Hornbill Festival Venue
The Hornbill Festival Venue at Kisama is a purpose-built "Heritage Village" that serves as a living museum of the 17 Naga Tribes. Located just a short walk or drive from Kigwema, this venue comes alive every year from December 1st to 10th. The site is strategically designed to represent the diverse cultural landscape of Nagaland in one compact area. Each tribe has its own "Morung" or traditional youth dormitory, which is built using authentic materials and ancestral architectural styles. During the festival, these Morungs become centers of activity where visitors can drink local rice beer, eat smoked pork, and listen to folk stories told by tribal elders in full warrior regalia. The central arena is where the main cultural performances happen, featuring war dances, harvest songs, and the famous bamboo stilt races. Beyond the festival dates, Kisama remains a beautiful place to visit for its quiet heritage and the World War II Museum, which commemorates the Battle of Kohima. The venue is nestled at the base of the Japfu range, providing a stunning backdrop of misty mountains. It is a place where tradition meets modernity, as the evenings often feature rock concerts and fashion shows. For a traveler, Kisama is the ultimate destination to understand the complex history, fierce pride, and incredible hospitality of the Naga people.
General information
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Ideal Duration:
3 to 5 HoursPlace Type:
Heritage / CulturalEntry Fees:
Entry Fee: INR 50 (During Festival).
Camera Fee: INR 100. Outside of festival dates, entry is often free or a nominal INR 20 for museum maintenance. ...Entry Fee: INR 50 (During Festival).
Camera Fee: INR 100. Outside of festival dates, entry is often free or a nominal INR 20 for museum maintenance.Timing:
Regular Timings: 9:00 AM to 6:00 PM.
Ideal Visit Time: 1st December for the grand opening ceremony. Arrive by 8:30 AM to get a good seat in the main arena. ...Regular Timings: 9:00 AM to 6:00 PM.
Ideal Visit Time: 1st December for the grand opening ceremony. Arrive by 8:30 AM to get a good seat in the main arena.Special Events:
The Great Hornbill Rock Contest: Held in the evenings during the festival, this is one of India's biggest rock band competitions, attracting talent from across the country and abroad. ...The Great Hornbill Rock Contest: Held in the evenings during the festival, this is one of India's biggest rock band competitions, attracting talent from across the country and abroad.Best Photo Spots:
The Entrance Gate: The massive, carved wooden gate is the perfect "Welcome to Nagaland" photo.
Inside a Morung: The dim light and smoky interior of a traditional hut provide a fantastic atmospheric backdrop for portraits. ...The Entrance Gate: The massive, carved wooden gate is the perfect "Welcome to Nagaland" photo.
Inside a Morung: The dim light and smoky interior of a traditional hut provide a fantastic atmospheric backdrop for portraits.Photo Gallery
Things To Do
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Cultural Immersion: Visit each Morung to learn about the specific customs, tattoos, and weapons of different tribes.
Food Tasting: Try Axone (fermented soy) and local Naga chillies at the food stalls.
World War II History: Spend an hour in the museum to understand the global significance of the battles fought in these hills.
Traditional Games: Participate in or watch the Naga wrestling and chili-eating competitions.
Souvenir Shopping: Buy hand-woven shawls and beaded jewelry directly from local artisans.
Photography: Take portraits of the performers in their traditional ceremonial attire (with permission). ...
Information
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Why Famous:
Festival of Festivals: It hosts the Hornbill Festival, the largest cultural event in Northeast India.
Living Museum: It is the only place where you can see all 17 Naga tribes' architecture and traditions in one location. ...Festival of Festivals: It hosts the Hornbill Festival, the largest cultural event in Northeast India.
Living Museum: It is the only place where you can see all 17 Naga tribes' architecture and traditions in one location. -
Architecture:
The Tribal Morungs and Main Arena:
Dimension: The central amphitheater has a seating capacity of 5000 people, while the individual Morungs average 40x25 feet in size. The architecture of Kisama is a spectacular display of Naga craftsmanship...The Tribal Morungs and Main Arena:
Dimension: The central amphitheater has a seating capacity of 5000 people, while the individual Morungs average 40x25 feet in size. The architecture of Kisama is a spectacular display of Naga craftsmanship. Each of the 17 Morungs is built with high, gabled roofs thatched with local palm leaves or grass. The front of these structures features massive wooden pillars carved with heads of buffaloes, tigers, and hornbills, representing the power and status of the tribe. The "Main Gate" of the village is a giant structure modeled after a traditional village fortification, standing over 25 feet tall. The World War II Museum is a modern contrast, a concrete and glass structure designed to blend into the hillside while preserving thousands of artifacts. The use of bamboo is ubiquitous, from the intricate fencing to the temporary food stalls, showcasing the versatility of this "green gold" in Naga life. -
How To Reach:
By Air: Dimapur Airport.
By Train: Dimapur Station.
By Road: 2 KMS from Kigwema, easily walkable or a 5-minute taxi ride.
By Local Transport: Frequent shuttle buses run fro... -
Near Tourist Places:
10 Places: Kohima (12 KM), Kigwema (2 KM), Jakhama (4 KM), Viswema (6 KM), Phesama (5 KM), Aradura Hill (10 KM), Japfu Peak (12 KM), Khonoma (30 KM), Dimapur (70 KM), Mao (18 KM).
Tourism Tips
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Cash: Carry plenty of cash as ATM lines are extremely long during the festival.
Connectivity: Mobile networks are congested during the festival; use the help desks if needed.
Health: It gets very dusty; c...
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Information about New and Updated Locations(670+) of Nagaland Has Been Added :-
Card subtitle
Dzukou Valley Dzuleke VillageGovernor's View PointIntanki National ParkJapfü PeakKezoma Town MemorialKohima Botanical GardenKohima Town CentreKohima Town Centre Kohima Zoo Naga Bazaar KohimaNaga Heritage Village Phizo Memorial ParkPhom Village Pulie Badze Wildlife SanctuaryRazhu PointSecond World War MuseumTouphema Tourist VillageMore PlacesNote:-
Information provided here in good Faith and for reference only.
All information and pictures will be updated soon, please keep visiting.
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