Location
: 185-km From Shimla, Himachal Pradesh
Main Attractions : Kangra Art Museum, St. John's Church, McLeodganj.
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.
Best Time To Visit : Mid-May to Mid-October.
Dharamshala
Dharamsala is a beautiful town of Himachal Pradesh, which overlooks the
plains and is surrounded by dense pine and deodar forests. The nearby snow
covered areas with numerous swirling streams and cool healthy climate makes
the surroundings very amiable. A busy market town and hill station,
7Dharamsala has established itself as the visitors base camp, who come to
explore the nearby mountains. The colourful temple and Gompas at Dharamshala
reflects the culture of Tibet, which adds attraction for the visitor.
Today, Dharamsala has become the synonymous with the Tibetan government in
exile and the home of Tibetan leader Dalai Lama. Even though, the Tibetan
community is spread profoundly all over the town, one can still fined the
colonial lifestyle and British fervour of the past.
Arriving at Dharamshala
By Flight : Dharamshala can be approached by air from
Delhi and the nearest Airport is at Gaggla, just 13-km away from the town.
By Trackways : Pathankot is 85-km and is the nearest
railhead for Dharamshala. Trains from all over the country make a stop over
at Pathankot and from here it is a three-hour journey to Dharamsala.
By Roadways : From Manali too bus services are available
to this place. One can drive from Delhi via Chandigarh, Kiratpur, Bilaspur
and it's an 8-hours journey. From Delhi and Shimla, luxury buses ply to
Dharamshala.
The Major Fascinations in Dharamsala
Kangra Art Museum : This treasure trove of the Kangra valley's arts,
crafts, and rich past, displays artifacts that date back to the 5th century.
The museum also includes a gallery of Kangra's famous miniature paintings
and a representative collection of sculptures, pottery, and anthropological
items.
War
Memorial : Set amidst the pine groves is a war memorial, built on the
entry point of the to Dharamsala to commemorate the post independence war
heroes of Himachal Pradesh. A web of narrow paths and landscaped lawns lead
towards this monument.
St. John's Church : One of the most poignant memories of
the British Raj is the church of St. John, situated in the wilderness. This
charmingly dressed stone church is located just 8-kms from Dharamsala on the
way to McLeod Ganj. Under the shade of Doedar branches, a memorial has been
made over the body of the British Viceroy, Lord Elgin who died at Dharamsala
in 1863.
Norbulinka Institute : Just 4-kms from Dharamsala,
Norbulinka was established to preserve and teach the ancient Tibetan arts.
The shady paths, wooden bridges, small streams tiny water falls make this
place look like heaven. Here one can watch the wooden carvings and the
tangka paintings, golsithing and embroidery being done. The nunnery close to
the institute is a place where women are taught the advanced levels of
Buddhist philosophy.
Adventure Sports in Dharamsala
Trekking & Rock Climbing : Dharamsala is one of the
most popular starting points for treks and rock climbing over the ridges of
the Dhauladhar range. There are customised treks in the Kangra valley around
Dharamsala and adjoining places. The trekking season starts from May and
goes on to October. The most frequented route from Dharamsala to the Chamba
valley, over the Indradhar Pass (4,350m), is rigorous trek but the most
novice trekkers can manage to complete it within five days.
Angling & Fishing:
The area around Dharamshala is affluent with small rivers and streams,
which give plenty of opportunities for angle fishing. The 20-km stretch of
the river Beas between Nadaun and the Pong Dam offers ample of opportunities
in angling for Mahaseer.
Others Adventure Sports in Dharamsala :
» Hang Gliding
» Paragliding & Para Sailing
» Rock Climbing
