Himachal Pradesh

Dharamsala is most attractive place in Kangra district of Himachal Pradesh, and Mcleodganj is most attrective place in Dharamsala. Bhagsunath Temple, an ancient temple 3 km east of Mcleodganj and 11 km from Dharamsala , Himachal Pradesh. This is a quiet temple and the numerous pools in the vicinity are considered sacred by devout Hindus. The annual fair in September is famous. Bhagsunath, an attractive tourist spot, is located at the outskirts of Mcleodganj Other major attractions here are a serene spring and a small but majestic waterfall. Many slate quarries are located in and around Bhagsunath. The region offers breathtaking views of surrounding hilly ranges and woody forests. The ambiance of the place is dynamic and the atmosphere is cool and pleasant. Cool breeze from the Himalayan ranges soothe the body and mind.

Upper Dharamsala Mcleod Ganj (HP)

Around Bhagsunath

Kangra Art Museum

It is at Kotwali Bazar and among its display is an old original throne of Raja Sansar Chand.

McLeodganj

It is called ‘Little Lhasa’ and since 1960 is the headquarters of His Holiness the Dalai Lama, the Buddhist spiritual leader and Nobel Laureate. Traditional Tibetan medicine is great attraction here.

Namgyal Monastery

It is at Mcleodganj. This has larger than life images of Buddha, Avloketshwara and Padmasambhav besides several Thangka paintings.

Dal Lake

It is small lake surrounded by Devdar trees, 11 km from Dharamshala. Naddi and Talnu are beauty spots of the area not far from the lake. There is a temple of Durgeshwara Mahadev by the side of Lake.

Quick Facts

State: Himachal Pradesh Distt: Kangra Destination: Bhagsunath Climate: In winter, the temperature can drop to freezing point when heavy woollens are required. During summer, the climate is mild and light woollens/cottons are recommended. Altitude: Bhagsunath is situated at an altitude of 1770 metres. Best time to visit: All the year round.

How to get there

By Train: Nearest broad gauge railhead is at Pathankot; booking office is at the bus stand . Nearest narrow gauge is mountain trains at Kangra.

By Air: Nearest airport is at Gaggal, 13km (closed at present) from the town. Indian Airlines flies to Dharamsala thrice a week from Delhi.

By Road: State Highways link Dharamsala to Pathankot and Jalandhar on National Highway 1 and National Highway 1A.

Sherab Ling Monastery is located at Baijnath in Kangra District of Himachal Pradesh. It provides a complete range of facilities for monks to study and practice. The monastery has shrine halls, a monastic college, school, library, museum, exhibition hall and dispensary. Accommodations are available in rooms and apartments. There are full retreat facilities for monks, nuns and lay people.

The monastic college offers seven years long basic education. Debates are organized regularly for the students. The exhibition hall displays photographic exhibits, art and other presentations that show the life at the monastery and spirituality and works of the Tai Situpa, one of the main disciples of Buddha. The craft center intends to teach traditional Tibetan arts, religious paintings, metal-work, wood carvings, sculpting and tailoring. Direct buses are available from Kangra. Baijnath Paprola Railway Station is the nearest railhead.

• District: Kangra
• Location: Bhattu Post Baijnath pin-176125
• Phone: +91-1894-63013 Fax: +91-1894-62234
• Email: office@sherabling.org

Located 66 km from Dharamsala and 24 km from Pathankot, Nurpur Fort was constructed by Raja Basu more than one thousand years ago. Initially, it was known as Dhameri. However, Jehangir, the grandson of Mughal Emperor Akbar, later renamed it as ‘Nurpur’, in the honor of his beloved wife ‘Noor Jehan’. The fort lies on the banks of River Jabbar and falls under the Kangra district of Himachal Pradesh. One of the major attractions of Nurpur Fort is a very old Krishna Temple, known as the Temple of Bris Raj Bihari.

According to the folklore, the idol of Lord Krishna that has been enshrined in the temple is the one that used

Nurpur Fort near Pathankot

to be worshipped by Meera Bai. The first mention of Nurpur Fort can be seen in the accounts of the historians belonging to the times of Mughal Emperor Akbar. Even though, the fort is now in ruins, it is still worth visiting, especially for its exquisite relief work.

Around Nurpur

Masrur

It is 47 Km from Dharamshala and has the holy shrine in North India carved out of live rock. It is 160 Ft long and 105 ft wide temple dedicated to Ram, Laxman and Sita.

Trilokpur

It is 41 Km from Dharamshala and has a cave temple with stalactite and stalagmite formations dedicated to Lord Shiva.

Adventure Activities

Between May and October, the Dhauladhar ranges offer an enormous variety of trekking and rock climbing. Himachal’s Mountaineering Centre is at Dharamsala.

