Home to some of the most powerful rulers in history is the ancient and beautiful town of Kangra. The history of this remote town in Himachal Pradesh dates back to the Vedic times, therefore having loads to see and do during your stay in Kangra. Tourism in Kangra is popular due to the natural beauty and accessibility of the place. You can conveniently reach Kangra by taking a flight, a train or even by taking a road trip. The hilltop has typical Himachal weather with summers being pleasant and winters being extremely cold, making summer the winner and the best time to visit this scenic hill station.

Follow our travel guide for Kangra to shortlist some of the most exciting things to do. Take advantage of the good climate in summers to indulge in various activities like taking a stroll in the tea gardens of Palampur, attain blessing from the Gods and Goddesses of different temples and go trekking to learn more and discover more about the region on foot. Read on to get a picture of the various things you should know before you go to Kangra.

By Air:

The closest airport to Kangra is the Gaggal Airport, structured at a distance of 11 km from the stunning town. You can also fly to the Delhi or Chandigarh Airport as they have more frequent flights, from there onwards you can take a connecting flight to Gaggal Airport.

By Road:

The roads to Kangra are absolutely picturesque, urging many adventurers to drive all the up to this town in the Himachal. The roads of Kangra are well connected with adjacent bigger cities, making it easy to travel by road. You can also take the bus, so that you cn relax and enjoy the views along with the ride being inexpensive.

By Rail:

The Pathankot Railway station is the closest to Kangra, located at a distance of 70 km. This railway station has good connectivity and great frequency of trains that ply from there to different states. Alternatively you can also choose to travel to the Chandigarh Railway station.

Getting Around:

Getting around Kangra is easy, due to the place being a popular tourist spot. You can use auto rickshaws to commute locally for sightseeing; you can also hire cabs or take a bus that is facilitated by HRTC.

Summer (April-June):

Even though the summers don’t last too long, it is one of the best seasons to visit Kangra. The temperature during the months of summer range from 20°C-32°C, with pleasant warm breeze blowing throughout the day and night. This is the time to engage in some adventure sports.

Monsoon (July-September):

Monsoons are a good time to sit back and relax, with the climate being very cool and windy. Temperatures range between 15°C-25°C, making it quite chilly, especially for the one who has come from a hotter region. It is not recommended to visit during this time due to landslides.

Winter (October-February):

Winter is the most extreme season in Kangra with temperatures drastically dropping down to a low of -5°C. You can enjoy skiing on the calm slopes of Kangra during this time. The view of the town during these months looks as beautiful as a postcard picture. Make sure you carry essential winter clothing if you plan to travel in the winter.

Go on a Hike:

Kangra has quite a few enjoyable trekking trails, one being the Indrahar Pass. This hike is meant for both beginners and experienced trekkers, while the Triund Trek is meant more for the experienced who are able to trek on challenging trails.

Enjoy Adventure Sports:

Don’t forget to treat the adventurer in you! Treat yourself to the thrills of paragliding, skiing and much more to feel the adrenaline rush. Paraglide in the midst of white clouds of Bir, located only a few kilometers away from Kangra. You can also ski during the winter time and indulge in other winter sports.

Stroll through Tea Estates:

Palampur, a small village located a few kilometers away from Kangra is a hub of tea estates and is one of the leading manufacturers of tea for both import and export. Spend a day at the tea estate and learn more about the process of growing and packaging tea.

Visit Temples:

Kangra is famous for the religious sites that it has. Famous temples like the Chamunda Devi Temple and the Bajreshwari Temple are a must visit, due to the architectural excellence of the structures. You can also spend time at the Tashi Jong Monastery and the Masroor Rock Temple that house different kinds of Gods and Goddesses.

Appreciate Ancient Art:

Visit the Kangra Art Museum and appreciate the paintings that date back to the 5^th Century. The style of these paintings and the other artifacts that are kept for display is worth seeing. There are other items in the museum that pique the interest of various visitors.

Delicious Pahadi food is sold in this region of Himachal Pradesh as well, with some restaurants offering scenic views along with finger licking good food. After offering your prayers at the Bajreshwari Temple, you can visit the Royal Hotel and restaurant to enjoy a fulfilling meal. You can also visit the Annapurna Bhojanalaya that serves both Indian and Chinese cuisine. The wide menu with a number of delicious and authentic Himachali food is the highlight of this place, with prices being absolutely reasonable. There are also a number of small cafes and roadside food vendors that sell hot and delicious food that will spice up your taste buds.

You can find a variety of things to shop while in Kangra. Due to the town being ancient, the locals have collected artifacts, wooden carvings and jewelry from the bygone eras and have been selling it to tourists who visit. You can even buy pahadi paintings and handmade and embroidered shawls that are typically made in the region. There are a few famous shopping complexes like Doonga Bazaar or the Tibetan Market or the Sharayu Shopping center where you can find a variety of things to buy like statues of Buddha, shawls, pottery, carpets, wooden artifacts and so much more.