#Banganga in Kangra

[mysterioushimachal]

Exploring Himachal's Prehistoric Roots: Tracing Human Occupation Over 2 Million Years

[strengervinay]

Top 5 Places to Visit in Kangra 

Kangra  place is known for its rich culture

Kangra is a wonderful and amazing place located in Himachal Pradesh.  This place is known for its rich culture and traditions. Places to visit in Kangra are numerous and they serve a great visual delight and relishing feel for the tourists. 

There are many more places for a nature lover to explore in this location. Kareri Lake, Kangra Fort, Baijnath temple, etc, the list just goes on like that. If you are a wanderlust who loves hiking and trekking activities then you must try a trekking adventure in Kareri Lake.

The Best Places to Visit in Kangra 

Kangra has many great places to explore and all those places are completely cool and great. You can enjoy a great time if you decide to move ahead with the Kareri Lake trek.  The lake is a great spot for clicking pictures. You can also enjoy picnic time near the lake.

Kareri Lake trek distance is around 13 kilometers and typically starts from the village of Kareri, which is not too far away from Kareri Lake. You will love this trek experience. There are many places like Kangra Fort, Kangra Art Museum, etc to explore along with your trek venture. 

Here’s a List of 5 Top-Notch Places to Visit in Kangra:

1. Kangra Fort

Highlights: Kangra Fort is one of the oldest and largest forts in India, with a history dating back to the 4th century BC. It offers a glimpse into the region’s rich heritage and was once the seat of the Katoch dynasty. The fort provides panoramic views of the surrounding landscape, including the confluence of the Banganga and Majhi rivers.

Features: Intricately carved temples, ancient gateways, and a small museum showcasing artifacts related to the fort’s history.

2. Kareri Lake 

Highlights: Kareri Lake is a high-altitude, shallow freshwater lake located in the Dhauladhar Range. It’s a popular trekking destination and offers breathtaking views of the surrounding mountains. The trek to Kareri Lake takes you through dense forests, scenic meadows, and quaint villages. Kareri Lake location is closer to many good tourist spots, visit all those spots.

Features: The lake is fed by melting snow from the Dhauladhar Range, making the water crystal clear. Camping by the lake is a unique experience for adventure enthusiasts.

3. Baijnath Temple

Highlights: The Baijnath Temple is an ancient Shiva temple renowned for its architecture and religious significance. Built-in 1204 AD, the temple is dedicated to Lord Shiva in the form of Vaidyanath (the Lord of Physicians). The temple is a fine example of Nagara-style architecture and attracts devotees and history enthusiasts.

Features: The temple complex is surrounded by lush greenery and offers a peaceful atmosphere, with the backdrop of the snow-capped Dhauladhar mountains.

4. Jwala Devi Temple:

Why Visit: One of the 51 Shakti Peethas, Jwala Devi Temple is famous for its eternal flame that burns without fuel. It's a revered pilgrimage site attracting devotees from across the country.

Highlights: The eternally burning flame, sacred rituals, and the spiritual ambiance.

5. Pragpur:

Why Visit: Pragpur is India’s first heritage village, known for its well-preserved colonial architecture and traditional crafts. It offers a glimpse into the rural life of Himachal Pradesh.

Highlights: The Heritage Village, traditional houses, the Judges Court heritage hotel, and local crafts.

Conclusion:

Are you planning for a vacation with adventure as well as a refreshment of nature? If yes then you must visit Kangra in Himachal Pradesh. This will make a wholesome vacation memory for sure.

[jaspercarter]

What are the top 12 Places to visit in Palampur?

Palampur is a serene town nestled in a valley in Himachal Pradesh, India, known for its lush tea gardens, vibrant green landscapes, and towering mountains. Unlike more crowded tourist spots, Palampur offers a peaceful retreat for those who appreciate nature and tranquility. Here are the top 12 places to visit in Palampur:

1. Tea Gardens

Palampur's tea gardens are a signature attraction, thanks to the town’s ideal climate and altitude. Walking through these expansive fields, you can breathe in the fresh aroma of tea leaves. Many visitors enjoy guided tours that offer insights into the tea-making process and a chance to see local women in traditional attire harvesting the leaves.

