The Amur Falcon Haven of Nagaland - Khonoma Nature Conservation Reserve

Nestled in the hills of Nagaland, about 20 km from Kohima, lies the Khonoma Nature Conservation and Tragopan Sanctuary (KNCTS) — a shining example of community-led conservation in India. Known as Asia’s first Green Village, Khonoma has earned global recognition for protecting endangered species, especially the migratory Amur Falcons that visit Nagaland every year.  

  

The Amur Falcon

History of Khonoma’s Conservation Efforts

• In the 1990s, excessive hunting threatened local wildlife populations, including the endangered Blyth’s Tragopan (Nagaland’s state bird).

• In 1998, the villagers of Khonoma took a historic step by creating the Khonoma Nature Conservation and Tragopan Sanctuary (KNCTS), covering around 70 sq. km.

• The village council banned hunting and logging, introducing community-based conservation practices.

• Over the years, Khonoma has become a role model for eco-tourism, conservation, and sustainable living.

The Amur Falcon Story

• The Amur Falcon (Falco amurensis) is a small raptor that undertakes one of the longest migrations in the bird world.

• Every year, millions of these falcons travel from Siberia, Mongolia, and northern China to southern Africa, stopping in Nagaland as a resting and feeding site.

• During October–November, Nagaland skies are filled with these falcons, creating a breathtaking spectacle.

• Earlier, mass hunting was a threat to their survival. Today, thanks to Khonoma and nearby Pangti village, locals protect and celebrate the arrival of the falcons.

Amur Falcons

Flora and Fauna of Khonoma Nature Conservation Reserve

Apart from Amur Falcons, the reserve shelters rich biodiversity:

Category	Species Highlights	Notes
Birds 🦅	Amur Falcon, Blyth’s Tragopan, Great Hornbill, Jungle Fowl, Wood Pigeons	Blyth’s Tragopan is the state bird of Nagaland
Mammals 🐾	Himalayan Black Bear, Barking Deer, Wild Boar, Clouded Leopard	Black Bear sightings are rare but notable
Reptiles 🐍	King Cobra, Krait, Monitor Lizards	Found in forested and hilly terrain
Amphibians 🐸	Tree Frogs, Toads	Thrive during monsoon months
Flora 🌳	Alder Trees, Bamboo, Oak, Pine, Rhododendron	Alder trees are traditionally used for sustainable jhum cultivation
Butterflies & Insects 🦋	Blue Mormon, Common Rose, Dragonflies	Enrich biodiversity and pollination

Things to Do at Khonoma

1. Bird Watching:
   
   
• Peak season: October–March, especially for Amur Falcons.
  
  
• Local guides provide birding tours and spotting trips.
  
  
2. Eco-Trekking & Nature Walks:
   
   
• Explore terraced paddy fields, thick forests, and scenic landscapes.
  
  
• Popular treks: Dzukou Valley trek, starting near Khonoma.
  
  
3. Village Tourism & Homestays:
   
   
• Stay with Angami Naga families.
  
  
• Experience traditional cooking, farming, and weaving.
  
  
4. Cultural Experiences:
   
   
• Participate in local festivals, folklore, and
   handicraft workshops.
  
  
• Learn about Khonoma’s unique warrior history and 
  transition into a conservation hub.
  
  
5. Conservation Tours:
   
   
• Interact with village elders and eco-guides to learn about
   community conservation models.

Best Time to Visit

• October – November: Witness the Amur Falcon migration 
  (the highlight of Khonoma).
  
  
• December – March: Pleasant climate for trekking and eco-tours.
  
  
• April – June: Warm but green with summer showers.
  
  
• July – September: Heavy rains make travel difficult, best avoided.

Accommodation in Khonoma

• Homestays in Khonoma: Run by locals, offering authentic Naga
  lifestyle and eco-tourism experience.
  
  
• Kohima Hotels (20 km away): More comfortable options including
  mid-range and luxury stays.

How to Reach Khonoma

• By Air: Nearest airport – Dimapur Airport (74 km).
  
  
• By Rail: Dimapur Railway Station (74 km).
  
