Kohima is a city that awakens all your senses the moment you step into its bustling heart. My walk through the Kohima market and city centre was an unforgettable tapestry of colours, flavours, and everyday life — an experience that revealed the true soul of Nagaland.

The streets were alive with movement — car clusters, the aroma of fresh vegetables, and the distinctive charm of a hill city that balances tradition and modernity with ease.

Where Everyday Life and Chaos Meet

As I walked along the narrow sidewalks, I felt immediately drawn to the lively energy around me. Vendors sat close to the road, their stalls spilling over with fresh produce: vibrant green beans, leafy herbs, long chillies, and neatly bundled spring onions.
A woman in a colourful shawl sorted vegetables with swift, skilled hands while curious shoppers stopped to inspect the day’s freshest picks.

Kohima’s Market and City Centre

The Poultry Lane: A Slice of Local Culture

Further down the road, I came across a row of women selling live poultry — chickens and ducks lined neatly on cardboard sheets. It was a raw and authentic slice of Nagaland life, as buyers examined the birds carefully, chatting and bargaining in soft tones.
This part of the city felt like a window into age-old practices that still thrive in Nagaland’s daily routine.

Street Corners Full of Stories

The buildings lining the market — some modern, others worn with age — gave a charming mix to the cityscape. Signboards of small shops, local bakeries, pharmacies, and book depots added colour to every turn.
There was even a lively corner where stalls and red canopy tents were set up for street performances. People gathered around laughing, talking, and participating — showing just how active and connected the community in Kohima truly is.

Faces of Kohima

What struck me most were the people — the true soul of the city. From mothers carrying babies wrapped snugly in blankets, to young men strolling in warm jackets, to elderly women sitting quietly behind their produce, every face reflected warmth and resilience.
Even in the market rush, people moved with a gentle calm, often pausing to greet someone or lend a hand. It is this sense of community that makes Kohima feel both intimate and alive.

Kohima’s Unique Charm

My walk through the city centre ended at a small local diner which served me chicken biryani and salad. I washed it down with some Mountain Dew.
But the real treasure of my visit was the time spent in the heart of Kohima’s market and city centre — a place where culture, commerce, and community blend beautifully, creating memories that linger long after you leave.