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 |
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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.
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.
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
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.
| » Places to Stay in Dharamshala |
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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.
| » 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.
| » 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.
| » 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.
Dharamshala
Tour Packages | Hotels
in Himachal Pradesh
