Anand Mahindra, the ace industrialist, is mesmerised with the performance of a five-year-old boy from Nagaland. The boy’s soulful rendition of India’s National Anthem has done something that glossy travel magazines also fail to achieve; which is making people stop and look towards the beautiful Northeast Indian state, Nagaland.Mahindra took to X and shared a video of young Wangnao Yato singing Jana Gana Mana in his cutest voice during an Independence Day celebration.Mahindra shared the post on August 16, which quickly brought the northeastern state into the travel conversation.He wrote, “After hearing young Yato Wangnao sing the National Anthem on our 80th Independence Day, how could Nagaland not be on top of the travel bucket list today?”If Yato’s voice has put Nagaland on your travel radar, the state has plenty of reasons to keep it there. Nagaland is the kind of destination best explored slowly. The state is all about misty mountains, forested valleys, remote villages and rich tribal traditions. And let’s not forget the famous Hornbill Festival which attracts thousands of tourists and photographers every year.
Artists performing (Canva)
If you are someone planning a trip to Nagaland for the first time, here are Times Travel recommendations:Kohima, natural starting pointBegin with Kohima which is the hill capital of Nagaland. The state is a perfect mix of tribal history, colourful local markets, unique cuisine and access to some of Nagaland’s best-known villages and attractions.Kisama, the hub of Hornbill FestivalHead to Kisama Heritage Village, which is home of the famous Hornbill Festival. The festival brings together Naga tribes through traditional performances, music, food, handicrafts, indigenous games and village experiences.This year, the festival will be celebrated from December 1 to 10 as per the official tourism calendar.Dzükou ValleyBeing in Dzukou Valley is like walking in the clouds. It is a place for every adventure lover. The valley is located at around 2,452 m and is set along the Nagaland-Manipur border. It is noted for rolling green meadows, seasonal flowers, streams and bamboo-covered landscapes. During the flowering season, the rare Dzükou lily adds another layer to the scenery.
Nagaland (Canva)
KhonomaKhonoma is about 20 km from Kohima. The place offers one the most interesting village experiences and is known historically as a warrior village. The Khonoma Nature Conservation and Tragopan Sanctuary was established in 1998 to protect wildlife. This is where you find rare plants and the endangered Blyth’s tragopan. Khonoma is also known as Asia’s first Green Village offering a range of travellers.Lesser-known attractionsMokokchung: Mokokchung is the perfect place for those wanting to explore Ao Naga culture and traditional village life. Wokha here is special and appeals to birdwatchers.Doyang Reservoir: At Doyang Reservoir, enormous congregations of Amur Falcons arrive during their migration.Tuophema: This is a place suited to travellers in search of authentic village experience. The place is known for its rural homestays.Best time to visit NagalandThe best time to visit Nagaland would be the cooler months between October and April.For the Hornbill Festival, December is the perfect month. Then we have Sekrenyi, Moatsu, Tsungremong, Yemshe and Tokhu Emong.How to reach NagalandBy Air: Dimapur Airport is the only domestic airport serving the state with direct flights to Kolkata and connections available from other major Indian cities.
hornbill (Canva)
By Rail: Dimapur is also on the Northeast Frontier Railway network and has rail connectivity with Guwahati, which in turn connects to several major Indian cities.From Dimapur, taxis and cabs are easily available for Kohima.For travellers willing to go beyond the usual Northeast circuit, Nagaland offers something increasingly rare: the feeling of discovering a place rather than simply visiting it.