  
• By Road: Good road connectivity from Kohima (20 km), taxis and
  shared cabs are available.

Why Khonoma is Special

• Asia’s first Green Village.
  
  
• Model of community-driven eco-tourism.
  
  
• Hosts one of the largest roosting sites of Amur Falcons.
  
  
• A blend of wildlife, cultural heritage, and sustainable tourism.

Khonoma Nature Conservation Reserve is not just a wildlife 

sanctuary — it’s a living story of how people and nature can thrive

together. Whether you’re a birdwatcher, trekker, or culture lover,

 Khonoma offers an unforgettable eco-travel experience in the heart of

Nagaland. 

Bird Festivals in Nagaland

• Amur Falcon Festival (Wokha District & Pangti Village):
  Celebrated every November, this festival honors the arrival of 
  millions of Amur Falcons in Nagaland. Villagers, bird lovers, and
   conservationists gather to watch the skies fill with falcons. 
  The festival includes cultural programs, eco-tours, birdwatching
  camps, and awareness activities.
• Hornbill Festival (Kisama, Kohima – Dec 1 to 10):
  While not exclusively a bird festival, the Hornbill Festival celebrates 
  Nagaland’s cultural diversity and is named after the 
  Great Indian Hornbill, a revered bird species. Perfect for travelers 
  visiting Khonoma in early December.

Amur Falcon Migration Festival – In Detail

Background

• The Amur Falcon is a small raptor that undertakes one of the longest migratory journeys of any bird, traveling nearly 22,000 km annually.
  
  

• Their route: Siberia & Mongolia → China → Nagaland (India) → Africa.
  
  

• In the past, thousands of falcons were hunted in Nagaland, but since 2012, community conservation efforts turned Nagaland into a safe haven for these birds.

About the Festival

• The Amur Falcon Festival is celebrated every November in Wokha district (especially Pangti village) and promoted across Nagaland.
  
  

• It is both a conservation initiative and a cultural event that raises awareness about wildlife protection.

Festival Highlights

1. Birdwatching Tours: Guided visits to see millions of Amur Falcons roosting in trees and soaring in flocks.
   
   

2. Eco-Tourism Activities: Nature walks, photography expeditions, and conservation awareness programs.
   
   

3. Cultural Programs: Traditional Naga folk dances, music, and storytelling showcasing the bond between community and nature.
   
   

4. Food & Handicrafts: Local cuisine, organic produce, and tribal handicraft stalls.
   
   

5. Workshops & Talks: Sessions on biodiversity, climate change, and migratory bird conservation.

Timing

• Every November (peak migration season).
  
  

• Best time to watch: early mornings and evenings, when falcons gather in large numbers.

Why It’s Special

• Nagaland is recognized globally as the Falcon Capital of the World during migration.
  
  

• The festival is a success story of conservation: hunters turned into protectors and guides, setting an example for the world.
  
  

• It has also boosted eco-tourism and community livelihoods in the region.

Popularity of the Amur Falcon Migration Festival

• The Amur Falcon Festival has become one of the most talked-about eco-tourism events in Nagaland since its start in 2015.
  
  

• It attracts not only locals but also wildlife lovers, photographers, birdwatchers, and researchers from across India and abroad.
  
  

• Visitors come from:
  
  

• India: Delhi, Mumbai, Bangalore, Kolkata, Hyderabad, and nearby Northeast states (Assam, Manipur, Meghalaya).
  
  

• Internationally: Birdwatchers and researchers from Europe (UK, Germany), USA, Japan, and Southeast Asia frequently attend.
  
  

• Tourists usually combine the festival with a visit to Khonoma, Dzukou Valley, and the Hornbill Festival in December.

Why People Celebrate

• Conservation Victory: The festival is a celebration of how locals shifted from hunting to protecting falcons.
  
  

• Community Pride: Villagers host eco-tours, homestays, and cultural showcases.
  
  

• Unique Experience: Nowhere else in the world can you see millions of falcons roosting together in such harmony with communities.
  

Global Recognition: Nagaland is often called the “Falcon Capital of the World” during migration season.