An Overview
Kangra is the most populous district in the Indian state of Himachal Pradesh, India. Dharamshala is the administrative headquarters of the district, and Kangra is most famous for its Masrur Temples, also known as the Himalayan Pyramids. These temples have informally been called a “wonder of the world”, for being a likely contender for UNESCO World Heritage status. Moreover, the district has further been divided into five sub-regions i.e. Pir Panjal, Dhauladhar, Kangra Shiwalik, Kangra Valley and Beas Basin. The economy of this district consists mostly of agriculture and farming. In addition, tea cultivation plays a vital role in the economy. “Kangra Tea” is famous worldwide for its rich aroma, colour, and taste, with tea gardens found most abundantly in the beautiful town of Palampur.
Tourism:
The important tourist spots of Kangra are Nurpur Fort, Kangra Fort, Mannuni Lake, Gopalpur Zoo, Mural Temple of Chamunda Devi, Baijnath Temple, Jawalamukhi Temple and Kangra Valley Art Gallery. Apart from these, Brajeshwari Temple, Vajreshwari Temple, Nadaun Palace, Taragarh Palace, Shiva Temple, Pong Lake Sanctuary, Kotla Fort, Behna Mahadev Temple, Fort of Sujanpur, Masrur Temple, Temple of Bagalamukhi, Siddhanatha Temple, and Nagar Kot Fort are also places of importance.
Adventure lovers can have a gala time exploring the innumerable trekking, paragliding, and camping options in this district. Trekatribe offers trekking and sightseeing in all parts of this district including Triund, Indrahar Pass, Mcleodganj Day Hikes, Bhagsu Nag, Kareri Lake, Dehnasar Lake, Bir Billing, Bara Bangal and Palampur. This district is also famous for paragliding activities, especially in Bir-Billing and Indrunag. In addition, Billing is known to be the second highest paragliding spot in the world. Moreover, this paradise is an ideal place for nature lovers. Famous painters like Sardar Sobha Singh and naturalist Norah Richards used to live here. Apart from this, it is also famous for the Kangra School of Miniature Paintings as well as the National Institute of Fashion and Technology, Kangra. Furthermore, it is famous for its plethora of high altitude lakes, most of which are accessible during certain months via trekking.
Quick Facts-
- 30° 22′ 40″ to 33° 12′ 40″ North Latitude to 75° 45′ 55″ to 79° 04′ 20″ East Longitude
- Altitude varying between 427 to 6200 m
- Highest Peak in Kangra– Shikar Beh 6200 m
- Population- 15,10,075 (2011)
- Area- 5739 sq. km
- Rivers- Beas
- Literacy- 85.67%
- Sex Ratio- 1012