The Kangra Fort was built by the Katoch dynasty, which traces its origins to the ancient Trigarta Kingdom, mentioned in the Mahabharta epic. It is the largest fort in the Himalayas and probably the oldest dated fort in India.
The fort stands on a steep rock in Purana Kangra (also known as Old Kangra) just 2 km from the kangra town and is built strategically at the "sangam" confluence of Banganga and Patal Ganga river (also known as the Majhi river). The fort is spread over a large area from both sides by a 4 km long outer circuit. Whole of the Fort is guarded by high rampant parts and massive walls of black stones.
The fort stands on a steep rock in Purana Kangra (also known as Old Kangra) just 2 km from the kangra town and is built strategically at the "sangam" confluence of Banganga and Patal Ganga river (also known as the Majhi river). The fort is spread over a large area from both sides by a 4 km long outer circuit. Whole of the Fort is guarded by high rampant parts and massive walls of black stones.
The climb leads through seven Darwazas. Access to the fort is gained from the Ranjit Singh Darwaza which leads to the Jahangiri Darwaza through the Ahni and Amiri Darwazas. From the Jahangiri Darwaza, a path leads to the next darwaza known as the Andheri Darwaza. | |
From Andheri darwaza, the path divides itself into two. The one leading to the left reaches the Darshani Darwaza, which can be described as the gateway to the most interesting part of the fort. The gate is considered one of the oldest structures in the fort and opens up into a spacious courtyard around which a number of chambers are built. |
One climbs up slowly through cobbled path and glides through the corridors of history so as to reach the courtyard. At a little distance from the Darshini darwaza a staircase leads to Lakshmi Narayan, Ambika Devi Temple and Shitala Mata Temple which are considered as valuable monuments located in the courtyard of Kangra fort. |
The fort remained neglected during the British period but now the Archaeological department maintains it. The Fort is still an attraction to the tourists and the pilgrims visiting Kangra.
A small shop opposite to the main gate is the guide office for the fort from where one can rent out an audio guide, which catalogs in detail the numbered areas of the fort and tells its history in great detail.
A small shop opposite to the main gate is the guide office for the fort from where one can rent out an audio guide, which catalogs in detail the numbered areas of the fort and tells its history in great detail.