kangra-fort-dharamshala-himachal-pradesh-1-attr-hero

Himachal Pradesh

Kangra Fort

kangra-fort-dharamshala-himachal-pradesh-2-attr-hero
kangra-fort-dharamshala-himachal-pradesh-1-attr-hero
kangra-fort-dharamshala-himachal-pradesh-2-attr-hero
map

January

2.4 - 20.2 °C

February

3.7 - 22.7 °C

March

6.3 - 27.6 °C

April

10.2 - 31.8 °C

May

13.5 - 35.2 °C

June

15.9 - 35.5 °C

July

17.3 - 31.0 °C

August

17.0 - 29.5 °C

September

14.6 - 29.0 °C

October

11.2 - 28.2 °C

November

7.1 - 25.2 °C

December

4.1 - 22.5 °C


Major Airports :

Kangra Airport (DHM), Kangra (Gaggal)

Shaheed Bhagat Singh International Airport (IXC), Chandigarh

Nearest Railway Station :

Pathankot Railway Station (PTK)

Major Airports :

Kangra Airport (DHM), Kangra (Gaggal)

Shaheed Bhagat Singh International Airport (IXC), Chandigarh

The resounding glory of the fortified walls

Some 20 kilometers from Dharamshala lies a fort dating to the 4th century. It was built by the Katoch kings of Kangra and sprawls across an impressive 463 acres of rugged terrain. It is the largest fort in the Himalayas and the eighth largest in all of India.

Welcome to the formidable Kangra Fort, standing high above the town of Kangra in the Himalayas. It is a sight to behold with rippling streams in the valley below, the towering Dhauladhar mountain range in the backdrop, and many ancient legends echoing through its impenetrable walls!

According to the legend, ‘Kangra’ can be traced to the ancient Karna Garh, a fort in the Himalayas built upon the very ear of the demon Jalandhar, defeated by the mighty Lord Shiva. The name evolved through ages, from Karna Garh to Kan Garh to Kangra finally. Locals also call it ‘Nagarkot’ or ‘Kot Kangra’.

Entrusted to the guardianship of the Archaeological Survey of India today, Kangra Fort beckons the traveller in you. In this primaeval stronghold, you will journey through the annals of time.

Of myths, kings, and an earthquake

The Kangra Fort is shrouded in legends, and one of it goes like this: Amidst the tumultuous clash between Goddess Ambika and the demon Raktbeej, a drop of her sweat fell upon the earth, giving birth to Bhumi Chand, the progenitor of the Katoch clan. He assisted the goddess in her triumphant battle and in return was rewarded with dominion over Trigarta, the land of the three rivers, where Kangra found its place. It was this powerful Katoch dynasty that founded and shaped the imperishable Kangra Fort.

Delve deeper, and you will come across the popular Pahadi saying, "He, who holds the Kangra fort, holds the hills.” Now, this is your link to understanding the many defeats and victories that took place on the grounds of the Kangra Fort. Here’s the long story short: The fort's indomitable spirit was tested during Akbar's siege in 1615, where it stood firm against the Mughal forces. However, Jehangir, Akbar's son, ultimately subdued the fortress in 1620, a conquest that solidified his regional dominance. When the Mughal authority started waning, Raja Sansar Chand-II of the Katoch dynasty reclaimed the Kangra Fort in 1789. He battled Gurkhas and Maharaja Ranjit Singh, forming an alliance with the latter to fend off the Gurkha invasion in 1809. After Sansar Chand's death in 1828, the fort came under Maharaja Ranjit Singh's control. Later, the British took over after the Sikh War of 1846. A destructive earthquake in 1905, however, left Kangra Fort heavily damaged, marking a tragic turn in its history.

The fort's architectural genius

The Kangra Fort’s design will stun you the moment you’ll step inside. The sheer rock upon which the fort is perched affords it a commanding vantage point and lends an air of invincibility. Its battlements, meticulously crafted along the slope of the hill, offer multiple layers of defense. A moat, hewn into the very rock itself, serves as a natural barrier, connecting the waters of the Banganga and Majhi rivers and separating the fortress from the outside world. As described in vivid detail by Shah Nawaz Khan in his Ma'asir-al-Umara, the Kangra Fort emerges as a formidable stronghold, boasting 23 bastions and 7 gates, its interior circumference stretching vast distances.

The fort's layout, an intricate fusion of medieval and ancient fort architecture, bears witness to the ingenuity and craftsmanship of its creators. You will find arches, domes, and carvings of exquisite artwork adorning its weathered façade.

Though time may have weathered its walls and diminished its grandeur, the Kangra Fort remains a beacon of resilience and magnificence. Gates erected by conquerors, such as the Jahangiri Darwaza and the Ranjit Singh Darwaza, stand as monuments to triumph and conquest, while stone-carved temples dedicated to deities like Laxmi Narayan and Ambika Devi evoke an aura of divine sanctity.

From the towering watchtower to the sacred stepwell called Kapoorsagar, each corner of the Kangra Fort tells a story of this venerable bastion in the Himalayan heights.


in.gov.incredibleindia.core.models.impl.ImageUtilModelImpl@4375f795
Timings

Opening time - 09:00 AM

Closing time - 06:00 PM

Gold, silver and the 21 mystery wells of Kangra

Legend has it that many rulers would send precious offerings to the Fort Temple, amassing wealth over time. Invaders like Mahmud Ghazni and Alexander the Great sought to capture it, leading to centuries of attacks.

Within the storied walls of Kangra Fort lie the whispered secrets of 21 ancient wells with untold riches. They say, Ghazni's raiders seized eight, and the British claimed five more in their quest for wealth. Eight wells remain untouched, veiled in mystery, waiting to reveal their treasures to those bold enough to seek them out.

So much history, now some adventure!

Venture beyond the enchanting landscapes of the Kangra Fort and discover a myriad of captivating trails and trekking routes waiting to be explored. Here's your chance to embark on an adventure or simply bask in the awe-inspiring vistas of the majestic Dhauladhar range. A few kilometres away are Dharamshala and McLeod Ganj, offering the allure of city life, Tibetan monasteries, and the delights of souvenir shopping.

Kangra Fort fuses mystery and history. Its majestic charm appeals to history buffs, spirituality seekers, and admirers of craftsmanship alike. Visiting the fort guarantees an unforgettable experience within the ancient corridors.

Book ticket