Kangra -Tourism

Kangra , one of the most picturesque valley of lower Himalayas, the valley, sheltered by the sublime Dhauladhar hills, is green and luxuriant.

The temple of Brajeshwari Devi is very famous in the area. It is believed that in the bygone era this temple was very rich and each time it was plundered it was always able to restore itself. The valley also comprises of the famous Kangra fort, which was taken over by the British in 1846 on clause of a treaty. In 1905 an earthquake destroyed both the temple and the fort, but the temple was rebuilt.

Kangra was the capital of the great Hill State, its renowned ruler being Maharaja Sansar Chand Katoch, a great patron of arts. It was during his reign that the Miniature and Rajpur schools of hill paintings flourished. Kangra valley provides a tremendous contrast in nature of places to be visited. Dharamshala is full of Buddhist air whereas ancient Hindu Temples such as Brajeshwari, Baijnath, Jawalamukhi and Chamunda Devi dot the countryside.

Behna Mahadev- This is one of the largest gable-roofed Hindu temples in the Satluj valley. The mandapa and corridor around the sanctuary are open to all sides. Angled struts support the overhanging stone-tiled roof, which is steeply gabled in two tiers.

Brajeshwari Temple- It is said to have been founded by the divinity of that name at a famous 'Ashwamedh' or horse sacrifice, which was held on the spot. The famous Mehmood of Ghazni is said to have invaded the district and destroyed the temple, building a mosque on its ruins. 

Brijraj Behari Temple- On the spread of 'Vaishnavism' in Himalayas Vogel says, " Though 'Saivism' prevails everywhere and all the principal temples and 'tirthas' are dedicated to 'Mahadeva' or 'Devi', under various names, there seems to be a great deal of Vishnu or Krishna worship in Rajas.

Maharana Pratap Sarovar / Pong Lake Sanctuary (Pong Dam 55 km)  is a reservoir where Fishing and water sports facilities are available. Thousands of migratory birds descend upon this water body each winter and avifauna lovers from the world over throng to watch them. Water sports Regatta in the month of January is an event not to be missed. 

Kangra Art Gallery- This treasure trove of Kangra valley arts, crafts and rich past, displays artifacts that date back to 5th century. It includes a gallery of Kangra's famous miniature painting and a representative collection of sculptures, pottery and anthropological items.

Kangra Fort- The remains of the fort of the rulers of Kangra are located on a strategic height, overlooking the 'Ban Ganga' and 'Manjhi' rivers. Among its ruins, besides the temple of goddess Ambika Devi, there are two Jain temples too.

International Himalayan Festival

As winter arrives, anglers shift to the Pong Dam. With the blessings of Nobel Laureate, His Holiness the Dalai Lama, the Internation Himalayan Festival is held in Kangra district.

Karaeri Lake- Surrounded by thick woods and the visually stunning backdrop of the Dhauladhar mountains, Kareiri Lake is a beacon for trekkers in the area.

Sujanpur Fort- Close to the district border of Kangra, is the fort of Sujanpur. Popularly known along with its twin title 'Tira', this was built by Raja Abhaya Chand of Kangra in 1758. 

Gaddis- The Gaddis are shepherds who move their flocks of sheep from lower pastures in winter to higher ones after snow melt. To them the Dhauladhars are not just a mountain range but like their mother. 

The Judges Court- The Judge's Court is set in some eight acres of land and has a fairly eclectic character about it. The floor plan follows the layout of a colonial bungalow and the embellishments are part local and part Saracenic. 

Kangra Tea- As the sun rises over palampur, the dew drops that have settled over the night on the dark leaves of the tea bushes act as scores of little prisms that disperse the first light - and announce to the world that they nurture yet another fine crop of Kangra tea. 

Shiva Temple- The Shiva temple at Katgarh is lesser known as compared to other temples in Kangra. It is located at the periphery of Kangra district. It has many legends woven in to Folklore. The temple enshrined a human-size 'linga', which is vertically spilt in to two parts. 

Siddhanatha Temple- The Siddhanatha temple at Baijanath is similar in its arrangement both in its interior and exterior to that of Mahadeva temple commonly known as Siddanatha temple. 

1. Trilokpur : (41 Km) has a cave temple with astounding stalactite and stalagmite formations dedicated to Lord Shiva. 
   
2. Nurpur : (66 Km) has remains of a old fort and temples. 
   
3. Haripur : (55 Km) is an isolated place which remnants of old temples. 
   
4. Garli: (4 Km from Pragpur) has old houses with interesting architecture.