Nagas, the main tribes here, known for their tattooed faces, headgear and necklaces. Tourists visiting this place can also enjoy interesting scenic sites such as the Veda peak and Naganimora. Don’t forget to sample the local rice liquor whilst here!
Visit Phek for its cheerful tribes, their warm hospitality, and many festivals celebrated here throughout the year which involves traditional singing and dancing. Though the Shilloi Lake is the centre of attraction here, tourists can also enjoy the beauty of the many orchid fields all around apart from other interesting scenic spots.
Shopaholics shouldn’t miss the town of Wokha for its many cottage industries.Apart from wood crafts, tourists can also pick up pottery and other items like shawls etc here.
Nagaland is a dream destination one known for its lush hills, thundering rivers, cascading falls, and sparkling streams, mind blowing sceneries of monoliths, rich flora and fauna. Its friendly and hospitable people with their rich traditions/ culture and simple lifestyle make you forget all about worries of the city and you want to stay back forever!