Dimapur

Introduction

Dimapur is the largest city in Nagaland and its main gateway and commercial centre, set near the border with Assam on the banks of the Dhansiri River. Most travellers pass through on the way to elsewhere in the state, but the city has a history worth pausing for: it served as an important logistics and supply hub for the Allied forces during the Second World War.

Arriving is straightforward by rail — the city's main railway station is among the busiest in Northeast India — and once here you'll find a working commercial town rather than a tourist one, so come expecting to use it as a base and a place to stock up before heading further into Nagaland.

Before you go

Dimapur takes its name from the Dimasa people, and that meaning is essentially all you need to carry with you before arriving: the city is identified with the community whose name it bears. Beyond that, plan on the understanding that this is a place defined by its people and their name rather than by any set of visitor practicalities you can settle in advance.

Getting there

Dimapur is the main gateway for reaching Nagaland, and you can arrive by air or rail. Dimapur Airport (DMU) is served by IndiGo with flights from Kolkata and New Delhi, Air India Express with flights to Guwahati, and Alliance Air with flights to Imphal.

By train, Dimapur railway station (DMV) is one of the most important railway stations in the region, with direct trains from New Delhi, Kolkata, Bangalore and Chennai. The city is also linked by bus.

Getting around

Dimapur has no metro, tram or light-rail network, and no formal city bus system with passes or prepaid cards, so you get around by road and rail rather than by any ticketed urban transit. The main railway station is the region's key rail hub and a useful landmark for orienting yourself or giving directions to a driver; direct trains run to New Delhi, Kolkata, Bangalore and Chennai, and reserved seats can be booked in advance online or at the station. Intercity buses are a flexible alternative for reaching the city and for regional journeys.

For local movement, taxis and hired vehicles are the sensible choice between the railway station, your accommodation and the commercial areas, and for day trips to surrounding sites. Agree on the fare or confirm the meter arrangement before you set off, and have your destination written down if you are heading somewhere specific. Much of the Dimapur area is flat, with the Dhansiri flowing to the east, so walking works well for exploring a single neighbourhood or market area — but summers are hot and humid and winters moderately cold, so save longer walks for the morning or evening. If you fly in to Dimapur Airport (DMU), arrange a taxi or pre-booked pickup for the transfer into town.

Where to stay

Dimapur's accommodation is topped by Hotel Saramati, which is considered a four-star property and has all the facilities. Hotel Tragopan, Hotel Senti and Hotel Ne-Li are the other named options for your stay.

Food & drink

Dimapur has a modest but varied eating scene. Plaza is one of the city's oldest restaurants and serves a range of cuisines, including Indian dishes, at reasonable prices; Breeze and Ne-li are other options worth knowing. For Chinese food, try the Beijing restaurant, which offers a variety of dishes at decent prices.

Note that Nagaland has officially banned all sales of alcohol, so you should not expect to buy or be served drinks openly. It is widely available on the black market, but as a visitor you are subject to local law and should plan accordingly.

What to see and do

When to go

Dimapur's climate splits into two broad seasons that should shape how you plan your days. Summers are hot and humid, running roughly from spring through early autumn, and the sticky, draining conditions make long stretches outdoors tiring. If you visit in this stretch, schedule your walking and sightseeing for the cooler parts of the day and build in plenty of rest.

Winters are moderately cold rather than severe, making this the more comfortable time for walking and sightseeing around the city's neighbourhoods. Even so, pack warm layers for cooler days and nights. The clean-air distinction sometimes attached to Dimapur is unrelated to its weather, so don't let it influence your timing.

Three days in Dimapur

Day one begins with arriving in Dimapur, the gateway to Nagaland in Northeast India. The town sits on the Dhansiri River and carries a Dimasa heritage, with traces of the Second World War and the Allied presence still part of its story. Settle into your accommodation — options include Hotel Saramati, Hotel Tragopan, Hotel Senti, Hotel Ne, Li Plaza, Indian and Breeze Ne — and spend the afternoon getting your bearings along the Dhansiri.

Day two is for exploring Dimapur itself at an easy pace. Most of the town's life is strung along its markets and riverside, so wander, eat well, and take in the mix of communities that make up this part of Nagaland. If you have time, use the day to arrange onward transport, since Dimapur is a natural base for the wider region.

Day three turns to the connections that make Dimapur useful. Dimapur Airport (DMU) links the town with Kolkata, New Delhi, Guwahati and Imphal through carriers such as IndiGo, Air India Express and Alliance Air, while the railway station (DMV) connects it with Bangalore and Chennai. Beyond Dimapur, the road and rail links reach into Assam and the rest of Northeast India, so plan your departure with the Intercity services in mind.