Image Credits : Upesh Kumar
Image Credits : Balajijagadesh
Are you exhausted by the everyday city life? Pack your bags and move ahead for an exciting trip to Kangra. Sitting between the super sights and the lofty Himalayas, Kangra is one of the best hill stations of Himachal Pradesh. Also known as Land of Gods, Kangra is a real spiritual abode. Kangra is called the Devbhumi in the Hindu text due to the spiritual and religious significance it has. The gigantic Beas that runs via the valley make Kangra an extremely quaint and beautiful place. For all those who want to rejuvenate and relax, Kangra can be the ideal place for their vacation woes.
Away from the crowds, this town is a perfect place for tourists looking for solitude and peace. This town is enveloped with holy temples and tea plantations spread across the region. As a district, Kangra encompasses McleodGanj and Dharamshala in its boundaries.
Kangra was initially founded by the Chandervanshi Lineage Katoch Kshatriya Rajputs. The town was known as Trigarta and Kiraj during that time. With strong hold, the Katoch Rajas had lavish temples and a fort here. Another old name of this place was Bhimagar, which was founded by the Kuru Emperor Yudhishthira’s younger brother. It is believed that a fort was looted in this area by Mahmud of Ghazni in 1009, however, it is not verified historically still. Other sources believe that the fort was secure and it stayed unconquered till 1622 when the Emperor Jahangir took over it.
The fort was later recalled after the death of Jahangir by Katoch Kings. While battles between the Katochs and Sikhs took place, the Kangra Fort gates remained open. In 1806, the Gurkhas entered the Nagarkot’s open gates. This resulted in an alliance between the Katochs and Sikhs and they recaptured this fort in 1809 after a war. Until 1828, Kangra was under the Katoch Kings when Ranjit Singh occupied it following the death of Sansar Chand. After that, Kangra was under the control of Nepalese Gorkha until the British captured it in 1846. It was with them until the Independence of India. In 1948, the Kangra state was also merged in India by the Kangra-Lambagraon Raja named Raja Druv Dev Chand Katoch. Till November 1966, it was a part of Punjab. Later it became a part of Himachal Pradesh. Since then, it has been seen developing leaps and bounds. Moreover, it became a famous tourist destination and is visited by people from around the country and even abroad to witness its natural beauty!
Except for the spiritual and religious spots, Kangra offers many amazing places to visit that make tourists enjoy their trips. So, listed below are the best places to visit here to have an excellent vacation and create everlasting memories:
Shopping: For people who love to get indulged in shopping, the Kangra markets offer a lot to them. From world-famous shawls to Pahari miniature paintings, you get many different options. The vibrant markets of this place have something for everybody. Shopping here won’t disappoint the shopaholics and general travelers. Head to Doonga Bazaar or Tibetan Market for an ultimate shopping experience.
Eating: Indulging yourself in the different gastronomical delights can be a great thing to do. From roadside vendors to high-class cafes and hotels, everyone spills out their hearts in the amazing delicacies of Kangra. You are sure to get pampered by the range of Pahari cuisines offered here.
Trekking: Trekking in Kangra can be an absolute delight for the adventure enthusiast. The views that you will witness on the way will leave you awestruck. Trekking is an interesting activity that is perfect for solo travelers, photographers, and adventure lovers. You will be greeted by soul-soothing vistas of mighty mountains and verdant forests as you approach the end of your treks here.
Mountain Biking: If you wish to explore the town yourself, mountain biking can be an ideal option for you. With mountain biking, you can start your self-love journey. You will get an opportunity to pass by the lush green forests and small villages.
Paragliding: Paragliding is what the small town is popular for. It lures adrenaline junkies from around the world. You can catch the bird’s eye vistas from lofty mountains and also appreciate the sky-high terrains and landscapes when you soar. So, if you wish to follow your flying fantasies, indulge yourself in paragliding.
Navratri Celebrations: Kangra is famous for Brajeshwari Devi Temple and Jwalaji Devi Temple. People from around the country come here to celebrate the Navratri festival with zeal and great energy. You can be the next one too.
Nature Walks: Whether you are a tea lover or a nature lover, you are sure to get allured by the verdant plantations that are surrounded by lofty hills. You will be amazed by the tea plantation here that is going to offer you an extraordinary experience.
Kangra is 450 km away from Delhi, 220 km away from Chandigarh, 15 km away from Dharamshala, and 36 km away from Palampur. It is well-connect with all these places and other major nearby cities with roads. Gaggal Airport is the closest airport located at a distance of only 11 km from Kangra. And the closest railway station is the Pathankot railway station located at a distance of 87 km from Kangra.
Turn on the vacation mode and start your trip to Kangra to quickly experience the best that this hill station has to offer!
