Introduction:
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.
A quiet retreat in the hills of the Dhauladhar range, Dharamsala
is picturesque hill resort in India , located in the state
of Himachal Pradesh. 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.
|
 |
