Chuchuyimlang
The village of Chuchuyimlang is located on a ridge with sweeping views of the hills and valleys around. The houses are built in traditional Ao Naga style - elevated a little above ground the backs open out on to the vast panoramic views of the mountain ranges. On top of one the mountains, was an American radar base in the Second World War.Chuchuyimlang has won an award for being one of the cleanest villages in India. Streets are indeed amazingly clean with wonderful displays of flowers in the front of the houses. The central part of an Ao home is a hearth, which is almost always lit up. This is the area for people to gather, do the household chores and chat. Clothes and grains are still stored in large bamboo baskets. The pig, which is an integral part of Naga cuisine, is always kept in clean enclosures behind the houses and not allowed to roam wild as in most other places.
There is a small cross junction which can be called as the town centre. Here is a Morung (dormitory for young men) and the log-drum which announces any major happening in the village and was also used to call villagers to arms in case of invasions. A small museum here shows the typical dress and lifestyle of the Ao Nagas and is worth a visit.
A leisurely visit to this village is highly recommended. For us, it was a highlight to be here and to meet villagers in their own homes.
