Short answer: Kangra Fort (20 km from Dharamshala) and the eighth-century Masroor rock-cut temples (about 40 km) make an excellent day trip. Visit the fort in the morning, Brajeshwari Devi temple in Kangra town at midday, and Masroor in the late afternoon light. Allow 6–7 hours with a private car.
Most people drive straight past Kangra on the way from the airport to Dharamshala. They are missing two of the most remarkable places in Himachal, both within an hour of town and both usually uncrowded.
Kangra Fort
The fort of the Katoch kings stands on a cliff above the meeting of the Banganga and Patal Ganga rivers, just outside Kangra town. It is huge: a series of gates, ramparts and ruined temples climbing up the ridge, with views over the whole valley.
The Katoch dynasty is among the oldest royal lines in India, and the fort was fought over for centuries by the Mughals, the Sikhs and the British. The 1905 Kangra earthquake brought down much of it. What remains is still deeply atmospheric.
Tips:
- Allow around 2 hours
- Wear good shoes; there are many steps
- The Maharaja Sansar Chand Museum at the entrance is worth a look
- Morning light is best for photos
Brajeshwari Devi temple
On the way back through Kangra town, stop at Mata Brajeshwari Devi, a Shakti Peeth in the old bazaar. The lanes around it are full of prasad and brass shops.
Masroor rock-cut temples
About 35 km from Kangra, on a quiet ridge, is one of the rarest monuments in north India: a group of temples carved out of a single sandstone ridge, not built from blocks. They date to around the eighth century and face a still pond that reflects the Dhauladhar on a clear day.
Earthquakes have damaged them, but the carving and scale are astonishing. Climb the stairs inside to the roof for views across the valley. Few tourists come, so you may have it almost to yourself.
Tips:
- Late afternoon light is beautiful on the stone
- There is a small ASI entry fee
- Carry water; there is little nearby
The day plan
| Time | Stop |
|---|---|
| 9:00 | Leave Dharamshala |
| 9:45 | Kangra Fort and museum |
| 12:00 | Brajeshwari Devi, lunch in Kangra town |
| 14:00 | Drive to Masroor (about 1 hour) |
| 15:00 | Masroor temples |
| 16:30 | Back towards Dharamshala via Gaggal |
| 18:00 | Dharamshala |
You can add the Kangra Valley toy-train station at Kangra Mandir for a short ride if the timetable suits.
Getting around
Book a local sightseeing taxi for the day. Your driver will know the shortcuts between Kangra and Masroor through the village roads.
Quick questions
What are the Kangra Fort timings?
The fort is generally open from morning to evening every day. Check current timings at the gate, as they can change with the season.
Why are the Masroor temples famous?
They are monolithic temples carved from a single sandstone ridge in about the eighth century, rare in north India, and are often compared to Ellora.
Written by the team at Ankush Travels, a tour and taxi company in Kangra, Himachal Pradesh. We run these routes every week. Spotted something out of date? Tell us on WhatsApp.