The Kangra valley is one of the most picturesque valleys of lower Himalayas. The valley, sheltered by the sublime Dhauladhar range, is green and luxuriant. It provides a tremendous contrast in nature of places to be visited. Dharamsala is full of Buddhist air whereas ancient Hindu Temples like Bajreshwari Devi, Chamunda Devi, Baijnath Shiva temple and Jwala Devi ji dot the country side. The history of Kangra valley dates back to the Vedic times more than 3500 years ago. The area was exposed to successive invasions, the last being the British domination of the princes of many small the hill states. Despite the onslaughts and political upheavals, the arts and crafts of the region continued to develop and found lyrical expressions.
Crafts like the exquisitely designed shawls and miniature paintings of this region are internationally appreciated making Kangra one of the prime holiday destinations.
PLACES
TO VISIT
Kangra Fort
The torrential Banganga River deep in the valley forming a formidable
sheer and the Kangra Fort lurking atop the flat mountain range is a
scene that one encounters on nearing Kangra town when you drive from
Shimla-Mataur national highway. A feeling of awe mixed with joy pervades
you as you look back in time. The Kangra Fort is approximately 3 Km from
the town and is also known as Nagarkot. The fort is historically
significant; its massive size and the beauty of its structure lend it an
added charm. At the entrance is a museum containing some valuable old
photographs of the fort prior to the devastating earthquake of 1905 and
some exquisite stone sculptures, carvings, idols and other artefacts.
Masroor rock cut temples
Known for its monolithic rock-cut temples, Masroor is 38 Km from Kangra
Town. There are 15 rock-cut temples in Indo-Aryan style and are richly
carved. It is a unique monolithic structure in the sub-Himalayan region
and is a protected monument. The main shrine contains three stone images
of Rama, Lakshmana and Sita. The temple complex is located on a hill and
also has a large rectangular water pond. The view of snow clad
Dhauladhar is amazing from the temple premises.
Pragpur
Located at an elevation of 2000 feet above sea level, heritage village
Pragpur is ideally suited to explore the Kangra valley. The area has
several streams that drain into the river Beas. Many places of historic,
religious and cultural importance are within easy reach. With its
equitable climate, easy access, safe passage and rich flora and fauna,
Pragpur and its surroundings offers an ideal location for village
tourism.
Kangra Fort
Masroor rock cut temples
Pragpur
Baijnath Shiv
Temple
This particularly beautiful ancient Shiv temple at Baijnath is 16 Km
from Palampur, on the Pathankot-Mandi national highway . Built of stone
in the 9th century AD in the shikhara style, it is a fine blend of
sculpture and architecture. The temple is easily accessible from both
Palampur and Kangra. The linga enshrined in its sanctum is one of the 12
Jyotirlingas in the country. Every year during the Shivratri fair,
pilgrims decend on Baijnath for the colourful fair and festivities.
The Taal
Dating before 1868, the Taal or pond forms the core of Pragpur village
and serves as a recreational space for young and aged alike. The Taal is
surrounded by heritage structures.
Chintpurni Temple
This Shakti-temple is located on Dharamshala-Hoshiarpur
road on a ridge. Thousands of devotees visit this temple. In addition to
many religious festivals, the main fair is held during the 10 days of "Shukalpaksh"
in August. There is a Yatri Niwas which is managed by Himachal Pradesh
Tourism Development Corporation.
Baijnath Shiv Temple
The Taal
Chintpurni Temple
BEST SEASON/ BEST TIME TO VISIT
City Facts Height: Between 1,250 m to 2,000 m Area: 1892 sq. Km Language: Hindi, Punjabi, English and Pahari are
understood and spoken by the people engaged in tourism
trade.
Temperature n winter, the temperature can drop to
freezing point. The summer temperature is 35C.
Clothing
Heavy woolens in winters and light woolens and tropical in summers.
