Things to Do in Kangra
Adorned with lush green valleys and best known as a perfect spiritual retreat, Kangra is a welcoming city located in the Kangra district of the northern state of Himachal Pradesh. Initially, it was known as Nagarkot and in the pious Hindu texts, this place is also indicated as the Land of the Gods or 'Devbhumi'. The best things to do in Kangra include visiting the Indrahar pass, Kareri Lake, the Kangra Fort, Brajeshwari Temple and the Dhauladhar Range which are a major local sightseeing attraction.
Kangra is also very popular for trekking among the adventurous and Trek-loving tourists. One can go for a trek to Triund or for a visually fascinating long trek of the Dhauladhar Range. Bir and Billing offer thrilling paragliding experiences that are a bonus to the adventure lovers.
The Kangra Fort is the largest fort in the Himalayas and is historically very significant, with its mention found in the Mahabharata as well. Very close to Kangra is Dharamshala, home to Dharamshala Cricket Ground with a backdrop of serene view of the hills. Mcleodganj near Dharamshala is also the exile-in-home of Dalai Lama, who gets many followers to visit the place every year. Thus, tourists have many options to conduct excursions from Kangra.
Kangra is also very famous for the temples in and around it. Most of the tourists who come here are in search of spiritual relief, and the different temples and monasteries provide the right atmosphere for that. Some temples are Brajeshwari, Baijnath, Chamunda Devi and Jwala Devi.
One of the best things to do in Kangra if you are a foodie is to try out the gastronomical delights! Taste the exotic spices and unique dishes like Bhruni (fig leaves in dry gravy), Kalan ke pakode (pea fritters), and Seera (yummy sweet soup made from ground wheat) are the most popular ones. September to June is the perfect time to plan a vacation in Kangra and the nearest airport is Amritsar.
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Very few people who like stillness around such hypnotic places, pick Kareri Lake amongst the other places to visit in Kangra. Emerging from the heart of the Dhaulandhar range, this scintillating lake is one of its creation. The lake freezes in the winters leaving behind a revitalizing breeze. A major magnetism is the trekking experience during which you can partake in activities like Tyrolean Traversing.
Although, only experienced people go for this since it is conducted on higher altitudes. It also forms the base for trekking further into this mountain range to Bagga and Rewa until one finally reaches the end point-Guna Devi Temple. You can bow down at the ancient Shiva and Shakti temple by the lake, a devotional place for many.
The Brajeshwari Temple is one well-known places to visit in Kangra. A paramount reason why devotees want to visit this temple is that it is one of the 51 Shakti Peeths in the country. The shopping street that leads one up the temple from the parking area is an ecstasy.
Dedicated to Goddess Brajeshwari, a form of Durga, this temple holds utmost importance in mythology. The temple that stands today is a re-built version of the original pagoda which had dropped to dust in the 1905 earthquake.
This name does not sound alien to you anymore. If you make it to the top of the peak via its trek routes, you will find what we call “bliss”. The Dhaulandhar Range is the fencing southern range of the mighty Himalayas. With the highest peak being Hanuman Ji Ka Tiba, this is a favourite amongst the many trekking destinations.
You have to believe this, the views of this range and from this range is a visual treat. What makes this all the more attractive is that you can make a trip to this location any time in the year. People residing in this area surrender their lives to Goddess Dhaulandhar. You owe this visit to yourself!
Where Exactly: 47kms from Dharamshala.
You have heard about the 1905 earthquake several times, but here is where you can catch glimpses of the same. If time matches, you may find a number of inspired painters and sketch artists camped there to re-create history creatively.
Where exactly: Middle of Dharamshala
Drop By:10.00am-1.30pm and 2.00pm to 5.00pm (Closed on Mondays)
Entry Fee: Rs10 for Indians and Rs50 for Foreign Tourists.
With an excellent parliamentary system of its own, the village is bound by exclusive rules. That doesn’t take away from the fact that it is one of the best sightseeing locations. The Jamdagani Temple is very famous, although outsiders aren’t allowed to touch the walls or their praying space.
