Nagaland Elevates Its Tourism Scene with New Helicopter Service, Offering Unmatched Aerial Views of the Hornbill Festival and Scenic Landscapes

Published on November 27, 2025

Nagaland has taken a bold step in redefining tourism with the launch of a new helicopter service designed to showcase the state’s stunning landscapes from the sky. This aerial service, unveiled just in time for the upcoming Hornbill Festival, offers visitors an exclusive way to experience Nagaland’s natural beauty and vibrant cultural heritage. The service, flagged off at the Lerie Helipad in Kohima, promises to be a game-changer for the state’s tourism sector.

In collaboration with Thumby Aviation Private Limited and the Nagaland Tourism Department, this service aims to provide tourists with an unparalleled bird’s-eye view of the state’s iconic landmarks, including the scenic town of Kohima, the breathtaking Dzükou Valley, and the festivities of the Hornbill Festival. This new offering is designed to take visitors on a memorable aerial journey while promoting Nagaland’s unique landscape and culture.

A New Perspective on Nagaland’s Scenic Beauty

Nagaland is known for its rugged hills, lush valleys, and vibrant traditions. The helicopter service provides an innovative way to experience the state’s diverse terrain. From the air, tourists will have the chance to see Kohima nestled among the hills, the sweeping views of Dzükou Valley with its seasonal wildflowers, and the colorful atmosphere of the Hornbill Festival, which draws thousands each year.

The service is a response to the growing demand for unique and immersive travel experiences. As tourism continues to be an essential part of the state’s economy, this helicopter service opens up a new chapter in Nagaland’s tourism development. The aerial ride offers not just a quick but also an enchanting way to witness the region’s landscapes, which would otherwise be difficult to explore in their entirety by road.

Expanding Connectivity Across the Region

The helicopter service operates from three key locations: Dimapur Airport, Kohima Heliport, and Kigwema Heliport. These destinations were selected to offer the best connectivity for tourists traveling between popular spots. The service offers a fast and efficient way to traverse the state, bypassing the need for long, winding drives through Nagaland’s mountainous terrain.

Travelers will be able to visit multiple destinations in one day, without the limitations of road travel. The convenience and time-saving aspect of the service are particularly beneficial for tourists with limited time to explore the region, ensuring they can make the most of their visit to Nagaland’s cultural and natural wonders.

Affordable Access to Aerial Views

In a bid to make this experience accessible to a broader audience, the helicopter service offers subsidized rates for both domestic and international tourists. This move ensures that the aerial rides aren’t just for the elite but can be enjoyed by a wide variety of travelers, from adventure seekers to families, making it an affordable addition to any travel itinerary.

The discounted fares are designed to encourage more visitors to consider the helicopter ride as part of their trip. Given the service’s uniqueness, it is expected to become a major draw, particularly during peak tourist seasons like the Hornbill Festival. The opportunity to fly over the event’s activities and take in the sweeping beauty of the surrounding landscape adds an exciting and luxurious element to the festival experience.

Enhancing the Hornbill Festival Experience

The Hornbill Festival, a showcase of Nagaland’s cultural heritage, is one of India’s most celebrated festivals, attracting thousands of visitors annually. The introduction of the helicopter service will offer tourists a whole new way to experience this vibrant event. As the festival is celebrated across various venues in Kohima, the helicopter ride will offer an aerial perspective of the grand performances, dances, and the overall festive atmosphere.

The aerial views will provide tourists with a sense of the scale and cultural significance of the event, as well as a chance to appreciate the Hornbill Festival in a way that is completely different from traditional festival-goers. For visitors, this is an opportunity to not only witness the festival from the ground but also to see how it fits within Nagaland’s stunning natural setting.

Additionally, tourists can take a flight over the surrounding areas, capturing the essence of Nagaland’s varied landscapes, from its picturesque villages to the wild, unspoiled valleys that are a hallmark of the region.

A Step Toward Sustainable Tourism

The launch of the helicopter service represents a significant step in Nagaland’s ongoing efforts to develop sustainable tourism. By offering a low-impact, high-efficiency travel option, the service aligns with the state’s goals of maintaining its ecological balance while also fostering tourism growth. The helicopter rides reduce the pressure on traditional road routes, allowing visitors to enjoy the state’s scenic beauty without contributing heavily to road congestion or environmental degradation.

Nagaland’s tourism department has long been committed to preserving the region’s unique ecology while providing memorable experiences for travelers. The new aerial service contributes to this vision, offering an eco-friendly alternative to road travel that still allows tourists to fully engage with the state’s offerings.

Building Long-Term Growth for Tourism

Beyond just the Hornbill Festival, the helicopter service is poised to have long-term benefits for Nagaland’s tourism sector. As more travelers look for unique and personalized experiences, the aerial rides offer a high-quality option that can attract repeat visitors. Moreover, by providing a way to access more remote areas quickly, the service could open up new tourism avenues, such as eco-tourism, adventure tourism, and cultural heritage tours.

The launch of the helicopter service signals Nagaland’s readiness to embrace innovative solutions that cater to modern tourists. As the region continues to develop its infrastructure, this initiative will help position Nagaland as a leading destination in Northeast India, appealing to both adventure seekers and culture enthusiasts.

Looking to the Future

With the Hornbill Festival on the horizon, the timing of the helicopter service launch couldn’t be better. It offers a new way for visitors to experience Nagaland’s beauty, from the vibrant cultural displays to the awe-inspiring landscapes. The helicopter service represents a fresh chapter in Nagaland’s tourism story, offering travelers an exciting way to engage with the region’s cultural and natural wonders.

As Nagaland moves forward with this new service, it is well on its way to becoming a premier destination for those seeking both adventure and cultural immersion, setting the stage for a bright future for its tourism industry.