Kangra
Kangra, a picturesque district in the Indian state of Himachal Pradesh, is known for its rich heritage,
natural beauty, and cultural significance. Nestled in the lap of the Dhauladhar Range, it attracts visitors
with its scenic landscapes and historical landmarks.
The district is famous for Kangra Fort, one of the largest forts in the Himalayas, and the remarkable
Masroor Rock Cut Temples, an archaeological marvel. Kangra is also home to many ancient temples such as
Bajreshwari Temple and Chamunda Devi Temple, making it a significant spiritual destination.
Fairs and Festivals
Jwalaji Fair: Celebrated during Chaitra Navratras (March–April) and Asauj Navratras
(September–October) for ten days.
Mela Sujan Bharti: A religious fair held at village Panapari on Jaistha 12 (May–June)
in memory of Baba Sujan Bharti at the site of his Samadhi.
Places of Interest
Kangra offers numerous attractions for history lovers, nature enthusiasts, and spiritual seekers.
Kangra Fort: One of the largest forts in the Himalayas, known for its grand architecture
and stunning views.
Masroor Rock Cut Temples: Ancient monolithic temples carved out of rock, known for their
intricate designs.
Bajreshwari Temple: A revered Hindu temple dedicated to Goddess Vajreshwari, showcasing
beautiful North Indian architecture.
Chamunda Devi Temple: A peaceful temple located on the banks of the Baner River, dedicated
to Goddess Chamunda.
Kareri Lake: A popular trekking destination surrounded by dense forests and offering
breathtaking views of the Dhauladhar Range.
Bhuri Singh Museum: A place to explore historical artifacts and art related to the region.
Map
Info
Why Visit Kangra?
Why visit Kangra ?
Kangra, India, is a picturesque destination known for its lush green landscapes, ancient temples, and rich cultural heritage. Visitors can explore the historic Kangra Fort, the serene Kangra Valley, and the famous Masroor Rock Cut Temples. It’s a perfect retreat for nature lovers and history enthusiasts.
Kangra Facts
Kangra is home to the Kangra Valley, often referred to as the “Valley of Gods,” due to its numerous temples and religious significance.
The Kangra Fort is one of the oldest and largest forts in the Himalayas, dating back over a thousand years and offering breathtaking views of the surrounding landscape.
The Masroor Rock Cut Temples in Kangra are an archaeological wonder, featuring a cluster of 15 monolithic rock-cut temples that are believed to be over a thousand years old.
Kangra is famous for its Kangra School of miniature paintings, which are known for their intricate details and vibrant colors, making them a cherished part of Indian art history.
The region is also renowned for its tea gardens, producing some of India’s finest tea, and offers opportunities for tea plantation tours and tastings for visitors.
How To Reach Kangra
Air Travel to Kangra
To reach Kangra by air, you can take a flight to Kangra Airport, also known as Gaggal Airport or Dharamshala-Kangra Airport. It is located at Gaggal, which is about 12 km from Kangra city and 8 km from Dharamshala. You can find regular flights to Kangra Airport from New Delhi. From the airport, you can hire a cab or take a bus to reach your destination in Kangra.
Land Travel to Kangra
Nearest Bus Stand: Kangra Bus Stand To reach Kangra by land, you can either take a train, a bus, or a car from Delhi or Chandigarh. Alternatively, you can take a bus from Delhi or Chandigarh to Kangra directly. There are state transport (Himachal Road Transport Corporation) and private buses that ply from these cities to Kangra. You can also drive your own car or hire a cab to Kangra. The road distance from Delhi to Kangra is about 480 km, and from Chandigarh to Kangra is about 240 km.
Train Travel to Kangra
To reach Kangra by train, you can take a train from Delhi or Chandigarh to Pathankot, which is the nearest broad gauge railway station to Kangra. From Pathankot, you can board the Kangra Valley Railway, which is a UNESCO World Heritage Site and a narrow gauge railway that passes through scenic landscapes and bridges. The Kangra Valley Railway has several stations in Kangra district, such as Kangra Mandir, Kangra, and Palampur. You can get off at the station that is closest to your destination in Kangra. The train journey from Pathankot to Kangra takes about 4 to 5 hours.
Things To Do In Kangra
Kangra Fort
Explore the historic Kangra Fort, with its rich history and stunning views of the surrounding landscape. It’s a great place to learn about the region’s heritage.
Masroor Rock Cut Temples
Discover the ancient Masroor Rock Cut Temples, a unique architectural marvel carved from a single rock. These temples are a must-visit for history and culture enthusiasts.
Tea Garden Tour
Kangra is famous for its tea gardens. Enjoy a guided tour of a tea plantation, learn about the tea-making process, and savor of local brew.
Seek Blessings at Temples
Kangra has several ancient temples, such as Bajreshwari Temple and Chamunda Devi Temple. Pay a visit to experience spiritual and architectural beauty.
Trekking and Nature Walks
Enjoy the scenic beauty of the Kangra Valley by embarking on nature walks or trekking. The area offers various trails suitable for all levels of hikers, with opportunities to immerse yourself in nature.
Tourist Attraction In Kangra
Kangra Fort
This historic fort, dating back to the 4th century, is one of the largest in the Himalayas. It offers a glimpse into Kangra’s rich history and provides panoramic views of the surrounding landscape.
Masroor Rock Cut Temples
These 15 monolithic rock-cut temples are a UNESCO World Heritage Site and showcase intricate carvings and ancient architectural marvels.
Bajreshwari Temple
Also known as Kangra Devi Temple, it is a revered shrine dedicated to the goddess Vajreshwari. It is an important religious site and a fine example of traditional North Indian temple architecture.
Chamunda Devi Temple
Located on the banks of Baner River, this temple is dedicated to the goddess Chamunda, and it offers a serene and spiritual atmosphere for visitors.
Kangra Valley
The picturesque Kangra Valley is known for its lush green landscapes, tea gardens, and serene ambiance. It’s an ideal place for nature lovers and photographers.
Kareri Lake
A popular trekking destination, Kareri Lake is surrounded by dense forests and offers stunning views of the Dhauladhar Range. It’s a haven for adventure enthusiasts.
Tea Gardens
Kangra is renowned for its tea plantations, and visitors can take guided tours to learn about tea cultivation and sample some of the finest teas.
Art Galleries
Explore the Kangra Art Museum and other local art galleries to appreciate the Kangra School of miniature paintings and other traditional art forms.
Nurpur Fort
Located in Nurpur, near Kangra, this fort showcases impressive architectural design and a rich history.
Jwalamukhi Temple
About 30 kilometers from Kangra, this temple is dedicated to the goddess Jwalamukhi and is famous for its eternal flame that burns from the rocks.