Dimapur is Nagaland's largest city and its commercial and transport gateway, on the Dhansiri River near the Assam border at about 145 m elevation. It has the state's only civil airport and a major railway station, so most visitors pass through on the way to Kohima, about 75 km away, and the Hornbill Festival.
It is worth more than a night in transit. The Kachari ruins hold the mushroom-capped stone pillars of the Dimasa Kachari kingdom, which had a capital here before the Ahoms captured it in 1526. In the Second World War the town became a major Allied supply hub.
Outside the centre are forest parks and hills. Rangapahar Wildlife Sanctuary and its zoo are on the edge of town, Chumukedima, the first headquarters of the Naga Hills district, is about 14 km away, and Ntangki National Park lies around 37 km away in Peren district. Markets such as the Hong Kong Market and craft stops such as Diezephe give a feel for everyday Dimapur.
Be realistic about conditions: the city is dusty and crowded, roads can be potholed, and outside the centre facilities are basic. It suits one or two days, and a base here can be paired with Kohima. Visitors from outside Nagaland should check Inner Line Permit rules before travelling.
Before you plan
Dimapur at a glance
- Best months
- November to March is driest and most…November to March is driest and most comfortable; April to October brings heat, humidity and heavy rain.
- Ideal trip length
- 1 to 2 days1 to 2 days; add more if you plan a forest day trip and Kohima
- Airport
- Dimapur AirportDimapur Airport (DMU), the state's only civil airport, beside NH 29 between Dimapur and Chumukedima; flights are mainly to Guwahati, Kolkata, Delhi, Imphal and Shillong
- Railway station
- DimapurDimapur (DMV) on the Lumding division of Northeast Frontier Railway, a major stop on the Lumding-Dibrugarh line
- Getting around
- TaxisTaxis, autos and shared cabs in town; hire a car and driver for forest and hill day trips. Kohima is about 75 km by road.
- Daily budget
- ModestModest; a commercial city with simple to mid-range hotels and local eateries. Prices are not published, so confirm when booking.
- Senior comfort
- Moderate: flat town and short sightsModerate: flat town and short sights, but dust, traffic and basic facilities outside the centre
- Language
- Nagamese and English are widely usedNagamese and English are widely used; Hindi is widely understood; Naga tribal languages vary by community
Prices, opening hours and weather change. Recheck live details before booking.
Best time to visit Dimapur: January, February, November, December. Month-by-month weather →
How many days do you have?
Dimapur itinerary
One good day
1 day in Dimapur
Visit the Kachari ruins in the morning, then walk to the Hong Kong Market. After lunch, drive to Rangapahar sanctuary and zoo for the afternoon.
Day-by-day plan →Two days
2 days in Dimapur
Kachari ruins and the Hong Kong Market in the morning, then Diezephe Craft Village after lunch.
Day-by-day plan →Three unhurried days
3 days in Dimapur
Start at the ruins, then the market and craft village.
Day-by-day plan →
