Tuensang
Nagaland
Tuensang is the district headquarters of the largest and eastern-most district of Nagaland by the same name. It is an important district not only because of its size, but also due to its special constitutional privileges. The city of Tuensang was founded in 1947 for administrating the erstwhile NEFA (North East Frontier Agency). The district borders Myanmar on the east and other districts of Nagaland on its other sides. While it was the administrative headquarters for NEFA, Tuensang comprised of the present day Mon, Kiphire and Longleng districts. Together these four districts were also known as Eastern Nagaland. Till 1957, Tuensang was not part of the Indian Territory as well as Myanmar, but when the Kohima and Mokokchung districts of undivided Assam was merged with Tuensang, it was formally recognised as a part of the Indian Territory. During those times (when Nagaland as a state wasn’t formed), Tuensang was the administrative headquarters of the Naga Hills Tuensang Area. Later in 1963, the state of Nagaland was formed with the three districts of Tuensang, Mokokchung and Kohima. As more districts were formed in Nagaland, the size of Tuensang as a district started diminishing. Tuensang is located at a height of 1371 metres above sea level and is located at a distance of 269 kilometers from Kohima if travelled via Wokha and Mokokchung while it is 235 kilometres away from the state capital via Zunheboto. Tuensang also functions as the nerve center of Eastern Nagaland. and is The Indian constitution gives Tuensang a special provision under which any law passed by the Parliament on religious and social practices of Nagas, land transfers will not have any effect on Tuensang. However, if the Nagaland Legislative Assembly passes a law on the same, the case will be different.
Tourist Spots
The tribe of Chang is believed to be the first settlers of Changsangmongko, a village located in between Tuensang and the Hakchung village in Nagaland. The Changs are one of the prominent tribes of Nagaland largely inhibiting the district of Tuensang. Changsangmongko falls under the Tuensang district.
It is traditionally believed that the living creatures had emerged from a big hole in the earth. There is a raised platform in the village called Mullang. Mullang is believed to be built by the Chang ancestors representing development and prosperity of its people. It is also commonly said in folklore that the Mullang was transformed into a public court during the evolution of the world. The place was used to settle village issues.
You can easily travel to Changsangmongko from Tuensang on tourist vehicles or buses. The village can be seen in a day and you can return to Tuensang by night.
If you want to know about the legends of Nagas in Tuensang the village of Longtrok is the place to be., Longtrok literally translates to 'six stones' as the you will come across six stones or the Sangtams which the Nagas believe to be the personification of their ancient Holy Gods who gave birth to other stones which moved to different places. Today this is popularly known as the Living Stones of Tuensang. Here, you will witness objects of the Tsongliyangti and Chungliyangti civilisations. The place is located 57 kilometers from the town of Tuensang, and this is the place where you will come across the roots of the Ao tribe one of the largest Naga tribes who have walked these mountains for generations. This place gives you a glimpse into the lives and the times of the Nagas when they lived as one big family.
How to Reach
Air |
The nearest airport to Tuensang is at Dimapur. From Dimapur, other modes of transportation can easily be availed. The other nearby airports to Tuensang are in Jorhat located at a distance of 113 kilometres, Lilabari in Lakhimpur District of Assam located 183 kilometers away and at Dibrugarh located 183 kilometers away.
Rail |
The Amguri Railway Station is the nearest railway station to Tuensang located at a distance of 65 kilometres. Mariani railway station is also close by. You can also travel to Dimapur by train and then reach Tuensang on the road travelling 600 kilometres. Tourist taxis and state transport buses are easily available from the station.
Road |
The National Highway 155 connects Tuensang to Dimapur and is the lifeline of the town. Taxis, buses all reach Tuensang via this national highway. You can reach Dimapur and then proceed towards Tuensang on road. Similarly, after reaching Mariani or Amguri too you will have to take the road to reach Tuensang.
NearBy Places
Kiphire is one of the small towns of Nagaland that is located in an exotic location overlooking the Saramati Mountain, the highest mountain peak of Nagaland. Kiphire is also the name of a newly-formed district that was carved out of the Tuensang district in 2004. It is the ninth district of Nagaland. The Tuensang district bounds the Kiphire district in the north, Phek district is on the west while the Kiphire district shares an international border with Myanmar in the east. Kiphire is 254 kilometres from Kohima, the capital of Nagaland. Kiphire is home to a few Naga tribes, namely, Yimchungers, Khiamniungan, Phom, Sangtams and Sumis. According to folklore, the Yimchungers originated from the nearby place called Kemephu near the Waphur village. Any traveller would delight in the picturesque surrounding of Kiphire overlooking the Saramati Mountain which is 3841 meters above sea level and is the highest peak of Nagaland. The mountain stays snow-clad throughout the winters, adding to the exotic beauty of the place. The town of Kiphire overlooks the mountain and many would say that Saramati guards the small, picturesque town.
Longleng is the district headquarters of the newly created district of Nagaland, Longleng. Along with Kiphire, it is one of the newest districts of Nagaland. Longleng was declared a full-fledged district on 24th January, 2004 and was carved out of the Tuensang district. It is situated at an altitude of 1066 metres above sea level. You will need to issue an Inner Line Permit to enter Longleng. The Phom Nagas inhibit Longleng. The Phom Nagas are exceptionally good with pottery, spinning and bamboo work. Traditionally, the Phom Nagas have also been into agriculture. The origins of the Phoms cannot be quite ascertained, but from oral tradition it can be deduced that this tribal group too emerged from stones, similar to the Ao Nagas. The Phom Nagas have mostly converted into Christianity and thus have modernized to a large extent. However, during festivals they can still be found wearing vihe-ashak or nempong-ashak, which are shawls wrapped around the body. The Monyu Festival that is celebrated to herald the summers is celebrated with much pomp and fanfare. It also bids farewell to the winters. It is a six-day affair held during the month of April, right after sowing. Monyu is one of the main festivals of the Phom Nagas.
Zunheboto, located in central Nagaland is situated at a height of about 1800 meters above sea level. Its neighbouring districts are Mokokchung, lying in the east and Wokha lying in the west. Zunheboto is also the name of the district. The term, Zunheboto can be split into two words: Zunhebo and To. While Zunhebo is the name of a flowering shrub having white leaves and sponge-like ears containing sweet juice and 'To' to mean 'On top of the hills'. Zunheboto is a Sumi word.Zunheboto is inhabited by the Sumi tribe. The Sumis are considered to be a warrior tribe having expertise in the martial arts. Sumis have elaborate song and dance rituals and adorn colourful attires during festivals. Their ceremonial war dresses are a sight worth seeing. Tuluni is one the most important festival of the Sumis celebrated in mid-July every year. Ahuna is another important festival celebrated by the Sumis in Zunheboto.
Nagaland is one of those unexplored parts of India that has so much stored within its hills, valleys and plains that a single visit would make you want to keep coming back again and again. Phek is among the closely guarded secrets of Nagaland where natural beauty and cultural enthusiasm, all mingle to become one. The town of Phek which falls under the district with the same name is located in the south eastern part of Nagaland.The district shares its boundaries with Myanmar in the east, the state of Manipur in the south, Kohima district in the west and Zunheboto and Tuensang districts in the north. Previously Phek was part of the Kohima district, and it is located 145 kilometres from the city of Kohima. Phek means 'watch tower' and is derived from the word ‘Phekrekedze’. The main inhabitants of Phek are the Chakhesangs and Pochurys while the spoken language here is the Tenyidie and Nagamese. Interestingly, Chakhesangs is not the name of one tribe but a combination of three sub-tribes - Chokri, Khezha and Sang.
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