Kangra Fort
The most important fort of the region, it is enclosed by high ramparts and its walls have a circumference of approximately 4 km. It was built about 1,000 years ago on the confluence of the Banganga and Manjhi rivers.
Its various gates, shrines and remains of the old palaces are noteworthy. An earthquake destroyed the palace and the fort in 1905. The ruins still dominate the Kangra Valley.
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Brajeshwari Devi Temple
The Brajeshwari Devi Temple is the prime attraction of the Kangra town or perhaps even the entire Kangra district. It was the wealth of this temple that caught the attention of the invaders again and again. The temple, it is believed was established by the divinity of the same name during Ashwamedh or horse sacrifice.
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| Mahmud of Gazni destroyed the temple and built a mosque over the ruins, however, the temple was rebuilt and was later visited by the likes of Maharaja Ranjit Singh and Mughal Emperor Akbar along with his trusted diwan, Todar Mal. |
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Masrur
Masrur is around 15 km away from Kangra town and is quiet well known for its Shikhara style rock cut temples. There are a total of 15 temples that trace their construction date to the 10th century.
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| The carvings of these temples are hugely similar to that of the Ellora caves in Maharashtra, India, though they are in a need of bit of maintenance work. Moreover, as you make your way towards Masrur from Kangra, the views that will meet your eyes are simply magnificent.
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Pong Lake Sanctuary
This Lake Sanctuary is around 65-km from Panthankot and 115-km from Dharamsala.
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| The wildlife sanctuary is home to animals like Nilgai, Sambar, Barking Deer, Wild Buar, Clawless Otter, and Leopard. Water sports is also quiet a good option here. |
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Jain Temple
It is 24 km from Dharamshala. Bath can be availed at Ban Ganga with the picturesque view of Kangra fort . In the courtyard there are two temples, one of Lakshminarayan and the other of Ambika Devi, a family goddess of Katoch.
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| A Jain temple with Adinath in stone image also found nearby, which gives a great architecture work done by ancient people.
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Jwalaji
Jwalamukhi is dedicated to the "GODDESS OF LIGHT", the temple is one of the most popular Hindu temples in northern India. An eternally burning and shining blue flame emanates from the rock sanctum and is fed by the priests with the offerings of devotees.
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| This flame is considered as a manifestation of the Goddess. The golden tower (dome) of the temple was a gift from Emperor Akbar. Two important fairs are held here during the Navratras in earlier April and mid October.
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Chintpurni
Chintapurni temple is the Shrine of Parvathi Devi, where the feet of goddess Parvathi is said to have fallen when she embraced sati. The idol of Chhina Mastaka the killer of the demon Nishumbha is in the Chintapurni temple.
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| Revered by the Hindus, the goddess is known as the remover of all troubles. Crowds are greater during a ten day fair held in the month of August each year
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Baba Baroh Temple
Baroh is famous for the temple of Radha Krishnan with black and white marble
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| And idol of Durga which is made of metal. The drive to Baroh is enjoyable through pine forests.
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Dharamshala
Dharamshala has a temperate climate in summers, and heavy monsoon showers in July and August. While days are warm in summer, nights are chilly. Besides the rainy season, occasional showers are common here. Winters are severely cold, with heavy snowfall and temperatures dipping down around December. The best time to visit Dharamsala is between October and December.
Dharamsala lies at the foot of snow covered lofty Dhauladhar ranges and presents a magnificent view of snowy peaks, deodar and pine forests, tea gardens and beautiful hills. Dharamsala with a number of Tibetan settlements and the residence of the spiritual and temporal leader of the Tibetan people, His Holiness the Dalai Lama, has become a place of international importance.
Places of Interest
Kangra Art Museum
Kangra Art Museum is treasure trove of
the Kangra valleys arts, crafts and rich past, display artifacts that date back
to the 5th Century. It includes a gallery of famous paintings and a
representative collection of sculptures, pottery and anthropological items.
Shamiyanas and local dresses used by local royalty, old carved doors, jail and
pndals are also on display. Coins jewellery and manuscripts are included. A
section houses the works of conteporary artists, sculptures and photographers.
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Dharamshala Tea Garden & Kunal Pathri Temple
Located in the lap of the Dhauladhar
Ranges this temple is dedicated to goddess Kapaleshwari. It has been mentioned
in the Shiv Maha Puran that Daksh Prajapati the father of Sati had once
organized a Yajna. He did not invite Lord Shiva to this Yajna. Sati could not
bear the insult to lord Shiva and in retaliation jumped into the fire of the
Yajna. Lord Shiva was shocked to learn about the death of Sati. He started
roaming in a state of madness with the body of Sati on his back.
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On seeing this Lord Vishnu used the
Sudarshan Chakra to Destroy Sati's Body and a part of her skull is believed to
have fallen here. The locals here call this place Kunal Pathri.
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War Memorial
The War Memorial is situated in
Dharamshala town, near the entry point to Dharamshala commemorates. This was
built in the memory of those who fought valiantly for the honour and defense of
the mother land. The place is ideally located amid the pine forest.
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There is also a cafe just close to War
Memorial serving fast food and beverages.
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International Cricket Stadium
One more picturesque spot is nearby the
lower Dharamshala , .
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| The officially stadium came into
existence on March 2005 by having the opening match between Board President-XI
and Pakistan. |
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Norbulingka Monastry Sidhpur
Norbulingka Institute, It is 6
Kilometers from the Dharamshala, Institute is closed on Sunday. Norbulingka
institute is committed to the preservation of Tibetan culture. It houses a
beautiful Buddha temple, a Japanese inspired garden & a Losel Dolls Museum
exhibiting regional, ritual. Religious, official & theatrical costumes.
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Norbulingka institute promotes Statue
making, Thangka painting, Applique needlework, Tailoring & Woodwork.
