11+ Best Tourist Places to visit in Kangra

It doesn’t matter if you’re on a solo retreat to find inner peace, an adventure backpack tour with your besties, or a family reunion with your beloved, Kangra’s mountains will never cease to fascinate you. There are also some cultural gems that are unique to this part of the world in this hill town, which has blossomed into a paradise for the wandering heart.

Some excellent budget hotels in Dharamsala will take good care of your accommodation while giving you a taste of the hospitality the region is known for. If you are planning a trip to this Himalayan resort town in Himachal Pradesh, the following are the top attractions and Places to visit in Kangra.

Here is the list of Top Attractions Places to Visit in Kangra

 

Let’s know in describe the Top Attractions places to visit in Kangra

 

1. Kareri Lake, Kangra

The stillness that surrounds Kareri Lake, situated in the middle of the Dhauladhar Range, adds to its mesmerizing beauty. Also known as Kumarwah Lake, this shallow freshwater lake is located in the vicinity of the city of Kumarwah. Most of the water in the lake comes from melting snow from the Dhauladhar Range, making the water so clear that you can see the lake bed clearly.

During the winter, the lake provides a stunning sight for trekkers and nature lovers. There is an ancient Shiva and Shakti temple situated near this lake, so don’t miss it. This lake trek is divided into two parts first one is Ghera to Kareri Village to Reoti and the second one is Reoti to Kareri lake. This is one of the best trek for trekking in Places to visit in Kangra.

Location: 689F+J96, Kareri Village, Dharamshala, Himachal Pradesh 176215

Timing: There is no Accurate time, any time is a good time of day to visit.

Highlight: Sleep under the stars listening to stories from local villagers as you enjoy the simplicity of life away from bustling cities.

 

2. Masroor Rock Cut Temple

Masroor temple is also referred to as the Rock-cut Temples at Masrur. In an early 8th-century complex of rock-cut Hindu temples in the Kangra Valley of Beas River in Himachal Pradesh. The temple was built in the Beas River valley, in the foothills of the Himalayas, facing the snowy peaks of the Dhauladhar range.

This temple has three entrances on its northeast, southeast, and northwest side. Evidence has suggested that a fourth entrance was planned and started but left mostly incomplete, something acknowledged by the early 20th-century colonial-era archaeology teams.

Location: Masroor, Lahalpur, Kangra district, Himachal Pradesh 176026

Timing: There is no Accurate time, any time is a good time of day to visit.

Highlight: You can visit this temple during the Shivratri, Ram Navami, and Janmashtami celebrations. It’s a chance for you to see how the locals celebrate their culture.

 

3. Kangra Fort

This fort is located 20 Kilometers from the primary market of Dharamshala, India. It is one of the oldest forts in India built by Rajput katoch King Susharma Chandra. In addition to being one of the most iconic landmarks in the Kangra Valley, the Kangra Fort has seen glory, wealth, war, invasion, and more. The Fort is considered the largest in the Himalayan region, and perhaps the oldest in India.

According to the Mahabharata, the fort is linked to the ancient Trigarta Kingdom. Despite extensive damage suffered in an earthquake in 1905, this historical edifice remains a landmark and one of the top places to visit in Kangra. Located at the top of the fort, you can enjoy panoramic views of the surrounding area. 

Location: Old Kangra, Kangra, Himachal Pradesh 176001

Timing: You can visit this Fort Between 9.00 am to 7.30 pm.

Highlight: It is one of the most prominent attractions of the Kangra district.

Entry Fee: Entry fees for this Fort are ₹ 150 for Indians and ₹ 300 for foreign nationals.

 

4. Brajeshwari Temple

Kangra Devi Mandir, also known as Shree Vajreshwari Mata Mandir, is one of 51 Shakti Pithas dedicated to the goddess Vajreshvari, a form of Goddess Durga located in Kangra in the northern Indian state of Himachal Pradesh.

Originally, Brajeshwari Temple was built by the Pandavas in the Mahabharata after Goddess Durga appeared to them in their dreams and instructed them to make one in her honor. When the ancient temple was destroyed by the earthquake of 1905, the government rebuilt it.

