North India Tourist Destinations
  
Explore the green mountains of Dharamsala
Dharamsala over looks the plains and is surrounded by dense
pine trees and Deodar forests. A nearby snowline with numerous
streams and cool healthy atmosphere makes the surroundings very
attractive. A busy bazaar town, Dharamsala 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.
Today, Dharamsala has become the synonymous to the Tibetan government
in exile and the home of Tibetan leader Dalai Lama. Even if
the Tibetan community dominates the town, still it has retained
the colonial lifestyle and British fervour.
PLACES OF INTEREST IN DHARAMSHALA
Kangra Art Museum:
This treasure trove of the Kangra valley's arts, crafts, and
rich past, displays artifacts that date back to the 5th century.
The museum also includes a gallery of Kangra's famous miniature
paintings and a representative collection of sculptures, pottery,
and anthropological items.
War Memorial:
Set amidst the pine groves is a war memorial, built on the entry
point of the to Dharamsala to commemorate the post independence
war heroes of Himachal Pradesh. A web of narrow paths and landscaped
lawns lead towards this monument.
St. John's Church:
One of the most poignant memories of the British Raj is the
church of St. John, situated in the wilderness. This charmingly
dressed stone church is located just 8-kms from Dharamsala on
the way to McLeod Ganj. Under the shade of Doedar branches,
a memorial has been made over the body of the British Viceroy,
Lord Elgin who died at Dharamsala in 1863.
Norbulinka Institute:
Just 4-kms from Dharamsala, Norbulinka was established to preserve
and teach the ancient Tibetan arts. The shady paths, wooden
bridges, small streams tiny water falls make this place look
like heaven. Here one can watch the wooden carvings and the
tangka paintings, golsithing and embroidery being done. The
nunnery close to the institute is a place where women are taught
the advanced levels of Buddhist philosophy.
NEARBY ATTRACTIONS FROM DHARAMSHALA
Macleodganj:
Originally home of the semi-nomadic Gaddi tribe, McLeodganj
is today the residence of His Holiness, the Dalai Lama. This
mid 19th century place was developed as a British Garrison.
The place was developed as an important administrative point
for the whole Kangra valley. Today the place has developed as
headquarters of the exiled Tibetan Government. The impressive
monastery has larger than life size images of Buddha, Padmasambhava
and Avaloketeshwara.
Kareri:
Set amidst a sylvan surrounding is a rest house, located in
the cool depths of the pine grove. Surrounded by green open
meadows and forests of tall oak & pine at a height of 3250m
is situated the picturesque Kareri Lake, which is just 13-km
from the rest house and 22- kms from Dharamsala.
Masrur:
Fifteen richly carved monolithic rock temples sculpted in the
splendid style of the Kailash temple at Ellora and dating back
to the 8th century are to be found at Masrur, just 15-kms south
of Kangra. Images of Lord Ram, Goddess Sita and Lakhsman can
be found in the sanctum of the main temple.
Triund:
Triund is a popular picnic spot at an height of 2827 m. The
area is on the foothills of Dhauladhar range and is 17-kms from
Dharamsala. The snow line starts at Ilaqua, which is five kms
from Triund. The breathtaking views of the mountains and the
valleys makes Triund an ideal picnic spot and trekking spot.
ADVENTURE SPORTS IN DHARAMSHALA
Trekking & Rock Climbing:
Dharamsala is one of the most popular starting points for treks
and Rock climbing over the ridges of the Dhauladhar range. There
are tailor-made treks in the Kangra valley around Dharamsala
and adjoining places. The trekking season starts from May and
goes on to October. The most frequented route from Dharamsala
to the Chamba valley, over the Indradhar Pass (4,350m), is arduous
trek but the most novice trekkers can manage to complete it
within five days.
There are many easy walks of small treks around Mcleodganj and
Dharamsala such as Toral Pass (4,575m) that start from Tang
Narwana (1,150m), which is 10-km from Dharamsala. A 2-km stroll
takes one to Bhagsu, then a little further a 3-km walk will
bring the trekkers to Dharamkot. If one wishes to go on a longer
walk then he can walk 8-km to Triund. The snow line of Ilaqa
Got is just a 5-km walk.
There are many easy walks of small treks around Mcleodganj and
Dharamsala such as Toral Pass (4,575m) that start from Tang
Narwana (1,150m), which is 10-km from Dharamsala. A 2-km stroll
takes one to Bhagsu, then a little further a 3-km walk will
bring the trekkers to Dharamkot. If one wishes to go on a longer
walk then he can walk 8-km to Triund. The snow line of Ilaqa
Got is just a 5-km walk.
Angling & Fishing in Dharamshala:
The area around Dharamshala is rich in small rivers and streams,
which give ample opportunity for angle fishing. The 20-km stretch
of the river Beas between Nadaun and the Pong Dam offers ample
of opportunities in angling for Mahaseer.
How To Get There
Air: Dharamshala 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 Dharamshala. Trains from all over the country make a stop
over at Pathankot and from here it is a three-hour journey to
Dharamsala.
Road: 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 Dharamshala.
DISTANCE FROM MAJOR CITIES
» Dalhousie: 92-km
» Mandi: 115-km
» Kullu: 183-km
» Shimla: 185-km
» Manali: 223-km
» Chandigarh: 225-km
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