Kohima is the capital of the State of Nagaland. The city has a population of 267,988 it is the second largest city in the state after Dimapur. Kohima shares a similar landscape and climate with the capital of Meghalaya ~ the city of Shillong. Originally known as Kewhira, it was founded in 1878 when the British Empire established its headquarters of the then Naga Hills. It officially became the capital after the state of Nagaland was inaugurated in 1963.
Kohima is famous for its night restaurants that spring up in the evenings and serve you delectable Naga Cuisine. Nagaland is the home of the hottest chili in the world, Bhut Jolokia, and restaurants across Kohima take pride in offering this chili as an ingredient across their varied cuisine.
1| The Kohima War Cemetery ~ Nagaland
Built and is maintained by the Commonwealth War Graves Commission, the Kohima World War II Cemetery is located in the heart of the Capital city of Nagaland at Kohima. The Kohima War Cemetery has about 1420 burials mostly of Commonwealth soldiers who laid their lives during World War II.
The Kohima War Cemetery is set in peaceful surroundings with well-manicured grassland. The cemetery is sited at the exact location where the battle was fought, and provides a panoramic view of the city of Kohima. Tall concrete structures engraved with the cross mark at its two ends. Between the two structures, along the sloping ground, a series of terraces of 3–5 metres in height have been created; these contain stone markers embedded with bronze plaques carrying the name of each Commonwealth soldier who died on the Kohima battlefield.
2| The Kohima Cathedral ~ Nagaland
The Catholic Cathedral Kohima, is an architectural landmark and a major tourist attraction at Kohima. Catholic Cathedral of Kohima is a unique in many ways. Its architectural might and complexity is a surprise. The semicircular building with its modern architectural thinking covers one side of the Armature hill with every bit of construction planned in details, providing no space to be wasted. Its facade is shaped in line with the traditional Naga House. The architecture of the cathedral blends into the hill on which it is situated. The 16 feet high carved wood crucifix is one of Asia’s largest crosses.
3| Touphema Heritage Village ~ Nagaland
Touphema Heritage Village is another initiative by the people and Government of Nagaland to preserve and promote the rich heritage and culture of the Tribes of Nagaland. The Touphema Village is situated on a gentle hillock with panoramic views of the surrounding valleys located at a distance of around 40 kilometers from the Capital of Kohima.
At Touphema Village visitors get to experience a first hand experience of the lives of the Naga Tribes by staying in the heritage Naga Heritage Huts. Although, these huts have been built keeping in mind the traditions of Naga people but modern amenities have been incorporated with attached toilets and hot water geysers available. At Touphema you get to enjoy bonfire dinners, heritage Naga cultural dances and more. As part of the Naga hospitality, tourists are also offered local dishes with homemade rice beer along with delectable Naga cuisine like Dry Pork, Smoked Pork Stew, Bamboo Steamed Fish and Kongshia Lon among others.
