Khonoma Green Village

Khonoma is a 700-year-old Angami Naga village 20 km west of Kohima, declared India's first green village in 2005. Famous for its conservation ethic, terraced rice fields and warrior history, it is one of the most rewarding day trips around Hornbill Festival.

Khonoma fought three battles against the British between 1847 and 1879, and the fortified Khonoma Fort still stands above the village. After decades of hunting, the community voluntarily banned hunting and logging in 1998, creating the 70 sq km Khonoma Nature Conservation and Tragopan Sanctuary.

Khonoma village, Kohima district, Nagaland — about 20 km / 45 minutes by road west of Kohima town, on the way to Dzüleke and the Japfü range.

• Centuries-old terraced rice fields cascading down the valley
• Three traditional khels (clan quarters) — Thevoma, Merhümia and Semoma
• Khonoma Fort and historic stone gates
• Tragopan Sanctuary and forest trails
• Stone monoliths, traditional Angami stone houses and clan gates

• Walking tour of the three khels with a local guide
• Visit the Khonoma Fort viewpoint
• Forest walks in the Tragopan Sanctuary
• Coffee at a community-run café and a traditional Angami lunch
• Photograph the terraced fields at golden hour

October to April is ideal — clear skies, harvest colours and the Hornbill Festival window. Monsoon (June–August) brings lush green terraces but rain can disrupt walks.

From Kohima, drive 20 km west via NH-2 and the Khonoma road — about 45 minutes. Shared taxis run from Kohima's BOC junction; private cabs and homestay pickups can also be arranged.

Several community-run homestays inside the village offer simple rooms with traditional Angami meals. For more comfort, base yourself in Kohima and visit Khonoma as a day trip.

• Carry layers — Khonoma is at 1,500 m and evenings are cold from November
• Hire a local guide at the village entrance for context on khels and history
• Respect community rules — no hunting, no littering, no loud music
• Inner Line Permit (ILP) for Indians, Protected Area Permit (PAP) for foreigners