Una on the Swan River

Una lies on the banks of the Swan River, a tributary of the Sutlej River. When looking for a hotel, it helps to distinguish between the town and the district: the riverside location refers to the town of Una, while several religious sites and attractions lie in the surrounding area or elsewhere in the district. So first consider whether your trip is focused mainly on the town of Una or on specific destinations in the region.

Riverside location and travel to Una

Una district is the only district in Himachal Pradesh with a broad-gauge rail connection to the town of Una. The railway station is called UNA HIMACHAL and is about 1.5 km from the Una bus station. Check current train connections before setting off. The riverside location and the two transport hubs offer different points of reference: the Swan River describes the town’s geographical location, while the railway station and bus station play a role in planning your journey.

Religious sites in the surrounding area

Dharamshala Mahanta is about 62 km from Una and close to the sacred site of the goddess Chintpurni. The Matha, a priory, was founded during the reign of the Mughal emperor Akbar by Baba Nakodar Dass, an ascetic hermit. Baba Nakodar Dass attached particular importance to the worship of Vishnu. Dharamshala Mahanta is also known for its murals and wall paintings. The place thus combines religious history with a distinctive artistic character.

Another nearby destination is the shrine of Pir Nigaha in the village of Basoli, about 8 km from Una. The shrine includes a cave carved out of solid rock. The two places are therefore quite distinct: Dharamshala Mahanta is a Matha with murals, while Pir Nigaha is a shrine with a rock cave. Both are in the Una area, not on the riverside in the town itself.

Culture and festivals in Una district

Descendants of Baba Kaladhari still live in the fort in Una district. The mausoleum of Bedi Sahib Singh has a golden dome and overlooks the valley. Alongside the religious sites, these two places offer further insights into the region’s history and architecture.

Dera Baba Rudru is in the village of Nari on the Una–Amb road, near the village of Basal. It was founded by Baba Rudranand, a celibate hermit. An Akhand Dhoona was established there in 1850 and has been burning continuously ever since. A large festival is held every year on Kushokpatini Amavasya; a special gathering also takes place on every Sankranti.

A festival is also held on Shivratri at the Dhyunsar Mahadev Temple in the village of Bahi, near Talmehra in the Bangana tehsil of Una district. During the festival, the Shiva lingam is bathed in milk and buttermilk in the presence of a large crowd, while those gathered chant “Om Namah Shivaye.” The dates of the Chintpurni festival may also be important when planning your trip: it takes place three times a year, in Chet (March–April), Sawan (July–August) and Asanj (September–October).

The Chintpurni festival, locally known as Mata Da Mela, is held in the village of Chintpurni on a spur of the ridge of the same name, near the temple of the goddess Bhagwati Chhinmastaka. According to tradition, the goddess is said to have appeared there in astral form in ancient times. If you would like to plan your trip around a festival, check the exact dates before setting off.

Decide on this priority before comparing hotels. The town and district share the same name, but the destinations mentioned are in different locations.

Discover more destinations: Mairi, Mubarikpur.

Go to the main travel overview: Una.