Dimapur

In the 13th century, the city was the capital of the Dimasa Kingdom, which was once a powerful and predominant state in the now North East India (Brahmaputra or Dilao Valley).[8] In the heart of the city there is an old relic of the Dimasa Kachari Kingdom which speaks about the once prosperous era.[9]

The city of Dimapur is said to have been founded by a Kachari king Mahamanipha (1330-1370) and it remained as the capital of the Kacharis until it was captured by the Ahom ruler Suhungmung in 1526 A.D.[10]

The ruins of Dimasa Kingdom in Dimapur include a brick wall of the length of nearly 2 miles and 2 tanks about 300 yards square, are indicative of a city of considerable size.[11]

During World War II, Dimapur was the centre of action between British India and Imperial Japan. It was the staging post for the Allied offensive. The Japanese could reach Kohima where a siege was laid. Allied reinforcement came through Dimapur by rail and road for the push against the Japanese. An airport at Dimapur was also in use for supplies to the allied forces in Burma. The battle for Kohima about 77 km from Dimapur is considered the turning point for the Japanese retreat from South East Asia.

In 1918, Dimapur was leased to then Naga Hills District (Now Nagaland) by then erstwhile Assam Province of British of India for 30 years for construction of Railways lines (unclear from which district).[12] In 1963, it was again leased to now state of Nagaland for 99 years.[13] There is controversy surrounding this claim, as both state governments have not come forward to comment on the matter.[14]

On 2 October 2004, two powerful bombs were set off—one at the Dimapur Railway Station and the other at the Hong Kong Market killing 30 and injuring over 100 others.[15][16]

Dimapur is hot and humid in summers and moderately cold in winters.[17]

Christianity is the most followed religion in the city making up 45.10% of the city's population, closely followed by Hinduism at 41.11%. Islam is followed by 11.21%, Jainism by 1.73%, Buddhist by 0.48% and Sikhs by 0.19% respectively.[3]

• Ruins of Kachari Rajbari

Kachari Rajbari Ruins

Although is left in ruins after centuries of abandonment, after facing conflict with the Ahom King in 18th century and with the settlement of township occupying almost half of its former glorious fortress, is still a national heritage site. It signifies great historical importance for the region of North-East. It also gives great value to the state of Nagaland.

• Dimapur City Tower

The Dimapur City Tower is a major landmark of the city. It is located at Circular Road in the heart of Dimapur. Also known as the Clock Tower, the tower is decorated with Christmas Lights during the Christmas season.

• Dimapur Jain Temple

The Dimapur Jain Temple was built in 1947. The temple has some intricate glass work. The temple is considered very auspicious by the people of Dimapur. The temple was built by the tireless effort of Shri Jethmal Sethi, Shri Phulchand Sethi, Shri Udayram Chabra, Shri Chunnilal Kishanlal Sethi, Shri Kanhaiyal Sethi, Shri Mangilal Chabra, Motilal Patni, Subhkaran Sethi and other Jain families present in Dimapur at that time.

Dimapur has several places where tourist can visit such as Nagaland Science Center, Stone Park, Hazi Park, Shiv Mandir and Kali Temple.[20] The Nagaland Zoological Park, Green Park, Niathu Resort, Noune Resort, The Triple Falls, Nagaland Science Centre, Aqua Mellow Park and Agri Expo site in the neighbouring Chümoukedima District can be easily accessible from Dimapur.

Dimapur Airport

Dimapur is served by the Dimapur Airport located at 3rd Mile (AH1), Chümoukedima District. It is the only civil airport in the state and operates routes to Kolkata, Guwahati, Imphal,[21] and Dibrugarh.

There are plans for expansion of the airport to meet international norms by buying land at Aoyimti village.

• Asian Highway 1
• Asian Highway 2
• NH 29: National Highway 29 (India)
• NH 129: National Highway 129 (India)
• NH 129A: National Highway 129A (India)

Dimapur has direct train services to cities like Guwahati, Kolkata, Patna, New Delhi, Bangalore, Chandigarh, Amritsar, Dibrugarh and Chennai from the Dimapur railway station. The station is categorised as an A category railway station which lies on the Lumding-Dibrugarh section under the Lumding railway division of Northeast Frontier Railway.

It is one of the two railway stations in Nagaland. The other railway station is Shokhuvi Railway Station. [22]

A number of shopping centers and markets have sprung up in Dimapur, with the HongKong Market, Central Plaza, New Market, Bank colony (Super Market Area) and Circular and NL roads serving as the main commercial areas in the city. The Complexes and shopping centres have sprung up to Notun Bosti.

The stretch from Purana Bazaar to Chümoukedima along the AH-1 is also rapidly developing into commercial areas.

The city's Hong Kong Market is well known for imported goods from Thailand, China, and Burma and is the main Shopping Attraction for Tourists visiting Nagaland. The wholesale foodgrain items are available at KL Sethi Market Complex, Jasokie Market, etc. at GS Road, Dimapur.

The Agro & Food Processing Special Economic Zone (AFSEZ) at Ganeshnagar under Dimapur District in Nagaland is one of the few exclusive Agro Food Products SEZ in India. It is developed by state-run Nagaland Industrial Development Corporation Limited.[24][25]

• Dimapur Government College
• Public College of Commerce
• Salesian College of Higher Education
• Sakus Mission College
• Trinity Theological College
• Unity College
• Pranabananda Women's College
• Cornerstone College
• Ngullie Memorial College
• School of Engineering & Technology, Nagaland University
• Yemhi Memorial College
• St. John College

• Assembly Of God Higher Secondary School
• Don Bosco Higher Secondary School
• Greenwood School
• Holy Cross School
• Little Star Higher Secondary School
• Living Stone Foundation Higher Secondary School
• N. N. Nagi School
• Pranab Vidyapith Higher Secondary School
• St. John Higher Secondary Residential School
• King David School, Kushiabill