Kohima is located 74 km away from Dimapur is the State’s capital Kohima. The name “Kohima” is derived from the Angami word “Kewhira” on whose land the township was established. Kohima became the headquarters of the Naga Hills during the British administration after a visit by Colonel Keating, the then Chief Commissioner of Assam because of its strategic advantage and the favorable climatic condition. Kohima was catapulted into the world headlines in April 1944 when the Japanese invaded the Naga Hills during World War II. Sixty four days of bloodshed put Kohima on the world map. Today a memorial has been constructed in the memory of those people who fought at the Battle of Kohima. It was only when Nagaland was declared as a state on December 1963 that Kohima began to gain ground economically.

Situated at an altitude of 1444.12 m above sea level, Kohima is blessed with a pleasant climate throughout the year, one can visit it anytime. For those looking for a quite getaway from the hectic city life, it provides the right ambience. For the adventurous and the intrepid, places in and around Kohima offers an ideal place for trekking, jungle camping and offers limitless exploration possibilities in its lush subtropical forests.

Kohima today is a cosmopolitan town, with a population of 78,584(2001 Census) and has become a municipality. The markets and daily “bazaars” are teeming with people of all shades and colors, busy buying and selling things from the most sophisticated computers and electronic goods to a variety of agricultural and even forest product. There are also the “markets” operated by communities and tribes from far beyond the borders of Nagaland- an eloquent statement of the heart and spirit of Kohima. 

It is the seat of Government - the centre-stage of administration, politics, and the economy of the State. It is also the hub of social life binding the cultures of the various Naga tribes as also bonding the ancient tribal traditions with the modern world… it is home to all Nagas.

Area: 17.5 sq km

Average rainfall: 2000mm

Population: 78,584(2001 Census)

Population mix: Cosmopolitan

Common Languages used: Tenyidie, English, Nagamese, Hindi

Climate: Generally pleasant throughout the year.

Best time to visit: Between October and April

Communication: Dimapur, the nearest airport and railhead, is 74 km away. Taxi and bus services are available from Dimapur at all times – Kohima can be reached in about 2 hours. Return journey bookings can be made in Kohima. All communication facilities such as telephones, cell phones, telegraphs, faxes and internet are available