Tourism
Dharamshala
Districts headquarter of Kangra. Dhauladhar range about 18kms. from North east of Kangra town. A tragedy struck by Dharmshala in 1905 due to earthquake. After its reconstruction, Dharamshala flourished as a quiet health resort. It is divided into two distinct parts. Lower Dharamshala has civil offices and business establishments with courts. Kotwali Bazar and Upper Dharamshala comprise of places with names which bear witness to its history like McLeod Ganj and Forsythe Ganj. Since 1960, when it became a temporary
headquarters of His Holiness The Dalai Lama, Dharamshala has risen to international fame as "The Little Lhasa in India". The major attractions over here are Bhagsunath falls, ST John'S Church, Mcleod Ganj, Dharamkot, War Memorial, Kunal Pathri, Kareri, Triund.
Jwalamukhi Temple
Jwalamukhi Temple is one of the famous temples of northern India
situated 35 km. from Kangra and 56 kms from Dharamshala. Dedicated to the "GODDESS OF LIGHT". There is no idol of any kind over there only the flame is sign of the goddess. An enternally burning and shining blue flame come from the rock. The golden tower (dome) of the temple was a gift from the Emperor Akbar. Two important fairs are held here during the Navratras in earlier April and mid October.
Bhagsunag Falls
At a distance of 11kms. from Lower Dharamshala, an old temple, fresh water spring and restaurant are the graces of this place. Further about 2kms. is beautiful Bhagsunag water falls.
ST. John'S Church
It has a monument of Lord Elgin, one of the Viceroys of India, who died in Dharamshala and was buried here in 1863.
Mcleod Ganj
A number of residential buildings, restaurants, antique and curio shops, together with famous Tibetan institutions have lent importance to McLeod Ganj. The Budha temple is situated opposite to the present abode of His Holiness, the Dalai Lama and is worth a visit. The Tibetan Institute of performing Arts (TIPA) is 1km. walk from McLeod Ganj and preserves a number of musical dance and theatrical traditions of Tibet. It holds an annual 10-day folk opera commencing on the second Saturday of April. There is also a Tibetan handicraft centre situated at McLeod Ganj and a Sunday market is organized at about 10 minutes walk from here.
Dal Lake
Exactly in the middle of the hills around 11kms. from Lower Dharamshala connected by motorable road
is Dal Lake. It is the starting point of excursions and trekking and is located next to the Tibetan Children's village.
Dharmkot
Situated on the crest of hill 11kms. from Dharamshala, this picnic spot affords a panoramic view of the Kangra valley, Pong Dam Lake and Dhauladhar ranges.
Triund
20 kms. from Dharamshala, Triund lies at the feet of the perpetually snow clad Dhauladhar at the height of 2975 m. The snow line starts at
Ilaqa, 5kms. from Triund. It is a popular picnic and trekking spot.
Trilokpur
It is situated 41 kms. from Dharamshala. The natural cave temple of Trilokpur contains stalactite and stalagmite
and is dedicated to Shiva. High on the ridge of the cave are ruins of a palace and baradari (audience hall) of Lehna Singh Majitha, Governor of Kangra hills during the Sikh rule.
Nurpur
66kms. from Dharamshala, Nurpur is famous for an old fort and a temple of Brij Raj. Nurpur acquired its name in 1672, when Jahangir, the Mughal Emperor named it after his wife Nurjahan. Nurpuri shawls are very famous.
Masroor
Masroor is 15kms. south of Kangra. Here is a famous monolithic rock temple. There are 15 rocks cut temples in Indo-Aryan style and richly carved. The temples partly ruined now are decorated with sculptural ornamentations, conceived in the same manner as the great temple of Kailash at Ellora in Maharastra with which they bear a striking resemblance. The main temple is dedicated to Lord Ram, Lakshman and Sita.
Palampur
A small beautiful town at a height of 1219 mts. Behind this town stands high ranges of Dhauladhar mountains, whose tops remain covered for most part of the year. Tea garden and scent of the pine tree make this valley a favorite spot for the tourists. The scenery presents a beautiful contrast - the plain presents a picture of rural loveliness and repose, while the hills are majestic. A short walk from here Bundla chasm which falls over a 100mts. to the Bundla stream. The stream is a thin streak running over stony ground far below the cliff. An Agricultural University is already functioning and some tea factories are also coming up.
Chamunda Devi Temple
Chamunda Devi Temple is situated at the Shah Madar Hill. This famous temple dedicated to the goddess Chamunda is 25 kms away. The temple stands on a raised platform. The temple has artistic carvings on its lintel, pillars and the ceiling. Lord Shiva temple exactly behind it in the Shikhara style. In front of temple a platform from where you can see Chaugan, Circuit House, most of the temples and river Ravi. This temple
is around 3 Km from Chamba. It lies on the right hand side of the Chamba-Jhamwar road. The temple is an ideal picnic spot throughout the year because it has an easy approach and a commanding view.
Baijnath
At a distance of 16kms. from Palampur, Baijnath is a pilgrimage
centre of the Hindus in Kangra Distt. Here one finds the oldest existing Shiva temple in the country, believed to have been originally built by the Pandavas close to the Binwa Khad.
Neugal Khad
Neugal Khad Roaring in the rainy season and tinkling all the year around, Neugal Khad offers a fine view of the Dhauladhar range.
Andretta
Home of the famous artist, SOBHA SINGH and late play-writer. Ms. NORA RICHARDS. There are beautiful paintings worth seeing in their private houses. It affords an excellent view of Dhauladhar range.
Bir & Billing
Bir, surrounded by tea gardens and an amphitheater of low hills, is an ideal landing around for para-gliders. Bir has Buddhist Monasteries that are worth visiting. Fine Tibetan handicrafts are also produced here. Billing, up in the hills 14 kms. from Bir with an arena of 200 kms. for high altitude and cross country flying, is one of the best aero sports sites in the country.
How to reach Kangra
By Air:
Nearest Air port is Gaggal which is 7 km from Kangra.
By Rail: Nearest rail head is Pathankot in Punjab is 85 km from Kangra. Kangra is also connected with Narrow gauge railway line from Pathankot.
By Road: Kangra is well connected by road Dharamshala is 17 km from Kangra and Delhi is about 500km from Kangra.
Kangra Valley - Himachal Pradesh 
The history of Kangra valley dates back to the Vedic times more than 3500 yrs. ago. Lastly
the British dominated over this princes of the hill states. The town was attacked by Mohammed Ghaznavi and subjugated by Emperor Feroz Tuglak and Maharaja Rant Singh. Earlier, Kangra was the capital of the great hill state, its renowned ruler being Maharaja Sansar Chand Katoch, a great patron of arts. The Miniature and Rajpur Schools of hill paintings flourished during his reign. The art and craft of this valley is amazing. Miniature paintings of this region are internationally appreciated and shawls of kangra are very famous due its unique and delicate design. This valley of lower Himalyas,
is full of greenery and having very ample sights and
moreover sheltered by the sublime Dhauladhar range. A place of Buddhist is Dharamshala whereas ancient Hindu Temples like Brajeshwari, Baijnath, Jawalamukhi and Chamunda Devi
are also there. The ruined fort of Nagarkot reminds us the history of its glorious past. The remains of the fort of the rulers of Kangra are located on a strategic height, overlooking the Ban Ganga and Manjhi rivers.
