Location:
Kangra is almost 530 km from Delhi, 125 km from Pathankot.
Altitude : 1000 metres.
Kangra
The Kangra valley in Himachal Pradesh, India is one of the most majestic
valley of Himalyan lowlands. The valley, protected by the imposing
Dhauladhar range, is grassy and flourishing. It provides an excellent
variation in nature of places to be visited. The history of Kangra valley
dates back to the Vedic times more than 3500 yrs. ago. The area was unveiled
to successive invasions, the last being the British domination over the
princes of the hill states. Despite the onslaughts and political upheavels,
the arts and crafts of the region developed unendingly and found lyrical
definition. Crafts like the exotically designed shawls and miniature
paintings of this region are internationally acclaimed.
At the union of the Bener and Majhi streams, over looking the Ban Ganga
flow, is Kangra town in Himachal Pradesh, famous for its exquisite temples.
One of the most notable temples is the shrine dedicated to goddess
Brijeshwari. Kangra is noticeable in history and its ruined fort - Nagarkot,
stands as a proof to its glorious past.
Arriving At Kangra
By Flight : Gagal Airport (Kangra) 45 Km's is the nearest
airports from here, which is connected with New Delhi and Chandirarh by
Indian Airline Flights. This is also open to Private Planes.
By Trackways : The nearest railway station is Pathankot
(115 km) for broad gauge trains and there is also a narrow gauge TOY TRAIN
in Kangra district for which the nearest railway station is Kangra Mandir
By Raodways : Dharamshala (50 km) is nearest Town from
Kangra, which connects Kangra to all major towns of India by road. Roads
connect Kangra from Delhi, Chandigarh & Dharamshala. Taxis can be hired
from these places. Distance from Dharamshala is 50 Kms. & from
Chandigarh 250 Kms. Frequent state transport Bus service is available from
all important cities of Punjab, Haryana, New Delhi and J & K.
The
Major Fascinating Sights At Kangra
Brajeshwari Devi Temple : Located just at the outskirts of
the town is the temple dedicated to Brajeshwari Devi, famous once for its
legendary wealth. This temple was subject to successive devastation 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. The temple was destroyed
completely in the year 1905 by a destructive earthquake, but was rebuilt in
1920.
Kangra Fort : The remnants of the Kangra Fort are located
on a strategic height, overlooking the Ban Ganga and Manjhi rivers. The
earthquake of 1905 proved too much for the fort. Its whole structure
collapsed. Today nothing but its surrounding wall is left. Besides the
temple of goddess Ambika Devi, there are two Jain temples too, amongst its
ruins. One of them represents the Tirthankar Adinath.
Maharana Pratap Sagar : Located at an altitude of 450
metres from sea level in district of Kangra, the lake is well served by a
network of roads. This beautiful lake is almost 170 km. from Chandigarh, 110
km. from Amritsar, 55 km. from headquarters at Dharamshala. The closest
railway stations are at Mukerian 30 km., and Pathankot at 32 km. The
establishments of Nagrota Surian and Jawali - which are located on the
sagar's circumference are connected by the amazing narrow gauge Kangra
railway line that connects Pathankot to Jogindernagar. The closest airport
is Gaggal 40 km. from the lake.
