An Overview of Himachal Pradesh district Kangra, Tourist places

 An Overview of Himachal Pradesh district Kangra [Tourist places ] Part - VII

Up Steps to Jawalamukhi temple, district Kangra Himachal Pradesh.

District Kangra which comprises  of Pir-Panjal  mountain ranges , Dhauladhar mountain ranges , Kangra Shivalik hills , Kangra Valley  and Beas river basin  is having diversity in its geographical landscapes .

 View of Snow cladded Dhauladhar mountain ranges.

The district is having varying altitude ranging from 427 metres above mean sea level to 6401 metres  above mean sea level .Due to this varying altitude and located in escarpment of Himalayas the district has diverse climate .

The landscapes of the district extend from low foot hills to high wet temperature zone through mid hill humid zone .

Pir - Panjal ranges receive huge snowfall in winter , forming high wet temperature hilly  zone . The month July to September receive more than 70 percent of rain fall 

Due to this climate diversity summer are hot in lower valleys but the climate is very charming in hilly areas . This climate diversity  creates a mesmerizing effect in the nature thus great attractions to nature lovers and tourists .

View of Dhauladhar mountain ranges.

Jawalamukhi Mata temple :-

View of Jawala ji temple district Kangra 

As Himachal Pradesh is Dev Bhoomi , it is abode of God and different goddesses . Temples here are centres of faith from ancient times . People from the various parts of the country and abroad always come to seek blessings in  these holy temples .

Here in Kangra there are  numbers of temples which give peace and prosperity to the devotees . Also Kangra is known for its nature and it's tourist places .

In this article we are taking a very very famous temple which is one of 51 Shakti Peeths , the name is Mata Jawala  temple .  

This is the only temple where no idol of Mata Jawala ji is present.

Here Mata  ( Goddess ) is present in the form of Flame  called Jawala . The nine flames  continuously burning from ancient times . 

Maa  is present in Flame Form

The 9 flames burning from mountain continuously from centuries 

It is worshiped in the flame form .  Nine flames are representing nine forms of Goddess Durga .

Shehnshah Akbar came to know about this , he tried to put off these flames by putting a iron sheet [Tawa ] over it but the flames came out by tearing the iron sheet  , then Shahenshah ordered to divert a water canal over the flames . When the water canal is made to flow over the flames then the flames continued burning over the water .

Chhatr offered by Shahenshah Akbar 

When Shahenshah Akbar faild in  putting off these flames then he understood that this is not an ordinary flames it is some power . He came barefooted to offer golden  Chhatr to Maa Jawala ji weighing 1.25 Mn  ( about 19 kg weight ) but Maa Jawala ji did not accepted it and it turned to another unknown metal . This Chhatr is still kept there in the temple . Finally Shahenshah Akbar bowed his head before  Maa Jawala ji and returned to Delhi .

Presently the temple is under government trust .Lacs of pilgrims used to visit and seek blessings of Maa Jawala ji every year and specially in Navratra a huge crowds is experienced  in the temple . It is  believed that tongue of Mata Satti  had fallen on this spot . It is a famous temple situated in North India in Himachal Pradesh .

The Jawalamukhi Mata temple is situated in Jawalamukhi  town in district Kangra Himachal Pradesh at an elevation of about 610 metres above mean sea level. The Jawalamukhi Mata temple is about 201 Km from Chandigarh airport and  40Km from Gagal airport which is also known as Kangra airport or Dharamshala airport .

It is about 12Km from Nadaun 

and about 55 km from Dharamshala on Hamirpur Kangra Dharamshala road . From Pathankot Jawalamukhi Temple is about 110 km and from Chandigarh it is about 192 Km . The temple has good all weather road connectivity and luxury buses , private taxi services , Himachal Pradesh Road Transport [ HRTC ] and buses from Punjab Roadways and Haryana Roadways are regularly plying to Jawalamukhi .  The Dehra Gopipur the Sub divisional headquarters is about 11Km from Jawalamukhi Mata temple on Jawalamukhi Dehra Chintpurni Una road .

