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DZUKOU VALLEY
The Dzukou Valley is located near the Manipur-Nagaland interstate border in Northeast India and sprawls over an area of roughly 20,000 acres. While a part of the valley lies within Nagaland's Kohima district, the rest of it is situated in the Senapati district of Manipur. Located just beyond Nagaland's Japfu peak, Dzukou Valley boasts of towering hills, cascading streams, and a spectacular range of flora and fauna.
A panoramic view of the Dzukou Valley. Image source: Wikimedia commons
Surrounded by dense forests, Dzukou Valley is the ideal destination for nature lovers and adventure seekers. Three important trekking routes are part of the valley: while two of the routes begin from the villages of Viswema and Jakhama in Nagaland, the third one originates from Mount Issi in the Senapati district of Manipur. These treks cover several kilometers uphill through lush, pristine forests and slippery tracks and provide trekkers with a unique opportunity to interact with the local tribes of both Nagaland and Manipur that inhabit the area.
The Dzukou Valley is an ideal destination for trekkers. Image Source: Wikimedia Commons
The Dzukou Valley is an integral part of the socio-cultural fabric of the local people. The valley has been a significant part of the Naga folklore tradition for generations. Popular legends say that Naga forefathers had discovered the valley while scouting for land to settle and cultivate. They later realized that the land was unsuitable for agriculture and hence named it 'Dzukuo' or 'Dziiko' which means 'soulless' or 'dull' in the local dialect. However, different communities in the valley's vicinity attach different meanings to its name. In the Mao language, 'Dzukou' means 'valley of cold water', while the Meiteis call it the 'valley of flowers'.
Several other folktales narrate the story of a secret forest that lies beyond the valley. This forest is believed to shelter spectacular creatures and the locals refuse to disclose the route to the forest to outsiders. Another folktale speaks about a beautiful female spirit that lives in the valley and takes the life of a male visitor each year. Thus, according to popular belief, if male visitors fall sick while visiting the valley, they are advised to leave the area immediately. Among the older generations, it is believed that the souls of the departed travel to the Kezol-Tsa forest in the southern part of the Dzukou valley, before they depart from this world. Few people venture into the Kezol forest due to its dense foliage, remoteness, eerie silence, wild animals and association with ancestral spirits.
An Ao Naga lady and a Chakhesang Naga man in their traditional attire. Image source: Wikimedia commons
The valley has a thriving tribal population. Some significant communities that populate the areas in and around the valley include the Ao, Angami, Sumi, Lotha, and Chakhesang. Locals consider the valley sacred and venerate it. In fact, they play a pivotal role in its conservation by actively participating in afforestation projects and wildlife monitoring, particularly because of the valley’s susceptibility to frequent forest fires.
An early 20th century painting of Blyth's Tragopan. Image source: Wikimedia commons
In addition to its socio-cultural significance, the valley is renowned for its rich biodiversity. It is home to several endangered floral and faunal species. In fact, the Pulie Badze Wildlife Sanctuary is located close to the valley. Rhododendrons and wildflowers fill the valley from April to September. The Dzukou lily (Lilium Chitrangadae) and Siroi lily (Lilium Mackliniae) are popular plant species that contribute to a riot of colors during the blooming season. The Blyth’s Tragopan pheasant (Tragopan Blythii), the state bird of Nagaland, finds refuge in this valley. Presence of Asiatic black bears, Indian elephants, and leopards have also been registered in the region.
Today, Dzukou Valley is one of the most visited tourist destinations in the northeastern region of India, and its popularity continues to grow. Its lush landscapes, myriad flora and fauna, and vibrant cultural traditions make it a unique destination for visitors all across the country.
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