Hamirpur

Hamirpur

This is another area situated at lower elevation and comparatively warmer but has some hilly ranges covered with Pine forests. These hills can be developed for trekking and camping during winter months. This district was made in 1972 by carving it out from the Kangra district. It is well connected by roads from all sides and thus can be promoted as a tourist destination by developing some historical and religious places. At present the known attractions are Deot-Sidh, Temple of Sujanpur Tihra and Nadaun. Hamirpur town is the Headquarter of this District, which lies on Shimla-Dharamshala road.

A view of Sujanpur Fort

General information

Area: 1118 sq. km

Population: 4.12 lakh

Clothing: Cotton clothes in Summer and light woollen in winter.

Language Hindi, Punjabi, English are understood and spoken by the people engaged in tourism trade.

Approach

Rail: The nearest broad gauge railway station is Una and nearest narrow gauge railway station is Ranital (Pathankot-Joginder Nagar railway line) and is connected by regular bus service.

Road: Hamirpur is approachable by road from Shimla, Chandigarh and Pathankot.

• Distances from Hamirpur

  Places to visit	Km
  Awa Devi	25
  Deotsidh temple	45
  Nadaun	27
  Sujanpur Tihra	24
  Kangra	75
  Una	82

Deotsidh Temple

The cave temple of Baba Balak Nath is thronged by devotees all the year round. It is situated on the Dhaulgiri hills on the border of Bilaspur and Hamirpur (40 Kms from Bilaspur and 45 Kms from Hamirpur) and is well connected by roads from all sides. During Navratras, there is a continuous stream of visitors to receive blessings of the Baba and Government makes arrangements for stay in tented colonies and provides water, toilets and other essential services. Additional accommodation and installation of rope way to Shahtalai is expected to attract more tourists. Shahtalai associated with legends of the saint is about 5 km from Deotsidh. En-route Deotsidh, one can enjoy pleasing sights of Bhakra Dam as well as of Shri Naina Devi temple complex. Nangal, the gateway to Bhakra dam is about 100 km from Hamirpur.

Deotsidh Temple Complex

24 km from Hamirpur town and close to the district border of Kangra is the fort of Sujanpur. This place was the capital of Katoch Dynasty and the old fort is worth visiting. Popularly known alongwith its twin title 'Tira', this fort was built by Raja Abhaya Chand of Kangra in 1758. In the early 19th century this was the home of the famous Raja Sansar Chand - renownded patron of the Kangra school of miniature paintings. The fort has a Barahdari Hall', where Sansar Chand used to hold court, some shrines and excellent wall paintings.

Remanants of Sujanpur Fort

There is a huge ground, where the annual Holi fair is held for 3-4 days, besides being used for sport activities. A Sainik school is also located here. It is also a religious centre. Narbadeshwar, Gauri Shankar and Murli Manohar are the three well known temples in the town. By the waters of the river Beas, the town has a charming setting and the river stretch offers good angling opportunities. This place is suitable for other adventure sports as well, such as angling, rafting and trekking.

Sujanpur Ground