The Khonoma village in the State of Nagaland in India was the last place where the Naga warriors had the last stand against the British Army way back in the year 1879. There is a simple white pillar in the village that commemorates the death of British troops fighting in Khonoma. The Khonoma Village Gate is a story teller where it clearly shows the advent of the British Infiltration years back. The Khonoma village is considered 700 years old and was initially referred to as ‘Khwunoria’ by the residents of the village. The Khonoma village is surrounded by some gigantic hills as high as 9000 fts. The hills which surround the Khonoma Village run along a ridge which is one of the characteristics of an Angami Tribal Village.
A very unique feature of the Khonoma Village is the presence of the ‘Khuda’ or Fort, which literally means a place of defense. The Khuda as it is called for the Fort has been as a guardian for the Naga warriors to keep a vigil when at siege and attack from the British. There are three ‘Khels’ (localities) in total and each Khel has its own fort. The might of each Khel is measured by the number of young warriors it has and the condition of the Khuda being maintained. At Khonoma Village, Alder trees are grown here in jhum cultivation process, these trees are known to prevent soil erosion with the help of nitrogen fixation.
The Village of Khonoma is located at a distance of 20 km from Kohima. The Khonoma village is estimated to be around 700 years old. Khonoma Village is famous for its forests and a unique form of agriculture, including some of the oldest terraced cultivation in the region. The terrain of the village is hilly, ranging from gentle slopes to steep and rugged hillsides. The hills are covered with lush forestland, rich in various species of flora and fauna. The highly endangered Blyth’s tragopan Bird species is found here at the Khonoma Village.
Khonoma village is located in Dzukou Valley making it a hilly kingdom at an altitude of 5,320 ft. above sea level, with a population of about 3000. The Angami tribe of Nagaland are the main inhabitants of the Khonoma village and are known for their bravery and martial skills. Over the last decade the Angamis of Khonoma have made giant strides in establishing or strengthening systems of natural resource management, conflict resolution, village administration and appropriate development, all coupled with a resolute will to conserve biodiversity and wildlife.
Khonoma is often referred to as India’s first green village, where villagers never cut trees.
The Khonoma Nature Conservation and Tragapon Sanctuary was set up in the year 1998, with area coverage of 70 sq. miles. , it is the private property of the people of Khonoma Village. The Sanctuary has thus become a favorite place for research, Eco-tourism, and jungle treks at the vicinity of the Khonoma Village.
The Khonoma Village has become an ideal village because of its inhabitants who are of a mission to make their village the greenest village with an emphasis on maintaining proper sanitation, garbage management system. Visiting this place is an experience worth remembering and it counts especially after your Experience at the ‘Festival of Festivals ~ the Hornbill Festival!’
