Kangra Fort

Kangra Fort is a historical marvel that captivates visitors with its rich heritage and stunning architecture. The fort, nestled in the picturesque Kangra Valley, boasts a commanding presence and offers breathtaking views of the surrounding mountains. Exploring its ancient walls and intricate design provides a glimpse into the region's storied past. While some parts show signs of wear, the overall experience is a journey through time, making Kangra Fort a must-visit for history enthusiasts and those seeking a glimpse into India's cultural tapestry.

Kangra fort is first oldest fort in India, located in HP. It has very good sight to see with your friends and family. To reach there you should first come to Kangra bus stand after there you have to take another bus which is going to fort. The duration is around 20 min after you reach you have to walk to get inside.
After reaching there you have to take tickets for the fort after there you can explore.
PS: Photographs are not allowed.
I hope you would like my pictures and will visit here in future whenever you are in Kangra.
Till then stay with me will be updating soon.... Love you guys😊

It is an amazing place to visit while on a kangra trip. The scenic beauty of the fort is just empathetic and soothing.It gives a nice view from the top of the fort on all ends.

I visited this fort today with my family. This mighty structure at the foot of The Dhauladhar Range holds so many stories/history of the past. We saw something similar at the Angkor Wat too. We are totally amazed to see how well it is maintained and protected by the Archeological Survey of India.
Historians and Archeologists will have so much to see and tell about this place. We travelled by road from Chandigarh, though the journey was long but this site is worth visiting. Every step you take will make you reminisce your history lessons.

The ticket is only Rs 25 and the washroom too is so clean and well maintained.

Remnants of kangra fort which got devastated in 1905 after severe earthquake which killed around 20000 people . But the mighty structure tells a story of Mighty stand tall and intact with head up....the place has historical background , provide picturesque panoramic view of valley . Well surrounded by temples to visit along with. Well maintained by Archeological survey of India.

During my visit to Kangra visted this fort and the experience was amazing and enjoyed a lot inside the fort. The Kangra Fort is located 20 kilometers from the town of Dharmshala on the outskirts of the town of Kangra, in the Kangra district of Himachal Pradesh, India. The fort is well maintained and the view from the fort is also very beautiful as the fort is situated in the mountain region of india so it's different from the forts which are situated in the plain region. So overall it's a beautiful experience to be in this beautiful place. And it's a must place to visit if in Kangra or planning to be in Kangra.

Kangra Fort in Himachal Pradesh is a historical marvel that I recently had the pleasure of visiting with my brother, Rugved. The moment we stepped foot into the fort, we were captivated by its grandeur and rich heritage. The awe-inspiring view from the fort's vantage points is nothing short of breathtaking. It offers a panoramic sight of the surrounding landscapes, with rolling hills and lush greenery spreading as far as the eye can see.

The fort itself is steeped in history, and the presence of ancient artifacts and architectural elements was a testament to its glorious past. Exploring the various sections of the fort, we were transported back in time, imagining the stories of battles, conquests, and royal lives that once unfolded within these walls.

One notable aspect that stood out during our visit was the number of foreigners who were also exploring the fort. The Kangra Fort seems to attract visitors from around the globe, drawn to its historical significance and stunning views. The diversity of cultures and languages we encountered added to the overall enriching experience of the visit.

The location of the fort on a hilltop adds to its charm. As we ascended through the winding pathways, the anticipation of reaching the top and witnessing the majestic view kept us excited throughout the journey.

In conclusion, the Kangra Fort is a must-visit destination for history enthusiasts, nature lovers, and anyone seeking a glimpse into the past. Its splendid architecture, rich heritage, and captivating views make it an unforgettable experience for visitors of all ages. I highly recommend a visit to this iconic fortress for a journey through time and an appreciation of the natural beauty that surrounds it.

Kangra Fort is a historical area. It is a very peaceful area and a different view is visible to roam and see our history.

This fort is also known as 'Nagarkot' and 'Kot Kangra'. This fort stands on a hillock between two rivers (Manjhi and Banganga), among the foothills of the Dhauladhar range. This fort is the largest in the Indian Himalayas, and is under the protection of the Archeological Survey of India.

A ruined fort with a history of its own. Beautiful and picturesque. Ambika Devi temple here is the only Ambika temple in world.
Tickets can be bought online when you reach gate or the entrance. If the ticket is bought online it is Rs.20 else it is Rs.25 ( for Indians). Do buy the audio guide for Rs.200 as it is worth it. While you climb the fort and enjoy the amazing landscape and view around you also can connect to the history behind it.
Do check on weather and carry hats/caps/shades. I would not recommend the hike on a rainy day as the path could get slippery.
There is a museum and a cafe as well. It is ok to skip the museum for two reasons. One , nothing much to see and two, they charge Rs.35 which isn't worth it.
The cafe has simple and homely food. We had jeera rice and dal fry which was good.

Ruins of an ancient fortress. Well maintained and peaceful to stroll and enjoy. Lots of trees and birds. The rock sculptures inside the fort are also beautiful. A nice view of the surrounding area. Recommended for photography.

The fort is quite well maintained. It is kept clean, has frequent seating arrangements and walking paths.
The fort has a small temple, nice architecture in some parts and offers a pretty good view.

