The beauty of instant joy lies in its ability to illuminate even the smallest moments with a sense of wonder and appreciation. It’s the spontaneous laughter, the quick smile, or the sudden rush of excitement that reminds us of the simple pleasures in life.My solo trip to Nagaland Hornbill Festival was filled with such pleasures. Vivid memories which are still tender & Raw .
Solo trip offers an unique opportunity for self-discovery, solitude, and connection with nature ! urging you to savour each experience with newfound appreciation.

About Nagaland Hornbill Festival

Hornbill Festival was always in my bucket list . It’s a 10 day festival that happens in the month of December in the heritage village of Kisama. Last year 16 tribes of the state participated . It’s also known as ‘Festival of Festivals’ ,an amalgamation of culture , art , food & music .
I booked my flight from Bhubaneswar to Guwhati. Spent two days there. I promise to write another post about my experience in Guwhati .
The distance Guwhati to Kohima was covered train followed by two shared Cabs 🙂
The last drive from Kohima to the heritage village of Kisama covering 12 km was absolutely stunning. It took an hour !

The weather speaks in a different language when you enter Kohima.

As the wheels embrace the winding road,
A journey unfolds, an adventure untold.
Through valleys deep and mountains high,
Towards the hill station, where dreams fly.
Each curve in the Ghat revealing a new delight . As I’m closing my eyes now , I’m transported back to laughter-filled conversations that I enjoyed with my Co-passengers .
I reached the Camp site. Dumped by bagpack in my small tent. The view was stunning.

They journey from the campsite to the Hornbill Festival site was not just a mere walk. As I set out on this 20-minute trek, the anticipation builds with each step, mingling with the crisp mountain air and the rustle of leaves underfoot.And then, finally, I reached the crest of the hill, and the festival grounds came into view .

Ticket was mandatory to enter the fest area at 30 per head .

And I straight went to one of those tribal cottages to grab some food !

Food at Nagaland Hornbill Festival

Naga cuisine is an explosion of flavors, each dish telling a story of tradition, culture, and the deep connection to the land.
My first meal was Rice , smoked Pork curry , boiled squash, bamboo shoot chutney !
From the fiery kick of Raja Mirchi (Naga chili) to the earthy richness of fermented bamboo shoots, every bite was a journey into the soul of Nagaland.

Despite its fiery reputation, you find yourself irresistibly drawn to its bold allure, savoring the thrill of each spicy bite. And it was just a mind blowing affair for me because I absolutely enjoy spicy !
For anyone fortunate enough to experience Naga pork dish for the first time, it is a culinary revelation ! And each tribe has an unique method to prepare .Pork is a staple meat in Naga cuisine, renowned for its tender texture and succulent taste.

My coffee craving started post lunch and I went to ‘Ura Coffee’. Where I tried Americano prepared with beans sourced in Nagaland. It was refreshing.
Spent a little more time chatting with those cute girls working  at cafe.
As the sun dips below the horizon,the air was filled with the music.

There were artists from Nagaland , Guwhati and Kerala performing folk music ! 

weather took an unexpected turn, with temperatures dropping swiftly, enveloping me in a crisp chill. Don’t remember how many red rice tea I had that night !

It was aromatic with a distinct yet soothing flavour . And I couldn’t stop myself asking the recipe of it. After all I’m a curious chef 🙂

Nagaland’s beauty, both natural and cultural, leaves an indelible mark on my soul, reminding me of the richness found in embracing new experiences.

Stay tuned for the next post where I will be sharing about the cultural events that happened next day with my bbq experience near the camp !