Scattered like giant stone mushrooms across a 300-year-old citadel, the Kachari Ruins in Dimapur are Nagaland’s only archaeological marvel – remnants of the 13th-century capital of the Dimasa Kachari Kingdom, a powerful Hindu-Buddhist dynasty that ruled the Dhansiri Valley until 1536. Located just 5 km from Dimapur town, this 10-acre site features over 30 intricately carved V-shaped monoliths (some 5 m tall), chessboard-patterned brick walls, and a mysterious sunken tank once used for royal rituals. The mushroom-shaped pillars – unique in India – are believed to represent fertility, phallic symbols, or memorial stones. A silent, moss-covered contrast to Kohima’s solemn war graves, the ruins whisper of a forgotten empire. For visitors to indiatourisminfo.com, Kachari Ruins are Nagaland’s portal to ancient history. With 2025 night illumination and the Kachari Heritage Festival, this “City of Mushroom Stones” is an unmissable destination for history buffs, photographers, and anyone seeking the Northeast’s hidden past.
Key Attractions
Mushroom-Shaped Monoliths – 30+ carved pillars, 3–5 m tall
Chessboard Brick Walls – geometric patterns of royal fort
Sunken Royal Tank – 10 m deep, used for rituals
V-Shaped Gateways – entrance arches of the citadel
Carved Lingams & Yonis – Hindu-Buddhist symbols
Dimasa Tribal Museum – nearby, 1 km
Ancient Moat Traces – remnants of city defense
Things to Do
Walk among the monoliths at golden hour
Attend Kachari Heritage Festival – Dimasa dance & reenactments (Feb 14–16, 2026)
Photography of V-shaped pillars with moss & vines
Explore the sunken tank & imagine royal ceremonies
Visit Dimapur market for Kachari handicrafts
Try smoked pork & axone at nearby stalls
Local Culture and History
Built by the Dimasa Kachari kings (13th–16th century), the city was called Hidimbapur after the Mahabharata’s Hidimbi. The kingdom moved to Maibang after Assamese invasions. The 2025 LED illumination, promoted by Nagaland Tourism and X posts, lights up the ruins nightly.
Best Time to Visit
Open 9 AM–5 PM, with November to March (winter, 15–25°C) ideal for Kachari Festival and pleasant exploration. June–October (monsoon) adds dramatic green moss.
How to Reach
By Air: Dimapur Airport (8 km)
By Train: Dimapur Railway Station (6 km)
By Road: Dimapur town centre (5 km)
Local Transport: Auto (~₹100), taxi (~₹300)
Parking: At entrance (~₹20)
Travel Tips
Booking: Entry ~₹20; guide optional (~₹300)
Cost: Food ~₹100–300
Dress: Comfortable shoes; hat
Safety: Safe; watch uneven ground
Respect Local Culture: No climbing pillars
Connectivity: Good 4G
Environment: No littering
Accessibility: Flat site; wheelchair-friendly
Nearby Attractions
Dimapur Ao Baptist Church (3 km)
Chumukedima Village (10 km)
Nagaland Science Centre (4 km)
Diezephe Craft Village (12 km)
Rangapahar Reserve Forest (8 km)
Explore More
Discover other Nagaland wonders like Kohima War Cemetery or Dzukou Valley on our Northeast destinations page. Plan your ancient ruins journey with indiatourisminfo.com today!
