The most colorful of the seven sisters, the most vibrant, the most cultural and also the most obliquely offbeat state that promises a plethora of colorfully packed getaways is what Nagaland can be described as! As many as 16 major tribes that share a border with Nagaland, and boasting its own festivals, language and culture, Nagaland is a land of pomp and show of its own! With that being said, here are some of the Best Offbeat Destinations In Nagaland for you to set your cultural lookout on-

1. Mokokchung

A literally colorful and a truly Offbeat Destinations In Nagaland’s natural extravaganza- Mokokchung is a place of the picturesque hills and the tribal festivals. Smeared with the Rhododendrons on the elevated slopes surrounding a dreamy scape is surely peaceful. For the offbeat one in you who is done with nature and landscapes and all the earthly stuff, head on to the villages here and take a glimpse at the oldest tribes of Nagaland! 

2. Mon

Gaze your eyes on a surprising sight of unusual wonders! With birds soaring high in the sky and as colorful as they can get, have a birdwatching session in this offbeat location sure to soothe your trip with good pictures and experiences. If you’re right in time for the harvest festival of Konyak Nagas, witness the grand celebration with offerings of sacrifice and hosting large feasts.

3. Wokha

This is Nagaland’s best Offbeat Destinations for nature’s portrayals. With views of a dam on Donyan River and colorful orchards skirting hills and rivers, this spot just mesmerizes you with nature’s appeal. Notably, as this land belongs to the Lotha tribe, dive into the cultures and practices of the tribals and indulge in chatting with the locals about it and we are sure it is totally worth it! 

4. Melluri

Another place, another Tribal home- this offbeat destination is known to be home to one of the most skillful hunters of Nagaland- The Pochury. It’s as if this place was chosen to be placed so perfectly- falling on the way to the Saramati mountains, this offbeat destination is hidden among green picturesque hills and the rock formations of the 2 lakes-Zudu and Shilloi are famous angling spots – perfect for a picnic!

5. Kiphire

A spot of simultaneous calmness and adventure- this small offbeat town is an exotic extravaganza, this town offers you a dainty trek to the Saramati mountains that are overlooked by this idyllic town! A hoard of adventure activities like  canoeing, rafting, and camping are sure to make your time worthwhile in the best of the seven sisters.

6. Tuensang

Home to numerous tribes like the  Chang, Sangtam, Khiamniungan, Yimchunger, Phom Naga you’re in for a treat for experiencing the ultimate diversity of customs, lifestyle, practices , their outfits- their palin existence is a wonder to witness. This offbeat nook also is famous for its  cane work, handicrafts and artefacts that you can take back home as a souvenir from the land of the Tribals.

7. Touphema

A tourist village that awaits for you to witness the spectacle of the Lotha tribe- Carefully preserved culture is what makes these tribals witness worthy and as great as they are- so are their vibrant dances and folk songs that they perform in their own tongue. You may not understand it but the opportunity to witness something so old and pure isn’t something you witness every day and everywhere! This village boasts of the traditional Naga lifestyle among nature surely mesmerising.

8. Dzukou Valley

Hanging on the borders of Manipur and Nagaland and well known for its natural environment, seasonal flowers and flora and fauna, this colorful valley is perched at an astonishing altitude of 2452 metres and the valley boasts of its immensely beautiful diversity of flowers. Although there are a cluster of flowers, the most famous one is the Dzüko Lily and it is found only in this valley.

9. Dimapur

Although densely populated , the city of Dimapur holds a bunch of offbeat surprises in it.  Places like the Rajbari Park possess some of the most mysterious ruins of the Kachari Civilization dating back to the 13th century and a market near it offers you an insight into the life of the Naga tribes.

By, Ghanshyam Prasad