You do the opposite, and you are an official offender owing them a fine the amount of which equals the expense of the slaughter they do as a sacrifice. This temple holds the shrine of Goddess Renuka Devi. All’s well at a distance!
Where Exactly: 222.9km from Dharamshala.
Indrahar Pass is most acclaimed for its trek and the heavenly experience you get in return for it. But once you are on it, you might want to testify that, ‘This is amongst the best places to visit in Kangra.’ The difficulty level of this trek route has been graded between moderate to hard. You should know, that completing this route takes anywhere between 4-5 days.
Camps are set up between these routes at nights. Nonetheless, it is sure to be written down as the best investment of time in this lifetime. Although many people have found this trek faintly daunting, none have ever mentioned the slightest regret. You need to be prepared for an unpredictable climate that will surprise you with rains, sunlight, hail storms or snowfall
Where Exactly: Boundary of Kangra and Chamba.
The snowy mountains ranges, the treks, and the mountain passes are all put together to make this Valley heaven on Earth. The Norbulingka Institute, The Bhagsunag temple, and the Bhagsu Waterfalls are one of the cherished places in the Kangra Valley.
Where Exactly: 4.6km from Dharamshala.
Located on the top of a hill, you can get a splendid view of the river Beas and the Dhaulandhar Range. Buddhists from around the world seek their blessings in front of the Sakhyamuni Buddha shrine that reflects the golden light of the sun.
Where Exactly: Sidhbari
Drop By: 7 am to 7 pm.
The Bhagsu falls is one of the most sought after places to visit in Kangra. One of the most beautiful sights of the Bhagsu waterfalls has been captured in the monsoons for taking a superficial height of 30 feet. The waterfall starts at the foot of the Dhaulandhar mountain range.
On its way, it passes across the Bhagsunath temple and the many other tourist places in the area. The trekking experience with the glistening waterfall adjacent to you is enchanting. A lot of places in the course of this fall are a favourite amongst many picnickers.
Also heavily damaged in the 1905 earthquake, this 8th-century temple has still kept its flag bearing in the places to visit in Kangra. These ones of a kind cave temples of North India houses deities of Ram, Laxman, and Sita in the main temple hall. A lot about this place resembles the Ajanta and Ellora Caves in Maharashtra. Once you reach the top, look back to find the most mesmeric view of the Dhaulandhar range that guards the rest of the town.
Masroor secures 15 colossal rock-cut temples, each as striking as the other. This archaeological site has been styled in the Indo-Aryan manner depicting the mindset of the Vedic Period. Devotees who visit this temple believe that taking a dip in the tank that is present in the temple helps wipe off their sins.
If you are an artsy person who can see through a painting and retrospect what it wants to convey, the Kangra Art Gallery tops the list of places to visit in Kangra. Kangra painting has found a lot of fame around the world. Not just paintings, even the items that have been secured in this gallery holds a tunnel full of Himachal’s history.
Visitors who visit this gallery do not leave the place without pictures of the ancient sculptures. Kangra’s famous minuscule style of painting is also kept on display. Apart from these, the ancient style of pottery and other ethnologic items is a treasure to this gallery.
This trekking trail is yet another popular route for trekking in Himachal Pradesh. Malana village is inhabited by the tribal people and is deemed to be one of the earlier democracies of the world.
This trek which terminates at Baralacha Pass through the Manali-Leh highway. The Malana tribes have their distinct laws, customs and language and also a governing body named Koram which is formed by the village elders. One can have a visit around the village but after securing proper permission from the village elders.
This rather moderate trek takes you through beautiful, picture perfect landscapes, rhododendron bushes, birch forests and sprawling meadows. The awesome views of Dhauladhar, Hanuman Tibba and Ghalpo peaks are sure to fascinate you.
Best Season: April - October
Max. Elevation: 3029m
Duration of the Trek: 5 days
Difficulty Level: Moderate
Triund
Triund in Kangra is a stunning trekking spot nestled in the majestic Dhauladhar Range. It's loved by adventurers for its moderate trails, offering mesmerizing views of lush valleys and snow-capped peaks. Accessible even for beginners, Triund promises a memorable experience amidst nature's beauty, making it a top destination in Himachal Pradesh.