Fishing

The 20 km stretch of the river Beas between Nadaun and the Pong Dam offers anmple opportunities in angling for Mahaseer.

Quick Facts

State: Himachal Pradesh, Distt: Kangra

Destination

Nurpur Climate: In winter, the temperature can drop to freezing point when heavy woollens are required. During summer, the climate is mild and light woollens/cottons are recommended. Altitude: altitude varies from 551-1,250 meters. Best time to visit: All the year round.

How to get there

By Train

Nearest railway station is Pathankot for broad gauge trains and there is also a narrow gauge train in Kangra district for which the railway station is Nagrota Bagwan.

By Air

Nearest Airport is Gaggal which is connected with New Delhi and Chandigarh by Indian Airlines Flight.

By Road

18 km south of Yol and 4 km north of Balta. Regular Bus and Taxi services are available from Delhi and Chandigarh.

Situated at a height of 1000m above sea-level, Chamunda Devi temple is a famous tourists destination of Himachal Pradesh. Overlooked by the mighty Dhauldhar ranges, the temple is rightly situated on the bank of river Ban Ganga. Every year, a large number of devotees travel to this holistic destination of Himachal Pradesh to get blessings of goddesses ‘Chamunda’ (Hindu deity).

The Legend

The legend of the temple is related with two demons Chanda and Munda of Shumbh Nishumbh, the notorious demon king. With their wicked mind, they try to harass the goddess Ambika, which turned out in the form of battle between the gods and demons. Chamunda, emerged as Chandika from an eyebrow of goddess Ambika, was assigned the task to eliminate the demons. Chandika destroyed those two demons and presented their heads in front of Ambika. Pleased with the act of Chamunda, the goddess Ambika named the city as Chamunda and since then the temple Chamunda Devi is worshipped with that grace and faith.

Chamunda Devi Temple

Chamunda Devi Temple is located at a distance of 15 km from Dharamsala in Himachal Pradesh. Dedicated to goddesses Durga or Chamunda (Hindu deity), the surroundings of the temple provide an excellent venue for meditation prayers and spiritual attainments. It is an enchanting and charming spot with fascinating view of the mountains, rivers and forests. The location of temple was used as a cremation ground by the people of 22 villages and supposed to be a place of solace, spiritual attainments. A large number of devotees travel to this place for worship and to attain spiritual peace for their ancestors.

Taking dip in the Ban Ganga river is considered as more auspicious and sacred. People perform prayer to Lord Shiva with the water of Ban Ganga river. A 700 years old temple, Chanmunda Devi comprises of big complex with a ‘Kund’ (pond) in it. As per the rituals, the devotees coming to the temple take holy dip in the Kund. The main deity of the temple is kept under cover and is not accessible by the visitors, because of its sacred importance. There is a cave-like scoop located at the back of the temple, representing the stone lingam ( embodiment of Shiva). Apart from these attractions, there are many brightly painted images of gods and goddesses located in the vicinity of the Chamunda Devi temple.

Other Attractions

Beside temple, there is Ayurvedic dispensary, library and a Sanskrit college situated in the temple complex. The dispensary provides medical treatment to the pilgrims and locals. The library comprises of rare stock of old manuscripts, books on astrology, Hindu philosophy, Vedas, Puranas, Upnishads, Sanskrit and History. There is book sale counter, which provide these books on reasonable rates. A Sanskrit college is also run by the temple trust and they organize free classes on Vedas and Puranas.

How To Reach

Tourists can hire private taxis from Palampur or Dharamsala to reach the temple. Besides, state transport bus services are also available to reach this place.

Maharana Pratap Sagar (also known as Pong Dam Reservoir) is a reservoir named in the honour of the patriot Maharana Pratap (1572 – 1597 AD). It is located in the Kangra district of the state of Himachal Pradesh, in India. The sagar was made a reservoir in the 1970s by the construction of a dam in a wetland zone in the Siwalik Hills at an altitude of 350 to 500 m where it is hot in the summers and mild in the winters. Surrounding the reservoir are rugged ridges and mountain streams cutting through valleys.

