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In the foothills of the Dhauladhar range lies another must-visit place in the Himachal Pradesh, Kangra. Often referred to as the “Land of the Gods,” Kangra Valley is renowned for its beautiful tourist destinations, including lakes, valleys and religious destinations. The next time you plan a trip to Himachal Pradesh, these places to visit in Kangra are a must to add to the experience further. Be it the forts or the flowing Beas River along the valley, its beauty and allure don’t require any introduction. Ideal for tourists seeking some peace and tranquillity, Kangra welcomes you with its lush greenery and amazing cultural heritage.
10 Places To Visit In Kangra
The places to visit in Kangra offer a diversity of experiences. You can immerse in the history at the forts, seek blessings from the deities at the temples or embark on adventures through the nature trails.
1. Kareri Lake
Photo: Lotia57755 / Wikimedia Commons
A visit to Kareri Lake is perfect for tourists who enjoy the stillness of the surrounding landscapes. Located in the heart of the Dhauladhar Range, Kareri Lake is a popular spot to visit among trained trekking enthusiasts. Throughout the trek, you cross through Bagga and Rewa and finally reach the Guna Devi Temple via the Kareri Lake. You can seek blessings at the temple, relax and soak in the views of the surroundings and unwind. During the winter months, the lake remains frozen, which only elevates its beauty.
Distance From Kangra: 43 km
Suggested Read: Bagalamukhi Temple
2. Kangra Fort
Photo: Abhijit Saggu / Wikimedia Commons
One of the main tourist attractions in Kangra lies in the famous Kangra Fort, which is located in Old Kangra. It is one of the oldest and largest forts in India, whose history dates back to the ancient Trigarta Kingdom. The fort is built on a strip of land between the rivers Manjhi and Ban Ganga and is also known as ‘Nagarkot’ and ‘Kot Kangra’. According to historical evidence, the fort was built by the royal Rajput family of Kangra State (the Katoch Dynasty), as mentioned in the mythological script of Mahabharata. Also, in 1615, the fort resisted Akbar’s siege as well.
Location: Old Kangra, Kangra, Himachal Pradesh 176001
Timings: 9 AM – 7:30 PM
Entry Fee: ₹100 onwards
3. Masroor Rock Cut Temple
Photo: Dhruvaeng / Wikimedia Commons
Often known as the “Ellora of Himachal,” Masroor Rock Cut Temple is another one of the popular Kangra tourist places that you can consider visiting. It is an architectural marvel wherein the entire temple has been carved out of a single rock and is reportedly believed to date back to the 8th century. Inside the complex lies 15 rock-cut temples in the Indo-Aryan style. There are intricate carvings that feature the stunning idols dedicated to Lord Rama, Sita, and Lakshmana. Some reports suggest that the temples were built by the Pandavas while they were travelling through the mountains.
Location: Masroor, Lahalpur, Himachal Pradesh 176026
Timings: 9 AM – 6 PM
Entry Fee: ₹20 onwards,
Suggested Read: Top Places To Visit In Dharamshala On Your Next Vacation
4. Brajeshwari Devi Temple
Photo: Varun Shiv Kapur / Wikimedia Commons
Among the places to visit in Kangra, Brajeshwari Devi Temple is a must-see spot. It is one of the 51 Shakti Peethas across India and is dedicated to Goddess Vajreshvari. In this Sati peetha, the left breast of the Goddess fell. Legends say that Goddess Durga appeared in the dreams of the Pandavas, telling them about her presence in the Nagarkot Village and instructing them to build a temple there. The temple was destroyed in 1905 due to an earthquake but was later restored.
Location: Mandir Rd, Haripur, New Kangra, Kangra, Himachal Pradesh 176001
Timings: 6 AM – 12 PM and 12:30 PM – 9 PM\
5. Kangra Art Museum
Photo: Brahmavadini / Wikimedia Commons
Another one of the popular places to visit in Kangra Himachal Pradesh is the Kangra Art Museum. This is a popular spot among art enthusiasts where you get to witness the art of the local artists and also learn about the stories of Tibetan, Buddhist and Kangra people. There are over 1500 artefacts in the museum, some of which date back to as old as the 5th century. If you have heard about the devastating earthquake that destroyed Kangra Valley, you’d get a glimpse into the ruins and remnants of the disaster at this museum.