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Kangra Things To Do FAQs
What are the activities that we can do in Kangra?
Kangra offers something to all. The spiritual-minded can have a spiritual recluse while visiting the temples and monasteries, while the adventurous minds find themselves with plenty options like trekking, biking, and even paragliding. Some things to do in Kangra are :
· Visiting the popular temples like Brajeshwari, Baijnath, Jwala Devi and Chamunda Devi
· Trekking in Triund or the Dhaulagiri Range
· Bir and Kangra Valley Mountain Biking trip
· Paragliding experience from Bir and Billing
· Visiting tea gardens in Palampur
· Visit Dharamshala Cricket Ground
· Visit Mcleodganj to pay a visit to Dalai Lama’s monastery
Which are some famous camping sites in Kangra?
Kangra is very famous with trekkers and adventure-loving tourists as the place offers secure and thrilling options for trekking, hiking, and camping. The Triund trekking trip or the Dhauladhar Range trekking trip are some of the most visceral and beautiful treks you can enjoy. There are also scenic biking routes in Kangra Valley for mountain biking, all of which makes Kangra a great camping site. Some of the famous camping sites in Kangra are:
- Triund Mountain Lodge and Camping
- Triund Camping
- Salli Valley
- The Bunker
- Triund Glacier Trek
- Markha Valley Trek
- Snow Monk Camp
- Ultimate Survival Campsite
Which are some famous treks in Kangra?
Kangra is located in the Lower Himalayan Region and has some of the most beautiful trekking routes, which attracts thousands of tourists and trekking enthusiasts every year to this place. It has ample opportunities for trekking, hiking, and biking. The Dhauladhar Range overshadowing the city is the most famous and a beautifully picturesque trekking route. There are guides who accompany the new trekkers for their safety. Some of the famous treks in Kangra are –
- Triund short trekking trip
- Dharamshala Lake Pass Trek
- Baijnath Parai Jot and BhimGasutri Pass trek
- Dharamshala Talang Pass trek
- McLeodganj Minkiani Pass Chamba Trek
- Dhauladhar Range long trekking trip
Where can I go paragliding near Kangra and how much is the cost?
The town of Bir is located in the Kangra district. It is a picturesque town with many monasteries, NGO’s and educational institutes. The town is very well known as a spiritual hub for Tibetan monks. 28 kilometers from Bir, lies another beautiful town named Billing. Apart from the scenery and lush landscapes, Bir-Billing is the hub of adventure sports and especially, paragliding, which is very popular with the tourists.
The Bir Billing paragliding ride costs INR 2500 per person plus 5% GST, however rates can vary with seasons. The best season for this is October to June. The ride is generally a fifteen to thirty minutes ride. All sorts of safety measures are taken care of by the flight operators.
How difficult is the Triund Trek in Kangra? How many days required to reach the top?
The Triund Trek in Kangra is one of the most popular activities of the region. The Triund trek is generally considered easy by trekkers, so anyone who is new to trekking should definitely try this out to experience the adrenaline rush. The maximum elevation is 3200 meters. This trip is 2 days long. It takes a day to reach the top. There are many tour packages in different prices for Triund treks. There are special packages for students with discounted prices and premium packages for those with more budgets.
When can I visit Kangra Fort? How to reach there and are there any entry charges?
Kangra Fort is the most popular attraction in the city. It is flocked by thousands of tourists owing to its historical importance and it is also of great cultural value. This fort is the largest fort in the Himalayas and was home to the Trigarta Kingdom which is mentioned in the Mahabharata. Kangra Fort is open round the year for tourists from 9 am to 5 pm. One can reach Kangra from Dharamshala easily, of which there are many options like auto rickshaw or taxis that commute till Kangra Fort. There is an entry fee of INR 150 for Indian tourists and INR 300 for foreign tourists.
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