Heritage Village · Nagaland
Kisama Heritage Village
Open-air Naga heritage village near Kohima and the venue of the annual Hornbill Festival.
Quick facts
- Best season
- Year-round; 1–10 December for the Hornbill Festival
- Duration
- Half day (2–4 days during Hornbill)
- Altitude
- ≈1,500 m
- Nearest town
- Kohima (Kohima)
- Permit
- Nagaland Inner Line Permit (ILP) required for all non-indigenous visitors; foreign nationals also need a Protected Area Permit (PAP). Verify before travel.
- Timings & fees
- Entry ticket during Hornbill Festival; small fee or free at other times.
About Kisama Heritage Village
Kisama Heritage Village, about 12 km south of Kohima on the road to Imphal, is a purpose-built showcase of Naga architecture and the home of the Hornbill Festival. Its name combines the neighbouring villages of Kigwema and Phesama, on whose land it stands.
The complex contains a traditional morung (dormitory house) for each of Nagaland's major tribes, built in their own architectural style with carved posts, buffalo horns, log drums and woven bamboo walls. Walking from one morung to the next is like a crash course in the diversity of Naga culture. There is also a World War II museum, a large amphitheatre and arena for performances, and craft stalls.
During the Hornbill Festival (1–10 December), each morung comes alive with dances, songs, traditional games, cooking and crafts. Outside the festival, Kisama is quieter but still worth visiting for the architecture and views, especially combined with nearby Kigwema and Jakhama villages and the Dzukou trailhead at Viswema.
How to reach Kisama Heritage Village
About 12 km (30 minutes) from Kohima on NH2. Shared taxis run from Kohima during the festival.
Tours that include Kisama Heritage Village
Things to do
EasyHornbill FestivalTen days of Naga dance, song, games, crafts and food at Kisama, every 1–10 December.
EasyNaga Tribal Village VisitsExplore Khonoma, Kigwema, Touphema and Ungma with local hosts to understand Naga life.
EasyNaga Cuisine TrailSmoked pork, axone, bamboo shoot and the fiery king chilli — taste Nagaland's bold flavours.
ModerateDzukou Valley Trek & CampingHike to Nagaland's famous meadow valley at 2,450 m and camp beside its meandering streams.
EasyKohima WWII History WalkWalk the battlefields of 1944 — the tennis court, Garrison Hill and memorials — with a local historian.
Places near Kisama Heritage Village
Hill CityKohimaNagaland's hilltop capital, steeped in WWII history and Angami Naga culture.
VillageTouphema Tourist VillageCommunity-run Angami village resort with traditional cottages, about 40 km from Kohima.
ValleyDzukou ValleyRolling meadow valley at about 2,450 m on the Nagaland–Manipur border, famed for its lilies.
MountainJapfu PeakNagaland's second-highest peak (3,048 m), with sunrise views and record-breaking rhododendrons.
Kisama Heritage Village FAQs
When is the Hornbill Festival held at Kisama?
Every year from 1 to 10 December.
Can I visit Kisama outside the festival?
Yes. The morungs and museum can be visited year-round, though there are no performances.
How far is Kisama from Kohima?
About 12 km, roughly 30 minutes by road.
Facts checked against: en.wikipedia.org · tourism.nagaland.gov.in. Conditions change — verify timings and permits before travel.