2. Neugal Khad

Just a short distance from Palampur, Neugal Khad is a wide, fast-flowing river that offers stunning views of the surrounding mountains. The nearby Neugal Café is a great spot to relax and soak in the natural beauty. The area is popular for walks, photography, and picnics, especially during the rainy season when the river is at its fullest.

3. Baijnath Temple

Baijnath Temple is a historic and religious landmark dedicated to Lord Shiva. This ancient temple is known for its intricate carvings and breathtaking mountain views. Every year, the temple attracts thousands of devotees during the Shivratri festival, making it a significant cultural and spiritual site.

4. Bir Billing

Located close to Palampur, Bir Billing is an adventure lover’s paradise, famous for being one of the world’s top paragliding destinations. Besides the thrill of flying, Bir Billing is also rich in Tibetan culture, with beautiful monasteries, the Bir Tea Factory, and the Deer Park Institute to explore.

5. Saurabh Van Vihar

Saurabh Van Vihar, named after Kargil war hero Captain Saurabh Kalia, is a well-maintained park along the Neugal Khad river. Spread over 13.7 acres, this park is perfect for families and nature enthusiasts, offering lush green lawns, children's play areas, boating, and cycling tracks. The peaceful ambiance, complemented by the gentle sound of the river, makes it an ideal spot for a quiet day out.

6. Andretta

Andretta, an artist’s village near Palampur, has been a haven for artists and potters since the early 1920s. Founded by Irish theatre artist Norah Richards, this village hosts the Andretta Pottery and Craft Society, where visitors can learn about pottery and try their hand at it. The Sobha Singh Art Gallery, showcasing works by the famous Guler painter Sobha Singh, is another highlight of this charming village.

7. Tashi Jong Monastery

Tashi Jong Monastery, a few kilometers from Palampur, is a peaceful Buddhist retreat that plays a vital role in Tibetan culture and religious practice. The monastery complex includes stupas and a crafts emporium selling Tibetan arts. The serene environment, combined with the rhythmic chants of the monks, offers a deeply spiritual experience.

8. Kangra Fort

No visit to Palampur is complete without exploring the ancient Kangra Fort, located about 35 km away. Believed to have been built in the 4th century BC, the fort stands at the confluence of the Banganga and Manjhi rivers. Its ruins, with intricately sculpted temples and panoramic views from the fort's summit, offer a fascinating glimpse into the region's history and culture.

9. Chamunda Devi Temple

The Chamunda Devi Temple, also known as Kali Bari, is a revered shrine dedicated to Goddess Chamunda, an incarnation of Durga. Located by the Baner River in Kangra district, the temple is surrounded by dense forests and the majestic Dhauladhar range, creating a serene and divine atmosphere. The temple is a popular pilgrimage site, especially during the Navratri festival.

10. Bundla Stream and Bundla Chasm

Bundla Stream and the Bundla Chasm are natural wonders near Palampur. The stream flows from the Dhauladhar range, creating beautiful waterfalls that are perfect for hiking and nature walks. Photographers and nature lovers will appreciate the lush greenery and the captivating flow of water that defines this area.

11. Jakhni Mata Temple

Situated on a hilltop, Jakhni Mata Temple offers panoramic views of Palampur and the surrounding valleys. The temple, dedicated to the local goddess Jakhni Mata, is a frequent pilgrimage site. The journey to the temple is scenic, with grassy paths lined with pine trees, and the final view of Kangra valley and the Dhauladhar range is truly spectacular.

12. Gopalpur Zoo

Located about 14 kilometers from Palampur, Gopalpur Zoo is a family-friendly destination that houses leopards, black bears, and Himalayan birds like monals. The zoo is set in a beautiful natural environment, offering visitors a chance to see these animals in their native habitat while enjoying the serene surroundings.

