At an elevation of 1425 metres above sea level on the Kalka-Shimla highway is the small and beautiful town of Kandaghat. Home to one of the most scenic valleys and also known for its cold climate, Kandaghat continues to attract a lot of tourists from across the country.
Kandaghat rose to fame after Maharaja Bhupinder Singh, who ruled Patiala, built a palace here known as the Chail View Palace, which served as the summer capital for the King. It was also the seat of the local Deputy Commissioner during the British rule.
Also Read : Five Best Places To Visit In Patiala
It is a place for someone who likes to sit back and relax and would not want to do anything in particular, apart from enjoying the blissful weather and trying out their hand at the amazing cuisine that is offered.
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By Air
The nearest major airport is the Chandigarh Airport, which is approximately 73 km away from here. The airport is well connected to all the major cities in the country.
By Train
The nearest railway station is in Shimla, which is approximately 13 kilometers away from here. You would find regular trains here from almost all the major towns and cities within the country such as Delhi, Mumbai, Bengaluru, etc.
By Road
Kandaghat is well connected by roads to major tourist spots in the state. There are plenty of buses that ply regularly from Delhi and Chandigarh. Delhi is at a distance of 313 km and Chandigarh is approximately around 83 km.
Kandaghat is a year-round destination; however, the months from April to June and October to November are the most preferred ones by the visitors.
Major Attractions In Kandaghat
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The Maharaja of Patiala, Bhupinder Singh, wanted to make Chail his summer capital and he wanted his capital to be more superior to Shimla, which was the summer capital of the British. Before he began the construction of his proposed summer capital, he constructed a palace in Kandaghat that offered a view of Chail and hence was called the Chail View Palace.
The palace is open to visitors and one can visit a number of rooms at this palace that are well preserved and visitors can also have a look at the articles and other commodities used by the Maharaja.
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This ancient temple is believed to have been constructed around 400 years ago. The temple was renovated during the reign of Maharaja Bhupinder Singh. The temple is well known for its religious significance and due to its archaeological perspective.
3. Karol Ranges
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The highest point in the region, Karol range is well known for an old temple that is dedicated to Lord Krishna which is inside a cave. It is believed that the Pandavas are the founders of this cave temple. An interesting factor is that nobody is aware of the depth of the cave, which still remains a mystery to be solved.
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This is a shrine that is dedicated to the local deity, which does not allow women to conduct any worship here. The shrine also is host to a beautiful waterfall, which cascades down from a height of 250 feet. The deity here is said to grant all the wishes of the devotees; but in return of a favour, and that is to sacrifice a black goat once the wish is fulfilled.