Dharamsala travel information, India
Dharamsala is famed as the holy place of Tibetan Charismatic Leader Dalai Lama and is credited with housing the Tibetan Government in exile. Dharamsala is a synonym for Buddhism in India. Dharamsala is situated on the upper hilly terrains of Kangra valley and set on the scenic backdrop of exquisite Dhauladhar Mountains. The gorgeous city is distinctively divided as upper and lower divisions with two altitude ranges.
Dharamsala, the home to the Tibetan leader, attracts many tourists to its lap. This is the perfect place to learn about Buddhism and Tibetan struggle. The city is dominated much by the Tibetan populace while holding the British fervor and English lifestyles. Numerous Buddhist Viharas or Gompas, presenting the great cultural values and Tibetan architectures, are the main attractions of Dharamsala.
Dharamsala has a vibrant environment with dense green forests with Deodar trees and pine trees. Dharamsala is blessed with many clear and unpolluted streams and unspoiled healthy ambiance. The place has been renowned as one of the best picnic spots in India.
Kotwali Bazaar is a perfect shopping place where one can view the color and lifestyles of the entire Dharamsala community. The Market is considered as the base camp of tourists' travel to upper Dharamsala. The tourists who love to have nature walking and trekking can stay in this base camp and explore the hilly forest regions.
One of the tourist attractions in Dharamsala is the Kangra museum, displaying the rich past of the Dharamsala and the cultural supremacy of the Tibetan populace. There are some institutions as well which are established to preserve the grand old Tibetan traditions, cultures and arts. This is a sacred place to be recommended for a holiday visit.
Dharamshala is the district hqr. of Kangra district. This is a hill station lying on the spur of the Dhauladhar range about 18kms. north east of Kangra town. Hill station is wooded with oak and conifer trees and snow capped mountains enfold three sides of the town while the valley stretches in front. The snow line is perhaps more easily accessible at Dharamshala than at any other hill resort and it is possible to trek to snow point after an early morning's start.
Places of To Visit :
Mcleod Ganj Dharamsala is divided into two main parts namely, upper and lower. While the lower part shows Indian elements, the upper part is essentially known as Mcleod Ganj. This is the abode of His Holiness, the Dalai Lama, who settled here after the Chinese invaded Tibet. This place is definitely worth a visit to experience peace, tranquility and check out the breathtaking surroundings.
War Memorial As soon as we enter Dharamsala, the war memorial reminds us of the post independence war heroes of Kangra district of Himachal Pradesh. These martyrs lost their lives in Indo China war of 1962, Indo-Pak wars of 1947, 1965 and 1971 and UN peace operations.
Dal Lake Lush green tall deodar forests surround Dal Lake located near Dharamsala. One look at it and you will be convinced that it is amongst one of the most beautiful creations of God. It qualifies for a perfect quite and serene picnic spot for the locals.
Chamunda Devi With famous Dhauladhar waterfalls as its backdrop, Chamunda Devi Temple is not only religiously important but also offers breathtaking views of the high mountains and the forests of Baner Khud, Lahala and Pathiar.
Kangra Art Museum Situated in Kotwali Bazaar of Dharamsala, Kangra Art Gallery was inaugurated in 1990. It houses an impressive collection of arts, crafts, artifacts, costumes and other treasures, which can be traced to as far back as 5th century.
Library of Tibetan Works and Archives Library of Tibetan Works and Archives (LTWA) is situated at McLeodganj town of Dharamsala. It was founded by the 14th Dalai Lama and serves as an institution to preserve and promote Tibetan culture.
Namgyal Monastery Sonam Gyatso, the third Dalai Lama, founded Namgyal Monastery in the year 1575. During that time, it was situated at the Potala Palace in Tibet. Its purpose was to assist the Dalai Lama in his spiritual duties and public religious activities.
Norbulingka Institute Situated at a distance of 4 km from Dharamsala, Norbulinka Institute has a mission to preserve and promote. It is a picture of old rural Tibet with all its shady paths, wooden bridges, small streams and tiny water falls, along with wooden carvings, Tibetan Thangka paintings, Tibetan handicrafts and arts.
Kangra Fort Kangra Fort was once the stronghold and seat of power of Katoch rulers, who ruled the land for over 2000 years. Today, it stands in ruins because of the devastating earthquake that hit the area in 1905.
Nurpur Fort Located 66 km from Dharamsala and 24 km from Pathankot, Nurpur Fort was constructed by Raja Basu more than one thousand years ago. Initially, it was known as Dhameri.
How to reach
By Air - The nearest airport is the Gaggal Airport which is situated in Kangra Valley and is 10 kilometers away from the city of Dharamsala. You can get flights from Delhi. Air Deccan and Jagson Airlines are some of the airways which provide direct flights to Gaggal Airport.
By Rail - Through railways the nearest railway station is at Pathankot. This railhead is 18 kilometers away from Dharamsala. Thus from here you will have to wither take a taxi or a bus.
By Road - Regular buses are from Delhi to Dharamshala
Tourist Destination in India