If you are looking for a unique and offbeat destination in India, you might want to consider visiting the Kachari Ruins in Dimapur, Nagaland. These are a set of ancient stone pillars that date back to the 13th century and are believed to have been built by the Dimasa Kachari Kingdoms that ruled the region before the Ahom invasion.
The Kachari Ruins are a testimony to Nagaland’s rich and diverse heritage and culture, and offer a glimpse into the past of this northeastern state. In this article, we will tell you everything you need to know about the Kachari Ruins, including their origin, purpose, architecture, carvings, legends, and significance. We will also give you some practical information on how to visit them, when to go, and what to do nearby.
Location and Accessibility
The Kachari Ruins are located in Dimapur, the largest city and the commercial hub of Nagaland. Dimapur is well-connected by road, rail, and air to other parts of India. You can reach Dimapur by taking a flight from Kolkata, Guwahati, Imphal, or Dibrugarh. Alternatively, you can take a train from Guwahati, New Delhi, Kolkata, or Bangalore. You can also drive to Dimapur from Guwahati, Kohima, Imphal, or Shillong.
The Kachari Ruins are situated in the heart of the city, near the Dimapur railway station. You can easily reach them by taking a local taxi, auto-rickshaw, or bus. The ruins are open to visitors from 9 am to 5 pm every day, except on Sundays and public holidays. The entry fee is Rs. 10 per person for Indians and Rs. 50 per person for foreigners.
Architecture and Carvings
The Kachari Ruins consist of a group of mushroom-shaped stone pillars that are arranged in a circular pattern. There are about 15 pillars in total, varying in height from 6 to 10 feet. The pillars are made of sandstone and have intricate carvings and motifs on them. The carvings depict various animals, birds, flowers, and geometric patterns. Some of the pillars also have human faces and figures on them. The pillars are believed to have been used as funerary monuments or memorial stones for the deceased rulers and nobles of the Kachari Kingdom. The pillars are also said to represent the fertility cult of the Kacharis, who worshipped the mother goddess and the earth.
The Kachari Ruins are surrounded by a lush green park that has a pond, a fountain, and a children’s play area. The park is a popular spot for locals and tourists alike, who come here to relax, picnic, and enjoy the scenic views. The park also has a small museum that displays some artifacts and information about the Kachari culture and history.
Legends and Significance
The Kachari Ruins have many legends and stories associated with them, some of which are based on historical facts and some of which are based on folklore and myths. One of the legends says that the Kachari Ruins were built by a king named Dimapur, who was the son of a Naga princess and a Chinese prince. He was a powerful and benevolent ruler who expanded his kingdom to cover most of the northeastern region. He built the pillars as a tribute to his ancestors and his people. He also built a fort and a palace near the pillars, which are now in ruins.
Another legend says that the Kachari Ruins were built by a king named Makardhwaj, who was the son of Hanuman and a mermaid. He was a brave and adventurous king who travelled across the seas and conquered many lands. He built the pillars as a symbol of his strength and glory. He also built a temple dedicated to Lord Shiva near the pillars, which is now known as the Hazi Park Temple.
The Kachari Ruins are not only a historical monument, but also a cultural and religious site. They are revered by the Kachari people, who are one of the indigenous tribes of Nagaland. The Kacharis have a rich and diverse culture, language, and tradition, which are reflected in their festivals, dances, music, and art. The Kacharis celebrate their festivals such as Bushu, Rajbari, and Hangseu with great fervor and enthusiasm.
They also perform their traditional dances such as Rongmei, Khamba, and Lim, which are accompanied by their musical instruments such as drums, flutes, and gongs. The Kacharis also have a unique art form called the Kachari embroidery, which is done on clothes, bags, and accessories using colorful threads and beads.
The Kachari Ruins are also a source of inspiration and pride for the people of Nagaland, who consider them as a symbol of their identity and heritage. The ruins showcase the ancient civilization and culture of Nagaland, which is one of the oldest and most diverse in India. The ruins also highlight the artistic and architectural skills of the Kachari people, who were able to create such magnificent structures without any modern tools or techniques. The ruins also remind the people of Nagaland of their glorious past and their potential for the future.
Best Time to Visit and Places Nearby
The best time to visit the Kachari Ruins is from October to March, when the weather is pleasant and comfortable. The temperature ranges from 10 to 25 degrees Celsius, and the rainfall is minimal. This is also the time when Nagaland celebrates its famous Hornbill Festival, which is a 10-day extravaganza of culture, music, dance, food, and fun. The festival is held in Kohima, the capital city of Nagaland, which is about 74 km from Dimapur. You can easily reach Kohima by taking a bus or a taxi from Dimapur. The festival is a great opportunity to witness and experience the diversity and vibrancy of Nagaland and its people.
If you are looking for more places to visit near the Kachari Ruins, you have plenty of options to choose from. You can visit the Dimapur Zoological Park, which is a wildlife sanctuary that houses various animals and birds, such as tigers, leopards, deer, monkeys, peacocks, and hornbills. You can also visit the Rangapahar Reserve Forest, which is a green oasis that has a variety of flora and fauna, such as orchids, ferns, bamboo, and medicinal plants.
Or you can visit the Triple Falls, which is a stunning waterfall that cascades down from three levels and forms a natural pool at the bottom and the Nagaland Science Centre, which is an interactive and educational museum that has exhibits and activities related to science, technology, and innovation.
The Kachari Ruins are a must-visit destination for anyone who is interested in history, culture, and nature. They are a treasure trove of information and insights into the ancient and mysterious Kachari Kingdom and its people. They are also a beautiful and serene place to relax, unwind, and enjoy the scenic views. The Kachari Ruins are a perfect example of how Nagaland blends the old and the new, the traditional and the modern, the natural and the man-made. They are a reflection of the spirit and the soul of Nagaland and its people.
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