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Learn About Places Himachal Pradesh > Kangra Himachal Pradesh


Kangra Himachal Pradesh

The district lies between 31°40' and 32°25' East Longitudes and 70°35' and 77°05' North Latitudes. It is bounded on the South-West by Una district, on the North-West by district Gurdaspur of Punjab, on the North by Lahaul-Spiti and Chamba districts, on the East by Kullu and Mandi districts, and on the South it touches Hamirpur district. Kangra which was known anciently as 'Trigarta' is one of the most picturesque valleys in Himachal Pradesh. It is sheltered by the massive Dhauladhar range of mountains, rich in culture and history. The history of Kangra valley dates back to vedic times, more than 3,500 years ago. It finds mention in the 'Puranas' the Mahabharta and in Rajtarangani. Kangra valley is one of the most picturesque valleys in the Himalayas. It is sheltered by the Dhauladhar and this majestic mountain range surpasses all others in its grandeur. the history of Kangra dates back to the Vedic times more than 3,500 years ago. The famous 'Bajeshwari Devi' temple is located in the town. Kangra was revaged by foriegn aggression a number of times. Despite all this, the arts and crafts of the region continues to develop and find lyrical expression. Kangra town is situated at the confluence of the Baner and Majhi streams, overlooking the Banganga torrent is famous for temples, forts and now a speedily emerging as a business centre.

Kangra in Himachal Pradesh

Kangra which was known anciently as 'Trigarta' is one of the most picturesque valleys in Himachal Pradesh. It is sheltered by the massive Dhauladhar range of mountains, rich in culture and history. The history of Kangra valley dates back to vedic times, more than 3,500 years ago. It finds mention in the 'Puranas' the Mahabharta and in Rajtarangani. Kangra valley is one of the most picturesque valleys in the Himalayas. It is sheltered by the Dhauladhar and this majestic mountain range surpasses all others in its grandeur. the history of Kangra dates back to the Vedic times more than 3,500 years ago. The famous 'Bajeshwari Devi' temple is located in the town. Kangra was revaged by foriegn aggression a number of times. Despite all this, the arts and crafts of the region continues to develop and find lyrical expression. Kangra town is situated at the confluence of the Baner and Majhi streams, overlooking the Banganga torrent is famous for temples, forts and now a speedily emerging as a business centre.

Sheltered by the massive Dhauladhar Mountain range and being one of the most picturesque valleys in Himachal, Kangra has much to offer to tourists. Kangra is very famous for its important temples, many of them are Shaktipeeth, i.e. Jwalamukhi temple, Bajeshwari or Bajreshwari temple, Chamuna devi temple, Masroor rock temple. These temples are one of the prime attractions of Kangra, visited by thousands and thousands of people every year. A number of fairs and festivals are celebrated in Kangra every year i.e. Jwalamukhi fair, Dal fair, Sayar fair, Baisakhi festival, Chet, Spring festival, Haryali, Sair, Navratras, Shivratri and Nawala festivals. Most of the fairs and festivals are celebrated with great enthusiasm in Kangra valley.

There are some very beautiful and gorgeous lakes in Kangra i.e. Maharana Pratap Sagar, Dal lake and Kareri lake. Maharana Pratap Sagar was declared wildlife sanctuary in 1983. Kangra is very well connected with a huge network of roads and has some famous places to explore i.e. Kangra Fort, Taragarh Palace, Chinmaya Tapovana, Nadaun, Trilokpur and Kathgarh. There is a wildlife sanctuary in Kangra named Pong Lake Sanctuary spread along with the Maharana Pratap Sagar lake, which has emerged as favourite place of many migratory birds. About 16 to 20 thousand migratory birds, belonging to 54 species, visit the lake every year.

Tourism in Kangra area is mainly related with religious tourism activities as it has some very important temples around. There are two other important Hill stations in district Kangra known as Dharamsala and Palampur. All in all, Kangra with a numerous important temples is a great destination for people looking to go on a religious holiday escape.