Whether you're an adventure seeker, a spiritual pilgrim, or someone simply looking to escape the daily grind, Palampur has something to offer. Its diverse landscape, rich cultural heritage, and tranquil ambiance make it a must-visit destination in Himachal Pradesh.

[tutorialathome]

[shivasanctuary]

This Vacation Season, Discover the Magnificent Beauty of Kangra Fort!

Kangra fort is one of the oldest forts in the Indian Himalayan region that was built by the Katoch dynasty. The Banganga river flows down the valley & this fort is located at the mountain top. It is one of the most visited tourist spots in Himachal Pradesh where you will experience the ancient legends of the royal Himachali families. You can also visit the museum inside the fort where ancient artifacts, weapons, and other cultural representations can be explored. There is a history that this fort speaks of, and you must listen to it!

How to reach Kangra Fort?

Visiting Kangra Fort is an exciting trekking experience. It is located just 20 km away from the main Dharamshala town. Your best course of action would be to reach Dharamshala first, and then find your way to Kangra Fort. Dharamshala is one of the most popular tourist destinations in Himachal and is visited by thousands of tourists every season. This place has a lot to offer, so why don’t you pack your bags and plan to trip to this paradise in the Himachal valley.

How to meet your accommodation needs?

Just near the main Dharamshala town, you can easily locate Hotel Shiva Sanctuary. It is the Best Hotel in Mcleodganj Dharamshala that brings a full range of premium quality accommodation, hospitality, and catering services to its guests at surprisingly affordable rates.

Why go for Hotel Shiva Sanctuary?

·         Spacious room

·         Multiple accommodation packages

·         Customers enjoy a great level of flexibility

·         Enhanced accommodation experience

·         Reasonable rates

·         Delicious & hygienic food

·         Customer satisfaction is guaranteed

Whether you are on a solo trip or traveling with a group, you can list your demands and Hotel Shiva Sanctuary will fulfill them. Hotel Shiva Sanctuary enjoys the pleasure to be one of the top-most Luxury Hotels in Mcleodganj offering luxurious services for many years now.

[happyeasygoindia]

Best Forts to Explore in India

Boasting the stories of a glorious past and excellent craftsmanship, the Indian forts are an attraction for tourists from all around the world. Spread in almost all states of the country, these forts hold a significant part in the history of India. Some of them are even declared as the UNESCO World Heritage Sites. Book cheap hotels in Delhi, Jaipur, Lucknow or any other Indian city and explore the famous forts of the country mentioned below:

1. Kangra Fort, Himachal Pradesh

Situated amidst the beautiful hills, the Kangra Fort has seven doors with a narrow path leading directly to the fort. From the inside of the fort, one can take a glance at the Banganga and Manjhi river streams flowing through the hills.

2. Amer Fort, Rajasthan

One of the UNESCO World Heritage Site, the Amer Fort of Rajasthan, is one of the most magnificent and beautifully crafted forts in the country. Overlooking the Moata Lake, Amer Fort showcases the brilliant Rajput architecture and is one of the most visited forts of India. Grab the best hotel deals online in Rajasthan to explore this amazing fort.

You can pre-book cheap hotels from HappyEasyGo to visit the famous forts of India and explore the ancient past of the country. For more details, visit the HappyEasyGo website now.

[theglobetrotmom]

This post is part of the Throwback Thursday series in which I share about some of my memorable trips from years ago.

I still have vivid memories of the fun we had in the plush Dalhousie bunglow (playing cards, movies and an almost home made food), Zorbing, Kangra fort and the wheel separation accident. Amazing trip with an amazing bunch.

March 10th to 16th, 2006 PLACES COVERED: DALHOUSIE, DHARAMSALA AND KANGRA  Himachal is basically divided in 3 valleys: Chamba, Kangra and Kullu being. We visited Chamba Valley (Dalhousie and Chamba) and Kangra Valley (Dharamsala n Kangra).

