10 Reasons Why Kangra Valley is the Ultimate Summer Destination
Summers are here and we know you are looking for the best holiday destination of North-India. Let us familiarize you with the unexplored gem of Himachal, the Kangra Valley, which is a perfect place to spend your summer holidays.
The legendary Himalayan foothills have elevated the beauty of the Kangra Valley which also has a glorious history of its own. Also, the best experience in Kangra Valley starts from adventure activities to serene pursuits.
Himalayan Adrenaline is here to tell you about the top 10 reasons why Kangra Valley is the ultimate summer destination.
Paragliding in Bir
Bir has established its reputation as the ‘Paragliding Capital of the World’, thanks to its atmosphere, landscapes, and terrains that have made it a popular hotspot for paragliding activities.
With Himalayan Adrenaline’s ‘Paragliding in Bir’ package, anyone can experience the unique paragliding experience at the World Championship Site of Bir & Billing with complete safety and security.
Excellent provisions of safety gear, licensed pilots, and expert guidance, are available for the tourists so that they can conquer the sky. Also, Himalayan Adrenaline will arrange a short training for the paragliders before the paragliding experience.
Tea Garden Tour in Palampur
The iconic tea gardens and luxurious plantations of Kangra and Palampur are perfect for a pleasant summer afternoon with their 150-year-old heritage.
Himalayan Adrenaline is ready to take everyone on a breezy tour around the Tea Capital of Northern India to taste the delectable flavors of tea being grown here on a sunny day.
The Dhauladhar Mountain Ranges and the valleys come together to make space for the orthodox Kangra Tea to provide relief from the scorching heat of summer.
Dating back to the British Era, these wide and open plantations are crowned with snow-covered peaks and rich greenery that feel like a gush of refreshing winds away from the humidity of summer.
The visitors have the amazing opportunity to learn about the peculiar methods of brewing authentic tea after plucking and collecting them from the green gardens.
The climatic and geographical factors of the Abode of Gods have blessed the growth of high-quality and authentic tea leaves here. In the year 1849, Dr. Jameson was the first individual who point out how perfect the Kangra Valley was for the cultivation of tea.
Starting from green tea with a bewitching aroma to extremely exclusive black tea with a distinguishing taste- Kangra Valley has it all. Himalayan Adrenaline will assist the tourists in the tea-tasting sessions with different mixes and blends of rich tea leaves.
Explore the Tibetan Heritage of Dharamshala & McLeodGanj
A section of the most fulfilling and best experiences in Kangra Valley comes from exploring the ancient monasteries here. Also, these monasteries call all the people providing chances to live serene and tranquil moments away from the humid weather during summers.
Here are a few famous monasteries of the Kangra Valley and visiting them is one of the best things to do here.
– Palpung Sherabling Monastery
The Sherabling Monastery’s traditional Tibetan architecture speaks volumes about the history of this place and is a peaceful retreat for visitors amidst pine woods. Also, the visitors will be able to spot shrine halls, traditional Tibetan paintings, and beautifully crafted murals here that will take them to a different realm of learning.
– The Dalai Lama Temple
Famous for the Kora Walk, the Dalai Lama Temple, is a crowded tourist attraction around Palampur in the Kangra Valley. The Kora Walk is a Tibetan Holy Walk taking place in Mcleodganj and it’s a delight to experience it during summers.
Tourists have the golden opportunity to learn about Buddhism, knowledge, and cultural heritage here in this temple.
– Tashi Jong Monastery
Tashi Jong Monastery is one of the best places to visit around Palampur and is nestled in the Tashi Jong Village. The entire monastery, located in the rural areas, is decorated with beautiful pieces of wood carvings and paintings.
– Dorzong Monastic Institute
The Dorzong Monastic Institute is also popular as the yellow-roof monastery and lies in the picturesque landscape of Himachal Pradesh.
