Dimapur
is situated at an altitude of 195 metres above sea level. It is
the Gateway of Nagaland. This fast developing town is also the
commercial center of the state which is connected with the main
broad gauge railhead.
Dimapur is the only airport in Nagaland. Indian Airlines operates
four days a week from Kolkata. The National Highway 39 passes
through the heart of the town. Kohima, the capital city of Nagaland
, is just 74 Kms from Dimapur which one can cover in just 2 hours.
State Transport Services, Private Buses and Taxis are also available
at any time. Many private night Super tourist buses also ply from
Dimapur to various important cities and towns in the North-East.
The Ruins of Medieval Kachari Kingdom
The ancient Kachari capital Dimapur is one of the important sites
of megalithic culture.Most of the ruins appear to be contemporaries
with the Kachari civilisation,
established before the "Ahom" invasion in the 13th Century
A.D.There is evidence of a touch of Hindu influence on most of
them, though these are predominantly non-Aryan, with elaborate
rituals and the cult of fertility.
Besides the Monolith, the ancient Kachari capital Dimapur contains
other ruins of temples, embankments and tanks. The entrance gateway
has been beautifully executed and has been preserved well till
today. There are still scattered blocks of stone and brick pieces
with various designs.
North East Zone Cultural Centre
The N.E.Z.C.C. Head Office established few years ago is about
3 kms from the Railway Station and 1/2 km from the Airport.
Here you can find various items of cultural heritage of the North
east preserved in a small well maintained Museum.
Cultural Festivals are also organized by this centre in many parts
of the region.
Chumukedima
It is situated just about 14 kms from Dimapur on National
Highway 39. This place served as the first headquarters of the
then Naga Hills District of Assam during the time of British rule
in early 19th century. The Department of Tourism is constructing
a Tourist Village on the top of a hill. From this spot one can
view the whole of Dimapur and other parts of Karbi-Anglong of
Assam. The Tourist Village is at a distance of 8 kms from the
National Highway. Few waterfalls are also located in this area
which are under exploration and assessment for easy approach.
Nagaland Handloom and Handicrafts
While in Nagaland, one should not forget to pay a visit to
this centre where you can purchase beautiful hand woven Naga Shawls
and handicrafts.
