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Aghanjar Mahadev Temple

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Aghanjar Mahadev Temple is a beautiful temple near to Dharmasala, which is located at Khaniyara village. Surrounded by mountains and forests, the place attracts a lot of tourists too apart from the pilgrims. It is believed that Arjuna, one among the Pandava brothers of Mahabharata was once on his way to Kailash Mountains and Lord Shiva appeared to him at the spot of Aghanjar Mahadev Temple and blessed him to have victory over the Kauravas. Aghanjar Mahadev Temple is about 5 km from Dharamshala at the foothills of Dhauladhar. The construction of this Shiva Temple is very unique and goes well with the illustrious scenic beauty of the place. There is a small waterfall also behind the temple with water flowing continuously around the temple. This temple is estimated to be about 500 years old. The cool breeze, peace, and serenity around the temple give a heavenly ambience to the devotees here. Another major attraction near to the temple is the Norbulingka Monastery at Sidhpur. The temple...

Dharamkot – a Hippie village in Himachal Pradesh

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Dharamkot is a little hippie village in the Himalayas. It’s near Dharamshala and McLeodganj – the famous Buddhist destinations in Himachal Pradesh, India. While Dharamshala and McLeodganj have become extremely crowded because they are popular summer travel destinations, fortunately, Dharamkot has managed to maintain its quaint charm. This little  Yoga village  is ideal for a few days’ time off from the real world. Or even months.. if you’re lucky enough to take time off work for that long. Dharamkot is the perfect base for multiple hikes in the Himalayas such as Triund, Illaqua, Indrahar Pass, etc. It is just an overnight bus ride away from the famous backpackers’ hot spot – Kasol. My first visit to this village was back in 2008 and I kept going back for more. If you’re looking for a relaxed vacation that doesn’t involve hiking or walking around, then Dharamkot is NOT the place for you.   This village doesn’t have any roads, except...

Kharota

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Kharota is a Village in Fatehpur Tehsil in Kangra District of Himachal Pradesh State, India. It is located 47 KM towards west from District head quarters Dharamsala. 189 KM from State capital Shimla  Kharota is surrounded by Sulah Tehsil towards East , Nagrota Surian Tehsil towards East , Indora Tehsil towards west , Nurpur Tehsil towards North .  Pathankot , Mukerian , Talwara , Dasua are the near by Cities to Kharota.  I had visited there with one of my cousin. The way to kharota is not simple I Mean one had to go through a lot of turns it's not NH road. We went there in our own car but we didn't able to reach our destination by are own we had to take help from alot of people in our way about the direction. And we were in Himachal Pradesh people were so helpful to us that we can't discribe in words. We had really very very nice time there because that place is full of beauty and peacefulness. One can easily feel relaxed there under any hard time. The chilling cold wi...

Gyuto monastery

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Gyuto  Monastery    The number of monasteries present in India are unaccountable but we could surely state, for a fact, that every tourism destinations, mainly the Himalayan belt will definitely have an aesthetic monastery in its tour chart. The Himachal Pradesh Tourism does not serve it short in this department when it comes to Dharamshala. You will find many beautiful and historical religious buildings here, including the famous Gyuto Monastery. The region of Dharamshala is renowned throughout the world as the seat of Tibetan religious preaching. After fleeing from the Chinese grip, his holiness Lord Dalai Lama the 14th, Tsuglag Khang rallied his Tibetan mass of disciples and followers through the mountainous route of the Himalayas and found the safe haven in the serene environment of Macleod Ganj in Dharamshala. Since then, many years have passed and it is now the administrative center for Cultural & International Relations of Tibet. The famous Gyuto Monastery ...

Baijnath Temple

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I am fascinated by the mythological narratives related with the ancient cities & heritage, especially of my faith Hinduism.  Although, I am more of a spiritual person who most often is a bit lazy about the faith related rituals in my daily life, I am constantly wanting to know about the various narratives of our gods & goddesses; I find that Hinduism has very nicely emphasised many great teachings on humanity, environment and life, through the mythlogical narratives of the various gods & goddesses that are worshipped & revered. One of my favourite Gods (yes I say favourite as I feel a connection to him) is Lord Shiva. I make it a point to visit temples or places related to the mythology of Lord Shiva whenever I’m travelling to a destination (i.e. if it is supposed to have one). Some months back, I visited Palampur in Himachal Pradesh, India on an invite by   Himachal Heritage Village  for a  long weekend getaway  and amidst many wonderful exper...

Kunal pathri temple

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Kunal pathri temple is  located in the beautiful Dhauladhar ranges in Kangra district, amid dense tea gardens and lush surroundings. The Kunal Pathari is only a few kilometers away from Dharamshala and a walk from Kotwali Bazaar will lead you to the rock temple of the local goddess. Since the temple is located near revitalizing tea gardens, the tourists can enjoy a good view of the Dhauladhar range, where they will be greeted by refreshing winds. This is a perfect place for a nature walk and photography and to get the blessings of the mother goddess. In the temple there is stone which remains always wet. The temple is easily accessible by walk. We had visited in February and it wasn't crowded . According to local belief, the moment it starts drying, it rains.The load to Kunal Pathri passes through forests and tea gardens, occasionaly allowing glimpses of wildlife ranging from rabbit to agile leopards. Kunal Pathri is an ideal location to have a secluded stay amidst scenic b...

Shree Vajreshwari Mata Mandir

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The Shree Vajreshwari Mata Mandir also known as Kangra Devi Mandir is a Hindu temple dedicated to the goddess Vajreshvari, a form of Durga located in the town Kangra, in Himachal Pradesh. The  temple is taken care of by the government of India. I have visited this temple last month and trust me it was really very beautiful and interesting one. As we enter the main gate there  was a Nagarkhana or drum house and is built similar to the Bassein fort entrance. The temple is also surrounded by a stone wall like a fort. Inside the main area Goddess Vajreshvari is present in the form of Pindi. The temple also have a small temple of Bhairav. In front of the main temple an idol of Dhayanu Bhagat is also present.  There is blanner placed at the  main entrance of the temple on which whole story about the epitome  placed inside the temple is written in hindi language,  that after Goddess Sati sacrificed herself in the honor of Lord Shi...