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Nagaland

Khonoma Village

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map

January

3.0 - 18.9 °C

February

4.3 - 22.1 °C

March

7.5 - 27.4 °C

April

9.7 - 28.6 °C

May

11.3 - 28.4 °C

June

14.6 - 29.4 °C

July

15.1 - 29.0 °C

August

15.5 - 29.4 °C

September

14.5 - 28.4 °C

October

10.0 - 27.9 °C

November

6.4 - 25.4 °C

December

3.2 - 20.9 °C

Major Airports :

Dimapur Airport (DMU), Dimapur

Nearest Railway Station :

Dimapur Railway Station (DMV)

Major Airports :

Dimapur Airport (DMU), Dimapur

The green fortress of Nagaland

Imagine a village cradled in the emerald folds of Nagaland, a place where the wind whispers tales of a glorious past. Khonoma, also referred as Khwunoria (named after a local plant, Glouthera fragrantissima), is a living example of change through community participation. Once, where the air vibrated with the chants of warriors and the echoing calls of the chase by hunters, Khonoma now hums with a different kind of courage – the courage to protect.

Crowned the "First Green Village of India" and spread over an area of 123 sq.km, Khonoma isn't a place you simply visit; it's a place that beckons you to unravel its secrets and experience the captivating ballet of nature.

A legacy of resilience

This 700-year-old village boasts of a history which is as fascinating as its landscape. For almost 50 years, from 1830 to 1880, the valiant Angami tribe of Khonoma fiercely resisted British rule against bonded labour. Renowned for their martial prowess and strategic skills, the Angami warriors fought a resolute battle to safeguard their territory, inflicting heavy casualties on the foreign soldiers. Finally, a peace treaty was signed in 1880. This courageous “Battle of Khonoma” etched name of these Angami Naga warriors in the annals of India's resistance movement, becoming a testament to their unwavering spirit of independence. Khonoma's Semomo Fort has a stone inscription telling the whole story and paying tribute to the fallen warriors.

Warriors to wardens: Khonoma's remarkable shift

Today, the village showcases its strength in a different way – through its unwavering commitment to conservation. This shift reflects the adaptability and resilience of the Angami people, who have embraced the responsibility of protecting their natural heritage.

In 1998, alarmed after 300 endangered Blyth's tragopans (Tragopan blythii) were killed by the villagers in one week as part of a hunting competition and in the face of dwindling wildlife population due to illegal logging, Khonoma village took a bold step forward. Led by the visionary Tsilie Sakhrie, a former contractor, the villagers embarked on a remarkable journey. Inspired by discussions with forest officer T. Angami, a solution was proposed by Tsilie that resonated with the community.

In 1998, the Khonoma village council declared its intention to notify about 20 sq. km of the village area as the Khonoma Nature Conservation and Tragopan Sanctuary (KNCTS). This decision marked a turning point for Khonoma. With hunting banned within its boundaries, the initiative has seen encouraging results. Residents report sightings of various wildlife species increasing, including the endangered Blyth's tragopan. This success story highlights the power of community-driven preservation efforts and their positive impact on biodiversity.

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Artistic expressions of Kohima

A cradle of biodiversity

Khonoma is enveloped by a lush canopy of forests that house an impressive array of biodiversity. It boasts more than 250 plant species, 70 of which hold medicinal properties. Nature's bounty spills over, offering 84 types of wild fruits, 116 varieties of vegetables, and a colourful palette with five natural dyes. Look a little closer and you'll find 45 dazzling orchid varieties weaving through 11 types of cane and 19 varieties of bamboo. But the magic doesn't stop there. Khonoma's residents have documented a staggering 196 bird species, including the endangered Blyth's tragopan, a national treasure. Even the slithering and crawling creatures find a home here, with 25 types of snakes, six lizards, and 11 amphibians documented. The mammal kingdom isn't left out either, with reports of tigers, leopards, serows, sloth bears, Asiatic black bears, and otters roaming these rich forests.

Sustainability: The corner stone of conservation

Khonoma's distinction lies in its seamless integration of cultural heritage with modern sustentation principles. The village is not only known for its historical narratives but also for its innovative agricultural practices. These include ancient terraced farming and the use of Alder trees in shifting cultivation systems, which enhance soil fertility and support sustainable agricultural cycles. These practices have made Khonoma a subject of study and admiration, drawing researchers and ecologists from around the world to learn from its model of sustainable development.

A hub of rich traditions

Beyond its environmental initiatives, Khonoma is a vibrant cultural hub. The village celebrates its rich traditions through various festivals, dances, and community events that are deeply intertwined with the rhythms of nature. Its social structure, characterized by clan-based governance and community participation, fosters a strong sense of identity and continuity. These cultural practices are not only preserved but are also evolving, as the village adapts to contemporary challenges while maintaining its ancestral heritage.

A verdant invitation

Khonoma Village extends a heartfelt invitation to travellers from around the globe to explore its unique blend of history, culture, and pioneering environmental protection.

Whether you're an eco-tourist eager to learn about sustainable practices, a history buff intrigued by stories of valiant warriors, or a traveller seeking peace in a verdant landscape, Khonoma promises an enriching experience that resonates with the soul. Venture into this green haven, where every path leads to discovery and every encounter teaches respect for the earth and its cultures.