Dr M Gairiangmei
Professor, Department of Political Science, St Joseph University, Chümoukedima
Nagaland is a state flanked by Myanmar to the east, Arunachal Pradesh to the north, Assam to the west, and Manipur to the south. Its capital city is Kohima. The state has an area of 16,579 square kilometres. Like the other Northeastern states, Nagaland is delightful for its scenic beauty and rich traditions, inhabited by the various tribes, who very carefully preserve their history, culture and tradition, making this State rich in terms of diversity. The State’s rich heritage, quaint folk culture and exotic cuisine including intricate handicrafts and traditional music, dance, and vibrant festivals, present unique tourism experience. Nagaland offers a unique blend of cultural immersion, eco-tourism, adventure, and wildlife experiences, with destinations like Naga Heritage Village, Kisama, Dzükou Valley, Khonoma Green Village, and Intanki National Park being highlights for culture, nature lovers and adventurers.
Tourism Policy
The Nagaland state government has recognized tourism as a Priority Sector under the State Industrial Policy of Nagaland – 2000, making tourism activities eligible for all benefits and subsidies to the industry. Financial assistance for private tourism projects is being organized through various finance corporations. The Nagaland Tourism Policy, 2019 aims to promote sustainable and community-based tourism. The 2024 Tourism Policy focuses on infrastructural development, strengthening promotion and marketing efforts, and cultivating tourism awareness. The policy aims to ensure that tourism developments and benefits are broad-based to support the local economy, social, and economic prosperity starting from the grass-root level.
Tourism and Economic Development: Tourism directly contributes to the economy by generating income for businesses in the hospitality, retail, and service sectors, as well as for local communities. The tourism sector is a significant employer, providing jobs in various roles, from hotel staff and tour guides to craftspeople and transportation providers. Thus, tourism significantly contributes to economic development and driving infrastructure development, ultimately fostering broader economic growth and poverty reduction.
Nagaland's tourism sector, recognized as a priority, offers significant potential for economic development, particularly through cultural, eco, and adventure tourism, contributing to employment, revenue, and infrastructure improvements. The state government has recognized tourism as a priority sector under the State Industrial Policy of Nagaland, 2000, with tourism activities eligible for all benefits and subsidies to the industry. The tourism sector contributes to employment and economic development. It drives up local businesses' demand for services and products, increasing revenue.
Hornbill Festival
The Hornbill Festival began in 2000 as a modest three-day event in Kohima. The festival has since evolved into a major tourism event, a ten-day annual cultural extravaganza held at the Naga Heritage Village in Kisama, near Kohima, from December 1 to 10 every year. Hornbill Festival, celebrated its 25th anniversary in 2024. The festival is not only popular in India, but also on an international level as well. Every year, visitors from all over the world visit Nagaland to be a part of this cultural celebration. In these 10 days event, visitors get to experience tribal living, food, traditional games, music and dance, and the best of local handicrafts and textiles. An independent study highlighted the Hornbill Festival's significant economic impact, generating substantial revenue and creating new job opportunities in just 10 days.
Places to visit: There are many tourist spots in Nagaland. Here five important tourist spots are given below:
1. Kohima: Kohima is the capital city of Nagaland and it is famous for rich historical significance, particularly the Kohima War Cemetery, its vibrant culture, and stunning landscapes. Kohima War Cemetery is the final resting place for 1,420 Commonwealth soldiers who lost their lives during WW II, and also features a memorial for 917 Hindu and Sikh soldiers who were cremated as per their religious customs. The Battle of Imphal and Kohima was declared as Britain’s Greatest Battle by the British National Army Museum in 2013. Other popular attractions include the Kohima Museum, the Catholic Cathedral, and the Kisama Heritage Village, which showcases the state's traditional architecture, art, and culture.
2. Dimapur: Dimapur is the large city in the state and it serves as the Gateway to Nagaland. And it is famous for commercial hubs and being linked by air, rail and road is the entry point for tourist visiting the state. It offers a unique blend of history, culture, and nature, making it an ideal destination for tourists. Kachari ruins which are remains of Kachari civilization, Zoological Park, Ao Baptist Church, Diezephe Craft Village, Nagaland Science Centre, Hong Kong market, New Market etc. are main attraction places in Dimapur.
3. Mokokchung: Mokokchung is a scenic town and it is surrounded with beautiful landscapes filled with abundance of lush evergreen flora; naturally air-conditioned, beautiful sunrise and sunsets. Main attraction places in Mokokchung include the Longkhum Village, which offers stunning views of the surrounding hills, and the Mokokchung District Museum, which showcases the town's history and culture.
4. Poilwa: Poilwa home to many historical and tourist attractions and its caves (The Poilwa caves), located in the Peren district of Nagaland, are significant for their historical importance as a hiding place for Rani Gaidinliu during her revolt against British rule and later under the leadership of A Z Phizo carried out Naga movement from these caves.
5. Wokha: Wokha district offers a blend of natural beauty and cultural experiences, with highlights including the Doyang River and Hydro Project, Mount Tiyi, and opportunities for bird watching, particularly of Amur falcons. Popular tourist attractions including Totsu Wozhu Lake, Liphanyan Governor's Camp, Morashen View Point/Morashen Peak, Pangti Forest etc.
Tourism and Job Opportunities
Nagaland offers tourism opportunities while also presenting job openings in various sectors like hospitality, tourism, and related fields. Tourism job opportunities exist in various roles, including hotel management, tour guiding, event coordination, and cultural tourism, with potential for growth in the tourism sector. A degree or diploma in tourism management, hospitality, or related fields is beneficial. Relevant experience in the tourism industry is highly valued. Proficiency in local dialect (including Nagamese, Hindi and English) is an asset. Customer service and strong interpersonal and communication skills are crucial.
Nagaland's tourism infrastructure, while showing promise, faces challenges due to inadequate infrastructure, including poor roads, limited accommodation, and a lack of basic amenities, hindering its growth and potential, particularly in rural areas. To boost tourism, the state needs significant investment in infrastructure, including improved roads and roads connectivity, better accommodations, and enhanced amenities.
