NAGALAND: To the east of Assam in the Naga hills is the small fascinating state of Nagaland, bounded by Burma to the east with the upper reaches of the Chindwin river beyond. Most of the area has a strong tribal culture and travel is restricted. As with much of northeast India, the Naga hills have a distinctive wildlife and equally fascinating flora. Numerous species of orchid are unique to these hill areas. Most of Nagaland is covered by tropical evergreen forest while in the higher areas subtropical pine and temperate deciduous forest thrive.
Fakim Sanctuary
This small sanctuary in the eastern hills close to the Burma border was formed in 1983. The park rises to almost 9850 feet (3000 meters) and receives high rainfall in June and July, making travel extremely difficult. Tiger is reported in the area. Hoolock gibbons are seen. Best time to visit: Feb. — Mar. Accommodation: none Permission: Wildlife Preservation Officer, PO Dimapur, Dist: Kohima, Nagaland Nearest town: Kiphire (61 miles!98 km) Rail & Air: Dimapur (241 miles!388 km)
Itanki Sanctuary
Cover 78 sq miles (202 sq km) of subtropical forest in the southwest corner of the state bounded on the west by the Dhansiri river which also forms the state border with Assam. Most of the sanctuary is low lying with the highest point being only 2216 feet (677 meters). Of the total estimated elephant population in Nagaland of above 250, almost 150 in four or five herds use this sanctuary and the adjacent area. The elephants migrate to!from the North Cachar Hills of Assam to the west. Permission: Wildlife Preservation Officer, PO Dimapur, Dist: Kohima, Nagaland Nearest town: Kohima (1.25 miles!2 km) Rail & Air: Dimapur (44 miles/76 km)
Puliebadze Sanctuary
Established in 1979 on a small area of forest (3.5 sq miles! 9 sq km) on the edge of Kohima. Tragopan and kaleej pheasant are among the many fascinating hill and forest birds seen. Best time to visit: Nov. — Mar. Accommodation: none Permission: Wildlife Preservation Officer, PO Dimapur, Dist: Kohima, Nagaland Nearest town: Kohima (1.25 miles!2 km) Rail & Air: Dimapur (47 miles/76 km)