This monastery plays a significant role in Buddhist ceremonies, prayers, and festivals. Also, it deeply influences the local cultural heritage of the place offering traditional and priceless knowledge to the students.
The Artistic village of Andretta
Norah Richards was a celebrated environmentalist and theatre artist who founded the artist’s colony in the Kangra Valley. During the summer months, it will be a delight to visit the now-famous Andretta Pottery Village offering a wide range of activities in Kangra Valley.
Starting from paintings to pottery, this village is a hotspot for artists and potters. Tourists cannot help but marvel at the delicate pieces of pottery showcased at Andretta.
Also, the Sobha Singh Art Gallery is a very unique gallery displaying the extremely rare paintings by Sobha Singh. Moreover, tourists have a lot to do here such as checking the residence of Norah Richards and the picturesque surroundings of this village.
Architectural Marvels of Kangra Valley
Masroor Rock Cut Temple
Famous for amazing temples, the Kangra Valley is also home to the Masroor Rock Cut Temples dating back to the 8th century.
One of the best things to do during the summer is to visit the Masroor Rock Cut Temples which are a surviving example of a temple mountain-style Hindu architecture.
The temples were skillfully carved out of monolithic rock with a shikhara and comprised 3 entrances on its northeast, southeast, and northwest sides.
The temple’s complex showcases reliefs of major Vedic and Puranic gods and tourists can also notice that its friezes speak about the legends from the Hindu texts.
Kangra Fort
The Kangra Fort stands tall on a hillock between two rivers and is famous as one of the oldest forts in Himachal Pradesh. Kangra Fort
Nestled in the mesmerizing foothills of the Dhauladhar Mountain Range, this breathtaking and historic fort is also one of the largest forts in this area perfect to explore during your summer vacation.
Baijnath Temple
An architectural gem highlighting the Hindu Mythology and Indian heritage, the Baijnath Shiv Temple is a must-visit place in Palampur.
The Baijnath Shiv Temple is built in a Nagara style and is a Hindu Temple. It is a tranquil location where tourists can while away their time in moments of prayer. Also, the location of this temple is about 16 kilometers from the picturesque Palampur.
Visitors will be blessed with the opportunity to admire the timeless and meaningful inscriptions engraved gracefully on the ancient slabs. These slabs retell the history of the glorious past dating back to the early 13th Century.
Also, the idols carved skillfully on the age-old walls of the Baijnath Shiv Temple are a total awe-inspiring view.
Ancient Shakti Peeth Temples
The Shaktipeeths of Himachal Pradesh are one of the iconic treasures of the country. Devotees, visitors, and tourists pay regular visits here throughout the year. Also, the picturesque locations of the Shaktipeeths make them extremely popular attractions in Himachal Pradesh during summer.
Himalayan Adrenaline’s Devi Darshan (Nomadic Pilgrims) Package is the most well-planned and perfect choice to discover the following Shaktipeeths:
- Sri Naina Devi Ji is a very influential MahaShaktipeeth in the Bilaspur District in the Abode of Gods dedicated to Goddess Sati (Goddess Naina Devi).
- Mata Shri Chintpurni Temple, dedicated to Mata Shri Chintpurni, is a Shaktipeeth located in the Amb Tehsil of District Una.
Jawala Ji Temple, dedicated to Goddess Jwalamukhi, is admired all around the world for its eternal flame famous for burning continuously. - Mata Baglamukhi Temple, dedicated to one of the Mahavidyas, Goddess Baglamukhi, is crowded with devotees throughout the year (especially during Navratri).
- Bajreshwari Devi Temple, dedicated to Goddess Vajreshwari, is well-known for its iconic architecture and celebrations of Makar Sankranti.
- Chamunda Devi Temple is one of the most famous temples of Himachal Pradesh, dedicated to Goddess Chamunda and displaying unbelievable Himachali architecture.