Famous places in Kangra

Kangra Fort : The historic fort of Kangra was built by Bhuma Chand. This fort had been the centre of attraction for the rulers of northern India, since a long time. The first attack on the fort was made by the Raja of Kashmir 'Shreshtha' in 470 A.D. In 1846 Kangra fort fell into the hands of the British. Kangra fort is located on the bank of the river Banganga at the height of 350 feet. In the foreyard of the fort are the temple of 'Laxmi Narayan' and 'Adinath' located in the Kangra fort is dedicated to Jainism. Inside the fort are two ponds one of them is called 'Kapur Sagar'. At present the fort is under the control of 'Archaeological Survey of India'. It was badly damaged in 1905 earthquake.

Taragarh Palace : Muslims used this place to propagate the ideas of Islam and in 1933 the 'Nawab of Bhavalpur' built a palace there, which was named as Alhilal. Till 1947, the place remained as the Summer capital of the Nawab. From 1947-49 it was used as warehouse by the Punjab government. In 1949 it came in the possession of 'Maharani Tara' the wife of Maharaja Hari Singh of Jammu and mother of Raja Karan Singh. In 1951 it was converted into a Motel Taragarh Palace.

Chinmaya Tapovana : 10 km. from Kangra. Situated on a hillock is the recently established 'Ashram' complex by Swami Chinmayananda, who was a great exponent of the Gita. It is a beautiful place to visit. There is also a larger than life statue of Hanuman and also a very big Shivling which can be seen from far.

Nadaun : 10 km. from Jwalamukhi and 40 km. from Kangra. A lovely place for a quiet weekend. The Beas river which flows nearby provides excellent Mahasheer fishing. Theere is a temple dedicated to Shiva.

Trilokpur : It is 41 km. from Kangra. The natural cave has attractive pillars of limestone on the floor of the cave by the percolation of water from the roof. It is something like stalagmites. The cave is dedicated to Shiva. It is a very sacred place. There are two restaurants in trilokpur and various other local Dhabas. It is also used as a halting place for tourists exploring Himachal on vehicles.

Kathgarh : It is a village situated 7 kms. from Indora on the meeting point of the Beas and the Choch rivers. There is an old temple, built in Mughal style, housing 6 feet long and 5 feet round 'Shivalinga' The 'Linga' here is of its own kind not found anywhere in the world. The Linga inside the temple is made of wood and it automatically breaks into two pieces and then the two equal pieces are put in the right place and it again retain its original state.

Famous Temples in Kangra

Jwalamukhi : 30 km. from Kangra and 56 km. from Dharamshala. This place is famous for Jwalamukhi, the 'Flamming Goddess'. It is one of the most popular Hindu temple in Northern India. There is no idol and the flame is considered a manifestation of the Goddess. The eternal flame issues from the rock sanctum and is constantly fed by the priests. Two important fairs are held during the Navratras, in early April and in mid October.

Bajreshwari Devi Temple : Just outside the town is the temple dedicated to Brajeshwari Devi. Known once for its legendary wealth, this temple was subject to successive depredation by invaders from the North. Mohammed of Ghazni is known to have departed with a king's ransom in gold, silver and jewels in 1009. Destroyed completely in 1905 by an earthquake, it was rebuilt in 1920. This is a very important temple situated in the heart of Kangra Town. It is visited by a large number of visitors from near and far. One can have a breath taking view of snow clad Dhauladhar Mountains from the temple.

Chamunda Devi Temple : It is 15 km. from Kangra. This temple is situated on the right bank of the 'Baner' stream with the Dhauladhar as a backdrop, this has an idol of goddess Chamunda, who, it is said, was given the boon to fulfil the desires of those who worshipped her. On the back of the temple is a cave niche where a stone 'Lingam' under a boulder represents Nandi Keshwar ( Shiva ). It is one of the most famous temples of district Kangra visited a large number of visitors from near and far. It is also suitably located near Dharamsala or Dharamshala.

Masroor Rock Temple : 40 km. from Kangra. Masroor is known for its monolithic temples. There are 15 monolithic rock-cut temples in the Indo-Aryan style, richly carved. The temples, partly ruined now, are profusely decorated with sculptural ornamentation conceived in the same manner as the great temple of Kailash at Ellora in Maharashtra. The main shrine contains three stone images of Ram, Lakshman and Sita. In the intervening portions of the rocks are sculpted a series of temples unique in the entire Himalayan region and comparable to the monolithic temples of Mahabalipuram, Ellora and Dhamnar caves.In the centre of the complex stands the principal and most elaborately carved shrine - the Thakurdwara - enshrining black stone images of Ram, Lakshman and Sita facing east. The Masroor temple has an adjoining tank - large and rectangular - hewn from sandstone. It is nearly 50 m in length and is reputed to have water throughout the year.

