War cemetery Travel Guide

War Cemetry in Kohima is a significant historical landmark dedicated to as many as 10,000 brave soldiers of the 2nd British Division of Allied Forces who gave up their lives in World War II at Kohima during the year 1944. Kohima War Cemetry, earlier known as Garrison Hill, initially served as a tennis ground of the Deputy Commissioner and later got transformed into a battle ground.The cemetery is designed in a series of terraces where stone steps lead to the way. Beautifully covered with grass and roses, the plots of the cemetery looks like a colourful blanket sculpted with stories of brave hearts who laid down their lives for the nation. As around 17,000 soldiers including British and Indian were reportedly killed, missing and wounded, the British before leaving India decided to erect such a memorial in the memories of the valiant comrades.Some indelible landmarks of Kohima War Cemetery include:The stone slabs studded bronze plaques and inscribed with epitaphs,Two crosses standing tall at the highest and lowest points of the cemetery, and A man-made cherry tree, also known as “Battle Under the Cherry Tree” near the tennis court where the war took place and who original structure was destroyed during the act.A visit to such a memorial is a matter of pride as it states elaborately that men of our yesteryear along with god gifted bravery and courage are reasons of our present happiness and peaceful stay