For staying  there are  private hotels  , Himachal Pradesh tourism  has also good hotel in the town . Temple trust has already has Yatri Nivas for staying of pilgrims .

All around the temple you can enjoy the beauty of  nature  

Jawalamukhi Mata temple 

This temple was initially built  by Raja Bhumi Chand . It is  said that Pandvas had also built this temple  .Later on Maharaja Sansar Chand and in 1835 Maharaja Ranjit Singh had also done some work of Jawala ji temple .  Nepal Naresh has offered a Ghanti which is also kept there in the temple . From centuries Rajas , Maharajas used to get blessings of Maa Jawala ji. 

  In the history the Bhagat Dhayanu was a great devotee of Mata Jawala ji and Mata Brajeshwari Kangra  who offered his head to Mata when Adi Shakti didn't appeared to give life to his horse cut by Shehnshah Akbar at Delhi to test the power of Adi Shakti Mata Durga. On offering his life by Bhagat Dhayanu Adi Shakti appeared and gave life to both Dhayanu Bhagat and his horse  . This was the miracle of Adi Shakti .

Presently trust is managing the temple and providing facilities to the devotees .

Enchanting Village Chalal Near Kasol in Parvati Valley Himachal Pradesh

 Enchanting Village Chalal Near to Kasol in Parvati Valley Himachal Pradesh :-

View from Kasol 

The Enchanting Village Chalal is located near to Kasol which is about 3 Km before famous religious place Manikaran is a home to Isareli visitors.

Enchanting Chalal 

The village is so called, "Mini Israel of Himachal Pradesh " because high number of Israeli visitors and other foreigners  consider Kasol and Chalal as their home .

View along Parvati river  beautiful Chalal 

Following a kacha path from Kasol market to steel truss bridge  ,just crossing the bridge, left side trail leads to Chalal village and on the right side down steps to Geothermal springs at Kasol .

Panoramic view from Chalal

Hardly 20 minutes trek about 2 km from Kasol through sky touching Deodar trees will lead you to the enchanting Village Chalal in Parvati valley of Kullu district in Himachal Pradesh .

As Kasol always remains fully crowded with youths backpackers and trekkers as a base camp to Tosh village and Kheerganga Geothermal springs  so peace loving visitors do not like to stay here where as Chalal is a very peaceful and beautiful place for peace and nature lovers . 

Beauty from Chalal

The Chalal village has  home stays , small cafes and here you can enjoy Israeli style foods this village is cheaper than Kasol thus comes in every one's budget . You can enjoy the panoramic views of mountains from this  Mini Israel of India .One must visit Chalal .

Warmth Of Manikaran, district Kullu Himachal Pradesh

 Warmth Of Manikaran:-

Manikaran 

A Famous tourist place and religious pilgrimage of Sanatan and Sikh culture is situated about 35 Km from Bhuntar on Bhuntar Manikaran road at an elevation of about 1760 metres above mean sea level in between Beas and Parvati rivers in Parvati valley .

Hot water springs Bath Pool 

It is believed that Lord Shiva and Mata Parvati had done austerity in this valley for 1100 years because of peace and beauty of this valley. Once when Mata Parvati was taking bath in the river at this place , the Mani of her ear ring lost . On searching by Ganas of Lord Shiva, they couldn't find it  ,then Lord Shiva opened his third eye and created Goddess Naina Devi , she told that the Mani is with Sheshnag in paitaal lok . 

Lord Shiva Temple 

On request Sheshnag returned the Mani and with his hissing the springs of hot water came out of earth. Thus a temple of Goddess Shree Naina Devi ji is also established here .

Goddess Shree Naina Devi ji Temple 

So this valley is dedicated to Mata Parvati and the name of this place named on Manik of her ear ring "Manikaran."

Gurudwara sahib at Manikaran 

Kirtan Hall Gurudwara 

It is also believed that Guru Nanak Dev Ji had also done austerity at this place and had done various miracles at this spot .Thus the Gurudwara at Manikaran is dedicated to Guru Nanak Dev Ji. Guru Gobind Singh ji had also come to this place .

