Do I need a permit for Kohima?

Yes, Indian citizens require an Inner Line Permit (ILP) to enter Nagaland.

Which is the nearest airport to Kohima?

Dimapur Airport is the nearest airport, located 74 km away.

Is it safe to travel to Kohima?

Yes, it is generally safe, but avoid late-night travel on highways.

What is the best way to reach Kohima?

The most common way is by train to Dimapur and then a taxi to Kohima.

Are there direct trains to Kohima?

No, the railway line ends at Dimapur, which is the nearest station.

Kohima

Train Driving

Banka Boalia to Kohima

Updated: 28 May 2026

The journey from Banka Boalia to Kohima spans approximately 1200 km across the plains of West Bengal and the hills of Nagaland. You must first reach a major railhead like Kharagpur or Howrah to board a train to Dimapur, the gateway to Nagaland. From Dimapur, the final 74 km stretch to Kohima is covered via NH 29, which involves a steep climb through the scenic Naga hills. This route requires careful planning due to the mountainous terrain and limited connectivity in remote sectors. Expect a total travel time of 30 to 36 hours depending on train connections and road conditions.

Total Distance: 1200 km by road, 950 km straight-line air distance.

Fastest Way

Flight from Kolkata to Dimapur followed by a 3-hour taxi ride to Kohima.

Cheapest Way

Train to Dimapur followed by a shared sumo taxi to Kohima for approximately 2000 INR.

Compare Banka Boalia to Kohima Routes

	Train Connecting	Driving Direct
Duration	28 hours	32 hours
Avg Price	1500 - 4000 INR	12000 - 18000 INR
Operator	Kamakhya Express	Private Taxi
Route	Kharagpur to Dimapur Station	NH 27 and NH 29 via Siliguri and Guwahati
Tip	Book your tickets at least 60 days in advance for confirmed berths.	Ensure your vehicle is serviced for steep hill climbs before starting.

Travel Tips

Inner Line Permit
Indian citizens must obtain an Inner Line Permit (ILP) before entering Nagaland.
Local Transport
Shared taxis are the most reliable mode of transport between Dimapur and Kohima.
Cash Availability
Carry sufficient cash as ATMs can be unreliable in remote hilly areas.
Clothing
Pack heavy woolens even in summer as temperatures drop significantly at night.
Language
English is widely spoken, but learning basic Nagamese phrases helps in local markets.

Safety Tips

Night Travel
Avoid driving on mountain roads after sunset due to poor visibility and landslides.
Health
Carry basic motion sickness medication for the winding roads to Kohima.
Emergency Contacts
Keep local police and hospital numbers saved on your phone.
Weather Alerts
Check local news for monsoon-related road closures before starting your journey.