Location

In district Kangra. 170 km from Chandigarh, 110 km from Amritsar, 55 km from the district headquarters at Dharamshala. The closest railway stations are at Mukerian – 30 km, and Pathankot – 32 km.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 at Gaggal – 40 km. The lake is well served by a network of roads. Named in the honour of the great patriot Maharan Pratap, the Maharana Pratap Sagar was once known as the Pong Dam Reservoir. India knows the Maharan as a man who struggled valiantly for his knigdom of Mewar – as for the principle of independence. 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. This lake was declared sanctuary in 1983. Maharana Pratap Sagar Lake has emerged as favourite place of many migratory birds. About 16 to 20 thousand migratory birds, belonging to 54 species, visit the lake every year. . The Dam was completed in 1976. Its reservoir has an area of about 45,000 hectares at maximum possible flooding – the level varies with every season and averages around 30,000 hectares. Over 200 villages with a population of over 85,000 people lie along the wetland.Maharana Pratap Sagaris located at 32 degrees North and 76 degrees East in the Kangra district of the state of Himachal Pradesh, in India. The closest railway stations are:-Mukerian-30 kmPathankot- 32 km Rail link between Mukerian and Talwara township has been removed by the project authorities after completion of the dam. Now it is connected by road only from Mukerian.

Distance from the main cities:-

Distance from Chandigarh:- 170 km Distance from Amritsar:- 110 km Distance from Dharamsala:- 55 km Distance from Kangra:- 25 km It is well connected by road. The closest airport is Gaggal- 40 km. Distance from Bharmar:- 10 Km Bharmar is Known as a Bharmar Shivothan.

Species found here

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. Maharana Pratap Sagar Lake is the only place in India other than Bharatpur (Rajasthan) where the rare red necked grabe has been found. 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. Some of the important commercial varities are – Labeo Dero (Gid), Labeo Rohita, Labeo Calbasu, Tor Putitora (Mahasheer) and Mystus Seenghala (Singhara). Since 1976, fishing has been a major economic activity in the area and today, this provides employment to more than 1,500 fishermen and the annual catch is valued at over a crore rupees. There is a branch of the Directorate of Mountaineering and Aliied Sports at the Sagar and year-round activities include swimming, water-skiing, surfing, kayaking, rowing, canoeing and sailing. The Directorate of Tourism and Civil Aviation providesequipment at the Sagar – this includes sail boats, paddle boats, speed aero boats, life buoys, water scooters, speed boars, rafts, life jackets, water skis and wet suits. Various courses – beginner, intermediate and advanced – are also conducted at the Sagar.

Attractions for Today and Tomorrow

The Maharana Pratap Sagar is planned as a pivotal developmental and conservation project. Apart from drawing visitors for bird-watching, water sports and angling, plans are afoot to create a snake park, an aquarium, and to launch luxury cruises with cabins at the Sagar. There are several large islands in this inland sea which are also being developed – and the options being explored, include island resorts, golf courses, health and meditation centres and sighting points for bird-watching. Expansion and strenghthening of water-sports, fishing and para-gliding activities are planned – this includes the purchase of additional equipment, training of local youth to establish a strong human resource base and the provision of comprehensive facilities. In the coming years, the Sagar is expected to emerge as a major nucleus of tourism related activity in the region – and the Himachal Pradesh Tourism Development Corporation has already started construction of a large resort with a wide range of facilities at the Sagar.

Existing Accomodations

Hotels, Guest House, Forest and PWD Rest Houses are available at nearby Dharamshala, Dehra, Sansarpur, Terrace, Dada Siba and Nagrota Surian.

Other Attractions

The sagar is close to several places of Hindu Pilgrimage – Jawalamukhi, Chamunda Devi, Chintpurni, Brajeshwari Devi, Mahakalesar, Bagalamata and Naina Devi. The seat of His Holiness the Dalai Lama at Mcleodganj and the Namgyal Monastery are a short drive away. The other budhist monasteries at hand are Tahijong and Bir. The Kangra area is regarded as amongst the best in this part of the world for para-gliding. There are many sites of architectural importance, old forts and places that are close to the Sagar. For example, the fort of Kangra, Mangarh, abd Tira (Sujanpur) and the Monolithic temple of Masrur. The area was the cradle of the Kangra school of miniature painting. Near the Sagar is Hamirpur-Guler which was a major centre of the art. There are rare exhibits at the Kangra Art Gallery at Dharamshala.The area has several trek routes for which the Sagar can act as the base camp.

India’s first classified Heritage village at an altitude of 2000 feet, that is Hotel Judge’s Court. In the famous Kangra valley near the famous heritage village of Pragpur (a medieval village), where peace prevails, is set Judge’s Court. The location along with the amount of tranquility and space it gives to its guests is remarkable. The hotel owes its interesting name to its owner. It was a 300 year old manor house which was built for Justice Sir Jai Lal. The house was built keeping in mind his status, imbibing the best of Indo European tradition. Hence the house came to be known as ‘Judge Sahib Ki Kothi’ and later ‘Judge’s Court.’ While the hotel retained the original structure of the house, the Anglo India design, it was however, restored with modern plumbing and lighting. The hotel is located near the village courtyard with an ornamental tank. A cobbled path leads you to the hotel. It is here where you get the feeling of what lies ahead. The courtyard captures the original era completely, comes ahead is Judge’s Court spread in 10 acres of orchid gardens. The magic of panoramic Kangra valley, the heritage village of Pragpur and the timeless grace of this manor house turned heritage hotel, its a perfect place to stay.