Location: Kotwali Bazar Rd, Sudher, Dharamshala, Himachal Pradesh 176215
Timings: 10 AM – 5 PM
Entry Fee/Person: ₹50
Suggested Read: Places To Visit In Himachal In July On Your Next Trip To The Hills
6. Bhagsu Waterfall
Located in McleodGanj, Bhagsu Waterfall is another one of the tourist places in Kangra that you can add to your itinerary. It cascades from a height of 30 feet and starts at the foot of the majestic Dhauladhar range. You can experience trekking trails around the falls and will also encounter the famous Bhagsunath Temple where you can stop and seek blessings from the deity. A short trek from the Bhagsunath Temple leads to the waterfall, making it a popular spot for both spiritual seekers and adventure enthusiasts. The surrounding area is perfect for picnics, and the cool, refreshing water is ideal for a quick dip.
Distance From Kangra: 23 km
Timings: 7 AM – 9 PM
7. Gyuto Monastery
Photo: Sridhar Rao / Wikimedia Commons / Image For Representation Only
If you are looking for some peace, quiet and serenity, consider adding Gyuto Monastery to your Kangra tourist places list. The monastery follows the ritual traditions of Guhyasamaja, Chakrasamvara and Vajrabhairava deities, which you can witness. Reports suggest that around 500 monks of varying orders live in the monastery at present. It was established by the first Dalai Lama in 1474 in eastern Tibet. You can also learn about the art of Tantric meditation in this monastery and it has a very serene vibe to the place, which enables you to unwind and relax.
Location: Sidhbari, Himachal Pradesh 176053
Timings: 6:30 AM – 7:30 PM
Suggested Read: Places To Visit In Bir That Are Beckoning You For A Vacation
8. Indrahar Pass
Photo: Ashish Gupta / Wikimedia Commons
The Indrahar Pass trek is a moderate to hard trekking experience and completing the entire route takes around 4-5 days, depending on the stops you make. Since it’s a popular trekking journey, you’d have to embark on this experience with a guided tour. There are camps set up at certain base camp areas and stops along the way, enabling you to relax and unwind. You must prepare yourself for unpredictable weather conditions since rain and storms are common during summer and snowfall during winter.
Distance From Kangra: 24 km
Best Time To Visit: March to August
9. Norbulingka Institute
Photo: Sridhar Rao / Wikimedia Commons
The Norbulingka Institute was founded by Kelsang and Kim Yeshi in 1995 with the intent of preserving the rich Tibetan culture. Located in Dharamshala, this institute offers a peaceful retreat with beautifully landscaped gardens, traditional Tibetan architecture, and a serene atmosphere. The name of the institute comes from Norbulingka, which is the Dalai Lamas’ summer residence in Tibet. Visitors can explore workshops where artisans create intricate thangka paintings, wood carvings, and embroidery. The Losel Doll Museum and the Norling Cafe are also worth a visit while there.
Location: Temple Rd, Sidhpur, Mohli Lahrandi, Himachal Pradesh 176057
Timings: 9 AM – 5:30 PM
Entry Fee: ₹50 onwards
Suggested Read: Top Things To Do In Chail On Your Next Trip
10. Bir Billing
Photo: Sudip Jotshi / Wikimedia Commons
Bir Billing is known as the paragliding capital of India, attracting adventure enthusiasts from around the world. It is one of those places for Kangra trip for people interested in exploring adventure activities like paragliding during the summer months. The take-off site at Billing and the landing site at Bir offer breathtaking views of the surrounding mountains and valleys. Besides paragliding, visitors can explore the Tibetan monasteries in Bir, hike through scenic trails, and enjoy the tranquil ambience of this beautiful region as well.\
Distance From Kangra Valley: 63 km
Timings: N/A
There are multiple places to visit in Kangra, depending on your interests and ease of experience. You can immerse yourself in the beauty of the serene lakes, adventurous treks and amazing religious spots catering to the faith of different people. Kangra promises a memorable and enriching journey, which you can experience on your next trip to Himachal Pradesh with TripXL.
Cover Photo: Bharat Singh / Unsplash / Image For Representation Only
