Kohima War Cemetery
History and Significance: The Kohima War Cemetery stands as a solemn and powerful memorial to the soldiers of the Allied Forces who perished in the Battle of Kohima during World War II in 1944. This pivotal battle, often called the 'Stalingrad of the East', was a decisive turning point, halting the Japanese advance into India. The cemetery is meticulously maintained by the Commonwealth War Graves Commission (CWGC). It is built on the site of the former tennis court of the British Deputy Commissioner's Bungalow, which became the scene of some of the fiercest hand-to-hand fighting. The memorial contains the graves of 1,420 Commonwealth soldiers, mostly British and Indian troops. The serene and beautifully landscaped grounds offer a place for quiet reflection and paying homage to the immense sacrifice made. The cemetery embodies the ultimate cost of freedom and peace, preserving the legacy of bravery for future generations. It is a mandatory pilgrimage for history enthusiasts, providing a tangible link to one of the most significant events of the 20th century on Indian soil, ensuring the fallen are never forgotten. The famous inscription from the Kohima Epitaph captures the essence of the place, making it one of the most emotionally resonant war memorials globally.
General information
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Ideal Duration:
Ideal Visit Time:
1 to 2 hours: A brief visit should include the main monuments, the tennis court, and a walk through the graves.
History and Reflection: Allow 2. 5 to 3 hours for deep reading and reflection.Place Type:
Historical War Memorial, CemeteryEntry Fees:
No Entry Fee: There is No Entry Fee to visit the Kohima War Cemetery.
Donations: Although there is no mandatory fee, the Commonwealth War Graves Commission is a non-profit organization, and visitors can often find a donation box or details o...No Entry Fee: There is No Entry Fee to visit the Kohima War Cemetery.
Donations: Although there is no mandatory fee, the Commonwealth War Graves Commission is a non-profit organization, and visitors can often find a donation box or details on how to contribute to the cemetery's immaculate upkeep.
Photography Fee: There are No Photography Fees, but photography should be conducted with respect for the solemnity of the location.
Guided Tour Costs: Guided tours by local experts are available, but these are typically provided by private tour operators and require a fee paid directly to the guide. The cemetery staff does not charge for access.Timing:
Regular Timings: The cemetery is generally open from 9:00 AM to 4:00 PM (or 5:00 PM) six days a week.
Closing Days: It is often Closed on Sundays and public holidays when staff is not on duty.
Ideal Visit Time o...Regular Timings: The cemetery is generally open from 9:00 AM to 4:00 PM (or 5:00 PM) six days a week.
Closing Days: It is often Closed on Sundays and public holidays when staff is not on duty.
Ideal Visit Time of Day: The early morning (9:00 AM - 11:00 AM) or late afternoon (3:00 PM - 5:00 PM) are best for comfortable temperatures and the soft light is ideal for photography, enhancing the solemn atmosphere.
Peak Season Timings: During the Hornbill Festival (December) and the Winter season, visitor hours are strictly observed due to increased crowds, but the atmosphere remains peaceful.
Reflection Time: Allocate at least 60-90 minutes to absorb the history and reflect without rushing.Special Events:
Remembrance Day Services: The most special event is the annual Remembrance Day service, held on or near November 11th, when dignitaries and family members gather to pay their respects to the fallen.
Battle Anniversary Commemorations: Smaller...Remembrance Day Services: The most special event is the annual Remembrance Day service, held on or near November 11th, when dignitaries and family members gather to pay their respects to the fallen.
Battle Anniversary Commemorations: Smaller, but significant, services are held in April to mark the anniversary of the Battle of Kohima.
Visits by Veterans and Family: The cemetery frequently hosts visits by veterans, military groups, and descendants of the soldiers, often resulting in small, unscheduled, and deeply personal memorial ceremonies.Best Photo Spots:
The Cross of Sacrifice: The view of the tall Cross of Sacrifice framed by the surrounding manicured lawns and the rows of white headstones is the most iconic shot.
The Kohima Epitaph Stone: A close-up shot of the famous inscription provides ...The Cross of Sacrifice: The view of the tall Cross of Sacrifice framed by the surrounding manicured lawns and the rows of white headstones is the most iconic shot.
The Kohima Epitaph Stone: A close-up shot of the famous inscription provides a powerful and internationally recognizable photograph.
Terraced Gravescapes: Shooting from the top level down the slopes captures the sheer scale and uniformity of the graves against the backdrop of the hilly terrain, emphasizing the magnitude of the loss.
