Kohima: The Jewel of the Naga Hills

• HelloMhase
  [m-ha-se]
• GoodbyeKenei
  [ke-nei]
• YesHo
  [ho]
• NoTsü
  [tsü]
• Please/You're welcomeKhüme
  [khü-me]
• Thank youNagalandagi
  [na-ga-lan-da-gi]
• Excuse me/SorryKhibi
  [khi-bi]
• How are you?Kenei thü
  [ke-nei thü]
• Fine. And you?Theisii. Thü kenei?
  [thei-si. thü ke-nei?]
• Do you speak English?English kümüsu?
  [english kü-mü-su?]
• I don't understandTheisii nüthü
  [thei-si nu-thü]

• I'd like to see the menu, pleaseMenu sünü thü
  [me-nu sü-nü thü]
• I don't eat meatKüma sii nüthü
  [kü-ma sii nu-thü]
• Cheers!Tülü
  [tü-lü]
• I would like to pay, pleaseThü nüthü thü
  [thü nu-thü thü]

• Help!Süng
  [süng]
• Go away!Jano
  [ja-no]
• Call the Police!Police sünü thü
  [po-lice sü-nü thü]
• Call a doctor!Doctor sünü thü
  [doc-tor sü-nü thü]
• I'm lostYamahü
  [ya-ma-hü]
• I'm illNüthü
  [nu-thü]

• I'd like to buy...Alü thü
  [a-lü thü]
• I'm just lookingYamahü
  [ya-ma-hü]
• How much is it?Thé thü
  [thé thü]
• That's too expensiveThépisii kha
  [thé-pi-si kha]
• Can you lower the price?Kha sünü thü
  [kha sü-nü thü]

• What time is it?Thé thü?
  [thé thü?]
• It's one o'clockTheü khüni
  [theü khü-ni]
• Half past (10)Théphüni (10)
  [thé-phü-ni (10)]
• MorningKhüni
  [khü-ni]
• AfternoonKhenei
  [khe-nei]
• EveningTheü
  [theü]
• YesterdayYahü
  [ya-hü]
• TodayThüni
  [thü-ni]
• TomorrowThüni tsü
  [thü-ni tsü]
• 1Kha
  [kha]
• 2Keni
  [ke-ni]
• 3Thuni
  [thu-ni]
• 4Kuni
  [ku-ni]
• 5Tsüni
  [tsü-ni]
• 6Khuni
  [khu-ni]
• 7Tuni
  [tu-ni]
• 8Nuni
  [nu-ni]
• 9Süni
  [sü-ni]
• 10Kümi
  [kü-mi]

• Where's a/the...?Ama...
  [a-ma...]
• What's the address?Dress...
  [dress...]
• Can you show me (on the map)?Map sünü thü
  [map sü-nü thü]
• When's the next (bus)?Bus sünü thü
  [bus sü-nü thü]
• A ticket (to ....)Ticket (....) thü
  [ticket (....) thü]

Kohima, the capital of Nagaland, is an ancient city with a rich cultural heritage. The area has been inhabited by the Naga tribes for centuries. The Angami tribe, in particular, has a significant presence here. The Naga people have a rich oral tradition, and their folklore is filled with tales of bravery, community, and the natural beauty of the region.

In the 19th century, Kohima came under British administration as part of the Naga Hills district. The British established Kohima as a district headquarters in 1879. The colonization led to the introduction of Christianity and Western education, which brought significant changes to local society. However, this period also saw resistance from the Naga tribes, who fought to preserve their autonomy and culture.

One of the most significant historical events in Kohima is the Battle of Kohima, fought from April to June 1944 during World War II. This battle was part of the larger Burma Campaign and marked the turning point in the Allied forces' efforts to repel Japanese advances into India. The battle is often referred to as the 'Stalingrad of the East' due to its intensity and strategic importance. The Kohima War Cemetery, a poignant reminder of this battle, is a place of solemn remembrance.

After India gained independence in 1947, Kohima continued to play a significant role in the region. Nagaland was officially declared a state of India on December 1, 1963, with Kohima as its capital. This period saw efforts to develop infrastructure, education, and healthcare in the region. Despite these advancements, the region also experienced insurgency and demands for greater autonomy from the Indian government, leading to periods of unrest.

Kohima is a vibrant cultural hub, known for its rich traditions and festivals. The Hornbill Festival, held every December, is one of the most famous events in the region. It showcases the culture, music, dance, and crafts of the Naga tribes and attracts visitors from all over the world. The festival is named after the Indian Hornbill, a bird that is revered in Naga folklore. Traditional Naga cuisine, handloom products, and indigenous games are some of the highlights of this festival.

Today, Kohima is a blend of traditional and modern influences. The city has grown while maintaining its cultural roots. Modern amenities, educational institutions, and healthcare facilities have developed alongside traditional Naga homes and markets. The cityscape includes landmarks like the Kohima Cathedral, which is one of the largest and most beautiful churches in Asia, and the State Museum, which offers insights into the diverse cultures of Nagaland.

Kohima, the capital of Nagaland, is accessible by road, rail, and air. The nearest airport is Dimapur Airport, approximately 70 kilometers away. From Dimapur, you can take a taxi or a government-run bus to Kohima, which typically takes around 2-3 hours. The nearest railway station is also in Dimapur. Regular train services connect Dimapur with major cities like Guwahati and Kolkata. National Highway 29 connects Kohima with other cities in the region, making it accessible by road.

Within Kohima, taxis are the most common mode of transportation. Shared taxis are an economical option for traveling within the city. Auto-rickshaws are also available for shorter distances. For a more flexible option, you can rent a car, but be prepared for hilly terrain and narrow roads. The city is relatively compact, so walking is a viable option for exploring local attractions. Public buses are available but are less frequent.

The official currency in Kohima is the Indian Rupee (INR). Credit and debit cards are accepted in most hotels, restaurants, and larger shops, but it's advisable to carry cash for smaller establishments and local markets. ATMs are available in the city, but it's wise to withdraw sufficient cash before heading to rural or remote areas.

Kohima is generally safe for tourists, but like any destination, it's important to take standard precautions. Avoid walking alone at night, especially in poorly lit areas. Be cautious of your belongings in crowded places like markets and bus stations. While violent crime is rare, petty theft can occur. Areas like the Kohima War Cemetery and Kisama Heritage Village are safe and well-patrolled.

In case of emergency, dial 100 for police assistance and 102 for medical emergencies. Kohima has several hospitals and clinics that can provide medical care. The Naga Hospital Authority Kohima is a key medical facility in the city. Pharmacies are available for over-the-counter medications. It's advisable to have travel insurance that covers medical emergencies.

Fashion: Do dress modestly, especially when visiting religious sites. Avoid wearing revealing clothing. Religion: Do respect local customs and traditions. Remove your shoes before entering a place of worship. Public Transport: Do be respectful and give up your seat to elderly passengers. Don't eat or drink on public transport. Greetings: Do greet people with a slight nod or handshake. Use 'sir' or 'madam' as a sign of respect. Eating & Drinking: Do try local dishes like smoked pork and bamboo shoot curry. Don't waste food, as it is considered disrespectful.

To experience Kohima like a local, visit the local markets such as the Naga Bazaar and the Night Bazaar for fresh produce and traditional Naga crafts. Engage with locals, who are often friendly and willing to share stories about the region's culture and history. Don't miss the Hornbill Festival in December, which showcases the rich cultural heritage of Nagaland. For a unique experience, trek to Dzukou Valley, known for its stunning landscapes and seasonal flowers.