Kohima War Cemetery

Overview

The Kohima War Cemetery is a memorial in Kohima, Nagaland, India, dedicated to the soldiers of the 2nd British Division of the Allied Forces who died in the Battle of Kohima during World War II. The cemetery is maintained by the Commonwealth War Graves Commission.

1. Historical Significance:
   • The Battle of Kohima (April 4 – June 22, 1944) was a turning point in the Burma Campaign during World War II. It was fought between the British/Indian forces and the Japanese Army.
   • The cemetery is the final resting place for over 1,420 Commonwealth soldiers who lost their lives in this battle.
2. Design and Layout:
   • The cemetery is built on the site of the battle, particularly on the former tennis court of the Deputy Commissioner’s residence, where some of the fiercest fighting took place.
   • It features beautifully manicured lawns and terraced plots with white headstones.
3. Famous Inscription:
   • A famous inscription at the cemetery reads: “When you go home, tell them of us and say, for your tomorrow, we gave our today.”

Visiting Information

1. Best Time to Visit:
   • October to May: The best time to visit Kohima War Cemetery is during the dry months from October to May. The weather during this period is pleasant, making it ideal for exploring the cemetery and the surrounding areas.
   • Avoid Monsoon Season: June to September is the monsoon season, and heavy rains can make travel and sightseeing difficult.
2. How to Get There:
   • By Air: The nearest airport is Dimapur Airport, about 74 kilometers from Kohima. Regular flights connect Dimapur to major cities like Guwahati, Kolkata, and Delhi.
   • By Rail: Dimapur Railway Station is the closest railhead, well-connected to various parts of India.
   • By Road: Kohima is well-connected by road. Regular buses and taxis are available from Dimapur and other nearby cities.
3. Local Attractions:
   • While visiting Kohima, you can also explore other attractions such as the Kohima Museum, Nagaland State Museum, and the scenic Dzukou Valley.
4. Facilities:
   • The cemetery is maintained by the Commonwealth War Graves Commission, ensuring it is well-kept and accessible to visitors. There are plaques and information boards detailing the history of the battle and the soldiers commemorated there.

Summary Table

Aspect	Details
Historical Significance	Memorial for WWII Battle of Kohima soldiers
Best Time to Visit	October to May (pleasant weather)
Avoid	June to September (monsoon season)
Nearest Airport	Dimapur Airport (74 km from Kohima)
Nearest Railway Station	Dimapur Railway Station
Local Attractions	Kohima Museum, Nagaland State Museum, Dzukou Valley
Facilities	Maintained by Commonwealth War Graves Commission, information boards

Additional Resources

• Commonwealth War Graves Commission for detailed information about the cemetery and its history.
• Government of Nagaland for travel guidelines and local information.