Welcome to Hamirpur in Himachal Pradesh. This town is like a special storybook filled with old forts, peaceful temples, and amazing nature. Hamirpur has a fascinating history linked to the Katoch rulers of Kangra.
Suggested Read : 15 Best Places to Visit in Chamba Valley
A long time ago, Raja Hamir Chand, one of these rulers, built a fort that started the town. Later, Raja Sansar Chand made Sujanpur Tihra the main place during his rule. Old forts and palaces in Sujanpur Tihra and Nadaun show how important Hamirpur was in the past.
Table of Contents
Things changed when Maharaja Ranjit Singh’s Sikhs took over, but after the British won a war in 1846, Hamirpur became part of their empire. After India became independent, in 1972, Hamirpur became its own district in Himachal Pradesh.
Suggested Read : Best Places to Visit in Bilaspur Himachal Pradesh
Hamirpur is known for its low hills, thick pine forests, fertile valleys, and the winding River Beas. People also grow really good mangoes there. It is also called the “Land of the Brave” because the soldiers from this area have done a lot for the country. The town of Hamirpur, easy to reach from nearby places, is the main spot for the district and has a mix of interesting history and beautiful nature.
Suggested Read : Best Places to Visit in Dalhousie Himachal Pradesh
Let’s go on an adventure to discover the best places in Hamirpur. Get ready for a journey where you will step into the past and experience the calming vibes of spiritual places. Hamirpur is waiting for you with its interesting history and stunning landscapes. let’s explore together.
Places to Visit in Hamirpur
Let’s take a quick look at some of the best places to visit in Hamirpur, perfect for anyone looking for a nice and interesting trip.
Sujanpur Tihra Fort
Sujanpur Tihra, one of the best places to visit in Hamirpur, is situated on the left side of the River Beas, serving as a peaceful getaway for the rulers of Kangra. In the early 19th century, Maharaja Sansar Chand, a well-known Katoch ruler, decided to make this small town his capital. The heart of the town features a wide meadow called Chaugan, where residents celebrate festivals, fairs, and other public events.
During Maharaja Sansar Chand’s time, with his support, palaces and temples were constructed. Sujanpur became famous for the Kangra school of miniature paintings, which evolved into a center of artistic excellence. Notable landmarks in Sujanpur include the remains of a palace on a hilltop, along with temples like Narvadeshwar, Mahadev, Vyasheshwar, Gauri Shankar, Murli Manohar, and Krishna temple. The wall paintings on some of these temples showcase the incredible talent of the artists.
A peaceful testament to the town’s history is the tomb of Nawab Ghulam Mohammad, one of the tourist places near Hamirpur, Himachal Pradesh. Despite its historical significance, Sujanpur maintains a tranquil atmosphere. Easily accessible, it is just 25 km away from Hamirpur.
Nadaun
Nadaun, renowned among the places to visit in Hamirpur, is a cool and beautiful spot overlooking the Beas River. It served as a vacation spot for the Katoch kings of Kangra. The saying ‘Aaye Nadaun, Jaaye Kaun,’ meaning once people come to Nadaun, they don’t want to leave, is famously attributed to Bulleh Shah, a Sufi poet who loved the place.
Suggested Read : 13 Best Places to Visit in Manali Himachal Pradesh
In the 17th century, there was a big battle at Nadaun called the Battle of Nadaun. Guru Gobind Singh, the 10th Guru of the Sikhs, along with other hill kings, fought and won against a Mughal general named Alif Khan. To remember this, Maharaja Ranjit Singh later built a Gurudwara at the same spot where the Guru had set up his tent. Now, it is a special place for people to visit.
Nadaun, one of the exciting places to visit in Hamirpur, you will find an old fort atop a hill, built by the Katoch rulers, and a Shiva temple that draws many daily visitors. If you’re in Nadaun, there are a bunch of fun activities to enjoy, such as taking a boat ride on the Beas River, soaking in the view from a large bridge, trying your hand at game fishing, and experiencing white water rafting between Nadaun and Dehra.
Suggested Read : 12 Best Tourist Places to Visit in Spiti Valley
Additionally, sports enthusiasts can head to the cricket ground at Amtar near Nadaun for a game or to watch cricket matches. Nadaun is not too far from Hamirpur, just 28 km away. And if you travel on the same road, you will reach the temple town of Jwalaji, which is only 14 km from Nadaun. So, Nadaun offers a mix of history, spirituality, and exciting activities for everyone.
