The historical Kangra Fort, located at Old Kangra, is 3 km from Kangra town. The view of gushing streams of Banganga and Manjhi rivulets from the fort is charming. The Kangra Fort was the seat of power of the Katoch kings. It was the ancient capital of the Katoch kingdom and the symbol of power in the Punjab hill states. The Fort of Nagarkot (Kangra Fort) stands as a mute witness to the ravages of conquerors like Mahmud of Ghazni (1009 AD) and Jehangir (1619 AD) and the disastrous earthquake of 1905.Emperor Akbar made many attempts to capture this fort but could not succeed. One can enter the fort by a narrow path. It was protected by a number of gates named after its winners like Jehangir, Ranjit Singh and the British. At the top of the fort, there was the palace of the Katoch kings. In the courtyard, there are two temples. One is of Lakshmi Narain and the other of Ambika Devi, the family goddess of the Katoch kings. The fort remained neglected during the British period but now the Archaeological Survey of India maintains it. 

How to reach: Kangra is well connected by road from all major towns. The nearest railway station is at Samela (Kangra) opposite the Fort. The nearest airport, Kangra, is 9 km from Kangra town.

Where to stay: Private hotels and guesthouses, PWD and Forest Rest houses, can be found around the area. 

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