The Judges Court Kangra is at a distance of 45 km from the Gagal Airport in Kangra and at a distance of 112 km from the Pathankot airport. The Amritsar International Airport is 170 km from Pragpur. Once you reach Pathankot from any of the major railway stations in the country you can avail of the narrow gauge train to reach Kangra valley railway station enjoying the beautiful view of the countryside. The distance from Amritsar and Chandigarh is 170 and 175 km respectively. The management of the Judge’s Court Kangra provides you with pick up facilities from the near-by railway stations if they are provided with information 72 hours in advance. The Judge’s Court Kangra consists of two portions. One is the country manor built by Bhandari Ram for his son Justice Shri Jai Lal who was a dear friend of Lord Hardinge and was also very close to the Maharajas of Patiala and Kapurthala. This is why this property is popularly known as Judge Sahib ki Kothi. The other portion is their 300 year old ancestral cottage. You can spend your time in absolute solitudal bliss enjoying the warm hospitality extended by the Kuthiala Sood family that runs it now.

Rooms with a Name

The rooms needless to say are all very elegant and well appointed. Since the hotel is run by the owing family, you taste a rare warm and intimate hospitality here. There are 10 rooms in all. What is interesting is that the rooms have all names ‘ Dhauladhar, Kipling, Hardinge, Kangra and so on. Inside, the rooms are tastefully done and yet elegantly simple. There is also a private suite with a kitchen, sitting room, dressing room and a study with an open terrace overlooking Dhauladhar mountains. The snow capped peaks of the Kangra valley shine through the windows of some rooms. There are 10 double rooms, three of the suites have the ancestral cottage in the backyard.

Food From The Kitchen Garden

What is interesting about dining in Judge’s Court is that the food is prepared with the fruits and vegetables grown in the orchards of the hotel itself. The hotel serves delicious Indian and Continental food prepared by the hotel’s chef. The hotel’s orchard grows an interesting list – Mango, mango, lychee, grape, plum, parsimon, citrus and exotic trees like camphor, clove and cardamom. Not just that, the hotel also has its very own hotel dairy. The kitchen uses all the milk and such products from its own dairy. As for water, there is an ancestral spring in the mountains from where the water is piped for the hotel While there is an elegant dining room for the hotel guests, you can also choose to dine in the lawn if you wish to, for nothing can be more pleasant then that.

Uniquely Interesting

Though the hotel is peace and tranquility personified yet it is not completely devoid of some recreation and adventure activity. The hotel has a swimming pool, a restaurant and a bar if you want to relax or move your muscles a bit in the hotel itself. However, if you wish to move out of the hotel, there are many interesting options for you to choose from. There are many masheer river camps in Kangra valley. There is a reservoir of Maharana Pratap Sagar at a little distance which is also a very good place for angling. If you wish to get more adventurous, then go for some adventure sports in the nearby Maharana Pratap Sagar like water skiing, surfing, kayaking, rowing, canoeing and sailing. These water sports are organised in collaboration with Directorate of Mountaineering and Allied Sports. The countryside is also apt for some low level treks and walks, the area can also be of interest to bird watchers as there are quite a many species to hold interest. The hotel organises trips to explore the nearby country side and historical monuments. You can explore the nearby Gali which has old houses in Shimla style architecture and Pragpur ofcourse with ancestral homes and cobbled streets. If you go to the nearby Pragpur, another interesting experience awaits you there. The market here has silversmiths who can modify trinkets according to your taste quickly. Similarly, there are weavers who will weave shawls and blankets just for you and tailors here are so fast that they will make dresses for you overnight.

Business Travellers

For its corporate travellers, the hotel has adequate conference facilities. There is an elegant conference style room here and service is impeccable.

Location and Distances

• By Air:Delhi to Chandigarh (35 Minutes) and from Chandigarh to Judge’s Court is 175 Km (4 hrs drive)
• By Rail:Delhi to Chandigarh (175 km)
• By Road:Chandigarh to Pragpur (175 km)
• Pragpur to Hoshairpur – 60 km,
• Pragpur to Pathankot- 110 km
• Pragpur to Una- 60 Km( Nearest Railhead),
• Pragpur to Jalandhar- 95 km.
• Delhi to Pragpur:425 kms via Chandigarh – Ropar – Anandpur – Una – Amb and Kaloa.
• Judge’s Court to Shimla- 200 km,
• Judge’s Court to Kullu- 200 km,
• Judge’s Court to Chandigarh- 175 km,
• Judge’s Court to Ludhiana- 130 km.