Kotla Fort

Himachal Pradesh, India

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Kotla Fort is an 16th‑century hill fort in Kotla town on the Pathankot–Dharamshala road in Kangra district, Himachal Pradesh, built around 1540 CE by Raja Ram Chand of the Guler kingdom and later coming under Sansar Chand of Kangra, Maharaja Ranjit Singh, and finally the British after 1846.

The fort stands at about 650 m altitude on a huge rock, overlooking deep valleys, and was originally part of a strategic ring of seven hill forts; its architecture follows the Kangra‑fort style with thick walls, high watchtowers, and 15 maze‑like corridors. The approach is through dense pine forests, and the main entrance is marked by a Bagulamukhi (Baglamukhi) temple believed by some legends to have origins in the Pandava period, while inside there is a small Ganesh temple with a distinctive rounded Bengal‑style roof and wall paintings and carvings on the outer walls.

Today the fort is partially ruined but restored and maintained by the Shaheed/Bihar circle of the Archaeological Survey of India, and it is open to visitors from about 7 AM to 5 PM, making it a scenic heritage spot with valley views, arches, and remnants of old paintings, ideal for a short trip from Dharamshala or Pathankot, preferably in pre‑ or post‑monsoon seasons.