DIMAPUR, NAGALAND – THE LAND OF ANCIENT KACHARI RUINS AND VIBRANT NAGA CULTURE

Dimapur is the largest city in the Indian state of Nagaland, located in the northeastern region of the country. It serves as a commercial hub and transportation center for the state, with important road and rail connections to other parts of the region.
The city is situated on the banks of the Dhansiri River and is surrounded by hills and forests. It has a rich cultural heritage and is home to several Naga tribes, each with their unique customs and traditions.
Dimapur is known for its vibrant marketplaces, which offer a range of local handicrafts, textiles, and food. The city is also home to several historical and religious sites, including the ancient Kachari ruins and the Triple Falls, a popular waterfall that is believed to be sacred by the local population.
Due to its strategic location, Dimapur has been a site of many conflicts and battles throughout history. Today, it is a peaceful city that offers visitors a glimpse into the unique culture and history of Nagaland.
Dimapur is a destination worth visiting for several reasons:
1. Cultural Heritage: The city has a rich cultural heritage, and visitors can experience the unique customs and traditions of the local Naga tribes. They can witness the traditional dance performances, try the local cuisine, and shop for locally made handicrafts and textiles.
2. Historical and Religious Sites: Dimapur is home to several historical and religious sites that are worth exploring. The Kachari ruins, which date back to the 10th century, offer a glimpse into the ancient civilization that once flourished in the region. The city also has several temples and monasteries, including the Dimapur Ao Baptist Church and the Dimapur Kalibari Temple.
3. Natural Beauty: The city is surrounded by hills and forests, and there are several natural attractions that visitors can explore. The Triple Falls, a series of three waterfalls, is a popular destination for tourists, while the Intanki Wildlife Sanctuary offers an opportunity to see rare and exotic wildlife in their natural habitat.
4. Shopping and Markets: Dimapur is known for its vibrant marketplaces, where visitors can shop for a range of local handicrafts, textiles, and food. The Hong Kong Market and the New Market are two of the most popular markets in the city.
Popular Activities Enjoyed by Tourists
There are several popular activities enjoyed by tourists in Dimapur. Here are some of them:
1. Explore the Historical and Religious Sites: Visitors can explore the ancient Kachari ruins, which are believed to be one of the oldest structures in the region. They can also visit the Dimapur Ao Baptist Church, one of the largest Baptist churches in the country, and the Dimapur Kalibari Temple, a popular Hindu temple.
2. Visit Natural Attractions: Dimapur is surrounded by hills and forests, and there are several natural attractions that visitors can explore. The Triple Falls, a series of three waterfalls, is a popular destination for tourists. Visitors can also go on a jungle trek in the Intanki Wildlife Sanctuary to see rare and exotic wildlife.
3. Shop at Local Markets: Dimapur is known for its vibrant marketplaces, where visitors can shop for a range of local handicrafts, textiles, and food. The Hong Kong Market and the New Market are two of the most popular markets in the city.
4. Experience Local Culture: Visitors can experience the unique customs and traditions of the local Naga tribes by attending traditional dance performances, trying the local cuisine, and shopping for locally made handicrafts and textiles.
5. Attend Festivals: Dimapur hosts several festivals throughout the year, including the Hornbill Festival, which is celebrated in December and showcases the culture and traditions of the Naga tribes. Visitors can attend the festival to witness the traditional dance performances, music, and food.
Top Attractions and Must Visit Places
Here are some top attractions and must-visit places in and around Dimapur:
1. Kachari Ruins: The Kachari Ruins are believed to be one of the oldest structures in Northeast India and are an important historical site in Dimapur.
2. Dimapur Ao Baptist Church: The Dimapur Ao Baptist Church is one of the largest Baptist churches in the country and a popular tourist attraction in the city.
3. Triple Falls: The Triple Falls is a series of three waterfalls located near Dimapur and is a popular destination for tourists.
4. Intanki Wildlife Sanctuary: The Intanki Wildlife Sanctuary is a wildlife reserve that is home to several rare and exotic species of wildlife, including the hoolock gibbon and the barking deer.
5. Hong Kong Market: The Hong Kong Market is a bustling marketplace in Dimapur that is known for its local handicrafts, textiles, and food.
6. New Market: The New Market is another popular marketplace in the city that offers a range of local products and food.
7. Hornbill Festival: The Hornbill Festival is an annual festival celebrated in December in Nagaland that showcases the culture and traditions of the Naga tribes. It is a must-visit event for tourists.
8. Kohima: Kohima is the capital city of Nagaland and is located about 70 kilometers from Dimapur. It is known for its scenic beauty, historical sites, and vibrant culture.
9. Dzukou Valley: The Dzukou Valley is a picturesque valley located near Kohima and is a popular trekking destination.
Best Time to Visit
The best time to visit Dimapur and Nagaland, in general, is during the winter season, from November to February. During this time, the weather is pleasant, with temperatures ranging from 10°C to 20°C, and the skies are clear, making it ideal for outdoor activities and sightseeing.
Moreover, several festivals and events are celebrated during this time, including the famous Hornbill Festival, which is celebrated in the first week of December every year in Kohima. This festival is a celebration of the culture and traditions of the Naga tribes and attracts visitors from all over the world. Other festivals celebrated during this time include the Moatsu Festival and the Sekrenyi Festival.