Dharamshala – You belong here..

Dharamshala is such a beautiful place in Himachal, which cannot be portrayed in a single canvas. Everything and anything here will make you excited. The hills, the mist, the valleys, the streams, the waterfalls, the monasteries, the treks, the rare flora and fauna, this list is endless. This calm and serene hill station is situated at an average altitude of 1,475 meters above sea level and is surrounded by thick deodar cedar trees, snow-laden mountains, exotic culture, and quaint old monasteries. The presence of the great Tibetan leader Dalai Lama along with other Buddhist nuns & monks and several Tibetan Monasteries has made Dharamshala one of the most popular tourist destinations in India.

Places to visit in Manali

Dharamshala is a heaven in itself. When you are here you can spend all day just walking and cycling down the lanes. But since it is important to highlight best places to visit. Here are few options,

1.  Tsuglagkhang Complex

The complex is one of the most important places to see in Dharamshala and comprises of Dalai Lama’s abode and monastery. Nowadays, this complex also houses public and private sessions of Dalai Lama along with numerous Tibetan dance and music performances. Tsuglagkhang Complex is a religious centre and one of the important points of interest in Dharamshala. It was built when His Holiness the Dalai Lama visited India for first time in 1959.

2.  Namgyal Monastery

This monastery looks vibrant and pulls crowd round the year. The prayer wheels, the décor, the Tibetan-style architecture, and overall colour scheme is visually appealing and mesmerizing. A major learning centre, Namgyal Monastery is one of the most popular tourist places to visit in Dharamshala. With almost 200 monks, the famous monastery is the largest Tibetan temple outside the geographical boundary of Tibet.

3.  Kareri Dal Lake

Its spell-binding beauty and calm setting make it one of the most popular places to see in Dharamshala. The lake is located at an elevation of 1775 m and its serenity and charm attract a lot of travelers. It is also a site of base camp for trekkers leading to expeditions on nearby hills The stunning lake is surrounded by plush green deodar vegetation and snow-capped mountain. You may be lucky to experience the gala annual fair held there.

4.  Bhagsunag Waterfalls

The mesmerising natural beauty which surrounds the falls. Take a dip in the chilled water and refresh your mind and soul. You can enjoy small picnic near the torrent and also try some munchies from the café located right next to it. Popularly known as the Bhagsu Falls, this scenic cascade is located few kilometers upslope from the Bhagsunag Temple. It is one of the most important Dharamshala sightseeing destinations. The sparkling cascade of milky white water looks most charming during monsoon.

5.  Kangra Fort

It is an ancient structure dating back to 4th century BC. As one of the oldest forts in India and the largest fort in the Himalayas, this royal specimen of architecture was once an abode of the Royal family of Kangra – Katoch Dynasty. The ruins speak for the kind of historical incidents the fort has witnessed. The jaw dropping view of Manjhi and Banganga River and Maharaja Sansar Chand Katoch Museum.

6.  Masroor Rock Cut Temple

one of the famous Dharamshala tourist places is mostly frequented by history lovers, art enthusiasts, painters, solo travellers, and nature admirers. The temple carvings are excellent and superbly detailed. They make the place a glorious site of Indian art and of course one of the major Dharamshala points of interest.

7.  Naddi Village

Naddi is a remote village that offers a mesmerising view of the lofty mountains, deep plush Kangra valley, and luxuriant deodar forests. On a clear day you can also view snowy peaks of the Dhauladhar ranges. The panoramic view of the surrounding – that is what makes it a perfect place to relax and rejuvenate for families and friends. Stay overnight to experience the most photogenic sunrise.

What Not to Miss when in Dharamshala

·      Enjoy a leisure walk around Kareri Dal Lake

·   Savor wonderful views of the lush surroundings and snow-clad peaks

·      Visit the Bhagsunag waterfalls

· Roll the prayer wheels at the popular Namgyal monastery

·      Challenging Trek to Triund trek

·      Visit temples like Bhagsunag temple and Tsuglagkhang Temple

·      Visit the glorious Kanga Fort and well-stocked Kangra Museum

Some Important Tips for Dharamshala

§  If you like to be at a happening place, full of lights, tourists, pubs etc., lodge at McLeodganj.

§  If you want to be in the utter serenity of nature, far far away from the maddening crowd, lodge at Naddi or Dharamkot. Naddi is located about 2-3 kms above Mc Leod.

§  The solitude here coupled with the natural beauty makes it a hotspot for Vipassana Meditation activities. 

§  If you do not wish to stay at a very crowded place but are not a sucker for wilderness, find accommodation at Dharmashala.

§  Long distance buses halt at Dharmashala as well as Mc Leod. Depending on your accommodation, book your tickets.

§  For Naddi, Dharmakot,  etc you will have to take local buses / jeeps / taxis. The charges are quite affordable.

§  If you are on a tight time line, this tour can be rushed in two days. However, if time is not a constraint, this place can hold you much longer.

§  Once you are bored with the parties and eating out, you could attend a meditation course and do some soul searching.

§  To do justice to Dharamshala at least keep 7 to 8 days on hand.

Some Facts about Dharamshala

·       Since 1960, Dharamshala has been the temporary headquarters of the Dalai Lama.

·       Dharamshala is also known as Little Lhasa.

·       The city celebrates Losar Festival to mark the start of the Tibetan New Year every year.

·       Dharamshala is known as the capital of the Central Tibetan Administration and the Tibet government in exile and is led by Tenzin Gyatso; the 14th and current Dalai Lama, who is headquartered in Mcleodganj.

·       Mcleodganj is named after David Mcleod, the lieutenant Governor of Punjab.

·       In 1959, Tenzin Gyatso, the 14th Dalai Lama came to India after the Chinese conquest of Tibet, and was offered refuge in Mcleodganj.

·       The British wanted to make Dharamshala their summer capital; however, after the Kangra valley earthquake in 1905, they made Shimla their summer capital.

How to Reach Dharamshala

By Flight: The nearest airport is at Gaggal, about 15 kilometres away from Dharamshala. Dharamshala airport is well connected with daily flights from different parts of India. The aerial journey comparatively takes less time so this is a good way to answer the question ‘how to reach the Dharamshala.’

By Road: Dharamshala is well-connected to other parts of India by a road network. Opt for a Dharamshala visit by bus if looking to travel by one of the cheapest modes of transportations. State government and private buses offer daily services from various parts of India. Most buses stop at the main bus terminal in Lower Dharamshala. The distance between delhi and Dharamshala is roughly 500kms.

By Train: The Pathankot railway station is the important railway station is located 85 kilometres from Dharamshala. From all major railway station, trains to Dharamshala are available. The nearest station is Kangra, at a distance of 15 kilometres from Dharamshala, but doesn’t have major train stops.

The low mountain scenery is magnificent – you are often up above the clouds watching cluster of mist clinging to the mountaintops.  Dharamshala is really a sky, a sky of a thousand shades of green. So come soon, you cant keep beauty waiting..