The Masroor Rock Cut Temples

State - Himachal Pradesh

Location - 34 km from Kangra

Famous for - Amazing limestone rock cut temple complex, Mythological, Amazing architecture, photography, ancient history

Serves as - One of prime tourists spots in India, religious destination

About Masroor Rock Cut Temples

Around 34 km from Kangra in Himachal Pradesh, one comes across an amazing Hindu temple complex built during the early 8th century - The Rock Cut Temples of Masoor. Referred as Masroor Temples or even Masrur Temples; the Masroor Rock Cut Temples are a wonder in itself. This temple complex is popularly called as the Himalayan Pyramid. This archaeological site though left in ruins, yet is perched amidst scenic surroundings, with the shrine complex facing northeast, towards the magical Dhauladhar Ranges of Himalaya and the mystical Beas Valley adding to it's beauty. Being closer from Dharamshala and Kangra Valley of Himachal Pradesh, Masroor Rock Cut Temples is flocked by tourists other than pilgrims throughout the year.

There are around 15 temples in all that are been carved out of a single rock. Within the Masroor Rock Cut Temple complex is a rectangular pond, which adds charm to its existing beauty. The main shrine amidst this temple complex has the stone idols of Ram, Laxman and Sita. According to the legendary tales associated to the temple tales of Masroor Rock Cut Temples, it is said that during the exile period, Pandavas resided here for a long time. The incomplete staircase found within the temple is said to have been constructed by the Pandavas as a way to Heaven. The work was left uncompleted with a promise to finish the next day. However the news of the stairway to Heaven reached Lord Indra who got worried and foiled the plan with deceit.

Intricate carvings at Masroor Temples

The intricate carvings and the beautiful sculptures speaks high of the people who must have cut this single sandstone rock into such beautiful temple complex. The temple complex of Masroor Rock Cut Temple is in ruins, not entirely but yet many pillars and dome have developed cracks.These cracks and ruins could be a result of the powerful earthquake, Kangra Valley suffered in 1905. Yet the massive structure that is left intact speaks of it's history. For art historians, archaeologists and history lovers, this temple complex is a dream come true. For such rare and unique beauty is not just a subject to study but something to be awe of.

Intricate carvings at Masroor Temples

Travel Tip

The walk through the Masroor Rock Cut Temples is uneven, as the place is a hilly terrain. There are many uphills and slopes throughout the tour. It is advisable to wear comfortable footwear hence.

There are certain restricted areas where one should not venture.

Taking pictures of the main and restricted premises is strictly prohibited.

Please observe silence in the main temple premises.

The temple complex of Masroor Rock Cut Temples is one of the important religious shrines for Hindus and one has to respect this fact.

Follow the rules and watch for signs displayed throughout the premises.

One can hire guides to get detailed information and history of Masroor Rock Cut Temples if interested. Even the priests within the premises are helpful in describing the history and mythology related to the Masroor Rock Cut Temples.

Masroor Rock Cut Temple ruins

Details and Other Information about Masroor Rock Cut Temples

Timings for Visitors: 7:00 am to 7:00 pm

Entry Fee: There is no entry fee for visiting Maroor Rock Cut Temples

How to Reach Masroor Rock Cut Temples

Masroor Rock Cut Temples is well connected to many cities by means of local transportation. The nearest airport for Masroor Rock Cut Temples is Dharamshala which is 45 km away. Dharamshala Airport is well connected with many Indian cities. Other airports closeby include Amritsar Airport and Jammu Airport. The nearest railway station for Masroor Rock Cut Temples is Nagrota Aurian which is 10 km away.


Distance of Masroor Rock Cut Temples from Kangra - 34 km

Distance of Masroor Rock Cut Temples from Dharamshala - 43 km

Distance of Masroor Rock Cut Temples from Dharamkot - 50 km

Distance of Masroor Rock Cut Temples from Shimla - 225 km

Distance of Masroor Rock Cut Temples from Amritsar - 198 km

Distance of Masroor Rock Cut Temples from Jammu - 189 km

Distance of Masroor Rock Cut Temples from Nagrota Surian - 10 km

Kaas Pathar near Pune - Ideal Monsoon Getaway

Sources: Google

Name: Kaas Pathar / Kaas Plateau / Kas Pathar / Valley of flowers

State: Maharashtra

Location: 25 km from Satara / 125 km from Pune

Famous for: Wild floral beauty, dense forestation, scenic beauty, valleys and lake

Serves as: Ideal weekend destination, picnic spot, monsoon retreat

About Kaas Pathar

Around 25 km from Satara, one finds a beautiful valley spread over ten square km area of wild flowers (a beauty of it's own) known as Kas Pathar (Valley of flowers). Kas Pathar means Plateau of Flowers. This Kas Plateau now finds it's place in UNESCO World Natural Heritage Site. What we find here is hundreds of species of wildflowers blossoming at a specific period of time annually. And that's not all! The Kaas Plateau or Kaas Pathar located on high hill plateau is home to various different species of butterflies.

Kas Pathar is a must visit place between late July to early October. The biodiversity that one finds during this season is miraculous. The plateau is formed of basalt rock. These basalt is exposed to erosion and atmospheric changes, which allows thin layer of soil to accumulate on the rocks. Neither black nor laterite, this soil suits the floral shrubberies that grow over endlessly throughout the plateau.  Largely formed of basalt rock, this plateau has certain uneven surfaces which allows formation of small puddles. These puddles form home to beautiful marshy flora. Various shrubs, small trees, grassland, around 850 species of flowers (many of those endangered) and most of them native to this particular region along with native, beautiful butterflies is what one should expect to catch a glimpse here. Out of the 850 listed floral species, 624 species are listed to be part of red data species.