TRAVEL ROUTE: 21hrs train journey from Lucknow to Pathankot (Jammu Tawi Express) 4hr road journey (60 – 70kms) from Pathankot to Dalhousie Dalhousie and areas around Day trip to Chamba and Khajjiar Dalhousie – Mcleodganj and Dharamsala Mcleodganj to Pathankot via Trilokpur Return train from Pathankot to Lucknow (Sealdah Jammu Tawi)

DALHOUSIE It is a memorable road journey from Pathankot to Dalhousie with stunning landscapes and dangerously curvy roads. The journey was quite memorable for us for other reasons too: While we were on an ascent, we saw one of the tires of our hired shoddy van, dangerously roll down by our side. Thankfully the driver must have realized it beforehand and hence stopped the van and we managed to relax.

wheel separation on day 1

Gandhi Chowk, Subhash Chowk, Thandi Sarak (translating to cold road) and Garam Sarak (warm road) Gandhi and Subhash chowk were sort of a mall road or the market road for Dalhousie. The roads are named Thandi or Garam on the basis of the amount of sunlight and snowfall these roads face. Good for morning and evening strolls.

Dainkund Peak: It was an easy trek with great views from the top. Enroute we saw the Peer Panjal & Mani Maheshwar mountain range.

Panjpula (or Panchpulla): Famous for its natural waterfall and there was nothing much beyond that

Khajjiar: I remember it as a meadow in the middle of deodar forests filled with a woody fragrance. Pooja and I did zorbing for the first time in our lives in such a non descript place 🙂 and actually it was quite an experience.

CHAMBA

Chamunda Devi Temple, Lakkad Bazaar and Chamba Museum Chamba boasts of the Chamunda Devi temple that was built in 10th century AD and still has some of the shrines dating back to that century. Around this temple were the granaries and other parts of the Chamba fort which now are now in an unkempt condition. Near the temple is also a lakkad bazaar (for buying and selling of wooden logs) and the Chamba Museum that has a great collection of age old paintings and pilar stones of the fort and other nearby monuments. Being a government museum, it closes at 5:00PM. As mountain driving is considered unsafe after sunset, we returned back to our plush abode in Dalhousie to prepare for our departure to Dharamsala the next morning.

DHARAMSALA AND MCLEODGANJ During the months of February and March, when Dalai Lama visits Dharamsala for his sermons, it can be a task to find a place to stay. We eventually managed something in Bhagsunath (2km from McLeodganj, which itself is 9km from Dharamsala). There was a well established taxi service from McLeodganj to Dharamsala and I believe it would have gotten better in the last 12yrs.

Dalai Lama Temple Complex and Gyuto Monastery The temple and the monastery complex, are an abode of peace and divinity at the same time. Breathtaking mountain views form the backdrop for the monastery and it just has to be experienced for what they are and what they signify.

Bhagsunath Temple, Dal Lake and St. John in the Wilderness Church An old temple dedicated to Shivji, probably named after this place 2kms away from Mcleodganj. Visiting the Dal lake enroute, we stopped for just a little bit to see the St. John’s church. I wonder whether it was St. John who was in the wilderness or the person who named it wanted to highlight the environs. This place could qualify for the next horror movie for the sheer eeriness to this one. After this multi religious trip we headed to one of the my favourite places on this trip the Kangra fort.

Bakeries of McLeodgunj Mcleodganj boasts of good bakery shops (like the Bakery Shop) and tibetian and chinese food joints (like the Hot Spot and others in the main Macleodganj area). We savoured on the pastries and patties the first day along with some really delicious cookies while the next day just the pastries were enough.

KANGRA: Kangra Fort Kangra valley is formed by the Beas and Banganga rivers and top of the Kangra fort provides one of the most breathtaking views of the same. The fort has a small museum at the entrance which provides a good understanding of the whole area as well as talks about a major earthquake that took place in 1905 and led to a lot of destruction especially of the Fort and the other small sub monuments within it like the Lakshmi Narayan temple. Before the earthquake, this is the only fort (or probably one of the few) in the history of India, that could never be conquered.

