A true geographic gem, Nagaland is lushly landlocked by Myanmar in the east, Assam in the north and west and Manipur towards the south. This makes for a vibrant landscape with a climate conducive to tourism and related activities year-round. There are several mountains for trekking up and gushing streams for camping out, throw in a spot of angling and you are in bliss-land. At 2100 metres Dzulekie, 40 km from Kohima, is one such destination. The stream that flows through this verdant rolling landscape has a rare species of Rainbow Trout. If you are lucky, your tracker cum guide will be adept with the catapult and enroute you will catch a wild rabbit which you can barbeque right there, under the open azure sky. Sit by the fire, swigging from that flask and listen to tales of valour, sacrifice or sheer street smart. Don’t forget to check out the starry night as you crawl into your sleeping bag, letting out that gratifying burp. Or if you are looking at more organised comforts, you have the Touphema Tourist Village where you can check into real tribal huts fitted with all modern amenities. The Benreu village is another showcase of ethnicity, but closer to Dimapur than Kohima. However, if you have the time, this place too is worth a visit due to its proximity to a wildlife sanctuary – it is right in the middle of it!
There was this little girl who used to come and call me when breakfast was laid or inform me when hot water was ready for my shower. On my last morning as I was packing, she came and announced that breakfast had been served. Seeing me packing she left quietly and returned with a hot, sticky rice poori, something which I used to gorge on with heaps of marmalade. I bit into the piping hot delicacy and began frantically blowing as it scalded my tongue. My antics sent her hooting. Now, I thought, here was Nagaland in a nutshell – hospitable and happy.