Nagaland State Museum

The Nagaland State Museum on Bayavü Hill in Kohima is the best single introduction to Naga material culture — ceremonial dress, ancestral weapons, jewellery, basketry and woodcarvings of all 17 major Naga tribes, in one calm morning.

The museum was established by the Nagaland government to preserve and present the state's ethnographic and archaeological heritage. Exhibits draw from collections across the Naga Hills and are arranged tribe by tribe.

Bayavü Hill, Kohima, Nagaland — about 2 km from the main bazaar and 10 minutes by car from most central hotels.

• Tribe-by-tribe galleries of ceremonial dress and ornaments
• Ancestral weapons — daos, spears, hunting trophies
• Traditional musical instruments and basketry
• Anthropomorphic stone monoliths and woodcarvings

• Take a guided walk through the tribe galleries
• Photograph the ceremonial costumes (where permitted)
• Pair with a visit to the Kohima War Cemetery
• Read up before visiting Kisama — the museum makes the festival far richer

Open Monday to Saturday, generally 9:30 AM – 3:00 PM (closed on government holidays). Mornings are quietest.

10 minutes by taxi from central Kohima. Easy stop on the way to or from Kisama Heritage Village.

Stay in central Kohima — the museum is 5–10 minutes from most hotels and homestays.

• Confirm timings with your homestay before visiting
• Photography rules vary by gallery — ask at the entry
• Carry small change for the entry fee
• Allow 1–2 hours for a thorough visit