- Mahakal Temple, dedicated to Lord Shiva, is an ancient Hindu shrine dating back to the 9th Century. Also, worshippers and devotees keep visiting this temple very often to spend hours in meditation and prayers.
The Heritage Town of Pragpur
During the summer vacations, visit a Heritage Village in an offbeat location that is rolled up in the beauty of mountain ranges, deep valleys, and luxurious vegetation. Pragpur, dating back about three centuries, was declared a “Heritage Village” by the State Government.
With the Dhauladhar Mountain Range adding to the magic of this ornamental village of Pragpur, tourists can spot mud-plastered walls, old streets, old shops, historic havelis, and dainty villas here.
Pragpur is a heavenly site during Spring with vibrant flowers blooming unapologetically everywhere. Tourists can discover the historic treasures here such as Lala Rerumal Haveli, Butail Mandir, courtyards of the Sood Clans, Chaujjar Mansion, and an ancient Shakti Mandir.
Bird Watching & Water Sports at Pong Dam Lake
Maharana Pratap Sagar Lake or Pong Dam Lake, a man-made reservoir, is the perfect place to visit during the summer season for water sports and inviting adventurers.
It is nestled in the wetland zone of Shivalik Hills serving as a home to luxurious species of flora and fauna. Also, the Pong Dam Wildlife Sanctuary is often crowded with botanists, sportsmen, zoologists, ornithologists, and tourists.
Pong Dam Lake is a paradise for adventurers with reliable provisions for amazing activities and watersports. The best experiences in Kangra Valley with canoeing, rowing, sailing, and swimming are available here.
Adventure Sports (Hiking, ATV Rides, Paintball Match)
On visiting Palampur, adventurers, and tourists will find the following activities waiting for them:
– ATV Rides:
Himalayan Adrenaline’s ATV 4×4 Rides is one of the best things to do in Palampur for any adventurer. With the provisions of a safety helmet and expert guidance, tourists can unveil the terrain of the Kangra Valley while enjoying a rejuvenating ride during summer.
– Archery and Paintball Shooting:
Himalayan Adrenaline brings the enthusiastic experience of enjoying shooting arrows or playing paintball shooting matches with excellent equipment in the company of friends.
– Hilling & Trekking:
The best activity in Palampur during summer is hiking or trekking with family and friends to discover the Himalayan foothills.
- The Mountain Top Hike – Popular as Birni Devi Hike: The Mountain Top Hike or Birni Devi Hike with Himalayan Adrenaline will take adventurers, trekkers, and tourists on an amazing journey to discover the picturesque terrain with the Dhauladhar Mountain Range in the photographic background. The mind and body will always appreciate a refreshing interaction with nature during the summer season on the way to the mountain top in Palampur.
- Indrahaar Pass Trek: Indrahaar Pass Trek is the apt choice for a trekking and camping adventure covering a distance of about 35 kilometers.
Himalayan Adrenaline will arrange for guide and support staff certified by the Atal Bihari Vajpayee Institute of Mountaineering and Allied Sports along with travel insurance for the trekkers.
The adventurers will get an opportunity to defeat an altitude of about 14000 feet with yummy meals, trek equipment, permits, and first aid medical kits. Qualified & experienced trek leaders will be there tthroughout this trek.
Kangra Valley Railway
Kangra Valley Railway is the longest Narrow Gauge line in India located in the sub-Himalayan region of Kangra Valley. The highest point on this railway line is Ahju station perched at about 1,290 meters. Also, there are several stops and bridges on this railway line you would love to learn about.
Conclusion- Unexplored Gem of Himachal
Ancient temples, water sports, rich flora and fauna, Himalayan Adrenaline’s adventure activities, and several other factors come together to bring you the best experience in Kangra Valley.
Summer may come with unpleasant scorching heat and humidity, but Kangra Valley is the perfect escape everyone’s looking for.
Click here to check out all the packages of Himalayan Adrenaline that will help you explore the Kangra Valley.