Dhauladhar range offers a magnificent backdrop
to Dharamsala, which means 'Holy Refuge'. Dharamsala is about
90 kilometres from Pathankot, 252 kilometres from Chandigarh
and about 560 kilometres from Delhi , India . Dharamsala, at
an elevation ranging between 1,250 m and 2,000 m, is a popular
hill station as well as the spiritual abode of the Dalai Lama
in Himachal Pradesh. It is divided into two parts Dharamsala
being the lower section is three km away from its higher section,
McLeodganj, which is 500 m above.
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.
Major Attractions in Dharamsala :-
Dharamsala is a popular hill station among tourists mainly from
the plains of northern India . The hill station has pristine
beauty, peace and pleasant weather, which attract the tourists.
St. John'S Church In Wilderness - 7-km upward
from Dharamsala, between Forsyth Ganj and Mcleod Ganj lies the
charming St. John's Church. It was built in 1852 and is dressed
in grey stone with some fine Belgian stained glass windows donated
by Lady Elgin. The church is popularly known as the church of
St. John in Wilderness.
Nurpur Fort - Orginally known as Dhameri, 66-km
from Dharamsala and 24-km from Pathankot, Nurpur Fort was renamed
by the Emperor Jehangir, son of the Great Moghul Jalal-Ud-Din
Mohammad Akbar. The fort is now in its ruins, but still has
some finely carved reliefs.
Tsug-Lag-Khang (Central Cathedral) - Though a plain
and utilitarian substitute for its far more splendid namesake
in Lhasa, also known as the Jokhang, the Tsug-Lag-Khang is nevertheless
fascinating and peaceful. Situated opposite the residence of
His Holiness the Dalai Lama, Tsug-Lag-Khang is known to the
local Indians as the Main Temple .
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.
Norbulinka Institute - Just 4-kms from Dharamsala is
Norbulinka. This place has heavy Japanese influence. The Norbulingka
Institute of Tibetan Culture was founded by the Department of
Religion and Culture to preserve and promote Tibetan art and
culture in exile.
Dall Lake - Surrounded by high and green Deodar
trees is the lake, which fills a mountain bowl. Situated 11-kms
away from the town, this lake is easily approachable by road
and makes an enchanting and serene picnic spot.
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.
Karanje - 37 kms from Mangalore on the road
to Dharmasthala is the holy place of Karanje, well known for
its medieval Shiva temple. Situated on a hill 1,500 ft high,
it commands a panoramic view of the surrounding area.
Pong Lake Sanctuary - Pong Dam reservoir is
65-km from Panthankot and 115-km from Dharamsala on the Beas
River. The Pong Dam Lake is significant for a wildlife sanctuary
with wild life species like Nilgai, Sambar, Barking Deer, Wild
Buar, Clawless Otter, and Leapord. The reservoir is developed
on a large scale for promoting water sports for tourists.
Best Time to Visit : April to October
How to reach :
Dharamsala can be easily accessed through air, train or road.
By Air : Jagson Airlines connects Delhi and
Kullu from Kangra Airport at Gaggal, which is at a distance
of 15 km from Dharamsala.
By Rail : Nearest narrow gauge railhead is
17 km away and broad gauge railhead is 90 km away at Pathankot
connecting Dharamsala with all major cities.
By Road : Dharamsala is well connected by surface
network with all the major towns of Himachal Pradesh like Kullu,
Shimla, Dalhousie, Chamba and Mandi and neighboring cities like
Delhi, Chandigarh, Pathankot and Jallandhar. 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.
So, what are you waiting for...!! Just pack your bags and Get
going for the most adventurous vacation of your lifetime in
Dharamsala with us.