Place
Kisama Heritage Village — The Hornbill Festival Venue
Kisama Heritage Village is the open-air cultural complex built by the Government of Nagaland in 2003 to host the Hornbill Festival. Spread across a hillside 12 km south of Kohima, it gathers traditional morungs — bachelor dormitories — of all 17 major Naga tribes around a central performance amphitheatre. Outside the festival, the village hosts the Naga Heritage Complex, the WWII Bunker Museum and the Bamboo Pavilion.
Location & Layout
Kisama sits on a south-facing slope of the Naga Hills at roughly 1,300 m elevation. The name is a portmanteau of two parent villages: Kigwema and Phesama, who together donated the land. The complex is divided into the Heritage Village (the 17 morungs), the Bamboo Heritage Hall, the WWII Museum, an outdoor amphitheatre and a permanent crafts bazaar.
The 17 Morungs
Each tribe's morung is an authentic reproduction of a village original — log walls, thatch roof, carved totems and hearths kept lit through the festival. Inside, tribe elders, weavers and musicians demonstrate crafts and explain traditions. You can sit on the bench, share rice beer, and ask anything.
The morungs we recommend prioritising on a first visit: Angami (host community), Konyak (former headhunters, the most photographed elders), Ao (Christian-modern fusion), and Chakhesang (intricate shawl weaving).
WWII Bunker Museum & Heritage Complex
The Battle of Kohima (April 1944), called "Britain's Greatest Battle", was fought a few kilometres north. The on-site WWII Bunker Museum reconstructs the trenches and displays artefacts. The Naga Heritage Complex houses everyday tools, looms, weapons, jewellery and a small library of Naga history.
Visiting Kisama
- Hornbill Festival: 1–10 December. Arena opens 9 AM. Entry fee at gate (~₹30 Indian / ₹500 foreign).
- Off-season: Free to wander the morungs and museum during daylight hours.
- Cameras: Allowed; small extra fee for DSLR/video during festival days.
- Food: 40+ stalls during festival; bring water and snacks off-season.
How to Reach Kisama
From Kohima, Kisama is a 20-minute drive on NH-2. Shared cabs run all day during the festival (₹50–100). Private taxi for the day: ₹2,000–₹2,500. Full route detail: How to reach the Hornbill Festival.
Frequently Asked Questions
Where is Kisama Heritage Village?
12 km south of Kohima on NH-2, Nagaland (797001). Coordinates: 25.5788°N, 94.1086°E.
When was Kisama built?
In 2003, by the Government of Nagaland, as a permanent venue for the Hornbill Festival and the Naga Heritage Complex.
Can I visit Kisama outside the Hornbill Festival?
Yes. The morungs, the WWII Bunker Museum and the Naga Heritage Complex are open year-round, but the village is quietest March–October and lacks the festival's performances.