Kangra is a tourist resort in Himachal Pradesh, situated at the confluence of the Manjhi and Bener rivers. This city, nestled between the Dhauladhar and Shivalik ranges in the Kangra Valley, overlooks the Banganga stream. Dev Bhumi, which means 'abode of the Gods,' is another name for it. Before the arrival of the Aryans, many non-Aryan tribal cultures lived here, according to the Vedas. Kangra is known as the Trigarta Kingdom in the Mahabharata, India's most famous epic.After being attacked by Mohammed of Ghazni in the 10th century, the city of Kangra became a Muslim stronghold. The Katoch Dynasty, the world's oldest living dynasty, ruled it after that. Kangra was taken over by the British after the conclusion of the first Anglo-Sikh War. It was created a Colonial India district in 1846. It was assigned to Himachal Pradesh in 1966 after the country was partitioned in 1947.

CULTURE AND HERITAGE 

The district's population is dominated by Hindus, with Muslims coming in second. A minor percentage of the district's population are Buddhists, Sikhs, Christians, and Jains. The prominent Rajput communities in the district include Katoch, Pathania, Dogra, Jasrotia, Jaswal, Jamwal, Katwal, Guleria, Mian, Thakur, Rana, Rathi, and others. The number of scheduled tribes in the district is quite modest. A popular group dance in Kangra is the Jhamakada. This dance is performed exclusively by women. The dance is accompanied by a variety of percussion instruments and songs.

THINGS TO DO WHEN IN KANGRA 

• Malana Village Trek - This journey takes you from Manali to Leh and ends at Baralacha Pass. The Malana tribes have their own set of laws, customs, and language, as well as a governing body known as the Koran, which is made up of village elders. A visit to the village is possible after obtaining sufficient authorization from the village elders.

• Walk through Tea Plantations - Palampur is a world-renowned tea producer located near Kangra Valley. Nature lovers and tea connoisseurs alike are drawn to the beautiful green plantations surrounded by high mountains. If you're a true tea connoisseur, a visit to the plantations in Palampur will be a once-in-a-lifetime event.

• Mountain Biking - Mountain Biking is a popular activity among India's unaccompanied cyclists. Mountain biking is a great way to explore nature on your own time, in your own vehicle, with no one bothering you or interfering with your goals. Mountain bikers have such a strong influence on tourism in Kangra that they come here all year to embark on a journey of self-love.

• Paragliding in Bir- Billing - Bir Billing is a newly discovered adventure destination hidden in the beautiful Kangra Valley, attracting thrill seekers from all across India. The small hill village of Bir Billing is known for paragliding. Take off from Bir and land in Billing after flying at over 200 kilometres per hour. While soar, get a bird's eye view of the amazing panoramas and sky-high terrains from atop steep mountains.

• Trekking in Triund - Kangra's Triund Trek is one of the region's most renowned activities. Trekkers generally consider the Triund trip to be easy, so anyone new to trekking should give it a try to get a taste of the adrenaline rush. The highest point is 3200 metres. This journey lasts two days. The journey to the top takes a day. For Triund hikes, there are a variety of travel packages available at various rates.

BEST TIME TO VISIT 

December through February is the finest time to visit Kangra to see the beautiful grandeur of the mountains blanketed in fresh snow. Although the Kangra valley is adorned with lush and fresh foliage during the monsoon, the torrential downpour causes havoc.

PLACES TO VISIT IN KANGRA

• Kangra Fort - Kangra, the ancient Trigarta's homeland, occupying the lower valley of the Beas and its tributaries, was formerly one of Punjab's and Himachal's most important hill stations. The Fort is claimed to have been owned by a number of different people over the years, thus it has quite a history. This location is a must-see for any history buff, having been under Mughal domination for many years and finally being ruled by an Indian monarch.

• Masroor Rock Cut Temple - This 8th-century temple, which was also severely damaged in the 1905 earthquake, has survived as one of Kangra's must-see attractions. The main temple hall of these one-of-a-kind North Indian cave temples houses deities of Ram, Laxman, and Sita. The Ajanta and Ellora Caves in Maharashtra are very similar to this location.

• Dhauladhar Range - You don't recognise this name any longer. The Dhauladhar Range is a magnificent Himalayan range that runs from the south to the north. Hanuman Ji Ka Tiba, the highest peak in the area, is a popular hiking destination among the numerous.What makes this even more appealing is that you may visit this location at any time of year. The people of this region offer their lives to Goddess Dhauladhar.

• Malana Village - This village, often known as the "Village of Taboos," is unbelievably accurate! This village's residents believe they are superior to everyone else and claim to be the nth generation of Alexander the Great. The hamlet is governed by exclusive rules because it has its own outstanding parliamentary system.

• Indrahar Pass - Indrahar Pass is well-known for its trek and the heavenly experience it provides in return. However, after you're there, you might wish to testify that 'This is one of Kangra's top spots to visit.' The difficulty level of this hike route ranges from moderate to challenging. It's important to note that this path can take anywhere from 4-5 days to complete.

• Bhagsu Waterfalls - The Bhagsu Falls are one of Kangra's most popular tourist attractions. During the monsoons, one of the most spectacular images of the Bhagsu waterfalls was captured, reaching a surface height of 30 feet. The waterfall begins at the base of the Dhauladhar range of mountains. It travels by the Bhagsunath temple and several other tourist attractions along the way.

HOW TO REACH 

• By Air - Gaggal airport is the closest domestic airport to Kangra city, at a distance of 13 kilometres. The other airports that are good for accessing Kangra are Jammu (200 km), Amritsar (208 km), and Chandigarh (225 km).

• By Rail - The nearest railway station to Kangra is Pathankot Junction Railway Station, which is around 90 kilometres distant.

• By Road - Kangra is well connected by road to all of Himachal Pradesh's major cities as well as other Indian cities and towns.