Khonoma Village

Khonoma is an ancient Angami Naga village about 20 km from Kohima, perched on a steep hillside at around 1,400 metres. The village is celebrated as India's first green village, having voluntarily banned hunting and logging within its territory decades ago, resulting in remarkable forest regeneration and the return of wildlife. The village was historically a fierce stronghold of resistance against British colonial expansion in the 19th century. Khonoma is organised into three distinct settlements each protecting its own territory. The landscape around the village is shaped by intricate terraced paddy fields carved into the hillside over generations where more than 20 varieties of rice are grown. Traditional carved wooden gates, stone-paved paths, and Naga warrior architecture define the village character.