Masroor Rock-cut Temples
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Rock-cut temples

Masroor Rock-cut Temples

Himachal Pradesh, India

From Pathankot
≈ 70 km (about 2 hrs by road)
Best time
October to April
Altitude
≈ 733 m
Good for families
Yes

About Masroor Rock-cut Temples

Discover what makes this destination special

The Masroor (Masrur) temples in Kangra district are a group of rock-cut temples in the Nagara style, carved out of a single sandstone outcrop, generally dated to the 8th century. They are protected by the Archaeological Survey of India. The complex faces a rectangular water tank in which the temples are reflected, with the Dhauladhar visible on clear days. Parts were damaged in the 1905 Kangra earthquake, but the carvings that remain are remarkable.

Highlights

  • Monolithic temples

    Carved from a single rock.

  • Reflecting tank

    Temples mirrored in the water.

  • ASI protected

    8th-century heritage.

Plan Your Visit

Essential travel information at a glance

Best Time to Visit

October to April

How to Reach

By road: about 70 km from Pathankot via Jawali or Nurpur and Nagrota Surian, around 2 hours. Nearest railway station: Nagrota Surian on the Kangra Valley Railway. Nearest airport: Kangra (Gaggal), about 40 km.

Local Food

Carry snacks; small dhabas nearby.

Stay Options

Day trip from Pathankot, or stay in Kangra/Dharamshala.

Places to see

Top attractions in Masroor Rock-cut Temples

Must-visit places in and around Masroor Rock-cut Temples.

  1. 01

    Masroor village

    Rock-cut Temple Complex

    The main monolithic temple group.

  2. 02

    At the complex

    Temple Tank

    Rectangular tank in front of the temples.

    Temple Tank
  3. 03

    At the complex

    Carved Shikharas

    Detailed carvings on the temple towers.

    Carved Shikharas

Things To Do

Experiences and activities in Masroor Rock-cut Temples

Photograph the reflections

Calm mornings are best.

Climb to the upper level

Views of the valley.

Combine with Pong Dam

Both are on the Nagrota Surian side.

Suggested Itinerary

Sample travel plans for Masroor Rock-cut Temples
  1. 1

    Morning

    Drive from Pathankot.

  2. 2

    Midday

    Explore the temples.

  3. 3

    Afternoon

    Pong Dam lake or Kangra Fort, then return.

Travel Tips

Helpful advice for visiting Masroor Rock-cut Temples

A small ASI entry fee applies.

Wear shoes with grip — steps are worn.

Visit on a clear day to see the Dhauladhar behind the temples.

Frequently Asked Questions

Common questions about visiting Masroor Rock-cut Temples
Photo credits
  • Rock-cut Temple Complex: Dhruvaeng (CC BY-SA 4.0), via Wikimedia Commons
  • Temple Tank: Akashdeep83 (CC BY-SA 3.0), via Wikimedia Commons
  • Carved Shikharas: Prakash1972 2000 (CC BY-SA 3.0), via Wikimedia Commons
  • Masroor Rock-cut Temples gallery: Prakash1972 2000 (CC BY-SA 3.0), via Wikimedia Commons
  • Masroor Rock-cut Temples gallery: Neha Sharma (CC BY-SA 4.0), via Wikimedia Commons
  • Masroor Rock-cut Temples gallery: Manish Pathak (CC BY-SA 4.0), via Wikimedia Commons
  • Masroor Rock-cut Temples gallery: Arushi Pathania (CC BY-SA 4.0), via Wikimedia Commons