Dharamshala

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Overview		Tourist Attraction		Excursions		How to Reach

Introduction The great rock wall of Dhaula Dhar where wander those legendary shepherdesses, the Gaddi maidens, immediately above Dharamsala rises one of the main spurs of the Himalayas, the dark, pine-covered mountain-side reaching out towards the upper peaks that soar into the regions of eternal snow. Dharamsala's altitude varies between 1,250 meters (4,400 ft) and 2,000 meters (6,560 ft). The scene shifts as one approach Dharamsala, the plains below wear a veil of blue, while the Dhaula Dhar, spur on which Dharamsala stands rises dark and pine covered. Divided into upper and lower towns with a difference of some meters (1,500 ft) between them against a background of snow-capped mountains, forests of giant conifers meet carefully cultivated tea gardens at the beautiful resort of Dharamsala which stands on the spur of the Dhauladhar range. Since 1960, when it becomes temporary headquarters of the Dalai Lama, Dharamsala has risen to international repute as "The Little Lhasa in India". Dharamsala is evocative of imperial days in places like McLeod Ganj and Forsy the Ganj. Headquarters of the Kangra district, it became the capital in 1852 and is 125 years old. Wrecked by an earthquake in 1905, it rose like a phoenix from the ashes, more resplendent than ever steadily acquiring a pride of place among tourist attractions in Himachal Pradesh. Best Time To Travel March to July, For Snow Fall January or February War Memorial At the very start of town, landscaped lawns fill a pine grove where a monument has been raised to commemorate the post independence war heroes of Himachal Pradesh. Kangra Art Museum. Kotwali Bazaar This treasure love of the Kangra valley's arts, crafts and rich past displays artifacts that date back to the 5th century. It includes gallery of Kangra's famous miniature paintings and a representative collection of sculptures, pottery and anthropological items. 'Shamianas' and dresses used by local royalty, old carved doors, jails, lintels and pandals are also on display. Coins, jewellery and manuscripts are included. A section houses the work of contemporary artists, sculptors and photographers. The library is just below this. Dal Lake 11 km from Dharamsala and surrounded by deodar trees, the lake fills a mountain bowl, on the motor - road, this is an enchanting and serene picnic spot. St. John's Church 8 km from Dharamsala, between Forsythganj and McLeodganj is the charming dressed- stone church of St. John in the wildness. Under the shade of deodar branches, a memorial has been erected over the body of the British viceroy, Lord Elgin who died at Dharamsala in 1863. McLeodganj Often called the' Little Lhasa' at 1770 m, this is the residence of His Holiness the Dalai Lama. The Tibetan government-in-exile has been here for over three decades. The impressive monastery has larger than life images of the Buddha, Padmasambhava and Avalokteshwara. The large Tibetan community and the presence of traditional architectural designs drawn from Tibet have enhanced the area. A host of Tibetan handicrafts, curios and garments are available on sale and every Sunday, a flea-market appears. Bhagsunath Close to fresh water springs, this ancient temple is 11 km from Dharamsala. It is a popular picnic spot and the famous slate quarries are close by. Other Attractions The temple of Jawalamukhi, Chamunda Devi and Briheshweri Devi are other pilgrim centers close to Dharamsala. The forts of Kangra and Mangarh are other attractions. Adventure Activities and Sports Between May and October, the Dhauladhar ranges offer an enormous variety of trekking and rock climbing. Himachal's mountaineering institute has a branch at Dharamshala. Fishing The 20 km stretch of the river Beas between Nadaun and the Pong Dam offers ample opportunities in angling for mahseer. Introduction The great rock wall of Dhaula Dhar where wander those legendary shepherdesses, the Gaddi maidens, immediately above Dharamsala rises one of the main spurs of the Himalayas, the dark, pine-covered mountain-side reaching out towards the upper peaks that soar into the regions of eternal snow. Dharamsala's altitude varies between 1,250 meters (4,400 ft) and 2,000 meters (6,560 ft). The scene shifts as one approach Dharamsala, the plains below wear a veil of blue, while the Dhaula Dhar, spur on which Dharamsala stands rises dark and pine covered. Divided into upper and lower towns with a difference of some meters (1,500 ft) between them against a background of snow-capped mountains, forests of giant conifers meet carefully cultivated tea gardens at the beautiful resort of Dharamsala which stands on the spur of the Dhauladhar range. Since 1960, when it becomes temporary headquarters of the Dalai Lama, Dharamsala has risen to international repute as "The Little Lhasa in India". Dharamsala is evocative of imperial days in places like McLeod Ganj and Forsy the Ganj. Headquarters of the Kangra district, it became the capital in 1852 and is 125 years old. Wrecked by an earthquake in 1905, it rose like a phoenix from the ashes, more resplendent than ever steadily acquiring a pride of place among tourist attractions in Himachal Pradesh. Best Time To Travel March to July, For Snow Fall January or February How To Reach Air There is no airport within the city of Dharamsala. The most convenient airport is Amritsar (200kms). Although Dharamsala is located in the state of Himachal Pradesh it is actually close to the state border of Punjab. Several airlines operate regular flights to Amritsar from cities like Delhi, Mumbai and so on. Road A good network of roads connects Dharamsala with many prominent cities and tourist destinations such as Chandigarh. From Dharamsala, one can also reach the Himalayan wilderness in the states of Himachal Pradesh and Jammu and Kashmir. Rail Pathankot (90kms) is the nearest railway station from Dharamsala. Another convenient railhead is Amritsar. Both the railway stations are linked to various important cities by a well laid-out rail network.