Kangra which was known anciently as 'Trigarta' is one of the most picturesque valleys in Himachal Pradesh. It is sheltered by the massive Dhauladhar range of mountains, rich in culture and history. The history of Kangra valley dates back to vedic times, more than 3,500 years ago. It finds mention in the 'Puranas' the Mahabharta and in Rajtarangani. Kangra valley is one of the most picturesque valleys in the Himalayas. It is sheltered by the Dhauladhar and this majestic mountain range surpasses all others in its grandeur. the history of Kangra dates back to the Vedic times more than 3,500 years ago. The famous 'Bajeshwari Devi' temple is located in the town. Kangra was revaged by foreign aggression a number of times. Despite all this, the arts and craft of the region continue to develop and find lyrical expression. Kangra town is situated at the confluence of the Baner and Majhi streams, overlooking the Banganga torrent is famous for temples, forts and now a speedily emerging as a business centre.

Around Kangra

Maharana Pratap Sagar Lake: - It is made of Beas River. In 1960, a dam was built on the Beas River and this dam resulted in a huge Maharana Pratap Sagar Lake (once known as Pong Lake). This huge mass of water varies from 180 sq. km. to 400 sq. km. In 1983, the Sagar was declared a wildlife sanctuary and over 220 species of birds belonging to 54 families have been sighted over the waters and the fringing mud-banks - these include black-headed gulls, plovers, terns, ducks, water-fowl and egrets. The land portion of the sanctuary has barking deer, sambar, wild boars, nilgai, leopards and claw-less otters. 27 species and sub-species of fish belonging to six families have been recorded in the Sagar's waters.

Kangra Fort: - The historic fort of Kangra was built by Bhuma Chand. This fort had been the centre of attraction for the rulers of northern India, since a long time. The first attack on the fort was made by the Raja of Kashmir 'Shreshtha' in 470 A.D. In 1846 Kangra fort fell into the hands of the British. Kangra fort is located on the bank of the river Banganga at the height of 350 feet. In the foreyard of the fort are the temple of 'Laxmi Narayan' and 'Adinath' located in the Kangra fort is dedicated to Jainism. Inside the fort are two ponds one of them is called 'Kapur Sagar'. At present the fort is under the control of 'Archaeological Survey of India'. It was badly damaged in 1905 earthquake.

Dal Lake: - Lies amidst hills and deodar tress and is 11 km. from Lower Dharamsala. It is a starting point for excursion and trekking and is located next to Tibetan children's village.

Chamunda Devi Temple: - 15 km. from Kangra. This temple is situated on the right bank of the 'Baner' stream with the Dhauladhar as a backdrop, this has an idol of goddess Chamunda, who, it is said, was given the boon to fulfill the desires of those who worshipped her. On the back of the temple is a cave niche where a stone 'Lingam' under a boulder represents Nandi Keshwar (Shiva).

Jwalamukhi: - 30 km. from Kangra and 56 km. from Dharamshala. This place is famous for Jwalamukhi, the 'Flamming Goddess'. It is one of the most popular Hindu temple in Northern India. There is no idol and the flame is considered a manifestation of the Goddess. The eternal flame issues from the rock sanctum and is constantly fed by the priests. Two important fairs are held during the Navratras, in early April and in mid October.

Dharamsala

Dharamsala came into being in 1849, when it was selected as a site to accommodate a native regiment that was being raised in the town. Dharamsala originally formed a subsidiary cantonment for the troops stationed at Kangra was fully occupied by its garrison and there was insufficient space for the civil station, a search for an alternate location was made. The ideal location for the cantonment was found at the slopes of the Dhauladhar, upon which stood an old Hindu sanctuary or 'Dharamsala' the name adopted for the town. Dharamsala stands at the foot of Dhauladhar and has a magnificent view of snowy peaks, deodar and pine forests, tea gardens and beautiful hills. The snow line is perhaps more easily accessible at Dharamsala than any other hill station in India. Dharamsala now really has become international, with a number of Tibetan settlements and the residence of Noble Laureate the 'Dalai Lama'. Dharamsala is devided into two distinct parts: lower Dharamsala the civil and business area with Courts and Kotwali bazar and upper Dharamsala composed of places like Mcleod Ganj and Forsyth Ganj.

Around Dharamsala

Mcleod Ganj: - The arrival of the Tibetan spiritual leader, the Dalai Lama, along with thousands of refugees to Dharamsala in 1959 made the life here more active. A number of Tibetan settlements with religious education and other rehabilitation centres mushroomed all over the Mcleadganj. As Dharamsala became the headquarter of the Tibetan Government in exile, headed by Dalai Lama, it gained prominence all over the world and prominent personalities started arriving here. Mcleadganj emerged as a major Buddhist centre.

Bhagsunag Fall: - 11 km. from Dharamsala. Known for its old temple, a fresh water spring, water falls and slate quarries. Bhagsunag can be approached by road. The Bhagsu fall is one of the main attractions of Mcleodganj. You can take a dip in the chilly water of fall.

Triund: - 17 km. from Dharamsala town, at an altitude of 2,827 meters. The snowline starts just 5 km. from Triund and affords a breathtaking view of the snows above and the valley below. It is a popular picnic and trekking spot. Those who want to do a return trek in one day are advised to start early. Is the famous trek route for local people as well as for tourists.