Set amidst the vast expanse of the mountains, lies a tiny village on a hilltop with a panoramic view, carpeted with greenery. A pleasant reminder of unconventional living in the times of being bogged down amidst concrete forests in a technology-driven world : Nagaland’s beautiful Tuophema village.
Entrance to the Tuophema Village | Photo by Neitho o Kense.
Green corridors of the village | Photo by Neitho o Kense
For an enthusiastic traveller wanting to explore more, a visit to the nonchalant Tuophema village is a visual treat and more. You will be introduced to the rich history of Angami Nagas and the folklore that aligns beautifully with the village. The locals have dutifully maintained the village and take care of the large variety of wildflowers and cherry blossoms that adorn its pathways. The village has 12 attractive tourist huts with the necessary equipment for visitors to enjoy a comfortable stay.
Gallery on display at the dining hall | Photo by Neitho o Kense
Why do people enjoy coming to the village?
Tourists from far and wide enjoy visiting the village for a unique travelling experience. You will often find a traveller talk about the incredible hospitality of the locals here. However, there isn’t much to do. Tuophema village is actually the right place to go to if you’re looking for an idle getaway. You can just chill with a hot cup of coffee or tea while enjoying the breathtaking backdrop enveloping you. There is a restaurant attached to the tourist village serving some delicious local cuisine to get a feel of that exquisite Naga life.
A peek into the kitchen of a village resident | Young women cooking dinner over a fireplace in the middle of the kitchen.
Watching the sun go down from the hill top is so ethereal. People also love to take a stroll around the village, have a chit chat with the locals, explore nearby villages or visit the village museum that celebrates the local arts, crafts and showcases the village’s history. We’d strongly suggest you don’t miss out on taking a refreshing morning walk through the woods. One of our favourite sweet spots called the Niathu peak lies just adjacent to the tourist village where tourists usually go for trekking. This is where you can watch the spectacular sight of the rhododendron flowers embrace the tall mountains that surround Tuophema during the spring season.
How to get there?
Tuophema is a convenient two-hour drive away (about 40 kms) from Kohima. Taxis and buses are also available from several junctions near Kohima’s city center. You can also take a taxi from Dimapur or drive down in your own vehicle instead. Also, you can easily travel to Tuophema village from the neighbouring state capitals – Imphal, Itanagar, Shillong and Dispur. If you are planning on staying the night, then there are tourist cottages within the village built entirely in ethnic style with modern facilities.
A sunny afternoon at the Tuophema Village.
Other specialities
And if enjoying the unadulterated natural beauty Tuophema offers isn’t enough, you can try out a variety of authentic Naga cuisines there. So, try indulging in some scrumptious delights of your preferred choice. What makes Tuophema’s food unique are the local ingredients used that give it a special flavour and a rich aroma. You can also try out the famous locally brewed rice beer. Tuophema comes alive during the annual Sekrenyi festival every February. That’s when the locals gather around with their families and celebrate with much gaiety throughout the day singing, merry making and playing indigenous games. You can definitely be a part of the festival the next time you visit. Enjoy some bonfire moments with the locals as they weave enchanting stories of their time under the starry skies.
Chicken stew with Bamboo Shoot and Ginger Leaves
The Nagas indigenous way of having feasts.
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