View of Gurudwara at Manikaran 

Raghunath temple at Manikaran 

Raghunath temple  at Manikaran is also historic one as this temple was built by Raja Jagat Singh ji in 1650 AD  and in the year 1651 the idol of Raghunath was brought from Ayodhya  thus Raja Jagat Singh was recovered from illness after the establishing the idol of Raghunath in the temple .

Bhagwan Shri Ram Temple at Manikaran 

So Manikaran is offering warmth to the world , Indian citizen as well as foreigners used to feel the warmth of Geothermal springs here at Manikaran .

At Manikaran 

Great rush can be seen in this holy pilgrimage throughout the year .

View at Manikaran 

Hot water springs also called Geothermal springs are naturally occurring springs of hot water springs emerged due to heated ground water 

The heat produced is either due to magma with in the earth 's crust or due to the movement of fault in the crust and the waters are known to have healing properties with meneral contents .

River Parvati at Manikaran 

View at Manikaran 

Parvati valley is known for its hot water springs at Manikaran , Kheerganga and Kasol , the warmth and magic of which you can experience in Parvati valley ! Manikaran is also One of the very few places in India to have live hot springs , you can explore the blend of science .

Hot water springs emerged near Lord Shiva temple 

Here at Manikaran you can feel warmth both religions and natural with Geothermal springs .

Warmth Of Kasol, a small village in district Kullu Himachal Pradesh

 Warmth Of Kasol  :- 

View of Kasol , Parvati valley

According to the Puranas," He goes to the hills ,goes to his mother , the loving , nourishing, bounteous mother."

Beautiful Kasol we I with my son Dheeraj Verma ,  daughter in law Anita Verma , granddaughter Dhriti Verma and grandson Samar Verma reached Kasol to feel the warmth of Geothermal springs at Kasol . Ram Kumar assisted us to go to these hot water spring at Kasol . We all felt good at hot water spring and have gratitude to sh Ram Kumar Jija of my daughter in law .

Geothermal Spring at Kasol 

A hot water spring also called as Geothermal spring is a naturally occurring  spring of water that emerged due to heated ground water. 

The heat produced is either due to magma with in the earth 's crust or through the movement of fault in the crust and the waters are known to have healing properties with the high minerals content . 

View of Geothermal springs at Kasol 

Parvati valley is known for its hot- springs Manikaran , Kheer Ganaga and Kasol , the warmth and magic of which you can experience in this valley !

Kasol is one of the  very few places in India to have live hot springs . You can explore the blend of science 

The village Kasol is situated on Bhuntar Manikaran road at a distance of about 30 Km from Bhuntar in district Kullu on the left bank of Parvati river at an altitude of about 1580 metres above mean sea level in Parvati valley .

Parvati valley  and Parvati river view 

On the right bank of river Parvati here at Kasol about 200 metres from market just crossing the steel truss foot bridge and getting down the steps  you will find Geothermal springs , tourists enjoying the hot water near river bed comming out from foot hills and cool water flowing in the river . 

Hadimba Devi Temple at Manali , Himachal Pradesh

 Hadimba Devi Temple at Manali district Kullu Himachal Pradesh :- 

Hadimba Mata Mandir 

Hadimba Devi Temple is situated in Manali town in  district Kullu Himachal Pradesh  at an altitude of about 3360 metres above mean sea level . It is also called Dungaree Temple because it is just  near to the Dhungari Van Vihar at Manali .

View of Hadimba Devi Temple 

The temple is about 42.5 Km from Kullu and about 2.5 Km from Mall Road Manali . It is connected with road facilities and steps are also there to reach alternatively . 

Another beautiful View of Hadimba Devi Temple 

The Location of the temple is very beautiful among the tall trees of Deodar . This temple is dedicated to Hadimba Mata  whose context we find in Mahabharata as wife of Bheema  " The  great Gadadhar. " 

Manali  under snow 

The temple is built up in Pagoda style architecture . As per inscription in the temple it is constructed in 1553 AD by Raja Bahadur Singh . In side the temple the idols are established in a cave .

