Dharamshala is perched on
the high slopes in the upper reaches of Kangra Valley. The town is
divided into two distinct and widely separated sections, Upper and Lower
Dharamsala, which differ almost a thousand metres in height.
Dharamshala, where the Dalai Lama has settled in exile, is a
marvelous Tibetan township where an entire cultural tradition is being
nurtured. It is a centre that attracts scholars, pilgrims and
tourists.
The snow line is perhaps more easily accessible at
Dharamshala than at any other hill resort and it is possible to trek to snow
point after an early morning's start. Dharamshala is a busy bazaar town and
has established itself as the travellers base camp, who come to explore the
nearby mountains. The Kotwali Bazaar provides the entire colour and
characteristic of a small town, which is mixed with the simple life style.
The colourful temple and Gompas, which reflect the culture of
Tibet, adds attraction for the visitor. The Kangra museum gives an overview
of the rich past of the region and on the other hand there are institutes
that have been established to preserve the Tibetan art, cultures and
traditions.
History of Dharamshala
Dharamshala popularly known as the Scotland of India, is
one of the 80 hill stations established by the British between 1815 and 1847
and has one of the most spectacular settings for a hill station is closest
to the perennial snow-line and is built along a spur of the Dhaula Dhar
range. Dharamsala is surrounded by deodar forests and provides a superb view
of the great granite mountains that almost cover the town.
| » Major Attractions of Dharamshala |
|
Mcleod
Ganj : A number of residential buildings, restaurants, antique and curio
shops, together with famous Tibetan institutions have lent importance to
McLeod Ganj. The Budha temple is situated opposite to the present abode of
His Holiness, the Dalai Lama and is worth a visit.
The Tibetan
Institute of performing Arts(TIPA) is 1km. walk from McLeod Ganj and
preserves a number of musical dance and theatrical traditions of Tibet.
There is also a Tibetan handicraft centre situated at McLeod Ganj and a
Sunday market is organized at about 10 minutes walk from here.
St.John's Church : The church of St. John's in the
wilderness lies on a motorable road between McLeod Ganj and Forsythe Ganj
8kms. from Lower Dharamshala. It has a monument of Lord Elgin, one of the
Viceroys of India, who died in Dharamshala and was buried here in 1863.
Chamunda Devi Temple : Not far from Dharamsala is
the famous temple of Chamunda Devi. It is an enchanting spot with glorious
views of the mountains, the Baner Khud, Pathiar and Lahla forests. 15-km
from Dharamshala a tiny village of Dadh on Palampur road is the famous
temple dedicated to Goddess Chamunda Devi.
Jwalamukhi
Temple : Dedicated to the "Goddess Of Light", the temple is
one of the most popular Hindu temples in northern India. There is no idol of
any kind the flame is considered as a manifestation of the goddess. An
eternally burning and shining blue flame emanates from the rock sanctum and
is fed by the priests with the offerings of devotees
| » Places to Stay in Dharamshala |
|
Dharamshala's accommodation options include HPTDC's hotels,
private hotels, guest houses, PWD and Forest rest houses, which are located
in and around the place and are available at resonable prices.
| » Climate of Dharamshala |
|
As Dharamsala is located in the Himalayas, the climate is very
pleasant during the summers but in winters the cold is very bad. Temperature
can drop below the freezing point during the winters and heavy woollen
clothes are required. During the summers the weather is mild and light
woolens and cottons are recommended.
| » Best time to Visit Dharamshala |
|
The best time to visit the place is during the summers when
the cold has shed its biting teeth and there is plenty of Sunshine. But
avoid coming here during the monsoon months, as there is a danger of
landslides.
| » How to Get there |
|
Air : Dharamsala can be approached by air
from Delhi and the nearest Airport is at Gaggla, just 13-km away from the
town.
Rail : Pathankot is 85 km and is the
nearest railhead for Dharamsala. Trains from all over the country make a
stop over at Pathankot and from here it is a three-hour journey to
Dharamsala.
Local Transport : From Manali too
bus services are available to this place. One can drive from Delhi via
Chandigarh, Kiratpur, Bilaspur and it's an 8-hours journey. From Delhi and
Shimla, luxury buses ply to Dharamsala.
North
India Tour Packages | Hotels
in Himachal Pradesh
