Masroor Rock-Cut Temples

The Masroor temples were cut from a single ridge of sandstone around the eighth century, carved from the top down and out of the living rock rather than built, in the nagara style, a technique used at Ellora and Mahabalipuram but almost nowhere else in the Himalaya. Fifteen shrines cluster around a central temple, their shikharas, doorways and figures worked in place, and the whole group was left unfinished. A tank in front reflects them, with the Dhauladhar range behind on clear days. An earthquake in 1905 damaged much of the carving, and weathering has worn the soft stone considerably.

The main sights

• The monolithic shrines - fifteen temples cut from one rock ridge.
• The unfinished work - carving abandoned partway across the group.
• The reflecting tank - water in front giving the classic view.
• The Dhauladhar backdrop - the range behind on clear days.

When to go

March to June and September to November; morning light and a still tank give the reflection. The monsoon is heavy here. The site is quiet with few visitors on weekdays.

Good to know

Earthquake damage and weathering have worn much of the sculpture. The site is a long detour from the Kangra circuit with no facilities. Signage is limited.

Nearby

Kangra Fort lies northeast; Dharamshala is north.