Katoch Palace

With the development of Himachal Pradesh as a well-planned tourist state in India, constant attempts have been made to bring the most notable historic places into limelight. Katoch Palace is one such monument in this state which have already remained in the notice and gained ample popularity over the centuries. This palace is most visited and as much popular as the tourist spots like Shimla, Manali and Dharamshala amongst others.

This palace has too much to describe about the culture and tradition of this region like the complete description about the folklore traditions and cultural richness that had been depicted though the lives of royal families since centuries. Huge museum inside this palace has several such things as the witnesses from the past era.

History

It was in the year 1758 that regional King Abhaya Chand Katoch built the Katoch Palace with the completely fortified arrangement to maintain safety and security purposes. As this palace is located at the hilltop of the River Beas banks it remains an excellent location for any visitor to enjoy it. This palace has been renamed and is famous with the name of Sujanpur Fort as well in which the palace locates.

History of Katoch Palace explains the golden past of this region. Ancient rulers took many initiatives to build temples across this region. While doing so the kingdoms here also had chance to develop the Hamirpur and Kangra regions. They did best possible efforts through promoting to build several palaces as well. Development of Katoch Palace was one such initiative.

It was built with the aim to distinguish it with an addition of the local art, craft and culture. The Raja Hamir on whose name is the place Hamirpur inherits its identity too brought the idea to build several palaces alongside this one to be remembered by the future generations. As kings represented the great Katoch ancestries, this palace gained ample popularity for centuries and remains famous till date. It is one of the few contributions of Katoch dynasty in this region. Besides this important palace, this kingdom in Hamirpur equally contributed for jewelry designing for that Sansar Chand Katoch is still remembered due to presenting excellent jewels.

Architecture

Unlike other palaces in India, Katoch Palace has its unique identity of depicting the local traditions that could prevail in this region for centuries. Exterior and interior walls of this palace have the descriptions of many local traditions. It is unique Indian culture and especially describing the traditions of this region which prevailed since several centuries. This palace portrays numerous glorious traditions of that era.

Best Time to Visit

As entire Himachal Pradesh is located in the Himalayan region, it comparatively remains coolers for almost entire year. This region observes chilling winters during the wintertime. Likewise, the summertime hardly goes hot at any level. This place can be visited any time during the year except while there is winter period. It is the time when temperature usually dips down to often less than zero degrees. Avoid the monsoon period as well because this area equally observes ample rainfall.

Visitor Information

How to Reach

Air

Nearby Airports at Amritsar and Chandigarh link this place with the rest part of the country through the air route. Nearest domestic airports are Gaggal and Shimla airports that see the flights operating from different places. One may take onward journey by the roadways from these airports. Several local commuting options are available for travelling until the tourist spots in the state.

Rail

The railways link Himachal Pradesh Kangra Mandir, Pathankot, Amritsar and the Chandigarh cities besides the smaller railheads located on various places. Once they reach up to such places or locations through the roadways. The next step is to get any local commuting option to travel to the desired place in Himachal Pradesh.

Road

Interstate busses operate to almost all locations from Chandigarh, Amritsar, Delhi and rest cities in this state and nearby states. The state is best connected through the roadways especially by national highways linking almost all tourist destinations.

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