Over the years, I have been crossing over Kangra fort and believe me, each time I only read about it in blogs and sufficed my interest by viewing some Kangra fort photos. I always had the feeling of exploring it once and knowing what lay behind the walls of this majestic fort, we all know as Kangra fort.

Where is Kangra Fort located?

Kangra Fort is located some three km from the outskirts of Kangra town. Unlike the depictions you see through Kangra fort photos about this fort, it is not evident, but it is believed to be the oldest dated fort in the country.

It has always been said that this fort is also haunted, but everything said and spoken, I wanted to visit this fort always to know how Kangra fort looked and feels from its interiors.

Kangra Fort History

Kangra fort photos speak a lot about its rich history. This fort is around 20 Km from the district headquarter of Dharamshala. The history of Kangra fort is old and unique for the fact that it was built during the Mahabharat era in the 4^th century BC by the Katoch dynasty rulers.

It is said that the fort has 21 wells and each one of these had immense wealth hidden in them over the time. It was the lure of this wealth that led many kings over the time to plunder its wealth. Beginning with Mahmud Ghazni in 1009 to Firoz Shah Tughlaq in 1360 and Sher Shah in 1540, Kangra fort has seen numerous invasions.

Ghazni was able to plunder eight of these wells and later the British also discovered five more wells. It is believed that Kangra fort has eight more wells that are to be discovered and each of these has immense wealth.

The Katoch dynasty was the main ruler of Kangra Fort in Himachal Pradesh. Over the centuries, they braved Mughals, Sikhs and British forces but were able to control the majestic fort most of the time. It is said that this fort braved more than 50 attacks. However, the earthquake of 1905 caused a lot of destruction in this fort and it could never truly recover again.

Exploration of Kangra Fort

As you climb the road to historic Kangra fort, you will find yourself amidst a blend of history and nature. This is the perfect depiction of this fort, which is also evident in numerous Kangra fort photos that you must have come across. This fort is almost in the lap of the Dhauladhar ranges, which makes it a perfect fit for every reason.

Mountains have been used as a natural defense against enemies here, and this is one of the reasons that it remained in the strong hands of Katoch Kings for most of the time. The fort also has a single entrance and a steep ascent has to be done to the hill top, which always made it difficult to capture for anyone.

The entrance to Kangra fort is through the multi-level courtyard that has a lawn and a non-functional water tank. The lower region of the fort was used as a garrison. Numerous twists and turns will take you to the top, which has a royal palace, temples, and living area.

Kangra Fort Gates

The numerous gates of this fort are as beautiful as they seem in the Kangra fort photos. A unique fact here that needs a mention is that each of these gates has its own unique story to tell. There are a total of 11 gates in this fort, and it also had 23 bastions.

Maharaja Ranjit Singh built the Ranjit Singh gate here, which is also said to be the first gate of this fort. This gate was built as Ranjit Singh wanted to celebrate his victory over this fort. Audio tour guide is also provided by ASI here, which will give you numerous valuable insights into Kangra Fort history.

As one passes through the first gate, next in the order are Ahini, Jahangiri and Andheri gates. As one passes through the Ahini gate, bastions are evident, which were used by soldiers to keep a watch on the enemy.

Jahangir also built the Jahangiri gate to celebrate his victory over this fort. Interestingly, this gate also has images of Lord Hanuman and Ganesh. If Jahangir inscribed these is not clear and this is a point of deliberation.

As you keep climbing the fort, you will also see the Dhauladhar valley, which makes this climb more exclusive and aesthetic.

As you climb the Jahangiri gate, you will come across the Andheri gate. This gate has tall walls and the enemy entering it was blinded for a while. This gave ample time for the defending forces to strike back at the enemy.

Image by Sudo from Pixabay

Kangra Fort Temples

As you cross over to the next gate, you will see statues of Goddess Ganga and Yamuna. These images have also largely been seen in Kangra fort photos, and you shall remember this fact as you see these statues for real.

For a moment, you are bound to put your imagination hat and visualize the time when these temples existed in their utmost glory. A flight of steps from the courtyard takes you to the remains of what once was the royal palace.

Of the numerous Kangra fort temples, that of Goddess Ambika is also said to be the oldest temple of Ambika in the country.

Nothing much exists of the royalty which was evident during the Katoch rule, but the ruins are much alluring and shall make you ponder about the richness of the region both in financial and aesthetic terms during that duration.

The main temples in the Kangra fort complex were of Ambika, Lakshmi Narayan, and a Jain temple, none of which exists today. However, the fort still has a functional temple and you shall hear soothing religious tunes here which will definitely have a calming effect on you.

Mahal Darwaja

Mahal Darwaja is the last gate of this fort and opens in the courtyard. Railings have been placed to offer support to this part. You will have clear views of the mighty Dhauladhar ranges from this place. The top also has an underground water tank which was perhaps used for drinking purpose.

FAQs

Where is Kangra Fort located?

Kangra Fort is located in the Kangra Valley of Himachal Pradesh, India, near the town of Kangra, at the foothills of the Dhauladhar mountain range.

What is the history of Kangra Fort?

Kangra Fort has a rich historical significance, dating back to the 4th century BCE. It was originally built by the Katoch dynasty and has witnessed numerous battles and sieges. It was also one of the most powerful fortresses in northern India. The fort was later captured by the Mughals in the 17th century and finally by the British in the 19th century.

How can I reach Kangra Fort?

Kangra Fort is accessible by road, rail, and air. The nearest airport is in Dharamshala (about 20 km away). The nearest railway station is Kangra, and several buses and taxis can take you directly to the fort from various towns in Himachal Pradesh.

 What are the main attractions inside the fort?

Inside the fort, visitors can explore various attractions such as the main gates (such as the Rajasansi Gate), temples like the Ambika Devi Temple, the Mahishasura Mardini Temple, ancient structures, and the fort’s impressive architecture and ramparts.

 Is there an entrance fee for Kangra Fort?

Yes, there is a nominal entrance fee for visitors to the fort. The fee may vary depending on whether you are an Indian or a foreign tourist.

What is the significance of Kangra Fort in Hindu mythology?

The fort holds religious significance, particularly for Hindus. According to legend, it is associated with the Mahabharata and is believed to have been the place where the goddess Ambika fought demons. The Ambika Devi Temple within the fort is dedicated to the goddess and attracts many devotees.

 How long does it take to explore Kangra Fort?

It typically takes around 2 to 3 hours to explore the fort thoroughly, depending on your pace and interest in the historical and architectural details.

 What is the best time to visit Kangra Fort?

The best time to visit Kangra Fort is between March and June (during the summer months) and September to November (autumn), when the weather is pleasant for sightseeing. The monsoon season (July-August) is best avoided due to heavy rainfall.

Is Kangra Fort a popular tourist destination?

Yes, Kangra Fort is one of the most popular historical and cultural tourist attractions in Himachal Pradesh, drawing visitors interested in history, architecture, and religious sites.

Can I visit other places near Kangra Fort?

Yes, there are several other tourist destinations nearby, including the Masrur Rock-cut Temples, the Baijnath Temple, the famous Tibetan monasteries in Dharamshala, and the beautiful Dal Lake. The town of Dharamshala, about 20 km from Kangra Fort, is also a popular destination for tourists.

Featured image: https://pixabay.com