Heritage Kangra

Founded about 3 centuries ago Pragpur has held onto the essence of an earlier era - unchanged shops, cobbled streets, ornamental village tank, mud plastered and slate roofed houses. By a notification dated 9th December 1997 the State Government has classified Pragpur as a Heritage Zone. 

The Kangra Valley, where Heritage Village Pragpur is located is panoramic and replete with history. It is the home of the famous Kangra school of painting and probably the world's - most certainly India's - oldest ruling lineage comes from here. The area of Pragpur was part of the Principality of Jaswan whose chief, in the late 16th or early 17th Century charged a band of learned men, led by a Kuthiala Sood, to find a suitable place to commemorate Princess Prag of his royal lineage. 

The core area of Pragpur is notified as a Heritage Village and along with the nearby village of Garli, the surrounding area is a Hertitage Zone. Prag in Sanskrit translates to pollen. In a way it aptly describes the area of Pragpur which in spring is afire with blossoms. The Soods are a special community laying claim to being Agnivanshis - born of a sacred fire - with references to them in ancient Hindu texts like the Rig Veda. At the time when Shimla was the summer capital of the British Raj the Soods from around Pragpur owned more than half of it, and they still continue to be the dominant community. 

The site chosen for Pragpur lies in the shade of the Dhauladhar mountains - the white ranges - and is said to be so located as to receive the astral benefic influence of prayers that have been offered for thousands of years at three nearby ancient SHAKTI ( Primordial Energy ) Temples of Bajreswari ( Kangra ), Jwalamukhi and Chintpurni. Heritage Village Pragpur is ideal for Village land nature Tourism and is being promoted as an example of community involvement in tourism. The Indian National Trust for Art and Cultural Heritage jointly with the government of Himachal Pradesh is developing and preserving Heritage Village Pragpur. 

Pragpur offers a host of activities. It has a quaint market where several silversmiths ply their trade and will quickly modify trinkets to satisfy individual taste. The several village weavers will make shawls and blankets to order and tailors will make up dresses overnight. Easy excursions are possible, including visits to Kangra Fort, Dharamsala and Mcleodganj, the seat of His Holiness The Dalai Lama, Dada Siba and the river Beas. 

The countryside is ideal for low-level treks and walks. Those interested in nature study and bird watching will get their fill. The Beas River is within 6 kms. and offers the possibility of angling during season ( winter to early summer). Picnics and visits to local historical sites and monuments are arranged, and satisfying hours can be spent exploring nearby Garli ( lovely old houses in Simla architecture ) and Pragpur ( cobbled streets and ancestral homes ).

Kangra Lakes

Maharana Pratap Sagar : In district Kangra. 170 km from Chandigarh, 110 km from Amritsar, 55 km from the district headquarters at Dharamshala. The closest railway stations are at Mukerian - 30 km, and Pathankot - 32 km.The settlements of Nagrota Surian and Jawali - which are located on the Sagar's periphery - are connected by the charming narrow gauge Kangra Railway Line that connects Pathankot to Jogindernagar. The closest airport is at Gaggal - 40 km. The lake is well served by a network of roads. Named in the honour of the great patriot Maharan Pratap, the Maharana Pratap Sagar was once known as the Pong Dam Reservoir. India knows the Maharan as a man who struggled valiantly for his knigdom of Mewar - as for the principle of independence. It is made of Beas River. In 1960, a dam was built on the Beas river and this dam resulted in a huge Maharana Pratap Sagar Lake (once known as Pong Lake). This huge mass of water varies from 180 sq. km. to 400 sq. km. This lake was declared sanctuary in 1983. Maharana Pratap Sagar Lake has emerged as favourite place of many migratory birds. About 16 to 20 thousand migratory birds, belonging to 54 species, visit the lake every year. . The Dam was completed in 1976.

