Nurpur Fort and Brij Raj Swami Temple: A Hidden Gem Near Palampur

Chanced upon the Nurpur Fort and an ancient Krishna Temple on way to Palampur

Saurabh Tankha

It is not every day that you stumble upon a hidden jewel like Nurpur Fort while heading for a quiet holiday in the hills. But that is exactly what happened to me on a road trip from Pathankot to Palampur—a scenic uphill journey of about 120 km.

Barely 25 kilometres into the drive along National Highway 154 (Mandi–Pathankot Road), we noticed a fort-like structure, almost hidden behind dense foliage and tall trees. It looked deserted, mysterious, and inviting enough to make us take a detour.

Discovering Nurpur: A Forgotten Heritage Site

Curiosity got the better of us, and we veered off the highway to explore this lesser-known destination. Nurpur—formerly known as Dhameri—is steeped in history and culture.

The town derives its name from Mughal empress Noor Jahan, who is believed to have visited the region. Nestled along the banks of the Jabbar River, Nurpur Fort was built nearly 900 years ago by the Pathania Rajputs.

Brij Raj Swami Temple: A Rare Krishna Shrine

What makes this fort truly special is the presence of the ancient Brij Raj Swami Temple within its complex—one of the rare temples dedicated to Krishna and his beloved Meera.

The temple houses a stunning black stone idol of Lord Krishna, believed to have been brought from Rajasthan during the reign of Raja Jagat Singh in the early 17th century.

The Legend Behind the Idol

Legend has it that Raja Jagat Singh visited Chittorgarh between 1619 and 1623 along with his priest. During their stay, they were awakened one night by the sound of devotional singing and dancing from a nearby temple.

When they entered, they witnessed a divine vision—a woman immersed in devotion before the deity. Interpreting this as a spiritual sign, the priest advised the king to request the idol of Krishna from the ruler of Chittorgarh upon departure.

The request was granted, and thus the idol found its way to Nurpur, where it continues to be worshipped. The temple walls are adorned with exquisite paintings depicting scenes from Krishna’s life.

Ruins That Tell a Story

The grandeur of Nurpur Fort was significantly damaged during the 1905 Kangra earthquake, leaving behind hauntingly beautiful ruins.

Today, parts of the fort house a government school—Rajkiya Varishth Madhyamik Vidyalaya—while the rest of the परिसर is scattered with remnants that whisper tales of a glorious past.

Walking through the ruins, one can almost feel the echoes of history in every stone.

Why Visit Nurpur Fort?

• A hidden offbeat destination in Himachal Pradesh
• Unique blend of history, mythology, and architecture
• Peaceful escape away from crowded tourist spots
• Ideal stopover on the Pathankot–Palampur route

How to Reach Nurpur Fort

Road Travel:

• 24 km from Pathankot
• 90 km from Palampur

Rail Journey:

• Nearest broad gauge station: Pathankot
• Nearest narrow gauge station: Nagrota Bagwan

Fly by Plane:

• Nearest airport: Kangra Airport (approx. 50 km away)

A Serendipitous Discovery

Sometimes, the best travel experiences are unplanned. Nurpur Fort and the Brij Raj Swami Temple stand as a reminder that India is full of hidden treasures waiting to be discovered—often just a turn away from the main road. So, if you are travelling to Palampur, take that detour—you might just uncover a story etched