Kamlah Fort Where One Unveils The Lost Heritage

Kamlah Fort, also known as Kamlahgarh Fort, is a fascinating destination that is located in the state of Himachal Pradesh and attracts lots of tourists who are interested in history. Situated in Kamlah village in Mandi, this architectural masterpiece not only represents the historical potency of India but also spells the history in the most appealing ways. Let us take you through a brief tour and present you with the historical, architectural, and fascinating facts about Kamlah Fort.

Historical Significance Of The Kamlah Fort

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Kamlah Fort witnessed the attack of Ventura, a general of Maharaja Ranjit Singh, in the year 1840. Kamlah Fort stands at a height of 4772 ft on the Sikandar Dhar Ranges. It was built by Raja Hari Sen of Mandi in 1625 AD and was later completed by his son Raja Suraj Sen. This fort was especially used by the rulers of Mandi for defence purposes. Its doors have seen many historical events, including the invasion by Ventura, a general of Maharaja Ranjit Singh, in 1840. However, it proved invincible, though it was overpowered later on. The Mandi kings got it renovated in 1846. Situated at a strategic place with water, the fort became a very strong fort which was later named after Baba Kamlaiyah, a saint who meditated in the region. Still, his temple remains one of the major attractions inside the fort, with people, both religious and those interested in history, coming to visit it.

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Kamlah Fort: The Architectural Marvel

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Kamlah Fort is one of the finest examples of architectural chambers built by Rajputs and Mughals. The fort’s architecture was constructed with stone from the local quarries and showcased intricately carved works, arched doors and windows, and accessible balconies. These elements share the aesthetic of an artistic period and the function of the fort’s construction to intimidate any possible attackers.

The Fort has a complicated entry that has a passage leading to several sections, which are as follows –

• The private audience hall or Diwan-i-Khas,
• The public audience hall or Diwan-i-Am
• The residence of the Raja.

Every space within the fort described here tells a history of its own and gives an idea of the life inside the fort.

Exploring The Fort

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From the upper chambers of the Kamlah Fort, you can find stunning views of the nearby villages amidst greenery. Visiting Kamlah Fort is like going back in time, as it is one of the oldest places. The fort was originally spread over 350 bighas area, but now, just 110 bighas area, which is a dream trip for trekkers. There is the need to climb 1000 steps, cutting through steep and rough terrains, just to get to the top. The surface is steep, yet the view of beautiful greenery and many villages like Naun, Kathed, Chamba, Shamsherpur etc is breathtaking. Upon arriving at the upper floors, one can wander through the remaining passageways of the fort and appreciate the craftsmanship. The calmness of forts and beautiful landscapes that one can see from the top add to the robust engagement of the history and the natural landscape of Himachal Pradesh.

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Preservation And Tourism

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Kamlah Fort has been declared a protected monument by the Archaeological Survey of India (ASI) so that many such places can be preserved for future generations. Strategies have been implemented to help renovate and conserve it; thus, it has become one of the places most visited by tourists and anyone interested in history. The historical point of interest makes the place ideal for tourists and other visitors wishing to visit a historical structure and know more about the region’s heritage.

Baba Kamlahiya Temple

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Himachal Pradesh is also known as Dev Bhoomi because several gods and goddesses reside there. Himachal Pradesh is well known for its religious temples and beautiful picturesque locations in the country and the world. Mandir of Baba Kamlahiya ji is one of the most popular shrines in Dharampur tehsil of District Mandi Himachal Pradesh. The holy shrine stands inside the Kamlah Garh fort, which was once deemed impregnable. The temple of Baba Kamlahiya Ji is located at an approximate distance of 25 kilometres from Dharampur town. It is a place of worship where people from all around the area come to this worship place with their prayers. It is up at a height of approximately a thousand steps from the road that leads to the temple. Baba Kamlahiya ji grants everyone’s prayer and alleviates everyone’s suffering.

According to the mythology, the Baba was indeed one of the many disciples of the numerous disciples of Guru Gorakh Nath, and the Baba used to reside in the Dham of Amar Nath. Our baba was named ‘Kamla’ by Guru Gorakh Nath because of his quiet profile and silent meditation. He proceeded towards the hills of Kangra and selected a place on the Ashapuri hill, where he established his ashram. Later on, as the population in and around the area increased, Baba ji left Ashapuri in search of a better location to establish himself and thus moved to the Kamlagarh plateau. Since then, this place has been regarded after the saint Baba Kamlahiya ji.

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Langar Facilities

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This proposition signifies that devotees can also prepare langar at Baba Kamlahiya temple if they have sought permission from the Chairman Baba Kamlahiya committee.
Conditions:-

• The Langar will be served only at a particular place to avoid mishaps.
• Littering is prohibited.
• No plastic plates, cups, or spoons should be used to serve the guests the langar.
• Locally made plates should be used to serve langar to the maximum extent possible.
• The place should be left clean and tidy after the preparation of langar for the sake of cleanliness.
• Any violation shall attract a fine of up to Rs. 1000 or as given in any statute.

Practical Information About Kamlah Fort

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Location:
Kamlah Fort is located in Dharampur Tehsil of Mandi District in Himachal Pradesh. It is about 66 km from Joginder Nagar and 81 km from Mandi.

Timings:
Visitors are allowed entry from 7:00 am to 5:00 pm.

How To Reach

By Road: Roadways transport is available from Mandi, Dharampur, Sarkaghat, and Hamirpur by both private and public buses.

By Air: The nearest airport is in Bhuntar, about 36 kilometres from Mandi.

By Rail: The broad gauge railhead is in Pathankot, approximately 210 kms away from the site. The narrow gauge is linked from Joginder Nagar, 55 Km away from Mandi.

Further Read: Best Places To Visit In Mandi

Take a trip to Himachal Pradesh and explore The Kamlah Fort to uncover ancient Indian heritage. Kamlah Fort is definitely one of the most beautiful monuments, and its stony beauty reflects the centuries-long history of Himachal Pradesh. Owing to the historical importance of the structure, the engineering and design of the place, the daunting climb, and the ravishing view, the fort holds a wise and rewarding experience for one and all. Whether you are interested in history, you are a traveller, or you are longing to touch the history of India, the Kamlah Fort offers you the wonderful opportunity to plunge into time and heritage, all that you would not like to forget.

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Frequently Asked Questions About Kamlah Fort

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