There is something magical about arriving in Kohima for the very first time. Maybe it’s the crisp winter air that greets you as you step into the winding streets, or the way the hills cradle the colourful houses stacked like Lego blocks. Or maybe it’s simply the warmth of the people — a warmth I felt almost instantly the moment I began walking through the city.

I had come to Kohima to experience the Hornbill Festival — the grand cultural celebration that transforms Nagaland into a mosaic of music, tradition, food, and laughter. But little did I know that the city itself would be the first to win my heart.

A Cheerful Welcome from Kohima’s School Children

My day began on a sloping street near a school, sunlight spilling over the buildings. Suddenly, a lively group of school boys surrounded me — laughing, posing, and throwing up peace signs. Their energy was infectious. They welcomed me as if I was an old friend returning home.

First Day in Kohima

There I stood — red track pants, green pullover, and my usual wide smile — laughing along with them. Moments like these remind you that travel isn’t just about landscapes and monuments; it is about people. Their curiosity, their openness, and their joy become part of your journey.

A Quiet Pause at Kohima AO Baptist Church

From the bustle of student chatter, I wandered towards a peaceful lane where the Kohima AO Baptist Church stands with its iconic red roof. It was decorated for Christmas, looking festive and serene under the winter sun.

Standing there in front of the church, I felt a shift in pace — a moment of stillness. The city may be perched on rugged hills, but its spirituality runs deep and gentle.

A Stop at a Local Café

Further ahead, I found myself in front of a humble, charming street-side salon — A to Z Professional Hair Cutting. The signboard might not be flashy, but the life inside it was unmistakably real.

Men sat outside, chatting lazily and observing the street, while a customer had his hair trimmed inside. The scene felt almost cinematic — ordinary, yet deeply rooted in local culture. Small details like these paint the real picture of Kohima.

The Hills of Kohima: A Canvas of Colour

My first view of Kohima’s hillside homes was nothing short of breathtaking. Row after row of vibrant buildings clung to the slopes, creating a spectacular amphitheatre of colour. From a distance, it looked like the hills were wearing a festival of their own — pink, white, blue, and pastel blocks stacked with incredible balance.

This is the Kohima you fall in love with at first sight.

The Anticipation of Hornbill Begins

As the day came to a close, the excitement for the Hornbill Festival began to build within me. Kohima was already buzzing — tourists arriving, locals making last-minute preparations, markets lighting up the evening — and I felt ready. Ready to witness the dances, the tribal performances, the food, the music, and the energy that only Hornbill can offer.

But before the festival even started, Kohima itself gave me a memory-packed first day — one filled with laughter, warmth, serenity, and the irresistible charm of a hill city with a soul of its own.