Khonoma Fort

4.6

Location: Semoma, Upper Circular Rd, Khonoma, Nagaland 797002, India.

Visiting time: 1-2 hours.

Situated about 20 km west of the state capital, Kohima, Khonoma is an Angami Naga village. The village is named after the Angami term for a local plant, Glouthera fragrantisima, referred to as Khwüno-ra. Settled in 424 households, the total population of the village is about 1943. It has also the badge of being the first green village in India.

Attraction

The greenery of the village enriches the beauty of the village which attracts the people to the fort.

History

Where the Naga warriors had the last stand against the British Army way back in the year 1879, the Khonoma village was the last place. The Khonoma village was initially referred to as ‘Khwunoria’ by the residents of the village and is considered 700 years old. Ranging from gentle slopes to steep and rugged hillsides, The terrain of the village is hilly. With lush forestland, rich in various species of flora and fauna, the hills are covered. At the Khonoma Village, the highly endangered Blyth’s tragopan Bird species are found. The presence of the ‘Khuda’ or Fort, is a very unique feature of the Khonoma Village which literally means a place of defense. For the Naga warriors to keep a vigil when at the siege and attacked by the British, the Khuda as it is called for the Fort has been a guardian. In total, there are three ‘Khels’, and each Khel having own fort.

Inside/Outside Views

Although Khonoma Fort may look tiny visually as it houses the rich history of the warriors of Khonoma, it proudly stands tall. This place marks the pinnacle of the success of the warriors who ensured that Khonoma was untouched by any invaders and who guarded Khonoma village. In their culture and tradition, the Nagas take pride which is proved by the fort. You have to take a ticket at the throat tourist counter as you enter a Khonoma village to reach this place. To ponder upon for history lovers it is really a great and worthy place.

Opening Hours

It is open almost all time of the year but is temporarily closed now.

Entry & Others Fees

Though there are no specific fees to enter the fort a small entry fee of Rs 50 is generally collected at the village gate.

Near Restaurants

Near Hotels

How to Reach

From Kohima, Khonoma is a 20 km bumpy drive, the last stretch having mesmerizing views of the terraced fields. Traveling by road in Nagaland is protesting as well as a back-breaking journey. One can easily reach Khonoma in a taxi from Kohima, which is the quickest but also the costliest way of getting here. INR 700 is the required amount one has to pay in this way. From Kohima’s Main Town Center to Khonoma, bus services are offered by the government. However, on this route, the bus frequency is really weak. So, before you plan to travel to Khonoma, you should check the timings of the bus day.

By Air: Having frequent flights from all over the country, The state airport is in Dimapur, however mostly via Kolkata. From Dimapur to Kohima, one needs to cross a journey of approximately 3 hours.

By Rail: From Khonoma, the nearest railway station is in Dimapur. One can board a connecting train from Guwahati to Dimapur, as your train might not be directly going to Dimapur. The rest of the country is well connected to Guwahati.

By Road: Kohima is well-connected to major cities in North-East India, Guwahati, and Shillong. From Kohima, Guwahati is 352 km and Shillong is 414 km. Khonoma is at a distance of 20 km from Kohima.

Tips for Travellers

No specific tips are needed. One must carry his water bottle and can also take some snacks with him. Though you can also get food here so keeping snacks isn’t a must.