Dal Lake : 11 km from Dharamsala. Surrounded by deodar trees, this is on the motor road to Naddi. Held sacred, this has a small Shiva temple on its banks. The banks of the lake are enlivened every September by a fair attended - amongst others- by a large number of migrant Gaddi folk. Though small in area, this lake has a charm of its own solely due to its surrounding forest and hills. Taking a dip in the lake is considered sacred. Devotees believe that a bath in the lake fulfills any boon asked from Lord Shiva at that time.

Kareri Lake : This lake is 35 km from Dharamsala. It is a very beautiful lake surrounded by thick woods. The beauty of the lake is further enhanced by the visually stunning backdrop of the Dhauladhar mountains. Ideal for a day long picnic. This is a heaven for trekkers in the area.

Festivals in Kangra

Baisakhi or Bisoa : It is knows as Bisowa in Kangra, Bissue in Shimla hills and Lisshoo in Pangi-Chamba. This festival is generally celebrated on 13th of April. Preparation for the festival starts much early. The houses are white washed. People take holy dip at Haridwar, Tattapani near Shimla, Banganga near Kangra, Markanda near Bilaspur. During day time, Baisakhi fair is held at many places with traditional gaiety and attraction. Women's participation in large number add special color to the festive mood of the people.

Chet : (Dholru) is the first month of the lunar year and the first day of the month is cellebrated with a belief to bring hapiness and prosperity. This festival is known as Chatrali in Kullu and Dholru in Bharmaur area of Chamba district. In district Kangra, Hamirpur and Bilaspur, first day of Chet month hold special importance.

Spring Festival : This festival is celebrated only in the Kangra district in the month of March/April. Clay figurines of Shiva and Parvati are worshipped by young unmarried girls who dress up in their finery and gather around a heap of grass to sing and dance. After being worshipped for 10 days, the figurines are immersed in a pond or river on the first day of Vaisakha or Baisakhi (13th April).

Haryali : Haryali means greenery, and in the Kangra Valley, it is the festival that celebrates rain. Since good rain means a good harvest and prosperity, it is important to keep the rain god happy. Haryali is celebrated on the first of Shravana (July 16). Some 10 days before this, seeds of five or seven grains (wheat, barley and the like) are mixed together and sown ceremoniously by the head of the family or the family priest in a small basket filled with earth. A day before the festival, Shiva and Parvati are ritually married as their union brings fertility to the world.

Sair : Sair is basically thanksgiving for abundant rainfall and is celebrated in September/October. Traditionally, a barber goes round the village with a galgal (fruit in a basket) announcing the coming of the festival. Men, women and children bow to this sacred fruit which is considered an emblem of the fruits of harvest about to be reaped.

Navratras : Navratras are celebrated with great interest in Himachal Pradesh. Durga Ashtami is of great importance all over the state. People visit nearest Durga temple to offer prayer during Navratras.

Shivratri : It is celebrated in the month of February. The western part of India is influenced greatly by the mythology of Lord Shiva. This festival is given the greatest importance even in temples. Some people keep fast on this day. Images of Lord Shiva and Parvati are made from cowdung or earth soil for worshipping. Songs in praise of Shiva and Parvati are sung. This is the festival of great significance in the life of hill people.

Nawala : Gaddis of Kangra, Chamba, Mandi and Kullu celebrate this festival, when a household individually collects enough money for celebration. Nawala, in fact, is a thanks giving ceremony to Lord Shiva, who is worshipped at the time of misfortune and clamiti. Devotional songs in praise of Lord Shiva are sung throughout the night.

Fairs in Kangra

Baisakhi Fair : This fair is held at various places in the state. People carry village deity with music procession from one place to another. In upper hills, people perform 'Mala Dance' by joining hands to form a large circle. During day time, some games like archery and wrestling are also played.

Jwalamukhi Fair : The Jwalamukhi fair is held twice a year during Navratras for worship of Durga goddess. It is the most imporatant fair in the Kangra valley. People come with red silken flags (dhwaja) to greet the Mother Goddess. The fair is attributed to the worship of that Eternal Flame which is coming out of earth spontaneously and perpetually.

Dal Fair : It is held on the bank of lake Dal, in the month of August in district Kangra at Dharamshala. Held sacred, this has a small Shiva temple on its banks. The banks of the lake are enlivened every September by a fair attended - amongst others- by a large number of migrant Gaddi folk.

