When is the Hornbill Festival:
Where is the Hornbill Festival Held:
The Hornbill Festival takes place at Kisama Heritage Village, around 10 kilometers from Kohima (the capital of Nagaland). Performances begin by 9 a.m. each day.
You can easily book a taxi to get there, but do ensure that the vehicle has a pass to park at the venue.
How is the Hornbill Festival Celebrated:
The Hornbill Festival is attended by all of Nagarland's major tribes. It features traditional arts, dances, folk songs, and games. All this takes place amidst immaculate replicas of tribal hutments, complete with wood carvings and hollow log drum instruments, which are beat in haunting symphony at the end of the day. There are plenty of handicraft stalls, food stalls, and heady rice beer to indulge in as well.
In the evenings after sundown, the main attraction is the Hornbill National Rock Concert. Bands from all over the country come to compete. This is followed by a night market in town.
Hornbill Festival Travel Tips:
- The Hornbill Festival is one of the top tourist draws in Nagaland, so if you're planning to attend, do book accommodations well in advance.
- It's advisable to book taxis for the whole day when visiting the festival venue. Charges range from 1,000 to 1,500 rupees ($22-32). Make sure you leave early enough to beat the mad rush to the venue, and grab a good vantage point.
- There's a very handy Information Center next to the festival venue, which provides brochures listing the events at the festival and other attractions in Nagaland.
- Make sure you bargain at the souvenir shops.
- Entry permits are required for visiting Nagaland. Indian tourists need an Inner Line Permit, while foreigners require a Restricted Area Permit and need to travel in groups of at least four. Find out more about permits for Nagaland and where best to get them.
- Kohima doesn't have an airport. The nearest one is in Dimapur, with flights to and from Kolkata and Guwahati. From Dimapur it's a two hour drive to Kohima. Or, if you're in a hurry, a 30 minute helicopter ride.
- The best place to stay in Kohima is the Hotel Japfu, Government Tourism hotel. Rooms cost upwards of 1,000 rupees per night. Advance bookings are imperative. Email: hoteljapfu@yahoo.co.in
