Kangra Valley

Dharamshala which is the district headquarter of Kangra district is a hill station and popular place of visit for the tourists visiting the state. Kangra valley lies in the southern spur of Dhauladhar.

The valley is full of several perennial river streams which keep the valley green and lush. This is also the main source of irrigation for the valley. The average elevation of the valley is more than 2000 ft. The highest mountain range in the kangra Valley is the Dhauladhar range (nicknamed as White Mountain). This forms the boundary between Kangra and Chamba. There are numerous tall and sharp peaks in these mountain ranges. The Kangra valley holds an ancient history of the Vedic times. The valley was subjected to numerous invasions and remained part of small princely states of the Hills. In spite of all these odds and political variations, the arts, handicrafts, and woolen garments of this place have won international recognitions. The crafts which include the shawls and miniature painting of this region have many international buyers across the world.

Tourism

The Kangra valley is one of the most picturesque valleys with exotic location situated in the lower Himalayas. The valley which is part of the Dhauladhar range is green and luxuriant. Dharamshala is a popular city in the Kangra valley located at a distance of 17 km and it houses many Buddhist monasteries. Dharamshala also has the highest cricket stadium in the world. The Dalai Lama's residence and the headquarters of Central Tibetan Administration and the exiled Tibetan government are in McLeodGanj, a village within the Dharamshala municipality. There are various tourist spots in and around Dharamshala including Masur, which holds 15 exquisitely carved monolithic rock temples of the 8th century. Bhagsu Waterfall, located in Bhagsu, which is 2 km from tourist sport McLeodganj. It is located behind the Bhagsunag Temple. Throughout the monsoon, this fall turns into a thirty feet flow. Bhagsunag Temple is dedicated to Lord Shiva while is based about two km from the main McLeodganj Bazaar. The Kangra Art Museum is an exceptional museum showing the objects of Buddhist and Tibetan cultures. The Goddess Kali slaughtered the popular demons Mund and Chand at this place. Dal Lake is spread on a region of one km and is bordered by deodars, junipers, and rhododendrons. Every year, a fair is hosted at the Kali Temple which is located near the Lake. There is one more temple that is very close to the lake and this temple is devoted to holy sage Durvasa. Triund is located in the foot of Dhauladhar hills and is about 17 km from Dharamshala. Naddi is picturesque picnic spot and is situated five km northwest of McLeodGanj. The spot Naddi offers a remarkable sight of the renowned Kangra valley. Sidhbari in Dharamshala has places of mythological importance like, the Kapila Muni Cave, Chinmaya Ashram, Gyuto monastery, Aganjar Mahadev Temple.

Kangra Fort is pretty close to Kangra town and is situated on a hillock. The Fort structure is still well maintained and is not very difficult to climb for people of any age. Palanpur is a green hill station and a municipal council in the Kangra Valley. The most important tourist destinations in Palanpur are the Neugal Café and Sourabh Van Vihar. Kangra Valley is simply an ideal location for the adventure lovers. Kangra valley provides excellent scope for Mountaineering, Para Sailing, hang gliding, and trekking. The valley holds the hang-gliding rally annually. There are many trekking routes passing through the Dhauladhar ranges. Trekking from Dharamsala to Chamba over Bhimghasutri Pass is very popular amongst the tourists. Para-gliding is the popular sports of the Kangra Valley bringing the adventure sport lovers from all over the world.

How to Reach

Air Transport

The nearest airport to reach Kangra is Gaggal airport at a distance of 13 kms from Kangra city. Chandigarh at 255 kms is the nearest international airport. Taxi cabs are available from all these airports to Kangra.

Railways

The nearest broad gauge railway station to Kangra is at Pathankot placed at a distance of about 90 km. Taxi and bus services are available from Pathankot to Kangra.

Road Transport

Kangra is well connected by buses. State owned buses connect Kangra with all major cities in the state and the neighboring state. Buses ply between Kangra and Dharamsala, Palampur, Pathankot, Jammu, Amritsar and Chandigarh

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