Currency: Indian Rupees

Official languages: English, Nagamese, a creole language based on Assamese

The Nagas are not a composite people. They speak many languages. They differ widely in dress and other cultural traits, as well as in physical features. They belong to Mongoloid stock but yet there are great differences in the details between one tribe and other, as well as between different people of the same tribe. Some are tall, some are short. Some are yellow in complexion and some are even brown. The cultural traditions of the Nagas include features which are common to all the tribes like head hunting, common sleeping house for unmarried men which are taboo to women, a sort of trial marriage, or great freedom of intercourse between the sexes before marriage, disposal of dead on raised platforms, the simple loom for weaving cloth etc.

There is no caste system among the Nagas or anyone of the non-Naga tribes. But each of the Naga tribes is divided into several or as many as twenty clans. Clans are mainly based on forefathers or such other things by which one group of people is differentiated from others. The bigger the tribe, the more is the number of clans. Of late, there has arisen a kind of Gotro or family lineage among almost all the tribes. This has grown out of an important man of that family whose name is used by his progeny as the surname. This has got nothing to do with clan system, but in course of time, such family name may become a clan name. Generally, marriage in the same clan is prohibited but nowadays modern educated young men and women are often violating it.

The climate here is mild, and generally warm and temperate. The summers here have a good deal of rainfall, while the winters have very little. According to Köppen and Geiger, this climate is classified as Cwa. The average temperature in Kohima is 17.8 °C | 64.0 °F.

Citizens of most countries, including the United States, need a visa to visit India which should be arranged in advance. Full details can be found at The Government of India website (http://indianvisaonline.gov.in/visa/). Citizens of Nepal and Bhutan do not need a visa, while some nationalities may get them upon arrival.

Nagaland is connected to the rest of India by rail, bus and air services. The closest railway station is at Dimapur, 74 kms away from Kohima , you can get taxi to Kohima in front of the station. The airport is approximately 68 km to Kohima about 2.5 hours drive away.

Before you leave on your holiday, there are at least four health-related things you should do. Please check the handbook for specifics, but for now, here’s the short list:

Step 1: Check with the CDC for their recommendations for the countries you’ll be visiting.

Step 2: Have a medical checkup with your doctor.

Step 3: Pick up any necessary medications, both prescription and over-the-counter.

Step 4: Have a dental and/or eye checkup. (Recommended, but less important than steps 1-3.)

We recommend avoiding packing any plastic bags in your luggage before flying to Kenya. You should also remove any items purchased at departure airports from their bags before boarding. Double check your luggage before disembarking in Kenya and leave any plastic bags on the plane.

DO

In case of need or desire to overstay, you are advised to contact the nearest Foreigners' Regional Registration Office.

It is advisable to avail of pre-paid taxi/auto-rickshaws or pay by meter or ask for the fare chart.

Advisable to shop at the Govt. Emporia/Fixed Price Shops to ensure quality and reasonable prices.

Check power voltage before using electrical instruments (220/240 V are available in India)

Keep your valuables in hotel lockers/safe deposit vaults

You are advised to contact the nearest India Tourism Office/State Govt. Tourist Office or Government approved Travel Agents/Tour Operators for local sight seeing and excursion tours.

Fast Trains/Intercity express are available between several tourist centers. Consult the Railway Information Office or India Tourism Office/State Govt. Tourist Office.

Always hire a Govt. approved tourist guide who invariably carries an identity card.

Check about photography permissions/video filming at any monument. Contact the nearest India Tourism Office/State Govt. Tourist Office

Change money only at the Authorised Foreign Exchange Outlets/Banks/Hotels and insist on receipt for money changed.

For guide map of the city/tourist information, contact the nearest India Tourism Office/State Govt. Tourist Office

STD/ISD/FAX facilities are available at small outlets in all parts of the country with yellow sign boards

Observe local tradition/customs while visiting religious places

There is prohibition on liquor in a few states. Check details from the nearest Tourism Office about the same.

Smoking not allowed in public places and vehicles in some states.

Do not buy goods from road side unless and until you feel satisfied

All state government has their own handicraft stall and all good tour operators include it in their itinerary. Try to buy from Government stall only for genuine handicraft.

DON'T

Don't encourage beggars

Don't accept food/drinks from strangers

Export of Indian Currency is banned

Don't be coerced into shopping by touts/guides/cab/taxi drivers or strangers

Don't bye articles made from rare/endangered species of animals which are banned