The climate overall at Kaas Pathar is cool and peaceful. What one gets to see is a large, thick carpet of flowers and grass of different colours and sizes. Kaas Pathar near Pune is a ideal visiting place for picnic lovers, trekkers and nature lovers. Being surrounded by dense forestation, this picturesque beauty is a must visit. Kaas Pathar is indeed an ideal monsoon getaway!

Best Time To Visit Kaas Pathar

Sources: Google

Kaas Pathar or Kaas Plateau can be visited throughout the year, but ideally the best time to visit Kas Pathar is from late July to early October, i.e. during monsoon, when the beauty of Kaas Pathar is at it's best. We get to enjoy the annual flowers, small puddles with it's beautiful floral marsh and dense green forestation.

What to do at Kaas Pathar

Just relax

Enjoy the picturesque view

Let the magical spell of floral vegetation enchant you.

Visit the Kaas Lake.

Enjoy the floral species - few endangered and few endemic.

Bird watching

Watch the numerous species of butterflies.

Go trekking.

Entry Fees and Timings of Kaas Pathar

Timings of Kaas Pathar: 6 am to 6 pm

On Saturdays, Sundays and during government holidays: INR 100 per person for 3 hours

Rest of the week: INR 50 per person for three hours.

Parking charges extra

Places of Interest near Kaas Pathar

Other than enjoying the scenic beauty of Kaas Pathar, one can visit Koyna Wildlife Sanctuary, Vajrai Waterfalls, Kanher Dam, Sajjangad Fort and Thoseghar Waterfalls . There are few temples too in the vicinity such as the Yevteshwar Temple and the Ghatai Devi Temple.

How to reach Kaas Pathar

Sources: Google

Reaching Kaas Pathar by road: Located around 25 km from Satara and 280 kms from Mumbai, Kaas Pathar can be visited either by motorable road via Satara or also from motorable road via Tapola.

Reaching Kaas Pathar by train: One can also visit Kaas Pathar by train from Mumbai and Pune. From Mumbai it takes 7 to 8 hours to reach Satara by train and 4 hours approximately from Pune. Once you reach Satara station, you have options of buses and auto-rickshaws. Cars can also be rented from Satara. ST buses run from Satara to Bamnoli Village at regular intervals. It takes around an hour to reach Bamnoli and charges are not more than INR 50. Koyna Express, Sahyadri Express and Mahalaxmi Express ply 7 days a week between Mumbai to Satara.

Reaching Kaas Pathar by air:  Karad airport is located 65 km from Satara. Mumbai and Pune are the other nearest airports. Then one can follow the road route or the train route mentioned above.

Where to Stay in Kaas Pathar

Accommodation options ranging from good hotels to cheap lodges are available for stay when you plan to stay overnight in and around Kaas Pathar.

Camp Koyna Riverside Eco-Resort - Around 11 km from Kaas Pathar

Motel Swagath Plaza - Around 37 km from Kaas Pathar

Hotel Radhika Palace in Satara

Hotel Radhika Palace offers comfortable accommodation along with other facilities such as free wifi zone, hot water, TV, travel help desk, laundry service, room service etc. One gets standard room in price range of INR 1200 to INR 2000.

Contact details of Hotel Radhika Palace near Kaas Pathar

Hotel Radhika Palace
New Radhika Road
Karanje
Satara
Maharashtra

Telephone number of Hotel Radhika Palace - 021632 233133

Kaas Pathar Village Resort near Kaas Pathar

Just 10 minutes away from Kaas Pathar this resort allows its visitors to enjoy and experience village life. A perfect holiday getaway, Kaas Pathar Village serves organic food other than offering best facilities.

Contact details of Kaas Pathar Village Resort

Kaas Pathar Village Resort
At Kaas - Bamnoli Village
Jawali Taluka
Satara District
Maharashtra

Telephone number of Kaas Pathar Village Resort - 08291008666

Tips to remember while visiting Kaas Pathar

1. For maintaining the sanctity and beauty of Kaas Pathar, only 3000 visitors are allowed per day to visit.

2, Please try and avoid walking on flowerbeds and plants.

3. Don't pluck flowers or any plants. Just watch and enjoy the beauty.

4. It is advisable, basically common sense to pick up litter. Don't throw plastic bottles, paper or any other litter on Kaas.

5. Don't take your vehicle inside but park it at the destined parking area. A good walk will do you good!

6. Don't consume alcohol and avoid smoking  on the Kaas Plateau.

7. No chewing gum and throwing it on Kaas. It can be harmful for pollinating bees and other small fauna.

8. Make sure you start and finish your visit by 6 am to 6 pm. Allow the wildlife it's privacy and space.

9. If you find anyone plucking flowers or littering on Kaas Pathar, be frank and try to stop him/her in kind, gentle words.

10. Please act as responsible tourist or citizen and help preserve the beauty of Kaas by following the instructions. By doing so, you are allowing this beauty to stay so for years and years to come.

Kas Pathar Online Booking

If you wish to visit Kaas Pathar, it is advisable to do Kas Pathar online booking. One just has to fill the online reservation form where you need to fill in the details  of your arrival date, contact information, number of people visiting and date of departure. This can be done from their official website, just click on Reservation and submit the details.