Known as Kangra Devi Mandir, the temple is dedicated to Goddess Brajeshwari, an incarnation of Goddess Durga. One of India’s 51 Shakti Peeths, the temple features impressive architecture and a powerful spiritual aura.

Location: 4729+QXC, Mandir Road, New Kangra, Kangra, Himachal Pradesh 176001

Timing: You can visit this Fort Between 6.00  and to12.30pm to 12:30-8 pm.

Highlight: This temple is also Known once for its legendary wealth of diamonds and pearls.

 

5. Indrahar Pass Trek

The Indrahar Pass trek started from McLeodganj, Dharamshala and the trekking distance is about 35 km. It is a popular trekking destination in Himachal Pradesh because it is located near Dharamshala. This beautiful trek will blow your mind and offer you a fantastic trekking experience.

The Indrahar Pass in the Dhauladhar Range lies at an altitude of over 4300 meters and forms a border between Kangra and Chamba districts. Here, trails wind through deep gorges, glistening streams, serene lakes, and lush deodar forests.

In addition to offering a magnificent view of the Kangra Valley and Dharamshala town, this trek is often regarded as one of the most breathtaking trails in the Himalayan region.

Location: Indrahar  mountain pass  Dhauladhar  Himalaya, altitude 4342 meters (14245 ft)

Timing: Summertime is the best time to visit this trek from April to June

Highlight: This beautiful trek will blow your mind and offer you an amazing trekking experience.

 

6. Bir & Billing

The town of Bir Billing is a popular destination for paragliding and meditation located in the Joginder Nagar valley in the Kangra district of Himachal Pradesh. It is a small town in the Kangra district of Himachal Pradesh. The Tibetan community settlement here has contributed to the influence of Tibetan culture.

This town is known as one of the best paragliding spots in the world. Billing is the take-off site and Bir is the landing site, and the overall altitude change is around 800m. There are some lovely cafes in the area offering delicious food. A short hike, a visit to the monasteries, a ride on the nearby Jogindernagar-Pathankot Narrow Gauge train, or just a quiet afternoon in a tea garden are also options. Bir is also an important center for spiritual study and mediation.

Location: West Joginder Nagar Valley Himachal Pradesh, Northern India

Timing: Summer And winter time is good times to visit, but avoid the monsoon weather due to heavy rainfall

Highlight: It’s known as the  ‘Paragliding capital of India’

 

7. Baijnath Temple, Kangra

This ancient temple is dedicated to Lord Shiva, worshiped here as Baijnath, Vaidyanath, or the Lord of Healing. Built-in 1204, the temple has great religious significance to devotees who believe that anyone who prays here gets relief from all pain and misery.

Standing against the backdrop of the mighty Dhauladhar Range, the shrine features Nagara-style architecture, It is one of those few temples in India where both Lord Shiva and Ravana, the demon king of Lanka, are worshipped.

Location: Baijnath Temple, NH20, Baijnath, HImachal Pradesh

Timing: There is no Accurate time, any time is a good time of day to visit.

Highlight: The mela of Shraavana (a month of the Hindu calendar), between July and August.

 

8. Tashi Jong Monastery

About 15 kilometers from Palampur, the Tashi Jong Buddhist Monastery is located in Tashi Jong village, between the towns of Paprola and Taragarh, an important Buddhist center. One of the schools of Kagyu tradition established by the 8th Khamtrul Rinpoche, Dongyu Nyima, is home to the Drugpa Kagyu tradition of Buddhism.

There is the main temple, a stupa of Khamtrul Rinpoche, and a retreat center accessible only to those who have received a special invitation from this beautiful monastery is a serene refuge for Tibetan refugees. It was established by the eighth Khamtrul Rinpoche, Dongyu Nyima, according to the Drugpa Kagyu tradition.

The main temple houses the stupa of Khamtrul Rinpoche, and the entire complex is decorated with woodcarvings and thangka paintings. There is also a craft emporium where Tibetan artifacts can be bought.

Location:  Tashi Jong, P.O Taragarh, Baijnath, Himachal Pradesh 176081

Timing: You can visit this Monastery Between 8.00  and to12.00pm Sunday to Monday.

