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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.
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.
Dharamsala 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.
PRIME ATTRACTIONS
Kangra Art Museum: This fortune trove of the Kangra valley's arts, crafts, and rich past, displays artifacts that date back to the 5th century.
War Memorial: Set amidst the pine groves is a war memorial, built on the entry point of the to Dharamsala to commemorate the position independence war heroes of Himachal Pradesh.
Dall Lake: Surrounded by high and green Deodar trees is the lake, which fills a mount bowl. Situated 11-kms away from the town, this lake is easily accessible by road and makes an enchanting and serene picnic spot.
St. John's Church: One of the most emotional memories of the British Raj is the church of St. John, situated in the wilderness. This charmingly dressed stone minster is located just 8-km from Dharamsala on the way to McLeod Ganj.
The Shrine of Bhagsunath: Just 11-km from the town center of Dharamsala is the early temple of Bhagsunath. There are many fresh water springs close to the temple, which are considered revered by the Hindus.
Kunal Pathri: These are the rock temples from which the place
derives its name. Kunal pathri is a 3 kms flat walk from Kotwali
Bazaar.
Dharmkot: Just 11-km away from Dharamsala, located on the
crest of a hill lie this attractive picnic spot, which presents a
panoramic view of the Kangra valley and Dauladhar ranges.
Norbulinka Institute: Just four 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.
Chinmaya Tapovan: Just 10-km from the town is the tranquil
ashram complex set up by the great exponent of the Gita--Swami
Chinmayananda. Situated on the banks of Bindu Saras, the ashram
includes a 9m high image of Hanuman, a Ram temple, a meditation
hall, a school and a health & recreation center.
Andretta: Situated just 13-kms away from Palampur, lies this
dwelling place of artist S.Sobha Singh. It houses a gallery of some
of his major works and a pottery center.
EXCURSIONS
McLeodganj: 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.
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 km
south of Kangra. Images of Ram Sita and Lakhsman can be found in the
sanctum of the main temple.
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.
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.
Trilokpur: On the way from Pathankot, 41-km from Dharamsala
are the unique cave temples with a stalactite and stalagmites
dedicated to Lord Shiva.
Sujanpur Tira: This place is famous for the wall paintings
and the temples. Sujanpur Tira also has fort, which is worth
visiting. It is 8- km from Dharamsala and in particular the festival
of Holi is a major event here and attracts many visitors to this
area.
Jawalamukhi: Dedicated to the "Goddess of Light", the temple
is one of the most popular Hindu temples in northern India. In this
temple there is a copper pipe through which natural gas comes out,
the priest of the temple lights this and the blue flame emanating is
worshipped as the manifestation of Goddess. The temple is topped by
a golden spire, a gift from the Emperor Akbar. The famous temple of
Jwalamukhi is 30-km. from Kangra and 56-km from Dharamshala.
Chamunda Devi: Not so far from the town is the famous temple
with the majestic Dhaulandhars as a backdrop. It is an enchanting
spot with glorious views of the mountains, the Baner Khud, Pathiar
and Lahala forests.
Nurpur: Named after Nurjehan the consort of the Mughal
Emperor Jehangir, it has an ancient fort and an exquisitely carved
Krishna temple. Nurpur is also famous for its fine Pashmina shawls
and textiles.
ADVENTURE SPORTS
Dharamsala is one of the most popular early 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 neighboring 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 (4350m), is difficult 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 (4575m) that start from Tang Narwana
(1150m), 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.
The most difficult route is towards the north, a five to six day
trek across Bhimghasutri Pass (4580), covering near-vertical rocky
ascents, sharp cliffs and dangerous gorges. An easier four or five
day trek from Dharamsala crosses Bleni Pass (3710m) in the milder
ranges of the northwest, weaving through the alpine pastures, woods
and passing through few streams, before terminating at Dunali, on
the Chamba road.
The area 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: 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.
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.
WHERE TO STAY
Dharamsala'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
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. 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.
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