Kangra, located at the heart of the Kangra Valley, is by itself a tourist destination. However, the city also has quite a few places of tourist as well as religious interest which merit one-day trips from Kangra. We will take up the religious places first and then go into historical as well as nature parks. One more important point is that, even if religious places do not interest you, there is no reason why you should avoid them. Set against the backdrop the picturesque Kangra Valley, these ancient temples should interest both the nature lovers and history seekers.
Trip to Mata Chamunda Devi Mandir
This temple, located at a distance of 24 Km from Kangra, is a good place for a day’s outing. This ancient temple not only houses Chamuda Devi, but at the back of the temple there is a cave, which also houses Nandikeshwa. Incidentally, Nadikeshwar is another name for Lord Shiva. Because of these twin deities, the Chamunda Temple near Kangra is also known as Chamund-Nandikeshwar Dham.Apart from religious aspect, nature lovers also find this spot mesmerizing. With the Dhauladhar Mountain in the backdrop and River Baner and Dhad flowing nearby, the place also offers a great scope for picnicking. A trek to the Adi Chamnda Mandir, located at a distance of 16 Km from here also offers magnificent experience. However, for that, most of us will need another twenty four hours. It may not be possible for most city dwellers to travel that distance within the span of one day.
Visit to Baijnath Shiva Temple and Palampur
Baijnath Shiva Temple, located at distance of 54 Km from Kangra is another great place to visit. With good road, it takes around one hour to reach to reach Baijnath from Kangra. The present structure was built in 1204. However, inscriptions found in the porch indicate that there were another existing temple before this one was built. It is said to be a Swambhu Lingam, which means it has not been established by anybody, but has come up on its own and hence it is revered by many pious Hindus.
There are many interesting stories woven around this temple. Therefore, even if you are not interest in the religious part of it, you may visit the place simply for that. Once you have paid your homage here, you may visit some other temples located nearby. For instance, Haval Nag Temple is located at a distance of 1.5 Km from here. Besides, there are the Mukut Nath Temple, Mahkal Temples and quite a few Tibetan monasteries located within a radius of five Km on the temple.
The town also presents a magnificent view of Dhauladhar Mountain Range. Numerous mountain streams also add the beauty of the place. On your way back, you can stop at Palampur. It is just thirty kilometer from Kangra.
Visit to Masroor Rock Cut Temple and Pong Lake
Masroor is located on Nagrota Surian Link Road at a distance of 32 Km from Kangra. The complex consists of a group of fifteen rock-cut monolithic temples built in Indo Aryan style. The main temple houses the stone idols of Lord Rama, Lakshman and Sita.
Apart from the temple, the magnificent Dhauladhar Mountain also attracts the attention of the visitors. If you have time, you can visit Pong Lake. It is near Nagrota Surian. It is just ten kilometer from Masroor and 42 Kilometers from Kangra. Another interesting point near Masroor is the hot water spring at Tattwani Village. This village is located at a distance of 15 Kilometers from Masroor and is accessible via Nagrota Surian Link Road.
Visit to Gopalpur Nature Park
Goplapur Nature Park is located at a distance of 28 Km from Kangra on Palampur-Dharamshala Road. It covers an area of 12.5 hectares at an elevation of 100 meters. It consists of many alpine trees such as oak, pine, maple, deodar, walnut, fir as well as many fruit tress such as apple, raspberry and cherry. Many species of Himalayan birds and animals are also kept here in large enclosures that offer them adequate freedom. Indeed, if you want to know about the fauna and flora of this region you must visit the park.
