Kangra
The Kangra valley is one of the most picturesque valley of lower
Himalyas. The valley, sheltered by the sublime Dhauladhar range,
is green and luxuriant. It provides a tremendous contrast in nature
of places to be visited. Dharamshala is full of Buddhist air whereas
ancient Hindu Temples like Brajeshwari,
Baijnath, Jawalamukhi and Chamunda Devi dot the country side.
The history of Kangra valley dates back to the Vedic times more
than 3500 yrs. ago. The area was exposed to successive invasions,
the last being the British domination over the princes of the hill
states. Despite the onslaughts and political upheavels, the arts
and crafts of the region continued to develop and found lyrical
expressions. Crafts like the exquisitely designed shawls and miniature
paintings of this region are internationally appreciated.
Excursion
Kangra Town
At the confluence of the Bener and Majhi streams , over looking
the Ban Ganga torrent, Kangra town is famous for its temples.Notable
is the shrine dedicated to goddess Brijeshwari. Kangra is steeped
in history and its ruined fort - Nagarkot, stands as testimony to
its glorious past. The town was attacked by Mohammed Ghaznavi and
subjugated by Emperor Feroz Tuglak and Maharaja Rant Singh. Earlier,
Kangra was the capital of the great hill state, its renowned ruler
being Maharaja Sansar Chand Katoch, a great patron of arts. The
Miniature and Rajpur Schools of hill paintings flourished during
his reign.
Brajeshwari Devi Temple
Just outside the town is the temple dedicated to Brajeshwari Devi.
Known once for its legendary wealth, this temple was subject to
successive depredation by invaders from the North. Mohammed of Ghazni
is known to have departed with a king's ransom in gold, silver and
jewels in 1009. Destroyed completely in 1905 by an earthquake, it
was rebuilt in 1920.
Kangra Fort
The remains of the fort of the rulers of Kangra are located on a
strategic height, overlooking the Ban Ganga and Manjhi rivers.
Maharana Pratap Sagar
At an altitude of 450 metres above sea level, 32 degree north and
76 degrees east. In district Kangra 170 k.m. from Chandigarh, 110
k.m. from Amritsar, 55 k.m. from headquarters at Dharamshala. The
closest railway stations are at Mukerian 30 k.m., and Pathankot
at 32 k.m. The settlements of Nagrota Surian and Jawali-which are
located on the sagar's periphery-are connected by the charming narrow
gauge Kangra railway line that connects Pathankot to Jogindernagar.
The closest airport is Gaggal 40 k.m. The lake is well served by
a network of roads.
Named in honour of the great patriot Maharana Pratap (1572-97 AD).
Maharana Pratap struggled valiantly for freedom of Mewar-as for
the principle of independence. In words of chroniclers James Tod
and william Crook, "He spurned every overture that had submission
for its basis". Over the river Beas, the Pong dam was completed
in 1976. Its reservoir covers an area of about 45000 hectares at
maximum possible flooding.The level varies every season and averages
around 30000 hectares. Over 200 villages with a population of over
85000 people lie along the wetland.
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General Information & Accomdation info on Kangra city of Himachal Pradesh - India
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