Kohima in a Day: History, Handcraft, and Hills That Heal

As part of Oriflame presents Whosthat360 Northeast Influencer Yatra, my journey through the Northeast brought me to Kohima, a city that doesn't rush to impress you but slowly reveals its layers. As Jayveer Singh, Content Head at Whosthat360, I've learned that some cities don't need too many days. They just need your attention. Kohima, for me, unfolded beautifully in just one.

Morning at the War Cemetery: Where Silence Speaks

My day began at the Kohima War Cemetery, perched quietly above the city. The morning fog hung low, wrapping the gravestones in a kind of reverence that words fail to capture. Standing there, reading the famous inscription — “When You Go Home, Tell Them of Us and Say, For Your Tomorrow, We Gave Our Today," I felt the weight of history press gently against my chest. It wasn't loud or dramatic. It was humbling. Kohima doesn't glorify war; it remembers it with dignity.

Midday Markets and Wood‑Crafted Traditions:

As the city warmed up, I wandered through local markets where woodwork and craftsmanship dominate everyday life. From hand‑carved shawl hooks to traditional Naga motifs etched into wood, culture here isn't preserved behind glass — it's lived. Conversations flowed easily, smiles came unprompted, and I felt that rare warmth where curiosity is met with openness. As a storyteller, these unscripted human moments are what I chase most.

Afternoon Views: Valleys That Breathe:

By afternoon, Kohima revealed its wild side. Rolling green valleys and layered hills stretch endlessly, reminding you how close nature always is here. I paused, my phone tucked away, just watching clouds drift across ridges. The air felt cleaner, lighter, like the city itself was asking me to slow down.

Experiencing Kohima as a Storyteller:

This wasn't a checklist trip. It was a feeling‑led experience. During the Influencer Yatra, Kohima taught me that stories don't always shout; some whisper through landscapes, hands, and histories.

Kohima, in a day, gave me war stories carved in stone, traditions shaped in wood, and valleys that feel unapologetically wild. It's not a city you consume; it's a city you absorb. And long after I left, it stayed with me.