CITY INFORMATION
DHARAMSALA
| Location : |
185-km From Shimla, Himachal Pradesh |
| Established Between : |
1852 |
| Main Attractions : |
Kangra Art Museum, St. John's Church, McLeodganj |
| Best Time To Visit : |
Mid-May to Mid-October. |
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 DHARAMSALA
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 DHARAMSALA
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
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
:: Dharamsala, City Information Reservation
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