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DISTRICT KANGRA
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.
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DISTRICT BILASPUR
DISTRICT BILASPUR
BAHADURPUR (1980 m) : Close to the town of Bilaspur (40 km), Bahadurpur range towers over lesser hills of the area. A small forest of deodar and Himalayan oak that spreads over it considerably enhances its beauty. The crest offers panoramic view and the Ratanpur Fort, Swarghat, the Fatehpur Fort, Naina Devi, the plains near Ropar and even the Shimla hills can be seen from here. The Bahadurpur Hill is crowned by the remains of a circular fort which was built by Raja Keshab Chand in the 17th century.
SWARAGHAT (1220 m) : Swarghat is 40 km from Bilaspur on Chandigarh - Bilaspur road and 22 km from Nalagarh. It is surrounded by low rolling hills that are draped by forests of Pine. An attractive picnic spot, it forms an interesting excursion. The shrine of Naina Devi and the Bhakra Dam are approachable from here. The link road for Nalaragh and Pinjore turns off from the National highway at Swarghat.
KOT KEHLUR : The square structure of the fortress of Kot Kehlur is 3 km from Ganguwal, close to boundary with Punjab this impressive fort, over 30 m high, has effectively withstood the ravages of time, it is said to have been built by Raja Bir Chand. Legend has it that at the site of the fort, a goat stayed off an attack by a lion to protect its new-born kid. This was taken as an auspicious sign and the fort was constructed at the site of the struggle.
GOBIND SAGAR (520 m) : In 1963, the the world's highest gravity dam, the Bhakra, was dedicated to the nation. Its huge reservoir, the Gobind Sagar Lake, on the river Sutlej, extending for 90 km upto the town of Bilaspur covers an area of some 170 sq km. Its clear waters hold a variety of fish and its banks are a draw for hopeful anglers. A large range of avian life can be seen in the lake. The Gobind Sagar lake is also emerging as a major site for boating and water sports and a wide range of facilities and training courses are available. Every winter, the Mountaineering Institute holds a festival of water sports here.
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DISTRICT SIRMAUR
DISTRICT SIRMAUR
RAJGARH (2169 m) : Just 30 km from Solan Rajgarh blessed with considerable natural beauty, is an unspoilt retreat set amidst Apple orchards. Its entry into the tourist circuit is relatively recent. A rest house and eating places made it convenient for a holiday.
SHILLAI : Approachable by road from Paonta Sahib and Sataun and surrounded by woods, Shillai lies close to the river Tons. It is closely allied with the worship of local deities Shirgul and Gugga and is an important centre of folk culture. A trek to the 3647 m peak of Choor Chandni also called the Churdhar, loosely translated as the 'mountain of the silver bangle', can be made from here via Haripur Dhar. A trek to Chakrata in Uttaranchal is also possible from Shillai.
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Interesting Information about Leh
Interesting Information about Leh, Kashmir
Ladakhi toilets - they are exactly as they have been for centuries !. A hole in the floor (in palaces, monasteries etc) act as a toilet and loose mud to be thrown to the pit after the act (no water !).
Chortens is a place where ashes of important people are buried.
Prayer wheels are to be rotated in clockwise direction. Prayer wheels contains written mantra and rotating the wheel means reciting the mantra. Prayer wheels are common in Leh and is of different sizes.
Mane walls are long walls with stones inscribed with mantra. walking on the mane walls and taking the mane stones as a souvenir are considered as a sacrilege.
Fluttering prayer flags are a common site in Leh. Prayer flags are of different colours with prayers and pictures on them.
Leh has an airport and regular flights connects it to Chandigarh and Delhi.
Sheena is a language spoken in Kargil & Leh.
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