The state of Nagaland, covering an area of 16,488 sq. km. is encircled by Assam in the north and west, by Burma and Arunachal Pradesh in the east, and Manipur in the South. The state is predominantly dominated by Naga communities and hence, it forms a single cultural region generally definable by common cultural and linguistic traditions. This state was carved out of the territories that were earlier known as Naga Hills - Tuesnsang Area(NHTA), through the State of Nagaland Act, 1962. It was inaugurated on 1st December, 1963 by the then President of India, Dr S. Radhakrishnan.

The state lies between 2506 deg and 2704 deg of the equator and between the longitudinal lines 93015 deg E. The Barail range extending from the south-west via North Cachar runs up to Kohima, with its highest Peak, Japvo, attaining a height of 3,048 metres.

Tourist Attractions:

The Tribes: One of the biggest tourist attractions in Nagaland is in fact in its people, their folklores and festivals. The sturdily built martial tribes with spears and headgears display an awe-inspiring look. As many as 16 tribes live here which vary from one another in their attires, traditions and cultural heritage.

Kohima Village: The capital of the state houses the village of the Nagas. The village with a ceremonial gateway mirrors typical tribal architecture and handicrafts in its houses. The splendid gateway is adorned with motifs of weapons, warriors and folk prosperity-symbols.

World War II Cemetery: During the World War II, the combined troop of the British and the Indians stopped the Japanese troop in Kohima. The martyrs lie buried here. Amid the manicured lawn two tall crosses stand. A touching inscription in one of them reads: "When you go home, tell them of us and say / For your tomorrow, we gave our today".

Shangnyu Village: An 8ft high and 12ft wide wooden monument stands in the village, which is believed to have been constructed by heavenly angels. The village is ruled by Angh (hereditary chief) and there are other memorial stones in front of the Angh's palace.

Japfu Peak: The second highest peak in the state boasts of the tallest Rhododendron. Measuring over 130 ft. in height and the girth at the base of around 11 ft. it is featured in the Guinness Book of World Records. It offers breathtaking view of Himalayan peaks beyond and sprawling Kohima town.

Other tourist attractions in Nagaland include: Nagaland State Museum, Dzukou Valley, Intangki Wildlife Sanctuary, Fakim Sanctuary and many other tribal villages.

Access:

How to Reach Nagaland by Air: The state has its airport in Dimapur, which is regularly serviced by major airlines. The city is linked to the major Indian cities like Guwahati and Kolkata by air. Important places in the state are easily accessible from Dimapur.

How to Reach Nagaland by Road: A good road network covers the state. The state capital Kohima is linked to Shillong and Guwahati , which are important cities in northeastern India. Other cities of Nagaland are linked to Kohima by road.

How to Reach Nagaland by Rail: The major railhead in the state is Dimapur, which is linked to Guwahati , the gateway to the northeastern India. Guwahati is in turn connected to the rest of the country by important trains.