Nagas attract tourists with rural tourism

With peace gaining ground in Nagaland, the people are turning towards developing rural tourism sector to attract tourists with rich culture, blessed with a plethora of flora and fauna, and lush green nature's bounty.

A resort named 'Shalom Resort' at Gaili village also known as Hepuluzam in Peren district, around 37 kilometers away from Dimapur, was opened on Saturday by Nagaland Rural Development Minister C.L. John.

"I am impressed to see the concept of the resort. It is encouraging and this will certainly help in promoting rural tourism," John said.

Inaugurating the resort, he urged all to make the resort a place of coming together in unity for the Nagas and do away tribalism.

"The name 'Shalom Resort' which is Peace Resort itself is meaningful and we must make it a place of peaceful coexistence by also asking all communities to settle in the vast area," he added.

Talking to ANI, former NLA Speaker and minister Neiba Ndang, who has guided his siblings to start the resort, said the main motive is to attract nature lovers.

Shalom Resort is situated near Sainik School in Punglwa village beneath Mt. Pauna, the third highest mountain in the state.

According to Dr. K Lolo Ndang, the member board of trustees, this resort would provide facilities like jungle gym, cycling, spa, boating, angling to name some.

Nagaland has so far three resorts, the other two 'None' and 'Niathu' owned by Niathu group.

As of now, the scope and potential of tourism in the state is not a matter of great concern. However, the idea and vision is to promote tourism in progressing year after year.

Nagaland is blessed with a beautiful topography filled with rich flora and fauna and a culture and therefore has so much scope and potential in the field of tourism. For so long, the people of the insurgency torn state have not utilize the resources to its advantage except during the season of the Hornbill festival.

The state has also a huge potential to attract tourists as majority of the tourists want to witness the Naga culture and also to experience nature, mostly on wildlife and adventure.