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Dharamsala has everything for a perfect holiday. It is full of life and yet peaceful. The headquarters of His Holiness the Dalai Lama are at upper Dharamsala. Covering a wide area in the form of twin settlement, lower Dharamsala (1380m) is a busy commercial centre.
While upper Dharamsala (1830m) with the suburbs of Mcleodganj and Forsytheganj, retains a British flavor and colonial lifestyle. The charming church of St. John in the wilderness is situated here and this is the final resting place of Lord Elgin, a British Viceroy of India during the 19th century. There is also a large Tibetan community who have made this place their home. Numerous ancient temples like Jwalamukhi, Brijeshwari and Chamunda lie on the plains below Dharamsala.
ACCESS: Dharamsala can be approached by air from Delhi. The nearest airport is at Gaggal, 13 km away. Pathankot, the nearest broad gauge railway station is 85 km away and the toy train station is 17 km at Kangra. Taxis and Buses for Dharamsala are available at both places. From Pathankot the drive takes about three hours or you can drive from Delhi (526 km) via Chandigarh, Kiratpur and Bilaspur and takes 12 hours. From Delhi and Shimla luxury buses ply to Dharamsala. HPTDC operates a regular Luxury coach from Delhi to Dharamsala.
CLIMATE: In winter, the temperature can drop to freezing point when heavy woolens are required. During summer, the climate is mild and light woolens / cottons are recommended
Places to visit within and around Dharamshala are .....
Kangra Valley :
Kangra valley is one of the Himachal’s beautiful valleys. It rolls down the southern edge of magnificent Dhauladhar range in gentle slopes covered with forests of pine, orchards, green tea gardens and terraced fields.
Mcleod Ganj :
Tibet has lent importance to Mcleod Ganj. The Buddha temple is situated opposite the present abode of His Holiness, the Dalai Lama. This place is well worth a visit and around it is situated Tibetan monasteries and nunnery. A number of residential buildings, restaurants, antique and curio shops are present. There is an annual 10-day fair opera in Dharamsala, which takes place on the second saturday of April.
War Memorial :
It is a very beautiful place to visit in the afternoon. This memorial is built near the entry point to Dharamsala. It was built to commemorate the memory of those who fought in defense of the motherland. People offer prayers at this memorial place.
Triund :
It is 17km from Dharamsala and lies at the foot of the snow clad Dhauladhar at a height of 2827 m. It is a popular picnic and trekking spot.
Kunnal Pathri :
Just 3-km level walk from Kotwali Bazaar, is a rock temple of the local goddess at Kunnal Pathri spots.
Lord Eligin's Memorial :
It is a worldfamous church built in the memory of lord Elgin, the Scottish working peer and eighth Viceroy. In 1896, he took vacations from official Shimla. He was not able to finish his four-year term and died in Dharamsala. Before his death he had given instructions to be buried in the Church of St. John. Inside the church is the monument of this Viceroy.
Dal lake :
The picturesque Dal Lake is about 11km from Dharamsala. It is surrounded by fir trees. There is an annual fair in Sept. and is largely attended by Gaddis and other hillmen.
The Shrine of Bhagasunath :
The shrine of Bhagasunath is famous for its ancient temple. It is 11km from lower town. Slate quarries are found here. There is a tank and spring which are considered sacred by the Hindus.
Chamunda Devi :
Chamunda Devi is the famous temple dedicated to the Goddess Chamunda Devi. It is situated in the village of Dadh, 15 km from Dharamsala. One can have a glorious view of Dhauladhar on 3 sides and the Baner Khud, Pathiar and Lahla forest.
Trilokpur :
It is 41km from Dharamsala, easily approachable by road. It is well known for its natural cave temple, which contains stalactite and stalagmite (hanging from the roof of the cave). This temple is dedicated to Lord Shiva. Ruins of palaces and Baradari of Lehna Singh Majitha, Governor of Kangra hills, are present high on the ridge of the cave.
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