About
Dimapur district of Nagaland is flanked by Kohima district on the south and east, by Karbi Anglong district of Assam on West. Karbi Anglong and stretch of Golaghat District of Assam, in the west and the north. Dimapur, the district headquarters, is the only railhead and airport of the State. The National Highway 29 connects the State capital kohima and also connects the neighboring States of Manipur, Tripura and Mizoram.
Dimapur city, the district headquarter is unique in its nature where different communities come together to portray a small India. The District is mostly a plain terrain with an average height of 260 m above sea level except Medziphema sub-division and few communities of Niuland sub-division which are situated in the foothills. The summer season is hot and humid in the plains (with maximum temperature of 36ºC and humidity percentage of 93%) however the winter months are cool and comfortable. Average Rainfall per year is 1504.7 mm
History & Culture
Dimapur is the old capital of the Kachari tribe that ruled prior to 13th century AD. The ruins dispersed in and about the town, are reminiscences of the greatness of this country. The ruins are indicative of a culture that was possibly Hindu influenced but mostly Non-Aryans. There are also more remnants of monoliths, temples, embankments and baths in Dimapur.
The District derives its name from the Kachari dialect ‘di’ meaning river ‘ma’ meaning huge or big and ‘pur’ meaning city, the city beside the great river. The existence of the ruins of the Kachari Rajbari Fort housing the ancient stone monoliths and the many excavated tanks dug by the royalty known even today as the Rajpukhuri, Padampukhuri, Bamunpukhuri, Jorpukhuri etc. to name a few can prove the fact that the Kachari kingdom flourished in Dimapur in the days of old. The monoliths symbolize the complex rites of the fertility cult.
The government of Nagaland has created four sub divisions for administrative purposes. Nuiland and Medziphima being overseen by Additional Deputy Commissioner and Kuhuboto and Dhansririphar sub divisions headed by Sub Divisional Officer. The administrative circles namely, Chumukedima, Nihokhu and Aqhunaga other than the Sub-division are headed by Extra Assistant commissioner. Dimapur also serves as the district administrative headquarter and is supervised by the Deputy Commissioner.
Dimapur District was inaugurated as the eighth District of Nagaland in December, 1997 under Government of Nagaland, Home Department notice no. GAB-5/29/78(pt) dated 02-12-1997. It was a sub-division under Kohima district. The State’s most commercial operations besides being called a gateway to Nagaland and Manipur is based at Dimapur, the district headquarter.
Economy
Agriculture constitutes a substantial part of the earnings of Dimapur. Agriculture is the means of livelihood for the people. Rice is the principal food crop of the area and occupies the major portion of the overall cultivated land. Dimapur apart from Rice produces significant lot of Naga king Chili, Ginger, Soya bean etc.
Dimapur also has significant number of forest. The residents of Dimapur use the products of the forest to manufacture things such as furniture, agarbati, bamboo sticks, cane and bamboo items, wood carving items, handicraft items, bamboo mat, Ayurvedic medicine, door and window frame, etc.
The city of Dimapur is not much industrially developed. Cottage and Small Scale Industry is one of the main industry of Dimapur. Cottage and small scale businesses such as timber products, cane and bamboo products and handloom products are a valuable source of cash for Dimapur.
People of Dimapur mainly depend on agriculture for their livelihood. There are few agricultural based industry in Dimapur which include -
- Rice Mill
- Center for Fruit & Vegetable Preservation & Canning
- Potato and Banana chips Processing Plant
- Soya milk and toffee processing unit
- Extraction & packing unit for fruits
Dimapur is also rich in mineral resource and consequently mineral related industry are steadily blooming in the region. Dimapur Mineral Base Industry includes:
- Crushers Stone
- Stone Cutting and Polishing
- Curved stone Boulder mall.
- Stone dressing Pottery
- Brick field Sand suppliers
Tourism
RUINS OF THE MEDIEVAL PERIOD KACHARI KINGDOM:
Dimapur is the historic capital of the Kachari kingdom which ruled before the 13th century AD. Scattered all across the city are ruins, reminiscent of the great dominion of the Kachari tribe. These ruins are witnesses to a culture, which was undoubtedly influenced by Hinduism, but was essentially non-Aryan. Dimapur has other temples, embankments and baths apart than monoliths, which are also in ruins.
The Dimasa Kachari Ruins are a collection of ruins (usually 8 to 10 feet high). The ruins are a row of columns with mushroom domes. Its most striking feature is its carved sandstone pillars. There are also some V-shaped pillars which are believed to be memorial stones. All the stones are highly decorated with birds, animals, flowers, spear heads and other designs.
