Short answer: The classic Kangra Devi yatra covers Brajeshwari Devi (Kangra), Chamunda Devi, Baglamukhi (Bankhandi), Jwalamukhi and Chintpurni in about 260 km. Three days is comfortable: Kangra on day 1, Chamunda–Baglamukhi–Jwalamukhi on day 2, Chintpurni on day 3. It can be squeezed into 2 days with early starts. Avoid Navratri weekends if crowds worry you.
For many families in north India, a visit to the Devi temples of Kangra is something done every year or two: after a wedding, before a new job, or to fulfil a mannat. We are based in Kangra, our drivers grew up going to these temples, and this is the yatra we plan most often.
The five temples
1. Mata Brajeshwari Devi, Kangra In the old bazaar of Kangra town, and counted among the Shakti Peeths. Its golden spire is visible as you come into town. Very busy at Navratri and at Makar Sankranti, when the ghee festival is held.
2. Chamunda Devi On the banks of the Baner river, about 15 km from Dharamshala, with the Dhauladhar rising behind. Peaceful in the early morning.
3. Baglamukhi, Bankhandi Between Kangra and Jwalamukhi. The temple is dedicated to Maa Baglamukhi, worshipped in yellow, and many devotees come specifically for the havan.
4. Jwalamukhi The temple of the flame goddess. There is no idol; the goddess is worshipped in the natural flames that burn from the rock in the sanctum. The evening aarti is very special.
5. Mata Chintpurni Across the hills in Una district. A Shakti Peeth and one of the most visited temples in Himachal. There is a walk with steps from the parking area.
The best order
| Day | Temples | Night |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | Arrive, Brajeshwari Devi (evening aarti) | Kangra |
| 2 | Chamunda (morning) → Baglamukhi → Jwalamukhi (evening aarti) | Jwalamukhi |
| 3 | Chintpurni (morning) → drop | — |
This order avoids backtracking and puts you at Jwalamukhi for the evening. It ends near Una and Amb Andaura stations, which have direct trains to Delhi, or we drive you back to Gaggal or Pathankot.
Distances
- Gaggal Airport → Kangra: 10 km
- Kangra → Chamunda: about 25 km
- Chamunda → Baglamukhi: about 45 km
- Baglamukhi → Jwalamukhi: about 20 km
- Jwalamukhi → Chintpurni: about 35–40 km
Navratri
Chaitra (March–April) and Sharad (September–October) Navratri are the most auspicious, and the most crowded, times. Queues at Chintpurni and Jwalamukhi can run to several hours.
If you go during Navratri:
- Start very early, before dawn if you can
- Choose the first or last days, which are slightly calmer
- Book hotels weeks in advance
- Carry water, snacks and patience
Practical tips
- Dress: modest clothing; cover your head where asked
- Footwear stays outside; carry socks for cold floors in winter
- Prasad is available outside every temple
- Food: pure vegetarian thalis are everywhere on the route
- Photography is not allowed inside most sanctums
Going further
Add Naina Devi in Bilaspur for one more day, or do the full Nau Devi Yatra with Vaishno Devi, Mansa Devi, Kalika Mata and Shakumbhari Devi in a week.
Our 3-day Shakti Peeth Yatra includes hotels near the temples, vegetarian meals and a private car or Tempo Traveller for the whole family.
Quick questions
How far is Jwalamukhi from Chintpurni?
About 35 to 40 km, roughly an hour by road.
Which is the best day to visit Chintpurni?
Weekdays outside Navratri are calmest. Sundays, Navratri and the Shravan Ashtami fair are very crowded.
Can elderly people do the Kangra Devi yatra?
Yes. Most temples are close to the road. Chintpurni has the most steps from parking, so plan extra time there.
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.