Highlight: In this monastery, you will see beautiful Tibetan art and colorfully painted walls

 

9. Mcleodganj Dharamshala

The culturally rich town of Mcleodganj is located a short drive from Kangra, home to the Dalai Lama, the spiritual leader of the Tibetan people. The town is surrounded by lush greenery and lofty hills, and its architecture reflects Tibetan influence.

With several impressive monasteries like the Namgyal Monastery and Tsuglagkhang Complex, home to the Dalai Lama, Mcleodganj ranks among the top 10 places in Kangra for a one-day trip. During your stay here, take a stroll along Dal Lake, a perfect picnic area surrounded by nature.

Location: Mcleod Ganj Dharamshala 176219 Dharamsala Kangra  HIMACHAL PRADESH

Timing: There is no Accurate time, any time is a good time of day to visit.

Highlight: Mcleodganj is  popular among trekkers and Monastery

 

10. Triund, Kangra

From Triund, which lies at a height of 2,828 meters above sea level, you can get a spectacular view of the Kangra Valley on one side and the Dhauladhar Range on the other. It is fairly easy to trek at Triund, so it attracts tourists of all ages. During the Triund trek, you will pass through beautiful forests of oaks, deodars, and rhododendrons, and you will enjoy panoramic views throughout the hike.

You must not miss out on exploring the Triund trail if you are an adventurous person. You can also go for one night camp at Triund under the clear blue skies.

Location: 2 km from the tourist destination of Mcleodganj, Dharamshala

Timing: Summer And winter time is good times to visit, but avoid the monsoon weather due to heavy rainfall

Highlight: it’s full of adventure and the easiest trek that is present in the Himalayas.

 

11. Kangra Art Museum

Kangra art museum is Located in Kotwali Bazar, this museum shows the Rich Past of Kangra valley. Kangra is always a hub of art and culture. The best exhibits have been displayed in the Kangra Museum.  There are also many artworks found here that are from the fifth century. Museum has a library and a separate section to display the works of sculptors and contemporary artists On the other hand people who come here can also see the artwork of Tibetan and Buddhist cultures. In this museum, there is also a collection of Pottery, Sculptures, and anthropological item.

Himachal Pradesh has a cultural heritage site of Kangra art museum. Which is said to have been painted with dry herbs and Floral  colors

Location:  Kotwali Bazar Rd, Dharamshala, Himachal Pradesh 176215

Timing: You can visit this museum between Tuesday to Sunday and another time is between 9 am To 5 pm, Monday is closed.

Highlight: The painters of Kangra made use of pure colors like blue, red, and yellow and these have retained the brilliance, even after two hundred years. The central theme of Kangra painting is live and its sentiments are expressed in a lyrical style full of rhythm, grace, and beauty.

 

12. Jwala Devi Temple

The famous Jwala Devi temple of Himachal Pradesh is situated on the Kalidhar hill in the Kangra district. One of the 51 Shaktipeeths, Shaktipeeth is also known as Jwalamukhi Temple. Some people even know it as Jata Wali Maa Mandir. Interestingly, the Pandavas are credited with finding the temple. It is believed that the tongue of Mata Sati fell at this place.

Let us tell you, flames are coming out of the earth from nine different places, over which the temple has been built. These nine lights are known as Annapurna, Chandi, Hinglaj, Vindhyavasani, Mahalakshmi, Saraswati, Ambika, Anjidevi, and Mahakali. This temple was first built by Raja Bhumi Chand. Later Maharaja Ranjit Singh and Raja Sansarchand completed the construction of this temple in 1835.

Neither Emperor Akbar could know the secret of the naturally occurring flames in this temple, nor could the British get any information about it. The temple of Jwala Devi is situated at a distance of 30 km from Kangra city in Himachal Pradesh. It is believed that the temple was discovered by the Pandavas.

Location:  Jawala Ji Temple Road, Kohala, Jawalamukhi, Kangra Himanchal Pradesh 176031

Timing: You can visit this temple between 5.00 am to 8.00 pm.

Highlight: This temple is known for its sacred flame, gold-domed shrines & panoramic mountain views.

 

Conclusion

There are lots of places to visit in Kangra in Which we discuss trekking places, some ancient historical places, and historical temples. You should also Visit some other hilly areas and places to visit in Palampur and Places to visit in Dharamshala. Were you know about some other things what’s a good time to visit and why these places are famous?