Situated right in the heart of Kohima city on the slopes of Garrison Hill (at 25.6729° N, 94.1068° E), the Kohima War Cemetery is a memorial dedicated to the soldiers of the Allied forces who perished during the incredibly intense WWII Battle of Kohima in 1944. Maintained flawlessly by the Commonwealth War Graves Commission, it offers a deeply moving environment of peace right exactly where one of the most violent battles in history occurred.
Kohima War Cemetery
A Beautifully Manicured Tribute to the Heroes of 1944
The Battle & The Epitaph
The Battle of the Tennis Court
The cemetery is literally built on the former grounds of the Deputy Commissioner’s residence. During the battle, British and Indian troops fought hand-to-hand combat against the Japanese across the DC's actual tennis court. The white lines of the tennis court are permanently marked out within the cemetery lawns, representing the literal frontline where grenades were thrown back and forth from trenches dug into the grass.
The Kohima Epitaph
At the lowest point of the terraced cemetery stands a memorial dedicated to the 2nd Division. It is globally famous for bearing the Kohima Epitaph inscription: "When You Go Home, Tell Them Of Us And Say, For Your Tomorrow, We Gave Our Today." Originally attributed to John Maxwell Edmonds, this inscription has become an iconic, universal symbol for remembering fallen soldiers.
Architecture and Layout
Because the battle took place on a steep hill, the cemetery is highly uniquely designed in wide, grassy terraces stepping upwards. It contains over 1,420 Commonwealth burials from the Second World War. Additionally, at the highest point of the cemetery stands the Kohima Cremation Memorial, which honors the 917 Hindu and Sikh soldiers of the British Indian Army whose remains were cremated in accordance with their faith.
Did You Know?
A Cherry Tree stands prominently within the cemetery near the old tennis court line. This tree was grown from a shoot of the original cherry tree which was viciously splintered and destroyed by machine-gun crossfire during the battle, serving as a powerful symbol of rebirth and resilience.
Travel Guide to the Cemetery
How to Reach
From Central Kohima: The cemetery is unmissable, lying right in the center of Kohima town, located along the main highway (NH29). Virtually every local taxi or walking route through the city passes nearby.
Accessibility: Please note that exploring the cemetery requires climbing a considerable number of stone steps due to the steep terraced layout on Garrison Hill.
Best Time to Visit
Time of Day: The cemetery is generally open from 9:00 AM to 4:00 PM. Visiting early in the morning perfectly offers the most peaceful experience before the main town traffic builds up on the surrounding roads.
Remembrance Day: Significant, emotional memorial services involving international veterans and delegates occur here every year on April 4th (start of the battle) and in November.
Local Attractions Nearby
Kohima State Museum: Located relatively close by in Bayavu Hill, supplying excellent context to the Naga tribes who aided the Allied soldiers.
Local Markets: The main town bazaar is located just a short walk down the road from the lower entrance of the cemetery.
Tips for Visitors
Maintain Silence: This is an active place of remembrance and a literal mass grave site. Treat the grounds with absolute respect, speak softly, and avoid loud group photography.
Sign the Register: There is a visitor's register kept in a shelter at the entrance. It's a nice tradition to sign your name and leave a thought for the fallen soldiers.
Unshaded Area: Despite the beautiful grass, the expansive terraced hill has very few tall trees to offer shade from the midday sun. Bring an umbrella or hat if visiting at noon.
Photography Allowed: Photography is permitted, but tourists are heavily discouraged from stepping onto or leaning against the bronze memorial plaques and headstones.