Nagaland gets its first five-star hotel as Polo Hotel Kohima opens, boosting state’s hospitality offering

Nagaland’s hospitality sector has gained a new addition with the inauguration of Polo Hotel Kohima, which is described as the state’s first five-star hotel. The 56-room property was formally inaugurated by Nagaland Governor Nand Kishore Yadav, marking the entry of Polo Hotels Group into the state.

Speaking at the inauguration, Yadav said the hotel represented an investment in the region’s future and could create livelihood opportunities as Nagaland attracts growing attention as a tourism destination.

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“Tourism is not merely about attracting visitors; it is about creating meaningful experiences while ensuring that local communities benefit from the opportunities tourism generates. The growth of this sector can stimulate entrepreneurship, promote local products, create employment for our youth and strengthen the economic prospects of the state,” he said.

Yadav highlighted Kohima’s potential to attract leisure, cultural and business travellers, and noted the role of the Hornbill Festival in showcasing Nagaland’s cultural heritage to visitors from India and abroad. He said quality hospitality infrastructure could help realise the state’s tourism potential and expressed hope that the hotel would maintain high standards of service, cleanliness, safety and professionalism while reflecting Nagaland’s culture and hospitality.

Nagaland Tourism and Higher Education Minister Temjen Imna Along described the hotel as an addition to the state’s hospitality infrastructure. He said it would contribute to government revenue and urged businesses to invest in Nagaland’s future. Along also said the state government and the Tourism Department would partner with the group.

Founded in Shillong in 1991, when Hotel Polo Towers opened beside the city’s Polo Ground, Polo Hotels Group has expanded its portfolio to include properties in Meghalaya, Tripura and Kolkata. The Kohima property marks the group’s entry into Nagaland.

Overlooking Kohima and the surrounding valley, the hotel incorporates Naga architectural influences and cultural motifs into its design. The glass-fronted lobby opens towards the valley, while the infinity pool and guest rooms offer views of the surrounding landscape.

Tribal artwork features on the walls of guest rooms, and woven Naga textiles are incorporated into the interiors. The roof of the Mithun block draws inspiration from traditional morungs, community spaces central to Naga cultural life.

The hotel houses the third outlet of Tring Tring, Polo Hotels Group’s 1990s-themed all-day diner, following outlets in Shillong and Kolkata. Alongside Indian, Western and other cuisines, the restaurant offers a seven-course Naga menu showcasing the region’s culinary traditions.

Deval Tibrewalla, CEO and whole-time director of Polo Hotels Group, said most employees at the Kohima property were locals. He also said the hotel would source products from local weavers, artists, farmers and carpenters, creating opportunities for local businesses to participate in its operations.

The hotel can arrange visits to Kohima’s World War II heritage sites. Other attractions include Khonoma village and Dzükou Valley, which offer opportunities to explore Nagaland’s history, community traditions and natural landscapes. The property also provides accommodation for visitors attending the Hornbill Festival, held annually in December.

Kohima is accessible by road from Dimapur Airport, with the journey typically taking around 1.5 to 2 hours.

Commenting on the inauguration, Deval Tibrewalla said, “Nagaland has never been short of reasons to visit: the history, the festivals, the food, the hills. We wanted to build a hotel that invites everyone to enjoy these reasons. We didn’t want a building that could stand anywhere. Here the valley meets you at the door, Naga craft is in every room, and the food on the table is from these hills”

Kishan Tibrewalla, Founder & Chairman, Polo Hotels Group, said, “We opened our first hotel in Shillong thirty-five years ago, as a Northeast company building in the Northeast. To open in Kohima, and to be welcomed here by the Governor and the Government of Nagaland, means a lot to all of us.”