Kohima, the capital of Nagaland

11-14 October 2023

Kohima, the capital of Nagaland, sits high in the Naga Hills and is home primarily to the Angami Nagas, one of the region’s major tribes. Its history reflects both ancient tribal heritage and pivotal moments of global conflict. Before colonial rule, the area was organised into self-sufficient Angami village republics known for their terraced farming, warrior traditions, and communal governance. In the 19th century, the British gradually established control over the Naga Hills, making Kohima an administrative centre.

Kohima became world-famous during World War II, when it was the site of the decisive Battle of Kohima (1944), where Allied forces halted the Japanese advance into India. The respected Kohima War Cemetery remains a moving memorial to this turning point in history.

Today, Kohima is a lively hill city known for its museums, markets, and panoramic ridges, blending modern life with deep tribal traditions. Surrounded by misty hills and forests, Kohima offers a compelling mix of heritage, remembrance, and natural beauty.

The view from the Crescent International Hotel at the Kohima-Mokokchung Road, Naga Bazaar, in Kohima, capital city of Nagaland.

Market in front of the Crescent International Hotel, Kohima.

In the Market along the main street of Kohima.

Local taxis on the Kohima-Mokokchung Road, Naga Bazaar, Kohima.

View to the city and the Ao Baptist Church from the Commonwealth World War II Cemetery (Kohima War Cemetery), the site of heavy fighting between Allied troops and Japanese.

The site of the tennis court of the District Commissioner's bungalow in Kohima where heavy hand-to-hand fighting took place; it was captured by the Allies on 10 May 1944.

The Kohima Cremation Memorial, located within the Kohima War Cemetery, commemorates Hindu and Sikh soldiers who were cremated in accordance with their faith.

The memorial with its the famous epitaph for soldiers who died during the Battle of Kohima in 1944, at the Commonwealth World War II Cemetery (Kohima War Cemetery).

View to the Kohima Mao Baptist Church at Midland Colony, Kohima.

City view of Midland Colony, with the Kohima Mao Baptist Church.

View to the Kohima Konyak Baptist Church at Midland Colony, Kohima. In the mid-distant the Lotha Baptist Church and at right the Kohima Sümi Christian Revival Church with behind it the Kohima Phom Baptist Church.

Vegetables for sale on a street market in Kohima.

Selling frogs, snails and fish on a street market .

Frogs for sale on a Kohima street market.

Selling vegetables at Razhu Point in the centre of Kohima.

View of Kohima, looking south, with the Central Baptist Church, from the grounds of the Nagaland State Museum, Upper Bayavü Hill.

A Naga monolith and representation how it was transported to a village; at the Nagaland State Museum, Kohima.

A representation of skulls of slain enemies in a tree, as these were displayed in a village from the time of Naga headhunting.

View of Kohima from the Naga Bazar Road, with the Kohima Sümi Baptist Church.

Vegetables for sale in the T-Khel Daily Market in Kohima.

Selling fish in the T-Khel Daily Market.

Fish for sale in the T-Khel Daily Market in Kohima.

Chillies, tomatoes and honeycombs for sale in the T-Khel Daily Market.

Large honeycombs and fruit for sale in the T-Khel Daily Market of Kohima.

Small rodents for sale in the T-Khel Daily Market.

A wall painting depicting Naga costumes and culture at the Local Ground along the road heading south in Kohima.

Naga costumes and culture in a wall painting at the along the road in Kohima.

Wall painting depicting Naga costumes and culture at the Local Ground along the road leading south out of Kohima.

A bas relief in bronze, depicting Naga culture along National Highway 1, the road leading south out of Kohima.

"Medium tank M3 Grant 1" in the exact position when it was abandoned in 1944 in the Battle of Kohima.

Chickens and ducks for sale along National Highway 1, south of central Kohima.

View to Kohima from the road at New Reserve Colony, 5 kilometres south of town.

Kohima Cathedral Church on Aradura Hill during renovation. Its architecture incorporates many elements of traditional Naga houses, including its façade which resembles that of a Naga house.

The altar of the Mary Help of Christians Cathedral, the Catholic Cathedral of Kohima.

Cleaning inside the Cathedral, the church of the bishop of the diocese of Kohima.

View of Kohima city from the Cathedral of Kohima on Aradura Hill.

Kohima city view from Aradura Hill, in front of Kohima Cathedral Church.