Dharamshala
is one of the most picturesque hill stations in the Indian state of
Himachal Pradesh. Dense pine and deodar forests with cool breeze and
enchanting bird songs, snow-capped mountain peaks, cool healthy air,
numerous streams & water falls, and serene ambiance make it a
perfect holiday destination. There are several attractions of
tourist interest in this picture-perfect hill station of North
India.
The high snow-capped Dhauladhar mountain ranges of
the Himalayas from a enchanting backup to the beautiful hill resort
of Dharamshala is the district head quarter of Kangra District. It
overlooks panoramic view of the wide spread of the plains.
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.
Attractions
- Kangra Art Museum, Kotwall Bazaar
This treasure
trove of the Kangra Valley arts, crafts and rich past, displays
artifacts that date back to the 5th century. It includes a
gallery of kangra's famous miniature painting and a
representative collection of sculptures, pottery and
anthropological items. Shamlanas and dresses used by local
royalty, old carved doors, jails, lintels and pandals are also
on display coins. Jewellery and manuscripts are included. A
section houses the work of contemporary artists, sculptures and
photographers. The library is just below this.
- Triund
It is 20 km away from Dharamshala. It lies
at the feet of the perpetually snow-capped mountain ranges at
the height of 2975 m. It offers spectacular view of snow-clad
mountain peaks.
- Dal Lake
It lies amidst hills and stately fir
trees. It is 11 km away from lower Dharamshala well-connected by
motorable road. It is the starting point of excursions and
trekking and is located next to the Tibetan Children's village.
- War Memorial
Set amidst beautiful surroundings,
this memorial is built near the entry point to Dharamshala to
commemorate the memory of those who fought valiantly for the
defense of the motherland.
- Dharamkot
Situated on the crest of hill and 11 km
away from Dharamshala, it is popular picnic spot which permits
spectacular view of the Kangra Valley, Pong Dam Lake and
Dhauladhar Ranges.
- MacLeod Ganj
It is one of the most visited
attractions of Dharamshala. Here you will have wonderful
opportunity to see a number of residential buildings,
restaurants, antique and curio shops, together with famous
Tibetan Institutions. Tibetan Institute of Performing Art and
Buddha Temple are the major attractions of MacLeod Ganj. The
Tibetan Institute preserves a number of musical dance and
theatrical traditions of Tibet. Here you can also see Tibetan
Handicraft Centre.
- St. Johns Church
It is also one of the
major attractions of Dharamshala tours and travel. The church
has a monument of Lord Elgin, one of the Viceroys of India, who
died in Dharamshala and was buried here in 1863.
- Bhagsunag Falls
It is 11 km away from Lower
Dharamshala. Here you will see an old temple, a fresh water
spring and wonderful Bhagsunag Water Falls soothing your eyes.
Other AttractionsKunal Pathri, Jwalamukhi Temple
dedicated to the Goddess of Light, Kareri Lake, Trilokpur
famous for cave temple of Trilokpur dedicated to Lord Shiva, Nurpur
famous for Old Fort and Temple of Brij Raj and Handmade
Shawls, Dehra-Gopipur famous as fishing spot, Masroor
known for its monolithic rock temples, etc are some other worth
visiting attractions of Dharamshala, Himachal Pradesh.
How
to Reach
- By Air
Nearest airport is Gaggal Airport (13 km
from Dharamshala).
- By Rail
Kangra Railway Station (22 km away) for
narrow gauge trains. Pathankot is the nearest broad gauge
railway station.
- By Road
Well connected to almost all towns of
Kangra Valley.