Leaving Mon Village felt like leaving behind a world carved out of time itself — quiet roads, bamboo huts, tribal warmth, and the raw ruggedness that defines Konyak land. Yet the journey ahead, toward the capital city Kohima, promised a dramatic shift in landscape, culture, and energy. And so began my road adventure through the spine of Nagaland.

The Final Stroll Through Mon

Before setting off, I took one last slow walk through the lanes of Mon. Shops lined the roadside — humble wooden structures selling packets of chips, biscuits, noodles, and daily essentials.

People moved at an unhurried rhythm — children walking home from school, women with umbrellas shielding themselves from the morning sun, men negotiating bamboo poles for construction, elders watching life unfold from their porches.

Mon Village is where the world whispers, not shouts. The earthy charm lingered with me even as I climbed into the vehicle to begin my journey.

Mon to Kohima

The Road Opens Up — Nagaland Style

Leaving Mon means entering a landscape of rolling bends, dense forest tunnels, and winding roads carved into the mountainside. A signboard ahead read “Welcome to Kohima — 100 km.” But in Nagaland, 100 km is no distance at all.

The road snaked through the hills as we started out for Kohima at 5:00 a.m. At several points, I stepped out to breathe in the crisp mountain air and stretch my legs.

Unexpected Stops Along the Way

One of the best parts of travelling through Nagaland is the unplanned halts. Every turn offers a new surprise.

Roadside Hotels and Tea Stalls

I stopped at a colourful roadside shop and hotel — walls painted bright green and blue, shelves stacked with snacks, and the scent of fresh tea drifting out. I stood outside posing like a cowboy traveller — hat on, sunglasses shining, arms folded — absorbing the vibrancy around me.

These moments of stillness in front of small village hotels felt oddly grounding. Further along, I crossed Sumi Naga Hotel, buzzing with life as locals, travellers, and bus passengers stepped in for tea, thump, and biscuits.

Hotel Grace — A Slice of Nagaland

In another village, a row of shops welcomed me. Hotel Grace stood proudly with its rustic wooden front, a star-shaped Christmas decoration hanging above the entrance. It was a perfect snapshot of Nagaland — faith, community, food, and colours blending seamlessly.

Entering Kohima

Massive crossed Naga spears stood above the sign — a reminder that this land is proud. After hours of weaving through the hills, I reached the iconic Kohima Gateway.

I stepped down, standing small beneath the grand arch yet feeling a sense of arrival, as if crossing into a chapter of history. The air here feels cooler — certainly cooler than Mon — and I need to wear my jacket at all times.

The city has a definite pulse and energy, and I am looking forward to exploring it along with enjoying the Hornbill Festival throughout the week.