Du ghari Van Vihar Entrance Gate Manali Adjoining to Hadimba Devi Temple 

On the day of Makar Sankranti on 14th. January 2023 the temple  roof was covered with snow and was looking very beautiful . On this day huge crowds  were seeking the blessings of Mata Hadimba inspite of heavy snow . Tourists from all parts of the country as well foreigners also visit this holy temple . 

Another View of Hadimba Devi Temple Before Snow.

Manali Under fresh Snowfall , Nature 's Beauty , Himachal Pradesh

 Manali under Fresh Snowfall :- 

Beautiful View from Aleo Manali.

How Manali Looks Under Snow :- 

How Manali , the Kashmir of Himachal Pradesh looks under snow fall , it is the question in the mind of nature lovers . I tell you Manali is known for its climate , lush green conifer forests , Beas river flowing near the town and natural beauty of the valley . Dear readers Manali is as much beautiful in Winter as in Summer . 

Another beautiful View of Manali under snow 

In summer the Manali feasts your eyes with lush green mountains and officers you with cool climate . The high altitudes near like Rohtang and surrounding views you can enjoy the scenic beauty and snow claded mountain peaks . Also in winter when Manali receives snow fall  it looks beautiful covered with white sheet .

View of Manali From Conifer View Hotel 

On 13 th. January 2023  it was  a cloudy day , when we entered in Kullu district it was raining lightly and it was a cold day . Just 4 Km before Manali during traveling  small  cotton balls were dropping from the sky , my daughter in law , my granddaughter and grandson asked eagerly  ," Dada what is that coming from sky  ." My  son Dheeraj Verma was driving the car ,  I and my son  have experience of snow because I have served as Assistant Engineer in Kinnaur Moorang Sub division and my son has completed his Matriculation from senior secondary school Moorang district Kinnaur .

View of Manali under snow 

My answer to the kids was , it is that miracle , you have come to see . The snow in Manali .

All excited and shouted with joy , snow - snow .

The Mall Manali 

During night the snow fall  became more dense and in  morning the Manali we saw today  is covered with white sheet of Snow . Traffic became jammed . During  day on 14/01/2023.

Snow cladded View of Hadimba Mata temple at Manali .

 Hadimba Mata Temple Manali  received snow  inspite of difficult walk huge crowd is experienced on 14 th January .

When Manali receives snow then the roads become slippery , for pedestrians it become difficult to walk .

View near Hadimba Mata Mandir.

On 14 th January though the climate remained fair but the road to Solang Nallah  , Atal Tunnel was  blocked with heavy snow and tourists couldn't  enjoy these places .

But the charm of snow for the tourists is exciting one as it is season 's first snowfall  .

Mini Punjab of Himachal Pradesh

 Balh Valley , The Mini Punjab of Himachal Pradesh  :-  

Balh Valley near Nerchowk 

Balh Valley situated in district Mandi Himachal Pradesh lies between Shivalik hills and foot hills of Karsog valley at an elevation of 800 metres above mean sea level .

View of Green Fields in Balh valley .

The Suketi Khad flows in between the green fields of wheat , all kinds of Vegetables . The area is plain like Punjab and very fertile  . Water table is high like Punjab .

The valley extends  from Mandi  to Sundernagar . This mini Punjab supports a lot towards economy of the state . 

Chandigarh Mandi Manali  four lane National Highway passes through Balh valley. The area is very beautiful between both side hills .

Why it is called Mini Punjab of Himachal Pradesh?

It is called Mini Punjab because it looks plain like Punja with a water table like Punjab , Ratti and Suketi streams flowing in between The open canal from Baggi to Sunder Nagar carrying Beas river water to Dehar Power Plant is also flows through this valley . The landscapes is worth for shooting film scenes . 

An Overview of Himachal Pradesh district Kangra Part - VI

 An Overview of Himachal Pradesh Part  - VI , Economy of the district Kangra 

View of cricket stadium at Dharamshala district Kangra.

