Dharamshala, Himachal Pradesh

   Dharamshala situated at a wonderful location. Dharamshala is a beautiful and peaceful town, spread at different levels and surrounded by forests of pine. Accessible from the broad gauge line at Pathankot, Dharamshala provides a range of interesting activities for the visitors, with the lower end of the town, at a height of 1250 m, acting as the busy commercial part of the city, while the upper suburbs the with charming old world names like forystheganj and Macleodganj are not too far below the snow line. The massive snowcapped peaks of the Dhauladhars rise like giant waves of a frozen cea, providing the town with a breathtaking view. Dharamshala is a hill station with great variations in altitudes, temperature and character, making it a hot favorite for many visitors.

   A faint colonial aura still lingers around the cottages of Forsytheganj and in particular at the church of St. John, where a former Viceroy to India, Lord Elgin is buried. The colonial aura of Forsytheganj is in sharp contrast to Macleodganj, a charming Tibetan settlement with bustling bazaars that sell carpets, handicrafts and delicious Tibetan food.

A giant prayer wheel ornaments the main street and in the monastery, a serene statue of the lord Buddha presides over the gentle chanting of the monks. The Dalai Lama resides in Macleodganj. And this has turned Dharamshala into the Buddhist Capital of the world. It has the school of Tibetan Studies with rare manuscripts and ancient texts, the Tibetan Institute for the performing Arts and Handicrafts Center. A visit to the state museum is a must see for tourists interested in Kangra Paintings.

Around Dharamshala

Triund 

   Triund situated above Macleodganj, to get to triund, one must overcome the steep gradient. Just below the snow line is Triund, a popular picnic and trekking spot with a breathtaking view and a lovely forest rest house (10 km).

 

 

 

 

Kunal Pathri

   Kunal pathri is not far from the kotwali bazaar, there is a little rock temple dedicated to the local goddess. This is called the Kunal Pathri(3 km).

 

 

 

 

 

Chinmaya Tapovan

   Chinmaya Tapovan is a tranquil meditation complex set up by the great exponent of the Gita Swami Chinmayananda(10 km).

 

 

 

 

 

Dal Lake

   Dal Lake is picturesque lake is a scenic picnic spot surrounded by forests of pine. A good base for trekkers, with a colorful annual fair held every September (11 km).

 

 

 

 

Dharamkot

   Dharamkot is viewpoint located on the Dharamkot hills offers a panoramic view of the Kangra valley and surrounding Dhouladhar peaks (11 km).

 

 

 

 

 

Bhagsunath

   Bhagsunath is well known for a waterfall and a small shrine that lies at the end of an easy walk from the Macleodganj Bazaar (11 km).

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Tatwani and Machhrial

   Tatwani and Machhrial is a beautiful waterfall at Machhrial is route to tatwani (25 km), noted for its hot springs.

 

 

 

 

 

Kareri

   Kareri is a scenic spot with a rest house located in the cool depths of a pine grove (22 km). the beautiful Kareri Lake, just 13 km away from the spot, is set amidst green meadows and forests of tall oak & pine, at an altitude of 3250m.

 

 

 

Chamunda Devi Temple

   Chamunda Devi Temple is not far from the town is a famous temple with the Dhauladhars forming a majestic backdrop. It is an enchanting spot with a glorious view of the mountains, the baneer khud, Pathiar and Lahla forests (15 km).

  

 

 

 

 

Other interesting places in the vicinity

Trilokpur

Trilokpur is a cave temple dedicated to Lord Shiva is famous for its stalactite and stalagmite formations (41 km).

Masrur

Masrur isfifteen richly carved monolithic rock temples sculpted in the splendid style of the Kailash temple at Ellora, dating back to the 8^th century AD can be seen at Masrur, just 15 kmsouth of Kangra Images of Ram, Sita and Lakshman are depicted in the sanctum of the main temple (40 km).

Nurpur

Nurpur is named after Nurjehan, the consort of the Mughal emperor jehangir, it has an ancient fort and a carved Krishna Temple. Nurpuris famous today for its fine pashmina shawls and textiles (66 km)

Dharamshala

Altitude: Between 1250m and2000m

Climate: Varies between 35 0c (summer) and 0 0c(winters)

How to reach

Dharamshala is well connected by road. The nearest narrow gauge railhead is at a distance of 17 km and the broad gauge railhead at Pathankot that connects all major cities is situated 90 kms away. The nearest Airport, Gaggal Kangra, is just 12kms away from Dharamshala.

Distances

Delhi 514 km; Chandigarh 239 km; Kullu 214 km; Shimla 332 km; Chamba 192 km