Area : 2881 acres
Altitude : Between 1250 to 2000 m
Season : April to June and September to October
Founded in 1855, Dharamsala has a spectacular setting along a spur
of Dhauladhar range. Surrounded by forests of chir pine,
rhododendron and Himalayan Oak, Dharamsala is the main hill station
in the Kangra Valley. It is a fertile, undulating valley, lying
between the gentle Shivalik Hills and the foothills of the mighty
Dhauladhars. The valley noted for the beauty of its scenery, lush
terraces, wooded hills, manicured tea gardens and sparkling streams.
The Dhauladhars, ‘the white mountains’ that rise 4000 mts. above the
valley floor, provide a dramatic backdrop. Picturesque Dharamsala is
built on a spur of the Dhauladhar range. It commands a splendid view
of the surrounding country. Originally it was a little hill resort
built by the British, very near the snow line. Lower Dharamsala is
the busy commercial area with government buildings, the bazaar and
the bus stand. Upper Dharamsala has suburbs with evocative names
like Forsythganj and Mcleodganj.
Places of attraction
Kangra Art Museum :- This museum, a few minutes ‘ walk south of the
tourist office, has miniature paintings from the Kangra School of
art, which flourished in the Kangra Valley during the 17th century;
it also has elaborately embroidered costumes of Kangra people,
woodcarvings and tribal jewellery. It’s open 10 am. to 5 pm, Tuesday
to Sunday. Entry is free.
Namgyal monastery:- It is at Mcleodganj with the Buddhist school of
Dialectics, mostly attended by monks is known as Little Lhasa.
Kalachakra Temple:- To the left of the Tsuglagkhang is the temple
with very good Dharma and Buddhist masters of different lineages of
Tibetan Buddhism, with the central image of Sakyamuni. Sand mandalas
are constructed throughout the year, accompanied by ceremonies. The
temple is very important, as the practice of Kalachakra Tantra is
instrumental in bringing about world peace and harmony.
Macleodganj: Up in Macleodganj is a charming Tibetan settlement with
bustling bazaars that sell carpets, handicrafts and delicious
Tibetan food. A giant prayer wheel ornamentas the main street and in
the monastery, a serene of the Lord Buddha presides over the gentle
chanting of the monks. The Dalai Lama resides in Macleodganj, which
is now a major centre of Tibetan culture. It has the school of
Tibetan studies with rare manuscripts and ancient texts, the Tibetan
Institute for the Performing Arts and a handicrafts centre.
St. John in the Wilderness: This is a stone church with delicate
stained glass windows and a memorial to Lord Elgin.
Triund (2975 mts.): Just below the snow line is the scenic picnic
spot at Triund with its spectacular views and pleasant forest rest
house (10 kms.)
Kunal Pathri: A rock temple to the local goddess is not far from the kotwali Bazaar.
(3 km)
Dal Lake: A popular picnic spot surrounded by forests of fir. An
annual fair is held here.
Dharamkot (2100 mts.): Dharamkot Hill is above Upper Dharamsala and
has panoramic view of the majestic Dhauladhars.
Bhagsunath : An easy walk from the Macheodganj and close to Dal Lake
is the shrine of Bhagsunath. There is a pretty water fall not far
away (11 kms.).
Machhrial and Tatwani: A Beautiful water fall at Machhrial and the
hot springs at Tatwani a little beyond it are pleasant picnic spots
(25 kms).
Kareri (1983 mts.): The Kareri Lake is 13 kms. Away and set among
alpine meadows and forests of pine. It is a scenic spot with rest
house.3250 mts. above sealeval.
Chamunda Devi Temple: There are glorious views of the mountains from
the famous temple of Chamunda Devi (15 kms.).
Naddi (1800 mts.): The scenic spot of Naddi is 3 kms. From Dal Lake
and offers spectacular views of Kangra Valley and Dhauladhar ranges.
Guna Devi ( 2310 mts.): One can trek 8 ts.m from Mcleodganj via
Naddi and Galu to reach Guna Devi, a small temple of goddess Kali.
Norbulingka Institute (1200 mt): This intresting institute was
established to keep alive the traditional arts and crafts of Tibet.
It is 7 kms . From Kotwali Bazar.
Aganjar Mahadev Temple (1200 mts.): This ancient Shiva Temple at Khaniara, 8 kms. From Dharmasala is worth a visit.
Chinmaya Japovan Trust (1000 mts.): 9 kms. from Dharmashala is a
traquil Ashram complex founded in 1978 by the great exponent of the
Gita’ Swami Chennayananda.The complex includes a 9 metre high image
of Lord Hanuman, a magnificent Rama Temple, a meditation hall, a
school, health and recreational centre.
Gopalpur : 8 kms. after Chamunda Devi is Gopalpur where the Forest
Department has set up a zoo called Dhauladhar Nature park.
Places to Eat:
Because of western demand and Tibetan enterprise, the upper town
offers plenty of good alternatives to Indian food. The adventurous
can try Tibetan soups ( thukpa), noodle dishes, steamed or fried
momos and shabakleb.
Midtown, in Kotwali Bazar, offers mainly non-veg Indian and Rising
Moon offers Tibetan and Chinese food.
Friends Corner, in Mcleodganj, near bus stand, is famous for good
breakfast, dim but popular.
Shambala, excellent Indian meals and western cakes and pancakes
available, very good value, pleasant atmosphere.
German Bakery:-Mi Road (steep road to Dharamkot), best bread and
brown rice, open till 0100.
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