Kunal Pathri Temple

Dedicated to Goddess Shakti (Amman), this rock-cut hill temple is surrounded by lush tea gardens and pine forests in the Pat area, near Sakoh and just off Sarah Road. The temple’s unique location and spiritual ambiance make it a sought-after destination for devotees and tourists alike.

The temple is open daily, with darshan timings from 5:00 AM to 9:00 PM, though some sources mention timings from 7:00 AM to 8:00 PM.

Early mornings between 5 and 8 AM are considered the best time to visit, especially during the winter months from November to February and during the vibrant festival season.

Visitors are advised to wear modest and traditional attire, as shorts, sleeveless tops, and overly casual outfits are discouraged for both men and women. Kunal Pathri Temple offers free darshan to all devotees.

Daily aarti and archana are performed in Sanskrit and Hindi, creating a serene and devotional atmosphere. The temple comes alive during major festivals such as Chaitra Navaratri (March-April), Sharad Navaratri (September-October), and the annual local fair in March-April.

During these times, a community lunch (langar) is occasionally organized, and traditional dry prasad like mishri, dry fruits, and sweets are distributed after prayers. Reaching Kunal Pathri Temple is convenient from Dharamshala.

Pilgrims can arrive at Lower Dharamshala or Kotwali Bazaar and proceed via Sarah Road or Narghota Road by taxi, auto-rickshaw, or on foot. The approach to the temple involves a pleasant walk or drive through picturesque tea gardens.

Parking is available near the approach, though a short walk is required to reach the temple premises. While limited wheelchair accessibility is available, access to the inner shrine may be challenging for those with mobility needs.

For those traveling by train, Kangra Mandir (narrow-gauge) is the nearest station at 20 km, while Pathankot Junction (broad-gauge) is about 90 km away. Kangra Airport (Gaggal Airport) is the closest airport, located 16 km from the temple.

Accommodation options nearby include Dhauladhar Heights Resort on Tea Garden Road, Infinitea Centric Dharamshala (3–4 km away), and Hotel Bliss Valley (4–5 km away). Photography is permitted outside the main sanctum, but is prohibited inside the inner shrine and near the sacred rock.

Visitors can also explore nearby attractions such as the Dharamshala Tea Gardens (1 km), War Memorial (3.2 km), HPCA Cricket Stadium (5 km), Kotwali Bazaar (3 km), and McLeod Ganj & Tsuglagkhang Complex (11 km). For further details, the temple can be contacted at +91 98575 18587.