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There are few places in the world that have the intriguing quality of Kangra. Situated in the midst of the Dhauladhar ranges of lower Himalayas, this valley is full of contrasts. Early references to Kangra date back to over 3500 years ago as per the Vedic scriptures. The valley has seen many kingdoms come and go including the British rule, making for an interesting landscape of temples, monuments and of-course abundant natural beauty!
Kangra is not a commercial tourist hub, and that means a traveller has a lot of uncharted territory to explore! However, here is a travel guide on Kangra's must-visit places, to help you get started.
Dharamshala
A town located in Kangra's upper valleys, Dharamshala is beautiful and peaceful. With its surrounding cover of Deodar trees, it makes the ideal spot for the Central Tibetan Association and the centre of Tibetan exile. Among the popular places to visit in Kangra is the Triund hill, a day's trek from Dharamshala.
Photo Courtesy: Travelling Slacker
Dhauladhar Ranges
The Dhauladhar ranges located in the lower Himalayas is a row of White Peaks that are a delight to view! The harsh topography and drastic weather conditions attract the world's best mountaineers for that ultimate challenge!
Photo Courtesy: Travelling Slacker
Kangra Fort
Built by the Rajputs, Kangra fort is the largest such structure built in the Himalayas and is speculated to be the oldest in India. The top of the fort provides stunning views, making it a must-visit place in Kangra. And the interiors haveexquisitely carved temples such as the beautiful Laxmi Narayan Temple.
Photo Courtesy: John Hill
McLeod Ganj
The town of 'Little Lhasa' is known so for its large Tibetan population. It is a charming town with quaint old churches, Buddhist monks in their robes and emerald greenery supported against the backdrop of hills. McLeod Ganj is also the residence of his holiness the Dalai Lama.
Photo Courtesy: Liz Highleyman
Kareri Lake
The Douladhar range snow melts to form this fresh water lake in Kangra. A popular option for trekkers, who can camp out in tents by the lake edge.
Photo Courtesy: Shalabh W
Pong Lake
Kangra that is popular for the River Beas passing through it, has another place of attraction for travellers, the Pong Dam Lake. It is also a popular wetland sanctuary and travellers can spot a variety of birds here.
Photo Courtesy: Marek Szczepanek
Masroor Temple
The famous site of rock-cut temples, Masroor located 38 km from Kangra is another place you must visit. A total of 15 rock-cut temples in Indo-Aryan style of architecture, draws visitors from across the world. Located on a hill against the backdrop of mountains, the temple also boasts of a rectangular pond.
Photo Courtesy: Himachal Tourism
Kangra Valley Railways
A travel guide of Kangra will be incomplete without the mention of Kangra Valley Railways. This railway line is among the oldest in India that is still operational and covers a distance of 164 km. Among the two mountain railways in Himachal, it is currently on the tentative list of UNESCO World Heritage Sites in India.
Photo Courtesy: Gkarunakar
