DISTRICT KANGRA

NURPUR : Once a principality of Kangra, Nurpur is 24 km from Pathankot and 66 km from Dharamsala. Nurpur was known earlier as Dhameri. It achieved its peak during the rule of Raja Basu (1580-1613). The remains of his impressive fort can still be seen. Raja Basu's son Suraj Mal rose in rebellion against the Mughal Empreror Jehangir. After the uprising was
quelled, the town of Dhameri was renamed Nurpur after Jahangir's beautiful wife, Nur Jehan. Today, apart from the fort, the attractions of Nurpur include the Brijraj Temple dedicated to Lord krishna. There are few other old temples at Nurpur. The place is renowned for its fine pashmina shawls.

MASRUR (800 m) : Easily accessible by road from Kangra (15 km) and Dharamsala (40 km). Fifteen richly carved, monolithic, rock temples, dating back to the 8th century, are to be found at Masrur, just 15 km south of Kangra. Located on a hillock that rises above a well watered and fertile tract of considerable natural beauty - they are framed by the snow-clad peaks of Dhauldhar mountains. These shrines similar to the rock-cut temples at Ellora and Mahabalipuram, are the only monuments of this style in northern India. With rich ornamentation executed over staggering proportions, the Masrur temples brings to mind the remark that Indian temple builders "conceived like giants and had the finish of jewelers". Images of Lord Rama, Laxmana and Sita are installed in the central shrine.

MAHARANA PRATAP SAGAR : The Maharana Pratap Sagar can be approached from Pathankot via Jassur, from Chandigarh via Talwara and from Dharamsala via Dehra. The shimmering waters of the Pong Dam reservoir are clearly visible from the heights of Dharamsala. A man-made wetland over the River Beas, the lake, is the habitat of a variety of
migratory birds from Siberia and Central Asia. Over 220 species of birds have been sighted here. It is also an excellent place to go fishing for mahaseer, there are numerous spots for the angler.

BIR (2080 m) AND BILLING (2600 m) : Just 16 km from Joginder Nagar and 19 km from Baijnath, Bir is located amidst verdant fields and tea gardens. There is a large a Tibetan community and beautiful monastery here. Facing Bir is the fort of Ahju to which a trek can be made. Surrounded by an amphitheater of low hills Bir is an ideal landing ground for hang/paragliders. The road to Billing goes past Bir and climbs through thick woods. Billing, 14 km from Bir with its arena of 200 km or more for high altitude and cross country flying is an exceptional site for aero sports. An annual hang gliding festival is held at Billing.