Ermai Falls is a beautiful waterfall located near Chizami village in Nagaland, India. It is a popular destination for nature lovers and trekkers who want to explore the scenic landscapes of Nagaland.

This guide will help you understand the best ways to reach Ermai Falls from major nearby cities, including Dimapur and Kohima. You will learn about train, bus, and car travel options, step-by-step plans, and practical tips for a safe and comfortable journey.

Getting from Dimapur to Ermai Falls – Main Options

Train

Train travel is a convenient way to reach Dimapur, the nearest railway station to Ermai Falls. From Dimapur, you will need to use road transport to reach the falls. Trains from major cities like Guwahati and Delhi connect to Dimapur regularly.

• Dimapur Railway Station is the closest major station, about 70 km from Ermai Falls, with good connectivity to Northeast India and Assam.

• Trains from Guwahati to Dimapur take around 3 to 4 hours, with fares ranging from INR 200 to INR 800 depending on class.

• From Dimapur, you must hire a taxi or take a bus to Chizami village, which is the gateway to Ermai Falls, approximately 2 to 3 hours by road.

• Train services are frequent but can be crowded during festivals like Hornbill Festival in Nagaland, so booking in advance on IRCTC is advisable.

• Dimapur station has basic facilities and prepaid taxi counters to avoid overcharging when hiring cabs to Ermai Falls.

Bus

Buses are a popular and affordable way to travel from Dimapur or Kohima to Ermai Falls. The route passes through scenic hilly roads but can be challenging during monsoon due to landslides.

• State-run and private buses operate from Dimapur Bus Stand to Chizami, the nearest town to Ermai Falls, with journey times around 3 to 4 hours.

• Bus fares typically range from INR 100 to INR 250, depending on the type of bus and season.

• Buses may not run frequently, especially in the early morning or late evening, so plan your travel accordingly.

• The road to Ermai Falls from Chizami is narrow and steep; local shared taxis or hired cabs are recommended for the last stretch.

• During the monsoon season (June to September), landslides can cause delays or cancellations, so check local weather and road conditions before traveling.

Car / Self-Drive

Driving to Ermai Falls is a flexible and comfortable option if you prefer to explore at your own pace. The route offers beautiful views but requires careful driving on hilly terrain.

• The drive from Dimapur to Ermai Falls covers approximately 70 km via NH129A and local roads, taking about 2.5 to 3 hours depending on traffic and road conditions.

• Car rentals are available in Dimapur, with prices ranging from INR 1500 to INR 3000 per day for self-drive or with a driver.

• Roads are mostly paved but narrow and winding; avoid night driving due to limited street lighting and wildlife crossings.

• There are toll plazas on NH129A, so keep some cash handy for toll payments during your journey.

• Plan rest stops at towns like Phek or Chizami for refreshments and fuel, as amenities are limited on the route to the falls.

Flight

There is no airport near Ermai Falls. The nearest airport is Dimapur Airport, which connects to Guwahati and other regional hubs. From the airport, road transport is necessary to reach the falls.

• Dimapur Airport is about 70 km from Ermai Falls, with flights mainly from Guwahati and Kolkata.

• Flight duration from Guwahati to Dimapur is around 45 minutes, with fares varying seasonally from INR 2000 to INR 5000.

• From Dimapur Airport, taxis or buses can be hired to reach Chizami and then Ermai Falls.

• Airport facilities are basic, so plan your arrival time to coincide with available road transport options.

• Booking flights in advance during peak tourist seasons like the Hornbill Festival is recommended to secure seats and better fares.

Step-by-Step Travel Plan

This step-by-step plan is designed for first-time travelers to Ermai Falls, helping you navigate the journey smoothly and enjoy your trip.

• Book your train or flight ticket to Dimapur well in advance using IRCTC or airline websites to avoid last-minute hassles and secure preferred timings.

• Upon arrival at Dimapur, use prepaid taxi services or authorized bus stands to find transport to Chizami village, ensuring fair pricing and safety.

• From Chizami, hire a local taxi or shared vehicle to reach the base of Ermai Falls; this last leg involves narrow roads, so choose experienced drivers.

• Carry sufficient water, snacks, and basic first aid, as food options near the falls are limited and the trek can be physically demanding.

• Wear comfortable shoes and carry rain gear during monsoon months to handle slippery paths and sudden weather changes.

• Inform local guides or village authorities about your visit for safety and to support local tourism initiatives.

Practical Travel Tips

• Always carry bottled water and avoid drinking tap water to prevent stomach issues common in rural Indian areas.

• Use reliable taxi services or app-based cabs like Ola or Uber in Dimapur to avoid overcharging and ensure safety.

• Book train and flight tickets early, especially during festivals like the Hornbill Festival when travel demand surges.

• Pack light but include raincoats and warm clothes, as Nagaland’s weather can be unpredictable, especially in the hills.

• Respect local customs and seek permission before taking photographs of villagers or their property.

• Keep your valuables secure and avoid traveling alone in remote areas to ensure personal safety.

Best Time & Travel Conditions

The best time to visit Ermai Falls is during the cooler months from October to March when the weather is pleasant and the roads are safer. Avoid the heavy monsoon season due to landslide risks.

Winter mornings can be foggy, so plan departures after sunrise for better visibility and safer travel.

• Avoid traveling during the peak monsoon months of June to September when landslides and roadblocks are common.

• Festivals like Hornbill Festival in December increase traffic and accommodation demand, so book early or plan travel outside these dates.

• Early morning departures help avoid fog and traffic on narrow hill roads, making the journey smoother.

• Late evening travel is discouraged due to poor lighting and limited emergency services on the route.

Arrival at Ermai Falls & What to Expect

When you arrive at Ermai Falls, you will find a serene natural setting with limited commercial facilities. The area is ideal for trekking and photography but requires some physical effort to access the waterfall closely.

Local transport options are limited beyond Chizami, so pre-arranged taxis or guides are recommended. Accommodation is available in nearby villages or towns, with homestays offering authentic local experiences.

Prepaid taxis or shared vehicles are the safest options to return to Dimapur or Kohima. Mobile network coverage may be weak, so plan accordingly.

Conclusion

Traveling to Ermai Falls is best done by combining train or flight to Dimapur with road transport to the falls. The car or taxi option offers the most flexibility and comfort, especially for first-time visitors unfamiliar with local bus schedules.

Planning your trip with advance bookings, checking weather conditions, and using reliable local transport will ensure a safe and enjoyable journey. With these tips and step-by-step guidance, you can confidently explore the natural beauty of Ermai Falls and experience the unique culture of Nagaland.