Nagarkot Fort And The Masroor Rock Cut Temple full history || Himachal Pradesh ||

The Masroor Rock Cut Temple, also known as Masrur Temple, is an ancient temple located in the Kangra district of the Indian state of Himachal Pradesh. It is known for its stunning rock-cut architecture and intricate carvings.

The history of the Masroor Rock Cut Temple dates back to the 8th century AD, during the reign of the Katoch dynasty. It is believed that the temple was built by a local king, who was inspired by the famous rock-cut temples of Ellora and Ajanta in Maharashtra.

The temple is dedicated to Lord Shiva and consists of a group of 15 rock-cut temples, all carved out of a single rock. The main temple is a four-faced shivlinga, which is considered to be one of the finest examples of Indian rock-cut architecture. The other temples are dedicated to various Hindu deities such as Lord Vishnu, Goddess Durga, and Lord Ganesha.

The Masroor Rock Cut Temple remained a place of worship for several centuries until it was abandoned in the 14th century due to unknown reasons. The temple complex was rediscovered by British archaeologist Alexander Cunningham in 1875.

Over the years, the Masroor Rock Cut Temple has undergone significant damage due to natural calamities and human activities. In recent years, the Indian government has taken several measures to restore and preserve this ancient temple, including a UNESCO project to conserve the site.

Today, the Masroor Rock Cut Temple is considered to be an important archaeological site and a popular tourist attraction. Visitors from all over the world come to admire its unique rock-cut architecture and learn about its rich history  

Guide in setp by step trourists 

here's a step-by-step guide for tourists visiting the Masroor Rock Cut Temple:

1. Getting there: The temple is located in the Kangra district of Himachal Pradesh, about 40 km from the town of Dharamshala. The nearest airport is the Gaggal Airport in Dharamshala, and the nearest railway station is in Pathankot, Punjab. From there, you can hire a taxi or take a bus to Masroor.

2. Entrance fees: There is a small entrance fee to visit the temple complex. Make sure to carry cash with you as credit/debit card facilities may not be available.

3. Dress code: Visitors are expected to dress modestly and remove their shoes before entering the temple complex.

4. Exploring the temple complex: The temple complex consists of 15 rock-cut temples, all carved out of a single rock. The main temple is dedicated to Lord Shiva and is a four-faced shivlinga. The other temples are dedicated to various Hindu deities such as Lord Vishnu, Goddess Durga, and Lord Ganesha. You can explore the complex on foot and admire the intricate carvings and rock-cut architecture.

5. Photography: Photography is allowed inside the temple complex, but you may need to pay an additional fee for it. Make sure to ask for permission before taking photographs of the temple and its surroundings.

6. Time to visit: The best time to visit Masroor Rock Cut Temple is between March and June when the weather is pleasant. Avoid visiting during the monsoon season (July to September) as the region experiences heavy rainfall, which may make it difficult to explore the temple complex.

7. Local food: You can try local Himachali cuisine at the nearby restaurants and dhabas. Some of the popular dishes include Dham, a traditional feast, Siddu, a steamed bread, and Madra, a spicy vegetable curry.

8. Accommodation: There are a few guesthouses and hotels near the temple complex where you can stay overnight. Alternatively, you can also stay in Dharamshala or nearby towns and cities.

9. Nearby attractions: There are several other attractions near Masroor Rock Cut Temple, including the Kangra Fort, McLeod Ganj, and the Dalai Lama Temple. You can plan a day trip to explore these places as well.

I hope this guide helps you plan your visit to Masroor Rock Cut Temple 

Nagarkot Fort full history

Nagarkot Fort, also known as Kangra Fort, is an ancient fort located in the Kangra district of the Indian state of Himachal Pradesh. It is one of the largest forts in the Himalayas and is known for its stunning architecture and rich history.

The history of Nagarkot Fort dates back to the ancient period, around the 4th century BC, when it was a small stronghold of the Katoch dynasty. Over the centuries, the fort was expanded and improved by various rulers, including the Mughals, the Sikhs, and the British.

During the medieval period, Nagarkot Fort was a key center of power in the region and was coveted by many rulers. In the 16th century, it was captured by the Mughal emperor Akbar, who used it as a base to launch attacks on neighboring kingdoms. Later, it was captured by the Sikh ruler Maharaja Ranjit Singh in the 19th century, who used it to consolidate his power in the region.

In 1846, the fort was taken over by the British after the Anglo-Sikh War. The British used it as a garrison and made several modifications to the fort, including the construction of barracks, hospitals, and other structures.

The fort's strategic location and imposing architecture made it a target for many invaders over the centuries. It was destroyed and rebuilt several times, most notably in the 1905 Kangra earthquake, which caused significant damage to the fort.

Today, Nagarkot Fort is a popular tourist attraction and a symbol of the rich cultural heritage of Himachal Pradesh. Visitors can explore the fort's massive walls, gates, and temples and enjoy panoramic views of the surrounding hills and valleys. The fort also houses several museums that showcase the history and culture of the region.

In recent years, the Indian government has taken several measures to preserve and restore Nagarkot Fort, including a UNESCO project to conserve the site. The fort is a testament to the resilience of the people of Himachal Pradesh and their commitment to preserving their cultural heritage 

Guide in setp by step trourists

 here's a step-by-step guide for tourists visiting Nagarkot Fort:

1. Getting there: The fort is located in the Kangra district of Himachal Pradesh, about 20 km from the town of Dharamshala. The nearest airport is the Gaggal Airport in Dharamshala, and the nearest railway station is in Pathankot, Punjab. From there, you can hire a taxi or take a bus to Nagarkot.

2. Entrance fees: There is a small entrance fee to visit the fort. Make sure to carry cash with you as credit/debit card facilities may not be available.

3. Dress code: Visitors are expected to dress modestly and wear comfortable shoes as the fort requires a lot of walking.

4. Exploring the fort: The fort is a massive structure and can take several hours to explore. You can start by visiting the various gates, walls, and temples, including the Kareri Lake, the Kangra Art Museum, and the Maharaja Sansar Chand Katoch Museum. The fort also offers panoramic views of the surrounding hills and valleys.

5. Photography: Photography is allowed inside the fort, but you may need to pay an additional fee for it. Make sure to ask for permission before taking photographs of the fort and its surroundings.