Sayar Fair : It is a famous fair observed in the month of September at a number of places such as Bakloh in Kangra, Karsog in Mandi, and Subathu in Shimla.

Wildlife Sanctuaries

Pong Lake Sanctuary :

Altitude : varies from 335 meters to 435 meters.
Annual Rainfall : mean annual rainfall is 1780 mm.
Temperature : temprature varies from 5 to 44°C.
Area : 30,729 hectares ( 307.29 sq. km. ).
Location : near Dehra-Gopipur.
Approaches : easily approachable from many places.

In 1983, the Sagar was declared a wildlife sanctuary and over 220 species of birds belonging to 54 families have been sighted over the waters and the fringing mud-banks - these include black-headed gulls, plovers, terns, ducks, water-fowl and egrets. Maharana Pratap Sagar Lake is the only place in India other than Bharatpur (Rajasthan) where the rare red necked grabe has been found. The sanctuary is close to several places of Hindu Pilgrimage - Jawalamukhi, Chamunda Devi, Chintpurni, Brajeshwari Devi, Mahakalesar, Bagalamata and Naina Devi. The seat of His Holiness the Dalai Lama at Mcleodganj and the Namgyal Monastery are a short drive away. The other budhist monasteries at hand are Tahijong and Bir.

Flora
The sanctuary is a wetland. Forest Types include dry deciduous scrub, dry bamboo and Himalayan pine forest.

Fauna ( Mammals )
Indian wild Bear, barking Deer, red Indian Fox, Indian hare, Hedgehag,longeared, Jackal, common Langur, Rhesus Macaque, Mongoose, Nilgai, Indian Porcupine and Sambar.

Reptiles
Indian Cobra, Book's Gecko, common Indian monitor and Indian Python.

Fish
Tor Putitora ( Mahasheer ), Wallago Attu ( Mallip ) and Ophiocaphalus.

Quick Facts

LocationThe district lies between 31°40' and 32°25' East Longitudes and 70°35' and 77°05' North Latitudes. It is bounded on the South-West by Una district, on the North-West by district Gurdaspur of Punjab, on the North by Lahaul-Spiti and Chamba districts, on the East by Kullu and Mandi districts, and on the South it touches Hamirpur district.

Headquarter
Dharamsala ( Dharamshala ) (altitude 1597 metres )

Altitude
650 meters.

Important Distances
Chandigarh 239 km., Delhi 514 km., Nangal 145 km., Jalandhar 166 km., Hoshiarpur 128 km., Mandi 147 km., Jwalamukhi 55 km., Kullu 214 km., Manali 252 km., Chamba 192 km. and Shimla 322 km.

Area
5,739 Sq. km.

STD Codes
+91-1892 or 01892

Police Assistance
+91-1892-224883

Hospital Services
+91-1892-222189

Fire Services
+91-1892-224992

Kangra Airport
+91-1892-232374

Railway Reservation
+91-1892-226711

DFO Forest Department
+91-1892-224887

Climate
The summer temperatures range between 25° C and 38° C, while the winter temperatures usually remain between 20° C and 32° C.

Population
Total population of Kangra is 13,39,030 (according to Census 2001)

Best time to visit
All seasons however You’d enjoy the winter months in Kangra as temperatures drop low.

Access Routes

Delhi to Kangra
this access route leads via Chandigarh - Solan - Shimla - Bilaspur - Hamirpur - Jwalaji - Kangra

Delhi to Kangra
this access route leads via Sonipat - Karnal- Kurukshetra - Ambala - Ludhiana - Jallander - Pathankot - Jassur - Nurpur - Gaggal - Kangra

Delhi to Kangra
this access route leads via Sonipat - Karnal- Kurukshetra - Ambala - Chandigarh - Hoshiarpur - Phatankot - Jassur - Nurpur - Gaggal - Kangra

Delhi to Kangra
this access route leads via Sonipat - Karnal - Kurukshetra - Ambala - Chandigarh - Ropar - Nangal - Una - Talwara - Jassur - Nurpur - Gaggal - Kangra

Delhi to Kangra
this access route leads via Sonipat - Karnal - Kurukshetra - Ambala - Chandigarh - Ropar - Nangal - Una - Talwara - Pathankot - Jassur - Nurpur - Gaggal - Kangra