Nangal
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Nangal is a town 60 km from Rupnagar in the state of Punjab in northwest India. It sits at the foot of the Shiwalik Hills and is surrounded by beautiful hills, the Satluj River and canals. It is an important center for tourists.
Description
The town was named Nanga when it acquired the land of the villages of Nangal Nikku, Hambewal and Dubheta. It gained in importance with the starting of construction of the Bhakra Dam on the Satluj River in November 1955. Now it is a flourishing township attracting tourists due to the mighty multi-purpose Bhakra Project which includes, apart from Bhakra Dam, the Nangal Dam, Nangal Hydel Channel, and the Ganguwal and Kotla Power Houses.
The town is divided into two parts: Nangal Township and Naya Nangal Township. Naya Nangal serves mainly as a fertilizer complex of National Fertilizers Limited (NFL), a public sector undertaking of the Government of India. The Nangal Fertilizer and Heavy Water Factory located here started production in 1961 and is the single largest consumer of electricity from the Bhakra Power House.
Attractions
Overlooking Nangal is the Gurudwara Bhabour Sahib, a Sikh place of worship. This Gurudwara, located 5 km from Nangal, presents a majestic view. Guru Gobind Singh is said to have mediated at this spot. 1008 Swami Sevanand Giri Maharaj Ashram and Prachin Temple are also here.
Located 4 km from Nangal Township is a temple of Shiva, known as 'Shiv Ashram' situated on the outskirts of the village Mojowal on the Nangal-Bhallan road. This Ashram was founded by Swami Giangiri who first lived in a small hut near the bank of the Satluj River. There is a free Ayurvedic dispensary as well as a dental clinic in the Ashram. Fairs are held on Maha Shivratri, Nirjale Ekadashi Vyas Puja every year.
There is a dharamshala known as Shri Balbahadur Mal Kuthiala Dharamshala situated on the bank of the Satluj River which freely allows visitors. Inside the dharamshala there is a temple of Lakshmi Narain which is run by the Sanatan Dharam Sabha, Nangal Township.
Accommadations
Suitable facilities have been provided in various rest houses for the boarding and lodging of visitors. Punjab Tourism Development Corporation runs a Tourist Bungalow known as Kadamba.