Do I need a permit for Nagaland?

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

How far is Kohima from Dimapur?

It is about 75 km and takes 3 hours by road.

What is the best time to visit Kohima?

December is the best time due to the Hornbill Festival.

Is Kohima safe for tourists?

Yes, it is safe, but follow local guidelines and avoid isolated areas.

Are there direct flights to Kohima?

No, Dimapur Airport is the nearest airport to Kohima.

Kohima

Train Driving

Maithon to Kohima

Updated: 28 May 2026

To reach Kohima from Maithon, you must travel to Dimapur, the only railhead in Nagaland. Take a train from Asansol to Dimapur, which takes about 16 hours. From Dimapur, hire a taxi for the 75 km drive to Kohima, which takes approximately 3 hours through scenic mountain roads. This is the most reliable route for reaching the capital of Nagaland.

Total Distance: Driving distance 1050 km, straight-line air distance 700 km.

Fastest Way

Train to Dimapur followed by a private taxi, taking approximately 19 hours total.

Cheapest Way

Train to Dimapur followed by a shared taxi to Kohima, costing around 1500 INR.

Compare Maithon to Kohima Routes

	Train Connecting	Driving Direct
Duration	16 hours	3 hours
Avg Price	1000-2500 INR	1000-2000 INR
Operator	Brahmaputra Mail	Nagaland State Transport
Route	Asansol to Dimapur	NH 29 via Chumoukedima
Tip	Book your train tickets well in advance as this route is popular.	Shared taxis are available right outside the Dimapur railway station.

Travel Tips

Permits
Indian citizens from other states require an Inner Line Permit (ILP) to enter Nagaland.
Local Transport
Taxis are the main mode of transport; always agree on the fare before boarding.
Food
Try smoked pork with bamboo shoot, a staple Naga delicacy.
Connectivity
Network can be weak in remote areas; keep offline maps downloaded.
Shopping
Buy traditional Naga shawls and wood carvings from the local markets.

Safety Tips

General Safety
Avoid traveling late at night on the Dimapur-Kohima highway.
Local Sensitivities
Be respectful of local tribal customs and traditions.
Health
Carry basic medicines as pharmacies may have limited stock of specific brands.
Emergency
Keep the contact number of your hotel and local emergency services saved.