GENERAL INFORMATION
The State of Nagaland was formally inaugurated on December 1st, 1963, as the 16th State of the Indian Union. It is bounded by Assam in the West, Myanmar (Burma) on the East, Arunachal Pradesh in the North and Manipur in the South. The main rivers that flow through the state are Dhansiri, Doyang, Dikhu, Tizu and Melak. In the 12th and 13th centuries gradual contact with the Ahoms of present day Assam was established, but this did not have any significant impact on the traditional Naga way of life. However, in the 19th century the British appeared on the scene and ultimately the area was brought under British administration. After independence, this territory was made a Centrally-administered area in 1957, administered by the Governor of Assam. It was known as the Naga Hills Tuensang Area. This failed to satisfy popular aspirations and unrest continued. Hence, in 1961, this area was renamed as Nagaland and given the status of State of the Indian Union which was formally inaugurated on 1st December, 1963.

TOURISM IN NAGALAND
Nature has been kind to Nagaland, sometimes referred to as "Switzerland of the East"; the exquisitely picturesque landscapes, the vibrantly colourful sunrise and sunset, lush and verdant flora.... this is the land that represents unimaginable beauty, moulded perfectly for a breath taking experience. Nagaland is blessed with salubrious climate throughout the year and one can visit it anytime. If one is looking for a quiet getaway from the hustle and bustle of city life, it provides the right ambience; as life here is laid back and slow. For the adventurous, Nagaland is an ideal place for trekking, jungle camping and offers limitless exploration possibilities in its lush and verdant sub-tropical rain forests which are also a treasure trove of a plethora of medicinal plants..The people of Nagaland belong to the Indo-Mongoloid stock, whose ancestors lived off nature's abundant gifts, blessed with sturdy formidable dispositions. Above all, the people here are warm hearted and extremely hospitable! You will feel it in the air!

CULTURE OF NAGALAND
The State consists of seven administrative districts, inhabited by 16 major tribes along with other sub-tribes. Each tribe is distinct in character from the other in terms of customs, languages and costumes. Nagaland is a land of folklore passed down the generations through word of mouth. Here, music is an integral part of life; folk songs eulogising ancestors, the brave deeds of warriors and traditional heroes; poetic love songs immortalising ancient tragic love stories; Gospel songs that touch your soul or the modern tunes rendered exquisitely to set your feet a-tapping. The Nagas with their "joie the vivre", dance and song are a part and parcel of all their festivities. Most of their dances are performed with a robust rhythm. Each of the 16 odd tribes and sub-tribes that dwell in this exotic hill State can easily be distinguished by the colourful and intricately designed costumes, jewellery and beads that they adorn. The present generation of Nagas have ventured into fashion designing in a big way, reproducing fabrics that represent the ancestral motifs blended with modern appeal. Indeed, it is a beautiful mix of the past with the present ... a paradise for those who are into fashion designing. This is an affluent fashion station of the East. The traditional ceremonial attire of each tribe is in itself, an awe inspiring sight to behold; the multi coloured "spears" and "daos" decorated with dyed goat's hair, the headgear made of finely woven bamboo interlaced with orchid stems, adorned with boar's teeth and hornbill's feathers, elephant tusk armlets. In days of yore, every warrior had to earn the right to wear each of these items through acts of valour. Like other inhabitants of the north-eastern region, the Nagas too have their share of legends and folklore regarding their origin and evolution through the ages. Nagas are basically tribal people and every tribe had its own effective system of self-governance from time immemorial

FAIR AND FESTIVALS Nagaland is the land of festivals. As it is inhabited by 16-odd tribes, every month there is a festival of one tribe or the other taking place. All these festivals revolve around the agricultural cycle as traditionally all the Nagas were farmers. The festivals are connected to the agricultural operations, such as, sowing seeds, Spring, first crop from the fields, harvest, end of the year,etc. Initially,however, the Government has identified three festivals, that is, Sekrenyi (February 25th-27th ) of the Angamis , Moatsu (May 1st-3rd) of the Aos, Phom-Monyu (April 1st - 6th) of the Phom tribe and the Hornbill festival of Nagaland (December 1st-5th).

State Capital                   Kohima
Area Covered                16,579sq.km
Languages                     English, Konyak Angami, Ao, Seema and  Loth
Best Time to Visit         Throughout the year <