The location itself is a popular spot and you can take a stroll along it and collect information about its archeological significance. There is a nearby market called Naga Shopping Arcade that reflects the native Naga cultures, traditions and customs.
You may easily visit the tourist attraction by taking auto rickshaws or rental taxis from the city Center in Dimapur that can be reached by state busses from adjacent towns and cities. They are on the other side of the railroad lines. When you get off at the bus stand, you will have to walk down across a market. These ruins are right opposite to the Circuit House Dimapur: Nagaland.
The best time to visit the place is in winter as you can appreciate the tranquil weather of the place which is neither too chilly nor too hot. Location: Behind Naga retail Arcade / Supermarket complex. Foot fall: Average of 10-20 everyday, 100+ during peak tourist season- November, December, January.
CHUMOUKEDIMA DIEZEPHE CRAFT VILLAGE:
Located 13 km from Dimapur, the village in Dhansiripar block has most of its residents dependent on handloom and handicraft products. They are specialists in wood carving, bamboo and cane work and weaving. Nagaland Handloom and Handicrafts Development Corporation Ltd has played an essential part in promoting this village. Diezephe Craft Village is a village of expert weavers and craftspeople.
Diezephe Craft Village is home to expert weavers and artisans. Also you will find many items with wood carving done on them in excellent way. The talents are handed down from generations of these weaving family.
Though Diezephe Craft Village is far-off in Northeast, it is well connected with roadways and busses, auto rickshaw and taxis are widely available.
Diezephe Craft Village is best visited during the winter season and you may enjoy your vacation as the weather during that time will be pleasant and delightful.
Exotic Echo, Diezephe, hosts the worldwide Loinloom festival every year in the first week of December at Weaver’s house.
WEAVER’S PLACE DIEZEPHE
The Weaver’s Place is a house stay that provides a taste of famed Naga hospitality in a semi rural environment just outside of Dimapur. It’s promoted by Exotic Echo that has been working for almost a decade now to promote the increasingly vanishing craft of the creative textile weaving style called LOINLOOM or back strap weaving. The Home stay provides an opportunity for all tourists to unwind and experiencing a bit of the local culture and enjoying the distinctive handlooms and handicrafts of the region. There are six ensuite bamboo bungalows, one bamboo long room and for the brave there are tents. It has the capacity to cater to distinguishable solo travelers, small groups from 6 to 15 individuals or school or educational institutes with upto 40 kids and staff. The home stay is Seasonal and functional just from November-April.
NEZCC Stone garden & Museum (North East Zone Cultural Center)
It is 3 km distant from the railroad station and 500 m away from the airport.
The NEZCC stone sculpture garden at NEZCC complex is a collection of stone sculptures by artists from all across India. The garden has 31 stone sculptures by famous sculptors from different parts of India. The park has traditional style morungs, amphitheater, hanging over bridge and children’s park.
North East Heritage Museum is the NEZCC museum. This is the administrative building of the NEZCC where India’s northeast cultural legacy is conserved in the form of museum. The museum displays a collection of crafts and antiques that depict the rich cultural legacy of the eight northeastern states of India. It aims to protect and promote the rich cultural diversity of the region.
Demographics
With a population density of 409 people per square kilometer this area has a population of 378,811 people.The sex ratio is 919 females per 1,000 males. The literacy rate is 84.79% (88.05% for males and 83.79% for females).
Administration
Dimapur district is managed from Dimapur city, which's also the main commercial centre of Nagaland. The Deputy Commissioner oversees the district’s general administration. Handles issues related to revenue, development work and government programmes.
The district has an urban character. A large number of public services are located in and around Dimapur city. In the parts of the district village councils and other local institutions take care of community-level matters.
The police administration is in charge of maintaining law and order. Different government offices deal with areas like education, health, roads, agriculture and social welfare. Because Dimapur is the state’s entry point and business hub it also has to manage busy roads, growing settlements, transport activity and other urban challenges.
The district administration works with bodies and communities to deliver basic services and carry out development work, in both the city and the surrounding areas.
FAQs
Q1: What is Dimapur district headquarters?
Dimapur city is the district headquarter.
Q2. Which airport is located in Dimapur?
Dimapur Airport is the only airport in Nagaland.
Q3. Which river flows through this region?
Dhansiri river is important for this region.
Q4. What is the total area of this region?
The total area is 927 square kilometers.
Q5. What is the demography of this region?
The total number of people living here is 378,811.
Last Updated on : October 27, 2026
