Nestled on the terraced slopes of Garrison Hill, Kohima War Cemetery is one of the most poignant WWII memorials in Asia – a serene garden of 1,420 Commonwealth graves where Allied soldiers from Britain, India, Australia, and Canada rest after the brutal 1944 Battle of Kohima, known as the “Stalingrad of the East”. Located just 3 km from Kohima town, this beautifully maintained site features the famous Tennis Court where hand-to-hand combat raged, and the iconic epitaph: “When you go home, tell them of us and say, for your tomorrow, we gave our today.” A place of profound silence amid Nagaland’s vibrant tribal culture, it stands in stark contrast to Reiek Tlang’s festive heritage. For visitors to indiatourisminfo.com, Kohima War Cemetery is a sacred space of reflection. With 2025 digital audio guides and the annual Kohima War Memorial Service, this “Garden of Remembrance” is an unmissable destination for history lovers, veterans’ families, and anyone seeking peace in the hills.
Key Attractions
1,420 Headstones – inscribed with names, ages, and regiments
Tennis Court Battlefield – exact site of the fiercest fighting
Memorial Cross – 15 m stone cross at the upper terrace
Epitaph Stone – the famous Kohima poem
Cherry Blossom Grove – blooms in November
Rose Garden – maintained by Commonwealth War Graves Commission
Battle of Kohima Museum – nearby (500 m)
Things to Do
Walk the silent rows at sunrise or sunset
Read the epitaph and pay respects at the cross
Attend the annual Kohima War Memorial Service (Apr 13, 2026)
Photography of headstones with Nagaland hills backdrop
Visit the Tennis Court – now a peaceful lawn
Learn stories via 2025 digital audio guide (~₹100)
Lay a poppy at the Indian Army section
Local Culture and History
The Battle of Kohima (Apr–Jun 1944) halted Japan’s advance into India; 4,000 Allied and 7,000 Japanese died. The cemetery was consecrated in 1946. The 2025 audio guide, promoted by Nagaland Tourism and X posts, includes survivor testimonies.
Best Time to Visit
Open 8 AM–4:30 PM, with November (cherry blossoms) and April 13 (battle anniversary) most meaningful. November–March (winter, 5–20°C) for clear skies.
How to Reach
By Air: Dimapur Airport (70 km) → Kohima (2 hrs)
By Road: Kohima town centre (3 km)
Local Transport: Auto (~₹50), walk from town (~40 min)
Parking: At entrance (free)
Travel Tips
Booking: Entry free; audio guide at gate
Cost: Food nearby ~₹100–300
Dress: Respectful; cover shoulders/knees
Safety: Very safe; quiet zone
Respect Local Culture: Silence; no selfies on graves
Connectivity: Good 4G
Environment: No littering; use bins
Accessibility: Paved paths; wheelchair-friendly
Nearby Attractions
Kohima Cathedral (1 km)
Nagaland State Museum (2 km)
Dzukou Valley Trek (30 km)
Japfu Peak (15 km)
Khonoma Village (20 km)
Explore More
Discover other Nagaland gems like Dzukou Valley or Reiek Tlang on our Northeast destinations page. Plan your remembrance journey with indiatourisminfo.com today!
