One of the jewels of Himachal Pradesh, Hamirpur’s charm extends far beyond its panoramic landscapes and photogenic allure. This quaint hamlet was once an important stopover point for the pilgrims going to Kangra Valley in Himachal Pradesh. The town got its name from Raja Hamir Chand who ruled from 1700 to 1740.
From being part of the ancient Chedi Kingdom during the age of Mahabharata to witnessing the birth and death of many glorious empires during the medieval and Mughal periods, Hamirpur’s history is full of engrossing tales and legends. The Sujanpur Tihra, which was once a retreat for the Kangra rulers, is a famous historical attraction. Maharaja Sansar Chand, one of the famous Kangra rulers, turned it into his capital in the 19th century. It was also the capital of the Katoch Dynasty and home to several marvelous temples like the Murli Manohar, Narbadeshwar and Gauri Shankar.
One can also go on a short but mesmerizingly scenic excursion to Nadaun, a popular tourist attraction and a peaceful old town set on the banks of the River Beas. Popular for once being the capital of the ruler of Kangra who lost his army to the Mughal emperor Jahangir, Nadaun is now one of those dreamy destinations where you can fully embrace the pristine air of the Himalayan mountains.
Besides the ruins of a fort on a hilltop, one can visit the old temple dedicated to Lord Shiva, take a boat ride on River Beas and visit the cricket ground at Amtar, located in close proximity to Nadaun. Hamirpur is also home to several temples. The Sangmaheshwar Temple, dedicated to Lord Shiva and Goddess Parvati, sits on the bank of River Yamuna.
The divine and peaceful atmosphere of the Sangamaheshwar Temple along with the spectacular views it offers, makes it a favorite among picnickers and nature lovers.The Deotsidh Temple, also known as the Baba Balak Nath Temple, is another place of interest in Hamirpur. Other temples which are equally famous are Banke Bihari Temple, Meher Temple and Chaura Devi Temple. The 5000 year old Kalpraviksha tree, situated on the banks of the River Yamuna, is another fascinating tourist site in Hamirpur.
If your thirst for wanderlust has still not been satiated, don’t worry! The City Forest, situated at a distance of 3 km from the main town, is another panoramic gift of nature and enclave of wilderness where you’ll be greeted with showers of scenic bliss.The rich cultural spirit of Hamirpur can be experienced in its vibrant fairs and festivities, such as the Deotsidh Fair, Baba Balak Nath Fair and the Jwalamukhi Fair.