Travel Logistics
How to Reach the Hornbill Festival 2026
The Hornbill Festival happens at Kisama Heritage Village, 12 km south of Kohima on NH-2. Kohima has no airport — most travellers fly into Dimapur (DMU) and drive up. South Indian flyers often save money via Guwahati (GAU). Here's the canonical breakdown by mode and by departure city.
By Air
Dimapur Airport (DMU) is the only airport in Nagaland — daily flights from Kolkata, Guwahati and Delhi. From DMU, Kohima is a 2.5–3 hour drive on NH-29 (longer in festival season).
Guwahati Airport (GAU) is bigger, with cheaper and more frequent flights from Mumbai, Bangalore, Chennai and Hyderabad. From GAU, Kohima is ~350 km — a full-day drive or overnight stop in Dimapur. Ideal if you're adding Kaziranga.
By Train
Dimapur railway station is on the Northeast trunk line. Direct trains from Kolkata (Howrah), Guwahati, Delhi and Chennai. The Dibrugarh Rajdhani and Brahmaputra Mail are the most reliable. From Dimapur station, Kohima is the same 2.5–3 hour drive.
By Road
NH-29 from Dimapur is the primary approach to Kohima. From Imphal (Manipur), Kohima is 145 km via NH-2 — a winding 5-hour drive. We do not recommend self-driving unless you've driven in the Northeast before.
From Kohima to Kisama
Kisama is 12 km south of Kohima on NH-2. During the festival, shared cabs and shuttles run all day from central Kohima at ₹50–100 per seat. A private taxi costs ₹2,000–₹2,500 for the day. Detailed route: How to Reach Kohima.
City-by-City Plans
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the nearest airport to the Hornbill Festival?
Dimapur (DMU), 75 km / 2.5–3 hours by road from Kohima. Guwahati (GAU) is the larger backup, 350 km from Kohima.
Can I take a train to the Hornbill Festival?
Yes — to Dimapur railway station. It is on the main Northeast trunk line with direct trains from Kolkata, Guwahati, Delhi and Chennai. Continue by road to Kohima.
Is it safe to self-drive in Nagaland?
Not recommended unless you've driven in the Northeast before. Hill roads, hairpins, convoy traffic and unfamiliar signage make a local driver the safer call.