Kangra – At a look
Kangra valley is one of the most picturesque, green and luxuriant valleys of lower Himalayas sheltered by the sublime Dhauladhar range. This is one of the most important and famous districts of Himachal Pradesh due to its popularity. Kangra is mainly famous for its natural beauty and tea gardens. Number of people visit here every year.
It is famous for temples and beautiful lakes. The famous temple in Kangra are Jawalamukhi, Baijnath, Bajreshwari Devi Temple, Chinmaya Tapovan, Masroor Rock Temple and Trilokpur Temple. The Masroor Rock Cut Temple is a possible contender for nomination as a UNESCO World Heritage Site. The Baijnath, Jwalamukhi and Chamunda Devi temples attracts large number of people. Kangra is also famous for water sports activities like boating and fishing.
History
Historically known as Nagarkot and “Trigarta” the town of Kangra was founded by Katoch Kshatriya Rajputs of Chandervanshi Lineage . The Katoch Rajas had a stronghold here, with a fort and rich temples.
Another ancient name of the city is Bhimagar and it was supposedly founded by Raja Bhim, younger brother of Kuru Emperor Yudhishthira of Indraprastha (now Delhi).
The temple of Devi Vajreshwari was one of the oldest and wealthiest in northern India. It was destroyed, together with the fort and the town, by 1905 Kangra earthquake on the 4 April 1905, when 1339 lives were lost in this place alone, and about 20,000 elsewhere. In 1855 the headquarters of the district were removed to the cantonment of Dharmsala, which was established in 1849.
Behind the Name
Kangra is a composite word made out of Kaann (meaning ear) + gaddha (create/mold). This name was given to Kangra because of the famous ancient plastic surgeons of the region who were known to provide plastic surgery for royals who wanted to improve their looks and warriors who had lost facial features during wars. –Wiki
Location
Kangra is situated in Himachal Pradesh. It lies between 31°2 to 32°5 N and 75° to 77°45 E. It is a famous tourist destination.
Kangra– Climate
Climate Summer Max. 38°C and Min. 25°C .
Climate Winters Max. 20° C and Min 0° C.
How to Access
By Air: The nearest airport is Gaggal airport which is 13 km away.
By Train: The nearest broad gauge railhead is Pathankot which is 90 km away.
By Bus: It is well connected by roads.The HRTC runs buses on the this routes. Buses and cab are available for Kangra.
Some major road distances
Delhi 470 km
Manali 215 km
Dharamshala 21 km
Chandigarh 226 km
Chamba 135km
Dalhousie 118 Km
Kullu 176 Km