Dimapur: Nagaland has opened its first five-star hotel with the inauguration of Polo Hotel Kohima, a 56-room property that marks a significant addition to the state’s hospitality infrastructure and expands the presence of the Northeast-based Polo Hotels Group.
The hotel was formally inaugurated by Nagaland Governor Nand Kishore Yadav, who attended the ceremony as the chief guest. Tourism and Higher Education Minister Temjen Imna Along was also present at the event.
Addressing the gathering, the Governor said the establishment of a new hotel represented more than an expansion of accommodation facilities, describing it as an investment in the region’s future, employment opportunities and tourism potential.
He said tourism could generate economic opportunities by encouraging entrepreneurship, promoting local products and creating jobs for young people. He also highlighted Kohima’s potential to attract leisure, cultural and business travellers.
Referring to the annual Hornbill Festival, which showcases Nagaland’s cultural heritage to visitors from across India and abroad, Yadav said quality hospitality infrastructure would be important in strengthening the state’s appeal as a tourism destination. He expressed hope that the hotel would maintain high standards of service, cleanliness, safety and professionalism while reflecting Nagaland’s distinctive culture.
Minister Temjen Imna Along described the hotel as a significant addition to the state’s hospitality sector, saying it could contribute to government revenue and create opportunities for local businesses.
He also called on the business community to invest in Nagaland’s future and said the state government and Tourism Department would work with the hotel group.
Hotel combines modern facilities with Naga traditions
Located in Kohima, the hotel overlooks the surrounding valley and incorporates elements of Naga architecture and cultural heritage into its design.
The property features a glass-fronted lobby, an infinity pool and guest rooms offering panoramic views of the landscape. Its interiors incorporate tribal artwork and traditional Naga textiles, while the roof of the Mithun block draws inspiration from morungs — traditional community spaces central to Naga cultural life.
The hotel aims to combine contemporary accommodation facilities with regional craftsmanship and cultural elements.
Naga cuisine and local employment in focus
The property houses Tring Tring, the Polo Hotels Group’s all-day diner inspired by the 1990s. The Kohima outlet is the restaurant brand’s third location, following its outlets in Shillong and Kolkata.
Alongside Oriental, Western and Indian dishes, 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 of the hotel’s employees were local residents. He also said the group intended to source products from local weavers, artists, farmers and carpenters, creating opportunities for businesses and artisans in the region.
Commenting on the inauguration, Tibrewalla said the hotel had been designed to reflect Kohima’s landscape, culture and cuisine rather than resemble a property that could be located anywhere.
Kishan Tibrewalla, Founder and Chairman of Polo Hotels Group, said the opening continued the group’s journey as a Northeast-based hospitality company that began in Shillong 35 years ago.
Hotel to serve as a base for exploring Nagaland
The property is positioned to cater to visitors exploring Kohima’s historical sites, including locations associated with the Second World War. It also offers a base for trips to Khonoma village and Dzükou Valley, known for their cultural and natural attractions.
The hotel is expected to serve visitors attending the Hornbill Festival, held during the first 10 days of December each year.
Kohima is accessible by road from Dimapur Airport, with the journey typically taking around 1.5 to two hours.
Founded in Shillong in 1991, Polo Hotels Group has expanded its operations across the Northeast and Kolkata. Its portfolio includes Polo Towers Shillong, Polo Resort Cherrapunji, Polo Hotel Agartala, Polo Floatel in Kolkata and Chapter Lakeside in Tripura, among other hospitality and restaurant ventures.
The opening of Polo Hotel Kohima marks the group’s entry into Nagaland and adds a new premium accommodation option to the state’s tourism sector, with an emphasis on local culture, cuisine and employment.