Nagaland may not be everybody's cup of tea, but it is a place worth visiting. At a time when people around the world are stressed-out due to heavy workloads and the fast pace of their daily lives, Nagaland offers a place where you can put the brakes on, recharge your energy, feel good about yourself, go back to basics and learn to appreciate life and Mother Nature.

Most of all, you will get to know a unique community of tribals called the Nagas who are virtually unknown to most of the people in the world. You will share their daily lives and experience the culture of all the colourful Naga tribes. Away from the hustle and bustle of city life, you will experience a freshness in both mind and body in this remote hill-station.

To get more details on places of tourist interest in Nagaland, click here or on the "Districts" tab in the menu.

There are lots of uncharted territory for hikers and lovers of adventure sports. It is up to you to explore the possibilities - of course, with help from your local guide. And take heed to any advice. They are the ones who know the area well. Remember, in this wild country, maps are not very helpful. You are not likely to find a very detailed map anyway. Just in case you are lost, look for the nearest village. Villages are always located on or near the top of a hill - a natural defence against marauders in the old days. The villagers will help you.

Although the tourism infrastructure is not fully developed in Nagaland, successive governments of the State are trying hard to promote Nagaland in the tourist map of India.

A ceremonial headgear of a Naga tribe.

Nagaland is a rural area. So don't expect many modern amenities. The locals will always try to provide guests and tourists with the best they have, even if it means depriving themselves of the same. Be happy with it, and they'll respect you. The Nagas live a hard life. So, they scorn people who cannot take a little hardship. Maybe that's the reason why they are tough, resilient and full of stamina.
Every Naga household use coal and woodfire in addition to cooking gas. It is a necessary practice in this region as it keeps the house and body warm, especially during winter. So travellers are advised to carry warm clothes. A waterproof jacket/overalls will be a big help too.

Fact Files

- The largest rhododendron in the world is found in Nagaland.

- Nagaland has a unique blend of the ancient and modern, of eastern and western.

The Department of Tourism, Nagaland, offers package and conducted tours within and outside Nagaland. Trekking and camping equipment are also available on rent from the Department.

- For safety's sake, travel in groups.
- Keep passports and visas at an arm's reach. Remember, this is a security zone. Vehicles and luggage are frisked by Indian security forces from time to time.
- Drug-addicts are not welcome. In a worst case scenario, you might not get back alive.
- Wear conservative dresses, especially women.
- Feel free to haggle over prices.
- Don't hesitate to request for help from anybody if you are in trouble. Tourists are usually treated with respect.

Domestic tourists visiting Nagaland are required to obtain an Inner Line Permit. These permits are issued by:
The Resident Commissioner, Nagaland House, 29 Aurangzeb Road, New Delhi ;
Additional Resident Commissioner, Nagaland House, 12 Shakespeare Sarani, Kolkata ;
Assistant Resident Commissioner, Nagaland House, Nongrim Hills, Shillong, Meghalaya ;
Assistant Resident Commissioner, Nagaland House, Guwahati, Assam.
It is also issued by the Deputy Commissioner, Dimapur, Nagaland.
Foreign Tourists are required a Restricted Area Permit from the MINISTRY OF HOME AFFAIRS, GOVERNMENT OF INDIA, NEW DELHI.