In the hubbub of present-day city lives, we all secretly nourish the hope of spending some time amidst nature. Nature beckoned us when we got an invitation from a friend in Khonoma village near Kohima, Nagaland. We had heard a lot about Khonoma village, its greenery and beautiful surroundings from our friends. We did not want to lose the opportunity and decided to fulfil our long-nurtured dream of losing ourselves amidst nature’s serenity.
If you miss my last posts about Kohima city and Hornbill Festival. Please check at – Kohima the pristine land of Naga warriors: Places to visit and more and A solo travellers guide to Hornbill Festival
Reaching Khonoma village
Khonoma, also known as the green village of Nagaland, is situated 20 kilometres west of Kohima.
The road leading to Khonoma is both winding and uphill. Although our journey to Khonoma from Kohima through the unpaved roads was uncomfortable, the surroundings made it very pleasant. We came across terraced fields on different heights with various paddies and crops. The greenery all around was quite soothing to our eyes.
We were totally mesmerized when we reached Khonoma village. Towards one side of the village were green hills whose peaks were covered in clouds and on the other side the terraced paddy fields could be seen. We spent the night in one of the homestays. We woke up the next morning to the sound of waterfalls and chirping birds. After having our breakfast we decided to explore the village.
Places to visit in Khonoma
We started walking through the small alleys and winding staircases leading to the village huts. We saw that most of the village huts were made of mud floors and bamboo walls. All the houses were adorned with beautiful colourful flowers. Almost all the houses also had kitchen gardens sufficing their daily need of fruits and vegetables. The whole village seemed like an organic hub with its own gardens and surrounding paddy fields.
This village is also famous for using a unique form of agriculture known as shifting cultivation or jhum cultivation practice in the hilly region.
Khonoma Forts and Angami Naga tribe villages
The Khonoma village is unique in one respect. The villagers, members of the Angami tribe, bury their dead body near their homes.
So while exploring the village we saw people having the graves of their relatives near their houses. The villagers of Khonoma are also known for their craftsmanship and we found that all the stairways of the village are carved out by the villagers themselves.
There were various places to visit in the village like forts, old monuments and ‘Murungs’. This village also happens to be the last place where the Naga warrior battled against the British. Tombstones are erected to pay tribute to the Naga martyrs who gave their lives in this battle. We visited 3 different forts located in Khonoma village. By visiting these forts we could recall the 1879 battle of Khonoma and felt proud of the brave naga warriors.
Forts of Khonoma – proud survivor of 1879 battle of Khonoma
On our way, we explore several Murngs too. The ‘Murung’s exhibited Angami Naga handicrafts, old utensils, traditional arms, musical instruments, etc. There were certain community centres too where some village members displayed their weaving skills and other craftsmanship. We were mesmerized to see how skilful they were.
The one thing which would always be fresh in our minds would be the cleanliness of the village. Nature has gifted this village with such lush green abundance that no material riches can ever match it.
Khonoma village homestay
Lots of local family in Khonma offers homestay for guests.
You can feel the warmth of home and the authenticity of staying with a local family. We enjoyed traditional Naga food and had some delightful time staying in the Khonoma village homestay.
Our homestay provided us with all the basic amenities for a comfortable stay. To experience living amidst nature, in a village flourishing with cleanliness and greenery, you can book your stay in a Khonoma village homestay. If you want to book a homestay at Khonoma green village please write to us.
My journey to the Hornbill Festival and Khonoma green village is indeed a lifetime experience. I am happy to be able to join the festival and have got some fantastic experience. Those who like vivid colourful culture, indigenous food, scenic nature and wildlife, we highly exhort “7-day Hornbill Festival Tour” itinerary by Nexplore Travels.
If you are looking for more information on Kohima and Hornbill Festival please check out the page dedicated to Kohima on our website, or email us on support@nexplore.org to start planning your trip!