In this part we will cover the economy  and related activities in the district .

Economy of Kangra district :- 

The economy of district  Kangra is mainly based on Agriculture and farming . The tea gardening also playing an important role in the economy of district Kangra .  Kangra tea is world wide famous for its aroma , colour and taste . 

The areas of Baijnath and Palampur are surrounded with lush green tea gardens  , playing important role in economy of the district .

Some small industrial establishments like potato Chips units , construction materials units , water packaging units  and tea processing units also contribute to the economy of the district .

As district Kangra, the entire valley is located in Shivalik and Dhauladhar ranges , its entire landscapes are gifted with scenic beauty  by nature and thus having unlimited attractions to tourists . So Tourism also play a major role in the economy of the district .

View of Bir Billing Paragliding Site .

Bir Billing is an international centre for paragliding and aero sports  . 

View of cricket stadium Dharamshala district Kangra Himachal Pradesh.

Cricket stadium Dharamshala is also known for international cricket matches , thus  contributes a lot to the economy of the district as well country .

Hydropower projects on rivers and lakes formed from dams also contribute towards economy of the district . Such as Pong Dam , Gaj Baner and  Binwa Hydal Power Projects  are contributing to the economy of the district as well as state .

The Himachal Pradesh is called  Dev Bhoomi due to the numbers of temples here in Himachal Pradesh. Kangra is a district which is having history of temples. People used to visit these temples for offering prayers , so temple Tourism is also an important part of the economy .

Horticulture is also a major part which contributes towards economy of the district .

Agriculture :- 

View of Mustard and Wheat fields in Kangra 

The economy of the district mainly based on Agriculture.

Kangra district has considerable soil diversity , crop pattern , physiographic and land use pattern .

Considering diversity district has five situation zones . These zones are 1.Pir-Panjal , 2.Dhauladhar , 3. Kangra Shivalik hill 4. Kangra valley and 5.  Beas river basin .

Organic Farming in Kangra Himachal Pradesh.

Dhauladhar and Pir-Panjal ranges receive high snow fall in winter .Mid hill sub humid areas ranging from Baijnath , Deol , Bandla , Palampur , Nagri , Jia , Khaniara , Groh  , Dharamshala  . This area is adjacent to western Himalya 

In this region Wheat , paddy , potato, Maize  are the major crops. The soil of this region is acidic in nature .

Valley area of the district includes  Palam , Kangra and Nurpur . In this part the main crops are Wheat , Paddy , Potatoes , Millets , Sugarcane and Vegetables .

View of Paddy Fields in district Kangra Himachal Pradesh 

The Kangra Shivalik hills  includes the Pragpur area and Beas basin covers the entire area on sides of river Beas .

The major crops in this part are Wheat , Paddy , Maize  , Pulses , Oil seeds and all kinds of Vegetables .

Horticulture :- 

Horticulture is also play an important role in the economy of the district .

Mid hill sub humid areas Baijnath , Palampur ,Bandla , Groh Dharamshala etc have stone fruit horticulture produce as major horticulture crop .

Valley area of the district Kangra which includes Palam Kangra and Nurpur has citrus fruits , Litchi and Mangos as the major horticulture crop .

Beas river basin and Shivalik foot hills of Pragpur areas are having  citrus fruits , Litchi and Mangos as major horticulture crops .

Tea Plantation :- 

View of Tea Garden 

The mid hill sub humid areas of Palampur , Baijnath are having tea gardens and also contribute towards economy of the district . Kangra tea is world wide famous for its aroma, colour and taste .

View of Tea Plantation in district Kangra Himachal Pradesh 

Fishery Activity :- 

Fishery Activity is also contributing towards the rural economy of the district Kangra .Pong Dam reservoir is playing an important role in fish production in district Kangra . Department of Fisheries is  managing the hatchery , production and sales . Cooperative societies of fishermen  functioning under the department of Fisheries .

In addition to this Maharana Pratap reservoir fishery department has launched various schemes for fish production for local streams and  natural sources to generate self-employment in the district .