Baba Balak Nath Temple, Deotsidh
On a hill in Deoth Sidh, one of the revered places to visit in Hamirpur, there is a special cave shrine dedicated to Baba Balak Nath. Many people visit it, especially in March/April each year. This spot has been sacred for a long time because a young sage lit a flame there about 500 years ago, which people believe holds the ‘light of truth.’
Suggested Read : 17 Best Tourist Places To Visit In Mandi Himachal Pradesh
For Thanksgiving, those who visit offer a sweetened bread called Rota at the altar. Inside the cave, there is a special area where women can make their offerings and ask for blessings. Baba Balak Nath’s cave is not too far. It is 44 km from Hamirpur, 60 km from Bilaspur, and 64 km from Una. People from these places and nearby areas come to visit, showing their faith and gratitude at this special pilgrimage spot.
Gasota Mahadev Temple
Close to Hamirpur, there is a Shiva temple that is been around for about 500 years. The story goes that a farmer while plowing his field, found a big stone that turned out to be a Shiva Lingam. Since the Lingam was too heavy to move, a temple was built right there. The temple is surrounded by small streams on both sides, making it even more beautiful.
Every May, there is a fair at the temple where people trade cattle. Devotees come here throughout the year to offer prayers. To accommodate visitors from far away, an inn has been built nearby.
If you are on the Hamirpur-Jahu road, you will find this temple just 8 km from Hamirpur. It is not just a place of worship but also a spot where people come together for fairs and celebrations.
Conclusion
To sum it up, exploring the tourist places in Hamirpur has been amazing. Learning about the old forts, peaceful temples, and the special stories of places like Nadaun and Sujanpur Tihra was really interesting. Hamirpur is like a mix of history, nature, and cool traditions. Personally, I loved discovering the stories of places like Baba Balak Nath’s cave. It is not just a town. It is a collection of cool stories and nice places to check out. If you are ever looking for a place with a lot of history and charm, Hamirpur is a great choice.
Frequently Asked Questions About best places to visit in Hamirpur
-
Q. What is Hamirpur famous for?
Hamirpur is a district in the Indian state of Himachal Pradesh. It is primarily known for its educational institutions, including the National Institute of Technology (NIT) Hamirpur, which is one of the prominent engineering colleges in the region.
-
Q. Is Hamirpur a hill station?
No, Hamirpur is not typically considered a hill station. It is a district in the state of Himachal Pradesh, India, and while it is situated in the hilly terrain of the Himalayan region, it is not primarily known or designated as a hill station.
-
Q. Is there snowfall in Hamirpur?
Hamirpur in Himachal Pradesh does not usually experience heavy snowfall. While the region may witness some snowfall during the winter months, it is not as significant as in other parts of Himachal Pradesh known for heavier snowfall. The climate in Hamirpur is generally more moderate compared to the higher-altitude areas in the state.
-
Q. Which is the famous temple in Hamirpur?
One of the famous temples in Hamirpur is the Baba Balak Nath Temple, dedicated to the Hindu deity Baba Balak Nath.
-
Q. Which is the famous festival of Hamirpur Himachal Pradesh?
One of the famous festivals in Hamirpur, Himachal Pradesh, is the Sair Festival.
-
Q. Sujanpur tourist places
Sujanpur in Himachal Pradesh is known for its historical and cultural attractions. Some tourist places in Sujanpur include:
Nadaun: Famous for the Pong Dam, a picturesque reservoir.
Bil-Kaleshwar Mahadev Temple: An ancient temple dedicated to Lord Shiva.
Sujanpur Fort: Built by Raja Abhaya Chand, offering scenic views of the surrounding landscape.
Shah Talai: Known for the unique architecture of its temples and the annual Holi fair.
Narbadeshwar Temple: A revered shrine dedicated to Lord Shiva.
Panj Teerth: A sacred site with five ponds, considered auspicious for a holy dip.
-
Q. Places to visit near Nadaun
Near Nadaun in Himachal Pradesh, you can explore several interesting places. Some of them include:
Pong Dam: A beautiful reservoir with scenic surroundings, offering opportunities for bird watching and water activities.
Masroor Rock Cut Temple: Famous for its monolithic rock-cut architecture and intricate carvings.
Baba Balak Nath Temple (Deotsidh): A significant pilgrimage site dedicated to Baba Balak Nath, attracting devotees.
Kangra Fort: A historic fort located in the nearby Kangra district, known for its grandeur and historical significance.
Chintpurni Temple: A revered Hindu temple dedicated to Goddess Chintpurni, located in the Una district.