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A FAMILY TRIP TO KANGRA, HIMACHAL
“In the end, kids won’t remember that fancy toy you bought them, they will remember the time you spent with them” – Kevin Heath
How true is that! And the best way to spend time with your kids is to go off on a vacation!
The summer temperatures are rising, and it’s the right time to choose some hilltop vacay options.
But before embarking on one, decide what your family is looking for in a vacation.
Some features most families look for are
A. attractions for all in the family – adults or children
The destination you choose should have something for adults as well as children. Honeymoon destinations may not have anything for kids while places with kids play areas have no meaning for adults.
Indians, especially senior citizens, would like to take the opportunity of holidays to visit some pilgrim sites. They would enjoy the vacation if the trip covers some holy spots as well.
B. Relaxing spots
One goes on a vacation to relax and unwind. If the destination you choose is too chaotic, there is no point in going there.
C. adventure/action filled – hiking trials
Some adventure is no harm of course… paragliding, boating or hiking thrown in would keep the youngsters in the family engaged and happy.
D. Good facilities
- Of course a conducive climate based on season is a must. After all one cannot go to a hot desert in the summer, right?
- If the destination has proper facilities like lodging, special amenities for the elders, people with disabilities or babies than the vacation will proceed trouble free.
E. Good Food
Food is one major consideration before deciding a vacay destination. Your family would want to try new dishes and flavors on a vacay. If the destination has good quality and variety of food, it would be good. If you also get food that you are used to is an added bonus because children may crave for their regular food after a few days of vacationing.
Kangra a great holiday destination for the family
Kangra in Himachal Pradesh ticks all the above boxes, qualifying as one of the best holiday places in India. It is a populous district/city in Himachal Pradesh, a great place where the entire family can have fun and make incredible memories.
It is situated in Western Himalayas at an elevation of 2400 ft within the confluence of rivers Benar, Beas and Majhi. Dharmashala is its headquarters.
This destination is a complete package for the family encompassing adventure, cultural experiences, spiritual experiences and glimpses of pristine nature not found elsewhere!
Kashti Adventures has considerable experience in Mountain Tourism and can help evolve some customized packages to Kangra depending you schedule and budget. Message us or call us at
The basic 4-5 days package consists of an overview of Kangra valley, fort, some temples such as Chamunda Devi, Jwalaji and Braijewshwari temples and some adventure sports in nearby places.
Let’s cover the pilgrimage angle first. Kangra is also called Devbhumi. This is because there are numerous temples that are steeped in mythology and folklore
1. Baijnath temple
Located in Palampur Temple, this dedicated to Lord Shiva or Vaidynath the lord of healing. It was built in the year 1204 AD in Nagara style of architecture. One of the surprising facts is that the demon king Ravana, the villain character of Ramayana is also worshiped here.
Location:Baijnath town, Kangara
Timings 6.00 am to 9.00 pm
2. Brajeswari temple
One of the 51 shakthi peths, this temple is dedicated to Brajeshwari, a form of Goddess Durga. It features in various mythological tales and is said to be built by the Pandavas. It was rebuilt after the devastating earthquake in 1905. This temple was ransacked by Mohammed Ghazni many times.
It is open all days of the week except at timings 1.00 pm to 3.00 pm. Makar Sankranti is celebrated with pomp and show in this temple every year.
Location: 3 kms from Railway station
3. Chamunda devi
Chamunda is a fiery manifestation of the Goddess mother. The Goddess in this form attracts lot of pilgrims who vouch for the power of the Goddess in solving their various troubles. The idols of Hanuman and Bhairava stand on both side of the Devi’s idol. . There is a kund (water tank) with a Shivling in it in the temple complex
Location 19 kms from Palampur town
4. Jwala Devi temple
Jwala means flames in Hindi and the flames in this temple burn eternally without external stimuli. Jwala Devi temple is one of the most ancient temples(built by Pandavas). It again is one of the 51 Shakti Peeth in India – the tongue of Goddess Sati is said to have landed here.
There is no idol inside, the devotees pay their obeisance at the altar of the eternally burning flames . The Navaratri festival season of March to April and September to October are occasions when colorful fairs are held in this temple.
Temple Timings: 5 am to 10 pm in summers and 6 am to 9 pm in winters
5. Masroor rock cut temple
Masroor rock cut temple has some semblance to sculptures in Ellora, Mahabhalipuram and Angkor Wat of Cambodia. It is dedicated to Lord Rama Laxmana and Sita and was built in the era of the Mahabharata. Maroor rock temple is built on a water pond with scenic views of Dhauladhar range.
Location 47 kms from Dharmshala
6. Mcleodganj
A suburb of Dharmashala in Kangra district, Mcleodganj is the famous residence of his Holiness Tibetan spiritual leader Dalai Lama. It is also called Little Lhasa. The spiritual leader and his Government are in exile in India for more than 3 decades. You are lucky if you are at this place on Sundays. Tibetan clothes and handicrafts are on sale on that day.
There are also 2 monasteries – Namgyal Monastery and Tsuglagkhang Complex inside Mc.leodganj.
