Bathu Ki Ladi Temple

Bathu Ki Ladi Temple (बाथू की लड़ी मंदिर), also known as Bathu Temples, is a unique cluster of ancient Hindu temples in the Kangra district of Himachal Pradesh. These temples are famous for being submerged underwater for about 8 months of the year in the Maharana Pratap Sagar (Pong Dam reservoir) and only become accessible when the water level recedes.

Why it’s special

• The temples (a group of 6–8 structures, including a main one dedicated to Lord Shiva and Goddess Parvati) are built in the traditional Nagara style of architecture using local “Bathu” stone.
• They remain mostly underwater due to the Pong Dam (built in the early 1970s), but emerge between roughly March to June (peak visibility often in May–June).
• Legends link them to the Pandavas (from the Mahabharata era), who are said to have built them while attempting to create a stairway to heaven. Other stories date them to the 8th–9th century or earlier (possibly Katoch dynasty period).
• The name “Bathu Ki Ladi” means “chain of Bathu temples,” referring to how they are arranged like a string or chain.

Location

• Near Jawali town in Kangra district, Himachal Pradesh.
• About 3 km from Dhameta village, close to the Pong Dam reservoir.
• Distance references: ~60–67 km from Dharamshala/Kangra, ~80 km from Pathankot, ~242 km from Chandigarh.

How to reach

• By road: Drive or take a taxi/bus to Jawali or Dhameta. From there, a rough road or short approach leads toward the site.
• By boat: During low-water months, you can take a boat ride from Dhameta, Nagrota Surian, or nearby points on the reservoir. When water is very low, parts may even be reachable by road/track.
• Nearest airport: Gaggal (Kangra) Airport or Pathankot.
• By Train: Nearest railway station Jawali, take a train from Pathankot to Jawali station (Narrow Gauge)

Best time to visit: March–June (especially May–June) when the temples are visible and accessible. The rest of the year, they are fully or mostly submerged.