Kangra Sightseeing - Nagar Kot Fort

Nagar Kot is actually the old name for Kangra. Once one of the wealthiest places in India, it was repeatedly plundered by Mughal Emperors like Mahmud Ghazni who took away wealth to the tune of Rs. 7,00,0000 in those days just in coins. The fort is on a rock in old Kangra, overlooking the entire valley. It was built at the confluence of the Banganga and Manjhi streams. These serve as a natural moat for the fort. You wll be able to see very little of the forts former grandeur as it is in ruins, but it is still interesting because of the way in which it was built and the history that surrounds it. The huge wooden gates or Darwazas are another archaeological point of interest in the construction of the fort. The Ranjit Singh Darwaza is flanked by ramparts, from here steps lead to the Jehangiri Darwaza and that leads to a foliage covered plateau which hid the mosque where Jehangir worshipped. There is still a mehrab, an arch almost obliterated by greenery. Near it there are half formed structures that are too dilapidated to let one know what they actually were. Now, according to locals, the place is overrun with leopards. Beyond the mehrab is the Andheri Darwaza. All these doors were significant because of the security they provided the fort. Finally you will reach the Darshini Darwaza, one of the oldest structures that is still standing. This leads to a charming stone paved courtyard around the boundaries which are built the royal chambers. The Nagarkot Fort is also interesting because of the various religious structures each ruler built according to his place of worship. Of these are beautifully carved temples and simplistic Jain shrines. There is a Sheesh Mahal or mirror studded room at the very top of the fort although there aren’t any mirrors left to see now. There is also a huge terrace and watchtower which offer you a view that only marginally compares to the stunning one that must have been when the fort was at its peak. The fort was finally given away to the Sikhs. But even in its dilapidated state, this old monarch of Kangra gives you something to take away with you.