Individual Headstones: Capturing the details of a headstone, especially one with a poignant personal message, offers a deeply moving visual story.Photo Gallery
Things To Do
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Silent Reflection and Homage: Spend time walking through the rows of graves, pausing to read the various headstones. This is the primary and most important activity.
Understanding the Battle Dynamics: Seek out the main memorial plaques and the preserved lines of the tennis court to visualize the intense fighting that occurred on this very ridge.
Photography of the Epitaph: Capture the famous Kohima Epitaph and the grand Cross of Sacrifice against the backdrop of the Kohima hills.
Researching the Fallen: Use the information provided by the CWGC to look up the regiments, ages, and backgrounds of some of the soldiers to deepen your understanding of their sacrifice. Visit the Nearby Deputy Commissioner's Bungalow Site: The original site of the DC's bungalow, the st...
Information
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Why Famous:
The 'Tennis Court' Battle: The cemetery is famous for being the site of the most intense close-quarters fighting, particularly around the Deputy Commissioner's Bungalow and the actual tennis court, symbolizing the desperation and resilience of the Allied defense.The 'Tennis Court' Battle: The cemetery is famous for being the site of the most intense close-quarters fighting, particularly around the Deputy Commissioner's Bungalow and the actual tennis court, symbolizing the desperation and resilience of the Allied defense.
The Kohima Epitaph: The world-famous inscription, "When You Go Home, Tell Them of Us and Say, For Your Tomorrow, We Gave Our Today," is one of the most powerful and recognized pieces of war poetry globally, attracting visitors from all continents.
World War II Significance: The Battle of Kohima was a decisive victory that halted the Japanese U-Go offensive, preventing the invasion of India and fundamentally changing the course of the Burma Campaign. This historic importance makes the site internationally renowned.
Serene and Dignified Design: Its maintenance by the CWGC, with immaculately kept lawns and orderly rows of gravestones, contributes to its fame as a place of profound peace and respect. -
Architecture:
Cemetery Layout and Design: The cemetery follows a traditional Commonwealth War Graves Commission design, emphasizing simplicity, uniformity, and dignity. The graves are laid out in parallel rows across the slopes of Garrison Hill.
Central Memo...Cemetery Layout and Design: The cemetery follows a traditional Commonwealth War Graves Commission design, emphasizing simplicity, uniformity, and dignity. The graves are laid out in parallel rows across the slopes of Garrison Hill.
Central Memorial Cross: The focal point of the cemetery is the tall Cross of Sacrifice, a standard CWGC feature, with a bronze sword fixed to the shaft.
The Tennis Court Epitaph: The most iconic architectural feature is not a building but the preserved lines of the former tennis court, marked in white concrete. On the side of the court, a stone bears the famous epitaph: "When You Go Home, Tell Them of Us and Say, For Your Tomorrow, We Gave Our Today.
" Stone Headstones: All graves are marked with uniform white headstones, inscribed with the soldier's name, rank, regiment, date of death, and a personal message chosen by the family, ensuring equal remembrance for all.
Kohima Cremation Memorial: The cemetery also features a memorial dedicated to 1,000 Hindu and Sikh soldiers whose remains were cremated according to their faith, ensuring all cultural and religious rites are respected within the memorial's design. The use of natural stone and terraced lawns blends the memorial seamlessly with the hilly landscape of Kohima. -
How To Reach:
By Air: The nearest airport is Dimapur Airport (DMU), approximately 74 KMS from Kohima. From the airport, one must hire a pre-paid taxi or a private car.
By Train: The nearest railhead is Dimapur Railway Station (DMV), also about 74 KMS awa... -
Near Tourist Places:
Deputy Commissioner's Bungalow Site (0. 1 KM), Nagaland State Museum (2. 0 KM), Mary Help of Christians Cathedral (2. 5 KM), Kohima Botanical Garden (2. 5 KM), Classic Island View Point (3. 0 KM), Razha Point (4. 0 KM), Phizo Memorial Park (5. 0 KM), Kohima Zoo (Mini Zoo) (6. 0 KM), Kisama Heritage Village (12 KM), Japfu Peak trekking base (15 KM).
Tourism Tips
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Health & Safety: The cemetery is located on a hill, so wear comfortable, non-slip walking shoes. The pathways are well-maintained but can be slippery after rain.
Packing: Carry a light jacket even in summer due to the elevation. A small wa...
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