Kangra fort is the oldest fort in India, located on the outskirts of Kangra. The Katoch dynasty kings, the royal Rajput family of Kangra state, built it. It has some traces of the Trigarta kingdom. This is the oldest fort in India and the largest one in the Himalayas. The Kangra Fort Timings are 9 am to 6 pm Every day.
Kangra Fort:
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Kangra fort is the existing witness of ancient invasions, wars, conquers, and the evolution of Indian history. The valley covers the major parts of the lower valley of Beas and its tributaries. History says that many treasures are preserved in the fort with high security. But all these stories become memorable parts of this old fort.
During its gracious period, people believed that the fort was a house of many treasures, which is why it got attacked by many rulers. Many rulers worldwide tried to take over the fort because of the treasure. It would be best to visit here to learn more about Indian history, not only for its history but also for its great architecture. Be sure to visit the Brijeswari temple, which is close to the fort.
History:
Katoch dynasty king Maharaja Sushrma Chandra built Kangra fort 3500 years ago. History says that after losing the battle in Kurukshetra alongside Kauravas from the Mahabharata epic, Maharaja Sushant Sharma took Trigarta under control and built this fort.
Many people believe that treasures are held here. Due to this, it is one of the major targets for every ruler. Many local and foreign rulers tried to invade the fort.
In 470 AD, Kashmir Raja Shrestha became the first to attack, followed by the foreign ruler Mahmud Ghazni in 1009 AD. Later the Turkish Sultan Muhammad Bin Thuglaq and his successor Firoz Shah Tughlaq took over the fort. Since 1615 Akbar tried to conquer the fort from Sultans, and finally, in 1620, his son Jahangir took it over after 52 attempts.
Sansar Chand defeated ruler Saif Ali Khan by strengthening his forces after his grandfather became governor of Jalandhar by Ahmed Shah Abdali in 1758. Ghurka troops again invaded Kangra fort, and lastly, it went under the British after many Sikh wars.
Kangra Fort Timings:
Here are the Kangra Fort Timings:
| Day | Timings |
| Monday | 9:00 am- 6:00 pm |
| Tuesday | 9:00 am- 6:00 pm |
| Wednesday | 9:00 am- 6:00 pm |
| Thursday | 9:00 am- 6:00 pm |
| Friday | 9:00 am- 6:00 pm |
| Saturday | 9:00 am- 6:00 pm |
| Sunday | 9:00 am- 6:00 pm |
Ticket Price:
For Indians: 150/- per person, including an audio guide.
For Foreigners: 300/- per person, including an audio guide.
Other places to visit near Kangra fort:
Bajreswari Temple: Bajreswari temple is located close to the fort dedicated to Vajreswari Devi. This temple is also called Kangra Devi temple. It is one of Shakti’s peeths where Sati’s left breast landed after Lord Vishnu released Vishnu Chakra on her body. It is 3 km away from the fort.
Taiwan Hot Spring: This hot spring is located in a Shiva temple. Separate pools are available for women and men. You can try this here. It is located 23.8 km away from the fort.
Bhauladhar National Prak: You can visit this place if you enjoy viewing the wildlife. In this national park, you can see sea Leopards, black bears, angora rabbits, and Asiatic lions, which may include different animal species. It is 35.9 km away from Kangra fort.
Chamunda Devi temple: This famous temple is one of the religious temples among the visitors of Himachal Pradesh. The temple is dedicated to Chamunda Devi. It is 19 km from Palampur and 22 km from the fort.
Masroor Rock Cut temple: This temple is one of the oldest rock-cut temples in India. A huge rock is shaped into a temple. It is located in Kangra valley of Beas river and 33.9 km away.
Timings: 9:00 am – 6:00 pm.
Accommodation:
- Hotel Clarks Inn Suites Kangra
- D’polo Club & Spa Resorts
- Prakriti Aalay
- Hotel The Grand Raj
- Hotel River Retreat
- White Ridge Hotel
Best time to visit Kangra Fort:
The fort is beautiful throughout the year. As it is open every day, you can visit the fort any time of the year, but if you consider the weather, the best time is between June- September as the temperature will be normal, which is preferable for everyone. You can also visit this place during the summer because the temperature will be between 22- 30.
Avoid during winter because the place will be very cold, and sometime the temperature may fall to negative degrees.
How to reach:
By air: You can reach the fort by reaching Kangra Airport, the closest airport. It is 14 km away from the fort. You can come to the location by hiring a taxi, or you can use public transport.
By road: Many direct buses are available to reach the fort. You can directly reach the location using buses. You can also go there using taxis.
By train: Kangra Railway station is the nearest railway station.
Tips:
- The weather may be cold, so dress warmly while visiting the fort. Carry extra clothes with you to prevent the extreme cold.
- Wear comfortable footwear. As the fort may not have easy paths so, to avoid difficulty, wear comfortable shoes.
- If you want to take photographs, then you can carry your camera.
- Make sure to carry a water bottle and some snacks because it may be difficult to find some.
- Beware of thefts and carefully carry your things.
Address:
Old Kangra, Kangra, Himachal Pradesh 176001
Kangra fort Contact details:
Phone number: 01146061955
Frequently asked questions(FAQs):
Is Kangra fort worth visiting?
Yes, it is one of the famous and oldest forts which is famous among tourists.
How long is Kangra fort?
It is a total of 463 acres and covers up to 4km of land.
How many forts are there in Kangra?
There are 282 forts are there in Kangra.
Why is Kangra called Trigarta?
People believe that King Bhum Chand assisted in killing a demon with the goddess. As a gift, she gave this land to him, named after three rivers Ravi, Beas, and the Sutlej.