Kangra falls in one of the most beautiful regions of Himachal Pradesh. It is the most populous district in the entire Himachal Pradesh. The headquarters of Kangra are in Dharamshala, which is famous for its waterfalls, mountains, trekking routes and adventurous activities. A major attraction for backpackers and hippies, Kangra plays a very important role in economic growth of the state.
Tourism is the primary source of earning in the region and it is one of the most tourist-friendly parts of Himachal. Kangra is an absolute heaven for adventure junkies and backpackers, as all the major tourist places here have pocket-friendly stay options and eateries.
There are hundreds of places to explore in and around Kangra. Kangra itself is a spiritual centre, as well as it houses several popular Hindu temples. There are a lot of treks near the district and places like Dharamshala take the experience to the next level. The vast green valleys, snow-clad mountains, freshwater springs and cascading waterfalls are what make Kangra so special. Whether you are a backpacker or someone who likes to have a comfortable journey, Kangra has enough options for everyone.
Here are some of the best places that you should explore while in Kangra.
Kangra Fort:
Located 2 km from the city centre, Kangra Fort is a monumental structure that has been witness to hundreds of years of power, wars, reigns, defeats, wealth and evolution. Situated on the outskirts of the city, the fort is among the most important historic buildings in the district. The origin of the fort can be traced back to the Trigarta Kingdom, which finds a mention in the Mahabharata as well. It is believed to be the oldest dated fort of India. However, it is only the ruins of the fort that now remain. It must be visited for its royal significance.
- Entry timings: 9 am to 5 pm
- Entry Fee: Rs. 150 for Indians and Rs. 300 for foreign tourists
Also Read, Sainj Valley: A Perfect Weekend Getaway
Kareri Lake:
Kangra is more about outdoor adventures than city exploration. The city has a lot of major tourist attractions near its outer periphery and Kareri Lake is one of those attractions. Located 25 km from the city centre, Kareri Lake is a freshwater lake that originates from the melting of the Dhauladhar Ranges. Also known as Kumarah Lake, the picturesque water body is surrounded by the mighty Dhauladhar ranges and the entire scenery looks straight out of a painting.
The lake can be reached after a moderate trek, as it is situated at an altitude of 2,934 metres above the sea level. The surroundings of the lake serve as an ideal picnic and relaxing spot for trekkers. It is also a great place to click some picturesque images.
Indrahar Pass Trek:
For all the adventure junkies reading the blog, this is where the drill starts. While the trek is not really difficult, it comprises some of the most picturesque trails in Himachal that will leave you in awe. Do not forget to click a lot of pictures if you decide to go on the trek. The trek starts from McleodGanj and the total distance is nearly 14 km from one side. It leads you all the way to Lahesh and Triund caves. You can get a very clear view of the glorious Pir Panjal range during the trek. The best time to go on the trek is between April and October. Always carry a water bottle while going for the trek.
Masrur:
The historic significance of Masrus can’t be undermined. You can compare it to the world famous Angkor Wat of Cambodia. Masrur is nearly 30 km from Kangra. It houses temples from the 10th century that are known as Sikharas. These Sikharas are very similar to the temples in Angkor Wat. These temples sustained significant damage during the earthquake of 1905. You can either hire a taxi for a round trip or take a bus to visit these temples. You can take a bus to Lunj and then hire a local taxi to reach the spot. If you are a history buff, you must consider visiting Masrur.
Palampur:
Palampur does not need much introduction. It has been shown in many Bollywood movies. The picturesque town is located 23 km from Kangra. Surrounded by pine and deodar forests, the town is famous for its mesmerising greenery and jaw dropping landscapes. The town is famous for its magnificent tea gardens that produce high-quality tea. Colonial-style buildings still act as a charm to attract tourists to this picturesque town.
Every corner of the town is worth capturing on the camera. The serene environment and soothing landscapes will make you fall in love with Palampur. Tashi Jong Monastery is among the major attractions to explore here. Do not forget to enjoy the experience of staying in an English-style homestay while in Palampur.
