Nagaland has marked a major milestone in its tourism and hospitality industry with the opening of Polo Hotel Kohima, the state’s first five-star hotel. Inaugurated on October 25, 2026, by the Governor of Nagaland, Shri Nand Kishore Yadav, the 56-room property brings premium accommodation, Naga-inspired design and regional cuisine to the state capital.
The opening represents an important step in strengthening Nagaland’s hospitality infrastructure as the state attracts growing interest from domestic and international travellers. With its combination of contemporary facilities, local cultural influences and panoramic valley views, Polo Hotel Kohima aims to offer visitors a distinctive experience rooted in the character of the Northeast.
A Major Milestone for Nagaland’s Tourism Industry
The inauguration of Polo Hotel Kohima marks a significant development for Nagaland’s tourism sector, introducing a new level of premium hospitality to the state.
Addressing the gathering, Governor Nand Kishore Yadav highlighted the importance of hospitality investments in supporting employment, local businesses and the wider regional economy. He noted that tourism is not simply about attracting visitors but also about creating meaningful experiences and ensuring that local communities benefit from the opportunities generated by the industry.
He also emphasised Kohima’s potential to attract leisure, cultural and business travellers, particularly as the state gains recognition for its unique traditions, landscapes and festivals.
Nagaland Tourism and Higher Education Minister Temjen Imna Along also welcomed the development, describing the hotel as an important addition to the state’s hospitality infrastructure. He highlighted the potential for investment to contribute to government revenue, business growth and employment opportunities.
Polo Hotels Group Expands Its Presence in the Northeast
Polo Hotel Kohima is part of Polo Hotels Group, a hospitality company founded in Shillong in 1991 with the opening of Hotel Polo Towers beside the city’s Polo Ground.
Over the years, the group has expanded its presence across the Northeast and beyond, with properties in Meghalaya, Tripura and Kolkata. The Kohima opening marks its entry into Nagaland and adds another destination to its growing portfolio.
The new hotel also represents a milestone for the group as it continues to develop hospitality experiences that combine contemporary amenities with regional character.
Naga-Inspired Design Meets Contemporary Luxury
One of the property’s defining features is its design, which draws inspiration from Nagaland’s cultural heritage and natural surroundings.
Overlooking Kohima and the surrounding valley, the hotel has been designed to make the most of its hilltop setting. A glass-fronted lobby opens towards the landscape, while guest rooms and an infinity pool provide panoramic views of the surrounding hills.
Inside, the design incorporates traditional Naga architectural influences and cultural motifs. Tribal artwork features in every guest room, while woven Naga textiles add local character to the interiors.
The roof of the Mithun block takes inspiration from traditional morungs, community spaces that hold an important place in Naga cultural life.
By bringing together regional craftsmanship and contemporary hotel facilities, Polo Hotel Kohima aims to offer an experience that reflects the destination rather than a standardised luxury hotel design.
Tring Tring Brings Regional Flavours to the Table
Food is another important part of the hotel’s identity. The property houses Tring Tring, Polo Hotels Group’s all-day diner inspired by the 1990s, which opens its third outlet after Shillong and Kolkata.
The restaurant serves a selection of Oriental, Western and Indian dishes, alongside a seven-course Naga menu that introduces guests to the region’s distinctive culinary traditions.
The focus on local cuisine gives visitors an opportunity to explore Nagaland’s food culture while enjoying the convenience of an in-house dining experience.
The hotel’s wider approach also places importance on supporting local enterprise. According to Deval Tibrewalla, CEO and Whole-Time Director of Polo Hotels Group, most employees at the Kohima property are locals.
The group also intends to source products from local weavers, artists, farmers and carpenters, helping create opportunities for regional businesses and craftspeople.
Leadership Vision Behind the New Hotel
Speaking at the inauguration, Deval Tibrewalla highlighted the inspiration behind the project, explaining that the aim was to create a hotel that reflects Nagaland’s landscape, culture, food and hospitality.
He emphasised that the property was designed specifically for its location, with the valley, Naga craftsmanship and regional cuisine forming an integral part of the guest experience.
Kishan Tibrewalla, Founder and Chairman of Polo Hotels Group, also reflected on the company’s roots in the Northeast and the significance of opening a hotel in Kohima after establishing its first property in Shillong 35 years earlier.
The leadership team has positioned the new hotel as more than an accommodation option, with a focus on local identity, community participation and a stronger hospitality offering for the state.
A Convenient Base for Exploring Nagaland
Polo Hotel Kohima offers visitors a base from which to discover the state’s cultural heritage, history and natural attractions.
Guests can explore Kohima’s World War II heritage sites, visit Khonoma village to experience local traditions and community life, or venture towards Dzükou Valley for its scenic landscapes and trekking opportunities.
The hotel is also positioned to serve visitors attending the Hornbill Festival, one of Nagaland’s best-known cultural celebrations, traditionally held during the first ten days of December.
The festival brings together traditional performances, music, crafts, food and cultural showcases, attracting visitors from across India and overseas.
Kohima is accessible by road from Dimapur Airport, with the journey typically taking around 1.5 to 2 hours, depending on traffic and road conditions.
For travellers planning a visit during the festival season, the opening of a five-star property adds another premium accommodation option to consider when organising their trip.
What Polo Hotel Kohima Means for Local Communities
Beyond its role in attracting travellers, the hotel is expected to contribute to the local economy through employment, procurement and partnerships with regional businesses.
Its emphasis on hiring local employees and sourcing products from local artisans and producers creates opportunities for the hospitality industry to support livelihoods beyond the hotel itself.
These connections can also help visitors engage more closely with the region’s cultural identity, from traditional textiles and artwork to local cuisine.
As Nagaland continues to develop its tourism infrastructure, initiatives that connect hospitality with local communities may play an important role in creating sustainable economic opportunities.
About Polo Hotels Group
Polo Hotels Group was founded in Shillong in 1991 and is headquartered in Kolkata. The company owns and operates a portfolio of hospitality properties across the Northeast and eastern India.
Its portfolio includes Polo Towers Shillong, Polo Resort Cherrapunji, Polo Hotel Agartala, Polo Floatel in Kolkata and Polo Hotel Kohima. The group also operates Chapter Lakeside in Tripura under its Chapter boutique brand.
Its food and beverage concepts include Tring Tring, Dylan’s Café Shillong, Aviator Café Shillong and ML05CAFÉ in Upper Shillong.
With the opening of Polo Hotel Kohima, the group extends its presence into Nagaland while adding a property that combines modern hospitality facilities with regional design, food and cultural experiences.
A New Chapter for Nagaland’s Hospitality Sector
The opening of Polo Hotel Kohima marks an important addition to Nagaland’s premium accommodation landscape. With 56 rooms, Naga-inspired interiors, regional cuisine and views of the surrounding valley, the property brings together contemporary comfort and local identity.
Its focus on local employment, traditional craftsmanship and regional sourcing also highlights the potential for hospitality investments to create wider economic benefits.
As Kohima continues to attract visitors interested in history, culture, festivals and nature, the new hotel adds another dimension to the state’s tourism offering and represents a significant step in the development of Nagaland’s hospitality industry.
