Post a quiet sleep, walked past the bus stand and then left up into the bazaar leading up to the temple. Prantha and chai as usual but served with homemade pickles. Much better than the bottled stuff.
Continuing higher up the bazaar the stores increasing carried temple offerings, red glittery scarves, nuts, flowers and sweets. In India we have found that in most places there is a concentration of stores or businesses all selling the same thing and even temple offerings appear to be the same. I can understand one or two to given price or service variation, or product differentiation - but if you are all selling the same thing.... Does it then become about location, ie those lower in the bazaar get first view versus those higher the last minute shopper. Maybe it is just that we can't pick the differentiation.
The temple itself is very elaborate and is more a collection of temples in the one location. However between the cold marble and the crowd starting to build we decide to clear out early.
On the road we feel blessed ( though unfortunately as no result of our temple visit ) as the road is so smooth, albeit rolling valleys. Fall to a river crossing climb up out and the same again. In the distance further North is the Dhauladhar range which in the morning was deceptive as the snow caps appeared to be clouds for the main body of the mountain was hidden in the haze.
On one of the climbs we pass some holy guys with loincloths and dreadies. Then turning a corner there was this cool tunnel that had been cut through the final ridge. The tunnel looks like it has been cut by hand out of the hill, which appears like river rock, no cement and of inconsistent height more like a cave. On the far side of the tunnel there was an old temple nestled against the ridge and the tunnel entrance. Beyond which there is a great down hill section with the river below to your right. The river is insignificant in comparison to the bed and the ancient feeling canyon/valley which it has carved. They say during the monsoon the Beas river is pretty impressive.
On the way down you get a great view of an imposing fort high on the alternate hill, or so Soph later said. I missed it, concentrating on the down too much I guess. Must admit I was tailgating a motorbike at the time so my attention was elsewhere.
At the bottom across the river I talk Soph into heading up to the fort versus straight to Kangra. The hill is a killer, it is not long before we decide to jump off and push, which when you have panniers or a trailer and are wearing bike shoes is a tough decision. Further up I start to appreciate the size of the fort, but unfortunately this is diminished by the strong suspected smell of excrement. Not nice, but true. Not sure who's didn't care but we pushed harder through that section.
Once at the entrance to the fort we decide to drop down to Kangra instead of going in. Soph took one look and said " heaps of stairs " and at that moment it made the decision.
We rolled into Kangra and found the Royal hotel, straight across the road from the small meat market. Nice... Still not smelly so that is ok.
Following checkin we roam town and grab some Aloo Fritters and then some Samosas with Chana up the side street bazaar. The fruit and veg here is great. Grab a kg of mandarines for 40rup, some coconut cookies 10 rup and some just made peanut brittle cakes 20rup. Watch some cricket practice on the main oval, girls and guys all kitted out.
Back to the room so that Soph can try and work out what is going on with her camera. Appears shutter issues which is very concerning. May require a trip home for the camera.
Back out onto the streets to grab tea at 8pm which requires some different back streets as the main bazaars and NH stores have all closed up for the night. Good night out had by all.