Kangra Valley

Backed by the Dhauladhar Range to the north, and plains of Punjab below, the Kangra Valley is an area of sweeping natural beauty. This is lower Himalayan scenery at its finest: an area carpeted in pine forests or tea estates, riddled with picturesque streams, and a vista of snow-capped peaks on the horizon. There are several choice rural lodges within the valley, each of which has a unique and isolated location; each lodge will have a tailored programme of activities at hand, while also being fine bases to relax and enjoy the surrounds. At the southern edge of the valley accommodation can also be found in the heritage village of Pragpur, a centre of tight cobblestone streets in which one finds a medley small family shops and family havelis of traditional mud walls and slate roofs. The village is famous as the home of the Kangra School of painting, and is well known as a locale for craftspeople, weavers, painters, musicians, and tailors. As well as Pragpur, other sights of interest in the area include Kangra Fort (thought to be at least 1,000 years old), verdant tea estates around Palampur, and the slow-moving but scenic Kangra Valley toy train. The valley is also becoming something of a hotspot for paragliding, should the mood take you!