Trilokpur Temple: Stalactite and Stalagmite formations Famous amongst the locals, Trilokpur cave temple is 41kms from Dharamsala on the way to Pathankot. It has a fine display of stalactite and stalagmite formations. Since the whole area is quite mountainous, there were rocks in the stream adjoining the temple, where Anand decided to give rock climbing a last ditch effort. The view of the valley from here too is breathtakingly beautiful.

We then caught our train back to Lucknow from Pathankot, to start a new journey in our lives. (This was a trip after the placements and before our convocation). Himachal is as much a trekker’s delight as of a photographer’s…

I still have vivid memories of the fun we had in the plush Dalhousie bunglow, Zorbing in an almost non-descript place, hiking up the Kangra fort with mesmerizing views, wheel separation incident... Amazing trip with an amazing bunch! This post is part of the Throwback Thursday series in which I share about some of my memorable trips from years ago.

[mytravelbay-blog]

AMAZING BEAUTY OF BEAS AT KULLU MANALI (HIMACHAL) & SUN SET FROM NAGGAR CASTLE.

Like Us On Facebook: The Beas river is one of India’s roughest rivers. Villagers in local towns accidentally slip into the river quite often, never making it back up due to the rough waters, rocks, and undertows. According to ancient texts, the river was named after sage Vasistha. Vasistha, tried to end his life due to the death of his 100 sons, by jumping into this river and tying himself. But as soon as the sage fell into the river, all the knots got untied, and he did not die. The river is also referred to as Vipasha in Himachal, especially by the scholars.It is said that Beas is a misnomer for Vayasa (exchange of B with V and always truncation of the last vowel is common in North Indian languages) and is named after Veda Vyasa, the presiding patron of the river; he is said to have created it from its source lake, the Vyas Kund.The Beas River marks the eastern-most border of Alexander’s conquests in 326 BC. It was also one of the rivers which created problem in Alexander’s invasion towards Bharata (the ancient name of India). His troops mutinied here in 326 BCE, refusing to go any further; they had been away from home for eight years. Alexander shut himself in his tent for three days, but when his men did not change their desires he gave in.Rising on the southern face of Rohtang Pass in Kullu 13,326 feet above the sea-level, the Beas traverses the Mandi District and enters Kangra District at Sanghol, 1,920 feet above sea-level. During its lower hill course the Beas is crossed by numerous ferries, at many of which the mean of communication consist of inflated skins (darais). Near Reh in Kangra District it divides into three channels, which reunites after passing Mirthal, 1,000 feet above sea-level. On meeting the Sivalik Hills in Hoshiarpur, the river sweeps sharply northward forming boundary between that district and Kangra District. Then bending round the base of Sivalik Hills, it takes the southerly direction separating the district of Gurdaspur and Hoshiapur. After touching the Jullundur district for a few miles the river forms the boundary between Amritsar and Kapurthala district. Finally the Beas joins the river Satulej at the south-western boundary of Kapurthala district of Punjab after a total course of 290 miles. The chief tributaries are Bain, Banganga, Luni and Uhal. The Sutlej continues into Pakistani Punjab and joins the Chenab River at Uch near Bahawalpur to form the Panjnad River; the latter in turn joins the Indus River at Mithankot. The waters of the Beas (Vipasha) and Sutlej (also known as Shathadru) rivers are allocated to India under the Indus Waters Treaty between India and Pakistan. THE AMAZING AND UNIQUE BEAUTY YEARNED BY THOUSANDS EVERY YEAR WORLD OVER IS SPEECHLESS, ONE FEEL DIVINITY IN EVERY PARTICLE HERE. I HAVE MADE THIS VIDEO WITH MY OWN CAMERA AND I OWE ALL TYPE OF RIGHTS REGARDING THIS VIDEO. THANKS. The following information was first published on AMAZING BEAUTY OF BEAS AT KULLU MANALI (HIMACHAL) & SUN SET FROM NAGGAR CASTLE. and is available on My Travel Bay. Find more on: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=CZeQORLEE50

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