People ask me what you prefer mountain or beaches.... Lakes or rivers.. summer or winter or rainy season.... Hill tops or plain fields...... I say forts and castles even though a storm is around the corner......

Exploring Himachal Pradesh...... Kangra valley......at Kangra fort......... With Dholadhar ranges in the backdrop and Banganga and Majhi rivers surrounding it.....

Kangra Fort, Kangra Overview....

Situated on the outskirts of the town of Kangra, in the state of Himachal Pradesh, the Kangra Fort is witness to thousands of years of grandeur, invasion, war, wealth and evolution. This mighty fort traces its origins to the ancient Trigarta Kingdom, which is mentioned in the Mahabharata epic. It is the largest fort in the Himalayas and probably the oldest dated fort in India. Occupying the lower valley of the Beas and its tributaries, it was one of the leading hill stations of Punjab and Himachal earlier. The Kangra Fort was built by the Katoch dynasty who was then a royal Rajput family of the state of Kangra. The fort is located just near the Kangra town and lies in the Old Kangra or Purana Kangra region which opens up to a beautiful valley. It is built right at the ‘Sangam i.e. the confluence of two rivers which are the Banganga and Majhi rivers.. It is said that the Kangra fort was built by Maharaja Susharma Chandra from the Katoch dynasty around 3500 years ago.The Maharaja Shushant Sharma fought in the Battle of Kurukshetra mentioned in the Mahabharata, alongside the Kauravas. After being defeated, he took Trigarta under his control and built the Kangra fort.
"You must pass through the gate leg first. Never lead with your head because if there is an enemy on the other side, you might lose your head". This tip by Tikaraj Aishwarya Katoch (present scion of the Katoch dynasty) indicates at the heavy security in the fort maintained by the kings to protect the unimaginable treasures inside. There’s a saying - “He who holds the Kangra Fort, holds the hills”. It was believed that the fort is a treasure island! People say that Hindu and other rulers, used to send precious jewels, golds and silvers for the presiding deity at the fort temple as offerings, and the treasure kept piling up. Though the tales of these treasures are nothing but stories in this ruined fort now, there was a time when the sanctum sanctorum of the Kangra Fort held unimaginable riches which were offered to the large idol in the Brijeshwari temple inside the fort. Perhaps because of these treasures, this colossal fort has been attacked many times. Almost every ruler, be it an invader or a native ruler have tried to lay control over the Kangra fort.

According to the historical records, Raja of Kashmir Shreshta was the first king to attack the Kangra Fort in 470 A.D. Even Mahmud of Ghazni unleashed his forces on the fort in pursuit of its enchanting wealth around 1000 AD. It is believed that the fort has 21 treasure wells with each well being 4 m deep and 2.5 m wide in circumference. The ruler of Ghazni managed to loot 8 wells, while the British rulers looted five wells during the 1890s. It is said that the fort still retains 8 more wells full of treasures that are yet to be unearthed.

The Mughal Army led by Akbar made 52 failed attempts to capture this fort in the early 17th centuryHowever, Akbar’s son Jehangir successfully subdued the fort in 1620, forcing the submission of the Raja of Chamba, “the greatest of all the rajas in the region”.Mughal Emperor Jahangir with the help of Suraj Mal garrisoned with his troops. After Jahangir mercilessly captured the fort in1622, it was Raja Sansar Chand-II who finally succeeded in recovering the ancient fort of his ancestors from the Mughals in 1789. The Katoch Kings repeatedly looted Mughal controlled regions, weakening the Mughal control and with the decline of Mughal power, Raja Sansar Chand-II succeeded in recovering the ancient fort of his ancestors, in 1789. Maharaja Sansar Chand fought multiple battles with Gurkhas on one side and Sikh King Maharaja Ranjit Singh on the other.

A heritage site but must visit as it is well maintained, clean environment, beautiful fort and have historical value.

The most important thing I liked the most is place was not crowdy. As it is in Himachal so very few people visit the place so you don't have to wait in the que for entry or visit the fort in a line.

The song Titliyan was shot here featuring Hardy Sandhu and sargun

Very Scenic and very Clean place. Well Restored. Its Architecture is somewhat English (British) and somewhat like Lord of the Rings type castles. it has several Gates before entering the main palace and each gate has its own name. Must visit place.

If you want to see the scenic beauty of the Dhauladhar mountains range, it is good place and you should go for it but for the fort beauty, it is not as good. View is good for all directions like rivers and forests. In summer, it is hot. Suggestions to keep water and head cap

Very nice to visit. Foreigner must pay 300 rupees, Indian 20 rupees. That is expensive Nice for an afternoon walk. Very historical place. Great views of Dharamshala. Bring a hat and water, it gets very hot.

Visited Kangra Fort, and the Rs. 30 ticket was worth every penny. The fort offers spectacular views that make the experience truly memorable. The historical significance combined with the stunning surroundings creates a captivating atmosphere. A must-visit destination for history enthusiasts and nature lovers alike!

Window into our past, Grandeur and architectural prowess. ASI has done a fairly good job in maintaining it. The audio guided tour gives more depth to the whole experience. The view and surroundings are stunning. One should visit early in the morning to avoid heat of the sun. Museum at the entrance is worth a visit.

I highly recommend a light and sound show, to narrate the illustrious history of Kangra fort and it's inhabitants.

It's a Nice Place One can See Dhauladar Mountains From Here