Dharamshala

A Buddhist Temple In Dharamsala

Dharamsala is a beautiful hill resort in the state of Himachal Pradesh, wooded with oak and conifer trees, snow capped mountains enfold three sides of the town while the valley stretches in front. Founded in 1855 AD and developed by the British as a summer retreat, Dharamsala, literally means 'Holy Refuge'. Besides being a popular hill station, it is now the seat of His Holiness, Dalai Lama and is popular internationally as “The little Lhasa in India". After the Chinese conquest of his country, Dharamsala is evocative of the imperial days in places like Mcleod Ganj and Forsythe Ganj. Dharamsala became the capital of Kangra district in 1852.

Dharamsala is dotted with several Buddhist monasteries because of Dalai Lama and popularity of Buddhism in the region. A visit to the Namgyal Monastery is a must for a tourist to Dharamsala. The other relevant Buddhist places are the Center of Tibetan Studies and Tsuk-La-Khang. Opposite to the residence of Dalai Lama, Tsuk-La-Khang houses the massive bronzes of Buddha, Avalokiteshwara and Padmasambhava covered with gold.

The Library of Tibetan Works and Archives decorated with Tibetan decoration in the exterior is located in the compound of the Central Administration. This is the best place to find an all-encompassing collection of original Tibetan manuscripts including ancient texts and books on Tibet, books with information on Indian culture and plenty of old photographs. Tibetan Children's Handicraft and Vocational Center is the place where Tibetan refugees are taught carpet weaving, thangka paintings etc.

Not to be missed while in Dharamsala is the KangraArt Museum. The museum displays exhibition of miniature paintings of the Kangra School of Art, embroidered Kangra costume, tribal jewelry and woodcarvings. While in Dharamsala, one can practice meditation also. The picture perfect locales and serene environs are perfect for meditation and spiritualism. There are number of places where classes are held forthe beginners as well as old practitioners. Tushita Meditation Center provides for accommodation as well for the learners.

After covering the length and breadth of Dharamsala, it is time to explore nearby places. McLeodganj, Dalhousie, Bhagsu Waterfall, Baijnath Temple and Palampur are perfect places to visit from Dharamsala. You can also indulge in series of adventure sports in Dharamsala such as rock climbing and rappelling.

Dharamshala Tourist Places

Prayer Wheels In Dharasala

Dharamsala is divided into lower and upper towns with a difference of 457m (1500ft.) between them. The mountains enfold 3 sides of the town and the valley stretches to the south. The small town is known for its calmness and serenity, its high pine trees, tea gardens and timber yielding trees. To add to its beauty, there is an artificial stream flowing, gleaming with gold fish. Tibet’s unique form of Thongka painting, woodcarving, metal crafts and music are famous the world over. The places to see in Dharamsala are as following.

KangraValley
Kangra valley is one of the Himachal’s beautiful valleys. It rolls down the southernedge 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 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.

Lord Eligin's Memorial
It is a world famous 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 lakeThe picturesque Dal Lake is about 11 km from Dharamsala. It is surrounded by fir trees. There is an annual fair in Sept. and is largely attended by Gaddis and other hill men.

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.

What to Eat

Dharamshala offers a wide variety of cuisines that range from the universal Tibetan dishes like thupka (noodle soup) and momo (steamed dumplings) to sizzlers, sukiyaki, pancakes and Italian. Tibetan restaurants such as Tsongkha, Yak Restaurant, Snowland and Shangrila serve delectable Tibetan dishes. In recent times, thanks to the influx of Israeli tourists, even traditional Israeli food has been made available. A number of bakeries offer excellent pastries, pies and doughnuts. 

How to Reach

By Air

Dharamshala can be approached by air from Delhi. The nearest airport is 13 km. away at Goggla

By Road

Direct and regular bus services operate from Delhi via Chandigarh, Kiratpur and Bilaspur. Taxis are also available at nominal rates.

By Rail

Up to Pathankot by broad gauge line (85 km) by road and then up to Kangra by narrow gauge line. The nearest railway station is Kangra Mandir (22 km).