Nurpur Fort

The Nurpur Fort, located on the route from Pathankot to Dharamsala, is not on any tourist’s itinerary. The impressive fort stands on a hillock just off the main highway, but is only visited by locals, that too, for a temple within the fort premises. The name of the fort comes from the town, which was once called Dhameri. Its name was changed to Nurpur when the empress Nur Jahan visited, and was enamored by the place! The fort must have been once the stronghold of the Katochs, and then the Mughals, but today, it is in use as various government offices and a primary school! The Brij Raj Swami Mandir inside the fort was once the royal court. Once the king visited Chittorgarh and brought home the idol of Krishna once worshipped by Meera. He converted his court into a temple for the lord, and decorated the entire temple with paintings, depicting the various leelas of Lord Krishna. Some of these paintings are still there, a testament to the erstwhile beauty of the temple, but a part of it has been whitewashed, a clear sign of its state today. Outside are more impressive structures―the queen’s quarters, an old well, and ancient temple―with amazingly beautiful and detailed sculptures. Sadly, only the base of the temple stands today! The fort is a must-visit for heritage enthusiasts.
Information:
Nurpur is 28 km from Pathankot and 60 km from Dharamsala.

How to reach: Pathankot is the nearest city, and is well connected to the rest of the country by the railways. Nurpur Road is a small railway station on the Kangra Valley railway, between Pathankot and Dharamsala. The nearest airport is at Gaggal (Kangra/Dharamsala) 45 km away.

Where to stay:
The best options for accommodation would be at Pathankot and Dharamsala, both of which cater to all budgets.