Dimapur is the largest city of Nagaland and one of the fastest-growing cities in the northeastern part of the country. The presence of an airport and railhead gives Dimapur the position of prominence that it enjoys in the region. It gives the much-needed access and connectivity that help to keep Nagaland tied to mainland India. Over the years Dimapur has emerged as a leading economic and political hub and though it serves as a transit city most of the time, there are a number of attractions for the tourists. Here is a snippet of a travel guide to enjoy tourism in the city.

By Air: 

In the entire state Dimapur has the only civil airport located a mere 9 km from the city center. The airport is equipped to handle 300 arriving passengers and 500 departing passengers at a time. There are regular flights operated by private and public carriers in and out of Dimapur like Alliance Air, Indigo and Air India. They fly to cities like Kolkata, Guwahati and Imphal which enjoy enhanced connectivity with the rest of the country.

By Rail:

Dimapur also has the only railway station in the state which helps provide rail connectivity with neighboring cities and states like Guwahati and Kolkata. People traveling from elsewhere will have to take a connecting train to reach Dimapur. Rangiya Dibrugarh Express, Kamrup Express, Kamakhya Dimapur BG Express are some of the many trains that travel in and out of Dimapur.

By Road:

Dimapur also enjoys great road connectivity with neighboring towns, cities and states. There are a number of national highways that pass through Dimapur that help to connect different regions. For example NH 39 connects Dimapur with Kohima, Imphal and Moreh at Myanmar border. NH 36 connects Doboka with Dimapur and NH 37 connects Dimapur and Guwahati. Buses and cabs ply regularly between Dimapur and these areas.

Getting Around:

Dimapur has a well-developed local transport system. There are buses operated by Nagaland State Transport (NST); and autos, rickshaws, car taxis are easily available for transporting people from one place to another for sightseeing.

Spring (March to May):

To witness Dimapur in all its glory tourists can pay a visit in the month of March which also happens to be one of the busiest months of Nagaland tourism. Weather is pleasant and comfortable with little humidity. It is neither too cold nor hot and Dimapur is in full bloom during this time. Humidity and temperature tend to increase as months progress but it is bearable. Rains also become a common feature during the later months.

Summer (June to August):

Compared to most places in the country, summer sets in a little late in Dimapur. As temperatures continue to rise and are accompanied by frequent and occasional showers, this increases the humidity in the air. July and August are the warmest months and August is the most humid month.

Monsoon (July to October):

Monsoon in Dimapur is characterized by moderate to heavy showers. Though the rains tend to bring the temperatures down there is a lot of moisture and humidity in the air. It is preferable to give Dimapur a miss during the monsoons as there are dangers of landslides and flooding.

Winter (November to February):

Winter in Dimapur is soothing, pleasant and fills the air with a slight chill which is refreshing. November, December, and February are considered the driest months in Dimapur. It is also the best time for visiting Dimapur and for sightseeing. Temperature ranges between a comfortable 13 and 18 degrees Celsius.

Trip to Triple Falls:

Triple Falls is a gorgeous attraction for tourists visiting Dimapur. It has three streams of water cascading down a height of 280 feet flowing through boulders and stones. They merge together creating a pool at the base where tourists often go for a swim. Located in Seithekima Village, the Triple Falls is located a few kilometers from Dimapur. The falls are surrounded by lush green trees and gorgeous landscape that creates a serene and calm ambiance for the visitors. The best time to visit the falls is during monsoon as the rains increase the speed and width of the waterfalls.

Spend Time in Rangapahar Reserve Forest: 

If there are any nature lovers, birders or photographers among visitors then Rangapahar Reserve Forest is the place to be. The forest is famous for its rich vegetation, flora, and fauna. There are plants with medicinal values which are extensively used in the preparation of medicines. There are also different species of birds found here which helps to attract bird lovers and photographers. Home to a number of wild and near-extinct animals, it also presents an opportunity to wildlife photographers.

Visit Crafts Village in Diezephe:

If you are interested in works of art, Diezephe Crafts Village is your destination in Dimapur. The village is located a mere 13 km from the city and is home to a large population of talented and skilled craftsmen, artisans and weavers who spin magic with their handiwork. Tourists can come across excellent pieces of workmanship, woodcarvings, bamboo, and woodworks. It is an opportunity to watch these men at work and create excellent specimens of arts.

Bird’s Eye View of Dimapur:

A quick trip to Chumukedima is highly recommended for tourists if they want to catch a bird’s eye view of districts of Dimapur in Nagaland and Karbi-Anglong district of Assam. The town of Chumukedia lies on NH 39 and located at the foothills of Naga Hills located about 14 km from Dimapur city. Tourists are treated to a fascinating panoramic view of the surrounding landscape and cities and great for hanging around and spending some quiet moments.

Without a taste of the local cuisine and flavor, no trip is deemed complete. Nagaland cuisine is full of flavors and is a must-try. As a growing city Dimapur offers a variety of cuisine to appeal to the tourists but, of course, they are the best when it comes to local cuisine. Naga cuisine is distinct both in terms of flavors and the ingredients used in their preparation. For example, bamboo shoots, fermented soybean, dry fish feature regularly on their plates. While it is true that the people here are strictly non-vegetarians, consuming a variety of animal protein like meat, chicken, pork, etc., exotic dishes made with vegetables are equally delicious.

People of Nagaland are known for their sense of style and fashion and Dimapur is the leading city of the state offering endless opportunities for shopping. It is a shopper’s paradise as the city has everything from roadside stalls selling colorful and attractive stuff to high-end branded shops and malls, so much so that tourists can be spoilt for choice. Stylish clothes, the latest accessories, local crafts are widely found. For works of art and craft tourists can visit Diezephe Village and pick up items as souvenirs of the trip.