Memorial · Nagaland
Kohima War Cemetery
Commonwealth war cemetery on the site of the 1944 tennis court battle, with the famous Kohima Epitaph.
Quick facts
- Best season
- Year-round; October – May for clear weather
- Duration
- 1 hour
- Altitude
- ≈1,450 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
- Free entry; open daily during daylight hours.
About Kohima War Cemetery
The Kohima War Cemetery is one of the most moving places in Northeast India. Maintained by the Commonwealth War Graves Commission, it lies on Garrison Hill in the middle of Kohima, on the very ground where some of the fiercest fighting of the Battle of Kohima took place between April and June 1944. Terraces of neat headstones step down the hillside, surrounded by flowers and trees.
The cemetery contains over 1,400 Commonwealth burials and a memorial to those cremated in accordance with their faith. The terraces include the site of the Deputy Commissioner's bungalow and its tennis court, where British and Indian troops and Japanese soldiers fought across the court lines; white markers still show the outline of the court.
At the lower end stands the 2nd Division memorial, inscribed with the Kohima Epitaph: 'When you go home, tell them of us and say, for your tomorrow, we gave our today.' A cherry tree on the site is a descendant of one used by a Japanese sniper. Visit quietly and allow time to read the inscriptions.
How to reach Kohima War Cemetery
In central Kohima, a short walk or drive from the main market and secretariat.
Tours that include Kohima War Cemetery
Things to do
Places near Kohima War Cemetery
Hill CityKohimaNagaland's hilltop capital, steeped in WWII history and Angami Naga culture.
Heritage VillageKisama Heritage VillageOpen-air Naga heritage village near Kohima and the venue of the annual Hornbill Festival.
VillageKhonoma VillageHistoric Angami village and India's first 'green village', ringed by terraced rice fields.
Kohima War Cemetery FAQs
What is the Kohima Epitaph?
The inscription on the 2nd Division memorial: 'When you go home, tell them of us and say, for your tomorrow, we gave our today.'
Is there an entry fee?
No. The cemetery is free and open in daylight hours.
Who maintains the cemetery?
The Commonwealth War Graves Commission.
Facts checked against: en.wikipedia.org · en.wikipedia.org · cwgc.org. Conditions change — verify timings and permits before travel.