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Sheltered by the sublime Dhauladhar range, Kangra is green and luxuriant valley of Himachal. This valley encompasses various significant places including Dharamshala, abode of Dalai Lama and Buddhism and ancient Hindu Temples like Brajeshwari, Baijnath, Jawalamukhi and Chamunda Devi. The history of Kangra valley dates back to the Vedic times more than 3500 yrs. ago. The area was exposed to successive invasions, the last being the British domination over the princes of the hill states. Crafts like the exquisitely designed shawls and miniature paintings of this region are internationally appreciated.
Places To Visit
Kangra Town
Kangra town is famous for its temples, notable is the shrine dedicated to goddess Brijeshwari. Kangra is steeped in history and its ruined fort - Nagarkot, stands as testimony to its glorious past. The Miniature and Rajpur Schools of hill paintings flourished during his reign.
Brajeshwari Devi Temple
Just outside the town is the temple dedicated to Brajeshwari Devi. Known once for its legendary wealth, this temple was subject to successive depredation by invaders from the North. Mohammed of Ghazni is known to have departed with a king's ransom in gold, silver and jewels in 1009.
Kangra Fort
The remains of the fort of the rulers of Kangra are located on a strategic height, overlooking the Ban Ganga and Manjhi rivers.
Maharana Pratap Sagar
At an altitude of 450 metres above sea level, it is named in honour of the great patriot Maharana Pratap. Maharana Pratap struggled valiantly for freedom of Mewar-as for the principle of independence. Over 200 villages with a population of over 85000 people lie along the wetland.
Adventure In Kangra Valley
Billing in the Kangra Valley of Himachal Pradesh is a fantastic location for hang-gliding and paragliding. It is also the most famous spot in the country where an international event takes place each year, bringing in paragliding enthusiasts from all over the world. The Dhauladhar range at 20,000 feet and the Kangra valley below create an ideal location for high altitude and cross-country gliding. This location is special because when you take off from the top, the fall is about one kilometer. An average flight, once you take off lasts an exhilarating 25-30 minutes.
Trekking In Kangra Valley
Kangra valley rolls down the southern edge of magnificent Dhauladhar range in gentle slopes covered with forests of pine, orchards, green tea gardens and terraced fields. The Dhauladhars - the "White ranges" rise upto 14000 ft. providing a dramatic backdrop to the hill resort of Dharamshala. Dharamshala has everything for a perfect holiday. Winter in the Kangra valley is enchanting. The snow line remains close enough at all times and during winter months, the northern part is swaddled allowing the magic of Kangra to take on yet another hue.
Most of the treks which start from Dharamsala, Palampur or Baijnath are of 5 to 8 days duration and ultimately terminate at Bharmaur and Chamba, over the majestic Dhauladhar ranges. Dharamsala to Chamba over Bhimghasutri Pass, Dharamsala to Holi and then to Manimahesh over Talang Pass; Palampur to Holi over Shinghor Pass; Palampur to Dharamsala via Indradhar Pass and Baijnath to Manali over Thamsar Pass, are some of the existing treks.
Hang-gliding
Billing (8,500 feet) in Kangra valley in Himachal Pradesh has been the venue for hang-gliding rallies offering opportunities for excellent flying. Billing offers 100 km of up and down, and cross-country flights.
