Hornbill Festival with Kaziranga

‘Festival of Festivals’.... Yes, this is how the Hornbill Festival is famously known, as the diverse Naga tribes who join together during this particular time to celebrate Naga cultural heritage. Hornbill festival is organised in Kisama Heritage village which is 12 km from Kohima – the capital of Nagaland state. This 10 days festival, which starts in first week of December, showcases the rich and vibrant colours of Nagaland. Nagaland being one of the seven states in north east India, is a home to diverse indigenous tribes, with festivals and markets celebrating the different tribes' culture. Hornbill festival being one of the most famous festivals, where the numerous Naga tribes who are considered the essential warriors, showcase their fast paced dance using their traditional weapons which are flaunted with composed precision. One can find the tribal people in traditional ceremonial attire who take part in several activities related to their culture and tradition. The term ‘Hornbill’ has been derived from a bird known by this name, which is respected as a part of cultural ethos of the Nagas. Hornbill festival which emerged as a local heritage event has now become a notable attraction for domestic and international tourists. Cultural performances, arts and craft bazaar, Musical events, native games, fashion, floral arcade, food courts, film festival and a series of competitions in various activities are some of the major highlights of Hornbill festival.

240 kms to the north-west of Kohima, is a place known as the home to the highest population (two-third) of the world’s great one-horned Rhinoceros – Kaziranga National Park, which is also a UNESCO world heritage site. Sprawled over an area of 430 sq km, Kaziranga National Park is located on the flood plains of Brahmaputra River, with eastern Himalayas at the backdrop. The Park is split into four areas - Mihimukh in Central Range, Bagori in Western Range, Agaratoli in Eastern Range and Ghorakati in Burapahar Range. Apart from the famous Rhinoceroses, the place also provides shelter to a variety of wild lives, giving a sight of elephants, tiger, deer, wild buffalo etc. The park of Kaziranga is also decked with some special bird species like the Crested serpent eagle, Pella’s fishing eagle, Jungle fowl, Bengal florican etc. Also, the place exhibits the richness of plants and tree species. One can have an Elephant and Jeep safari at Kaziranga National Park which gives an opportunity to witness a variety of flora and fauna here.