Unexplored Kangra Valley, Himachal Pradesh (part of Dharamsala region)

By PV -

Kangra Valley surrounded with snow covered Dhauladar range
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. Kangra, is at the confluence of Majhi and Bener streams, which makes it a hot tourist spot overlooking the majestic Ban Ganga torrent in the state of Himachal Pradesh. 

Kangra is renowned all over the world for its crafts and temples. Handicrafts and artifacts including paintings and marvelously embroidered shawls are world known. Kangra is proud of its rich cultural legacy. There are many rock-cut temples displaying the architectural excellence of the region. Masrur is known for many marvelous rock-cut temples. The town houses shrines of Chamunda Devi, Baijnath and Jawalamukhi. Brajeshwari Devi Temple is an important temple witnessing huge inflow of pilgrims every year. 

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.

Kangra Fort
Kangra Fort, known also as the Nagar Kot, is an amazing structure dating back to many centuries located on the confluence of the Rivers Banganga and Manjhi. The fort, ideally placed at a mountain range of 350 ft, was built by Bhuma Chand. Kangra fort extending about 4 km contains high ramparts and thick walls. The fort is awesome with a huge superb entrance gate known as Ranjit Singh Gate, a polygonal watch tower and the Shish Mahal. The fort is under the maintenance and control of Archeological Survey of India. Laxmi Narayan Temple and Adinath Temple inside the fort displays the earliest remains of the fort structures. 

Places to visit Km 
Baijnath Shiv Temple 54
Bajreshwari Devi temple 01
Chamunda Devi Temple 24
Chintpurni temple 59
Dehra Gopipur 37
Dharamshala 17
Jwalamukhi temple 35
Kangra fort 03
Masroor rock cut temple 38
Mahrana Pratap Sagar 52
Nadaun 50
Nurpur 63
Paragpur 48
Taragarh palace 45
Gopalpur nature park 28
Trilopkpur38

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