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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