Namgyal Monasatery is a personal monastery of the 14th Dalai Lama and plays a key role in assisting with rituals involving his Holiness.
The Tsuglagkhang Complex houses the Kalachakra “Wheel of LIfe” temple as well as courtyards, rooms, a kitchen and the main temple room which has a throne where the Dalai Lama sits while he delivers his teachings.
There are some places where the history of Kangra is the highlight…
7. Kangra Fort
Regular tourists recommend trying continental foods in many cafes of Old Manali. Momos and Thukpa are favorites too. However, most cafes and restaurants sell Italian or Israeli food. Here are a few popular cafes and their hot sellers…
- Born Free cafe – pasta, hummus pita bread and Smoothies
- Cafe 1947 – yummy pizza corner
- Drifters cafe is open till 11 pm at night. Best for waffles and pancakes and egg Benedict
- Lazy dog great desserts and inexpensive. Local bands such as The Local Train and Rudra performing here are popular
- Dylan’s Toasted & Roasted for coffee and cookies with an amazing chocolate filling
7. Kangra Fort
Kangra was called Trigarta in ancient times. The Kangra fort is located in the lower valley of the river Beas. It was built by Rajput kings. The fort traces its origins to ancient Trigarta Kingdom and even gets a mention in the great epic, the Mahabharata.
The fort resisted Akbar’s siege in 1615. It changed many hands and was finally taken over by the British during the Anglo-Sikh war in 1846. There is a statue of Rishabhnatha inside the Ambika Mata temple within the fort. The Laxmi Narayana temple is also inside the fort.
Location: 20 kms from Dharmashala outskirts of Kangra
8. Museum of Kangra Art
The Museum of Kangra Art houses more than 1500 artifacts which include sculptures, coins, manuscripts, royal tents, pottery, jewelry and textiles along with 7th and 8th century paintings.
It has a library as well and displays section for works of artists, sculpture and photographers. There are many artists here working on Pahari miniatures, wood carving and embroidery. In collaboration with renowned painters, the museum gives certificate courses to people from different parts of the country to enroll, learn and explore.
Location: 33kms from Palampur
Meanwhile, you can check the local bazaar for treasure troves of ethnic goods. There are lovely miniature paintings and artifacts regarding Tibetan, Buddhist and Kangra history that you can collect as souvenirs.
9. Palampur
Palampur is itself 35 kms away from Kangra. It is a hill station with enchanting tea plantations. It is also called Tea Capital of northwest India. The scenic views, lovely Victorian style castles and mansions in Palampur make a pretty picture. Do checkout the flavours in the tea estates around this town.
10. Tashi Jong Monastery
The Tashi Jong Monastery is 15 kms from Palampur. The tradition of Buddhism followed here is Drugpa Kagyu tradition. This monastery has a temple, a Stupa of Khamtrul Rinpoche and a Yamantak retreat centre. Beautiful paintings and wood carvings are in special focus here. You can buy Tibetian crafts here too.
11. Saurabh Van Vihar in Palampur
Kids can have fun at the Saurabh Van Vihar nature park dedicated to martyr of Kargil war Saurabh Kalia. This park has varieties of plants, animals and birds. Kids can enjoy boating bird watching and bouldering here. The small play area is perfect for your kids to play while you relax nearby.
12. Food
Visiting so many places in Kangra could make you hungry. Head to good eateries like The Vinods Rasoi, Annapurna Bhojanalaya, Oasis Cafe and Restaurant, Manvik Kulcha point, Burgerand Doon Eating Point.
Some Kangra specials are Kalan ke Pakode (grass pea fritters), Seera, Phafru ke sag (buckwheat cooked in its own gravy with onion, garlic and other spices). Bhruni (cooked fig leaves in dry gravy), seer (sweet from ground wheat), Nashpati sabzi (gravied pears) and many more
If your family has a stomach for adventure than here are more things you can do in Kangra…
13. Triund from Dharmashala
Take a 6 hours trek -from Dharmshala to Triund. This is an easy to medium trek not difficult to do with a family.
A guide will be with you all through the journey. The first stretch is fairly easy but the last few kilometers have sharp bends and 22 curves. There are a lot of tea stalls on the way to keep you hunger-free. The destination has Alpine meadows and a viewpoint to admire the beautiful Dahuladhar peaks on one side and the Kangra valley on the other.
14. Snow line trek
This trek is also categorized as easy to medium difficulty level trek. It is about 9 kms from town of McLeodganj.
The best time to go here is between April to June and September to December. This trek offers great views of Dhauladhar range. There is a forest department rest house you should book in advance for a comfortable stay…
15. Kareri trek
Kareri trek is again categorized under easy – moderate difficult level trek. It does require a level of fitness to attempt it, so does all the treks in the Himalayas.
This freshwater lake lies at an altitude of 2950 m and is a perfect place to picnic with your family.
You could even camp for the night here but for the extreme cold conditions at night. Get back to the village if your family may be affected by the cold climate. The village has lots of lodging options for you.
This trek begins from Rioti village in Kareri from where you can hike to Gajj as well about 30 minutes from the lake.
Likewise you can also checkout a trip to Bir Billing where Paragliding facilities are available.