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Aghanjar Mahadev Temple
This temple is located at a distance
of 8.5 km from Dharamshala and just a few meters from the Khaniyara village,
famous for its scenic beauties. Once when Arjun, of Mahabarat, was on his way to
the Kailash Mountains.
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Lord Shiva appeared in front of Arjun
and blessed him with the Boon of Victory over the Kauravas. At this place Baba
Ganga Bharati has fired "Akhand Dhuni" (Sacred Fire).
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Chinmaya Tapovan
10 km from Dharamshala on the banks of
the rivulet Bindu Saras, is an ashram complex established by the late Swami
Chinmayananda, a noted exponent of the Gita.
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| The complex includes a 9m high image of
Lord Hanuman, a magnificent Ragunath Temple, a meditation hall, a school, and a
health and recreation center. |
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Gyotu Tantric Monastry Sidhbari (17th Karmapa)
Karmapas means "the one who carries
out buddha-activity" or "the embodiment of all the activities of the buddhas.
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| We have here the residence of the 17th
Karmapa, Ogyen Drodul Trinley Dorje at Sidhbari Yol cantt. You can have a
spiritual visit here.
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Indru Naag Temple
This Temple is located on way to
Khaniyara Village about 3 kms from Kotwali Bazaar. 2 kms road route upto the
village Chola and 1 km trek route to the Indrunag temple.
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| This temple is dedicated to Nag, the
Lord of Snakes, and the Lord of Rains. In the Month of July many devotees of the
local areas visit the Temple.
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Chamunda Temple
15 Kilometers from the Dharamshala,
with the Dhauladhars forming a majestic backdrop, it is one of the nine
shaktipeeth temple, It is an enchanting spot with a glorious view of the
mountains.
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| Temple glorifying Lord Shiva as
Nandikeshwar in the temple complex is equally revered.
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McLeod Ganj
Life was added to the city with the arrival of the Tibetan spiritual leader, the Dalai Lama, along with thousands of refugees to Dharamsala in 1959. The place is now filled with a number of Tibetan settlements with religious education and other rehabilitation centers. Thus, Mcleodganj is a renowned Buddhist centre of pilgrimage and learning in the country. Camping is indeed the best way of enjoying the wonders of nature and the warmth of people. Mcleodganj is often called the ‘Little Lhasa’. All this makes McLeodganj is a colorful little town, a perennial den of tourists – a place you can chill out in and do your own thing. While you stop to wonder at a Tibetan trinket or a shawl, you’ll realize that your stomach is involuntarily responding to the lovely smell of wantons wafting from a nearby joint. McLeodganj is steeped in Buddhist culture – you can find anything from Tibetan food, good luck charms and thanks to Enlightenment. In fact, many disenchanted foreigners come here seeking solace, meditation or to champion the Tibetan cause.
Places of Interest
Talnu Naddi Snow Point
A high point beyond the Dal Lake, Naddi village affords a magnificent view of Dhauladhar mountain range to the north and the vast expanse of lush Kangra valley to the south. Naddi is situated far away from the hustle and bustle of the Mcleodganj market and provides complete peace of mind. It is surely the best place to spend some quality time amidst the heart of Dhauladhar mountains.
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Dal Lake
Located by the road side to Mcleodganj.
The ancient lake have a great aspect to the hindu pilgrimage every year the
public bath (Snan) is being organized to have blessing from lord Shiva people in
great crowd came at the lake on a prescribed day to have holy bath.
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The lake lies amidst hills and stately
fir trees 11kms. from Lower Dharamshala connected by motorable road. It is the
starting point of excursions and trekking and is located next to the Tibetan
Children's village.
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St. John's Church
Situated at a distance of 8 km. from Dharamsala, the church lies amidst the deodar forest between Mcleod Ganj and Forsyth Ganj. Dharamshala town, near the entry point to Dharamshala commemorates. This was
built in the memory of those who fought valiantly for the honour and defense of
the mother land. The place is ideally located amid the pine forest.
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The church has a monument dedicated to Lord Elgin, one of the viceroys of India, who died at Chauntra ( Mandi district ) and was cremated here in 1863 A.D.
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Bhagsunag Temple & Waterfall
Located at a distance of 11 km. from Dharamsala town..
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It is visited for its old temple, a fresh water spring, water falls and slate quarries. One can ,easily reach the fall by road. |
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Dharamkot
It is located at a distance of 14 km.
from Dharamsala and is on the crest of a hill. This mesmerizing picnic spot
offers a great view of the Kangra valley and the snow clad Dhauladhar ranges.
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One can easily reach Dharamkot by a
simple trek from Bhagsu where there are several small restaurant type of shops
providing relaxation and beverages.
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Kareri
22 km from Kotwali Bazzar, amidst
sylvan surroundings, there is a rest house here.
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Surrounded by open meadows and thick
woods, the Kareri lake is 13 km ahead.
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Dalai Lama Temple
The Dalai Lama’s Temple or Tsuglakhang.
The main Buddhist temple, situated opposite the residence of His Holiness Dalai
Lama. It is open from sunrise to sunset each day and is visited by thousands of
devotees and tourists. In the center the statue of Lord Budha or Sakyamuni is
three meters high and gilded in bronze.
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To either side are Padmasambhava,
Tibet’s great tantric teacher and Avalokiteshwara or Chenrezig, the Budha of
Compassion, He who hears the cries of the world, in silver with eleven faces, a
thousand arms and one thousand eyes.
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Mc-leodganj Market
Market near the Temple of Dallai lama ,
youi can buy the traditional Tibetan Thangka Paintings and Tibetan handicraft.
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One of the market in Dharamshala, which
preserve the Tibetan culture, dance and Art & Craft.
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