Places of Interest Kangra Valley
Brajeshwari Temple Kangra:
The Brajeshwari temple in Kangra town is dedicated to Bajreshwari Devi. It is one of the 51 Shaktipeeths. This temple was Known for its legendary wealth and was subjected to successive depredations by invaders from the north. Destroyed completely in 1905 by an earthquake, it was rebuilt in 1920 . The temple has special significance at the festival of Lohri .
Chamunda Devi Temple:Chamunda Devi temple is located between Dharamsala and Nagrota. The temple has its origin over 700 years ago. It is about 15 kms from Dharamsala and 10 Kms from Nagrota Bagwan. The temple is dedicated to Devi Chamunda the "goddess of Shakti". At the back side of Devi temple is a Shiva temple in a cave like structure.The temple comprises a kund or a pool in it.
Chinmaya Tapovan :Chinmaya Tapovan is an Ashram at the foothills of majestic Dhauladhar ranges. The Ashram was founded by Swami Chinmayanand ji who was a great exponent of Bhagwad Gita. The Ashram has a 9 metre high image of Lord Hanuman, a meditation hall, a school and a health centre.
Dharamsala:Dharamsala is the District headquarter of Kangra Valley. It has a beautiful view of the Dhauladhar. Dharamsala is about 10 kms from Kangra Airport. Mcleodganj is 9 Kms from Dharamsala. Dharamsala is a picturesque town and is also famous for a beautiful cricket ground
Jawalamukhi Temple :The famous temple of shaktipeeth Jawalaji and also known as the Flamming goddess the temple is one of the most popular Hindu temples in northern India. There is no idol and the flame is considered as a manifestation of the goddess. The golden tower (dome) of the temple was a gift from the Emperor Akbar. Jwalamukhi is 35 km from Kangra and 53 kms from Dharamshala.
Mcleodganj :Often referred as "Little Lhasa" McLeodganj is a beautiful hill station in the Kangra valley. It is in the upper part of Dharamshala and is at about 9 Kms from Dharamsala via Dharamsala Cantt and 4 Kms via a short route from Kotwali Bazaar Dharamsala. Mcleodganj is well known world wide for its scenic beauty and as the residence of His holiness the Dalai Lama. This small town is the administrative hub of the Tibetan government in exile and is a Buddhist pilgrimage center. People from all over the world come here to learn Buddhism and the Tibetan culture. Mcleodganj has a good market which is a worth visit. The Restaurants of Mcleodganj too provide multicuisine food as people from across the world come to Mcleodganj. 2 kms from Mcleodganj is Bhagsunaag which is known for a Naag temple and a Water spring. Nearby waterfall of Bhagsunaag is a picturesque site and is a worth visit.
Palampur : Palampur is a beautiful place in the Kangra valley. Palampur is surrounded on all sides by tea gardens and pine forests. Palampur is at a height of about 1219 m above mean sea level. Neugal Khud/Cafe in Palampur gives a fine view of Dhauladhar ranges. One crosses through beautiful tea gardens while reaching Neugal Cafe.
Masrur Rock Cut Temple:The Masrur rockcut temple is known for its monolithic temples. There are fifteen rock cut temples in the Indo Aryan style. It is one of the four monolithic rockcut temples in India. Two of these, including Kailash of Ellora and Mamlapuram in Deccan are famous across the world. Third is Dhamnar located in Rajasthan. While the other three temples are in a pit or on the ground, Masrur temple is unique because of the fact that it is located on a hill top at a height of about 760 m above the mean sea level. Legend has it that like many temples in the region, Masrur temple was also built by the Pandavas.
St. John's Church : The Church lies in the forest between between Mcleodganj and Forsythganj. The Church has a monument dedicated to Lord Elgin, one of the Viceroys of India. The church has lovely spotted glass windows. The Church is around 8 Kms from Dharamsala.
Andretta : It is at a distance of 13 Kms from Palampur and is the home of the famous Artist Late Sardar Sobha Singh and playwriter Norah Richards. Norah Richards was actively associated with theatre in England, first as an amateur and then as professional, she later developed the idea of Rural Theatre to which she looked upon as a powerful means to educate the rural masses. Norah Richards came to India in 1911 and settled at Andretta in the year 1925. It was in the year 1948 when S. Sobha Singh the renowned artist and painter of the master-piece Sohni -Mehiwaal at the invitation of Mrs. Richards, settled at Andretta with his studio.Norah Richards died in the year 1971.
