Kalka Mata at Samirpur, Kathla Mata near Salol and the Tattapani hot spring on the Gaj khad all lie on the same side of Kangra, out past Gaggal and Tiara. Two temples in the morning and a long soak after make an easy day, and you are back well before dark.
Here is how the day goes, which days to pick, and what to carry.
Is Tattapani the same as Tatwani?
Yes. Both are tatta pani — hot water — and you will see this spring written both ways. It is the one on the Gaj khad near Shahpur.
It is not Tattapani on the Sutlej near Shimla, and not the Tatwani in the forest above Baijnath. Our post on the two Tatwanis explains the difference, and has more on the spring itself.
How the day goes
Morning: the two temples. Kalka Mata at Samirpur and Kathla Mata, on its clifftop near Salol, are both out along the village roads on the Salol side. Take them in whichever order the roads suit — ask us that morning and we will tell you. Go early, while it is cool.
Late morning: Tattapani. From Salol the road carries on to the Gaj khad. The spring is about 20 km from us by road, and the last part is on narrow village roads. There is a small Shiva temple at the water, and two baths: an open one for men, and a closed room for women. Many people finish with a quick dip in the cold stream alongside. Take your time over the soak.
Afternoon: back here. A late lunch, and then the pool or a long sleep, whichever the day has left you wanting.
Which days to pick, and which to avoid
- 16 March is Kathla Mata's chhinj, the wrestling fair. Come for it, or pick another day if you want the temple quiet.
- The Kalka Mata fair is once a year. In 2026 it began on 22 June. Ask us for this year's date.
- Mahashivratri brings people to Tattapani for a holy dip, and Kathla Mata is busy for Shivratri too. Expect company at both.
- Navratri fills Kathla Mata, twice a year.
- In the rains, ask us about the village roads before you set out.
What to carry
- A towel and a change of clothes
- A plastic bag for your wet things
- Slippers for around the baths, and shoes you can slip off quickly at the temples
- Water and something to eat
At the spring, take off silver jewellery before you get in, because sulphur water turns silver black. Do not use soap or shampoo in the pools — other people bathe there too.
Where to stay
The whole loop starts and ends at our gate, so there is no packing up and moving on. Rooms are ₹999 a night, or ₹1,699 with air conditioning. If you want an early start, tell us the night before and breakfast will be ready before you leave.
If the two temples are the reason you are here, there is more on staying for Kalka Mata and for Kathla Mata.