Dharamsala, popularly known as the ‘Queen of the Hills’, 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.hotels in himachal There is a beautiful resort of Dharamsala, which stands on the spur of the Dharamsala range.Dharamsala is known for its scenic beauty, calmness and serenity. It has high pine trees, tea gardens and timber yielding trees.
Dharamsala is now the seat of His Holiness, the Dalai Lama. After the Chinese conquest of his country, Dharamsala is evocative of the imperial days in places like Mcleod Ganj and Forsythe Ganj. Dharamsala is the headquarters of the Kangra district. It became the capital in 1852 and is 125 years old.
An earthquake once wrecked Dharamsala in 1905. Since 1960, it became temporary headquarters of the Dalai Lama and has risen to international repute as " The little Lhasa in India".After the Indo-Chinese and Indo-Pak wars, the govt. erected war memorials of jawans and officers belonging to Kangra, who died in the war.
Tibetan environment has been created in the high altitude, and more than 3000 Tibetans have made Dharamsala their temporary home,himachal pradesh tour packages living mostly in Mcleod Ganj. To add to its beauty, there is an artificial stream flowing, gleaming with gold fish.
Chamera Lake Chamba ToursTibetans took shelter in India in 1959. In the wake of Dalai Lama’s flight from Tibet, 85000 Tibetans were devastated. Their spiritual leader hasn’t given up the hope of a free Tibet, but to keep the Tibetan art alive, efforts have been made to preserve them.
Tibet’s unique form of Thongka painting, woodcarving, metal –crafts and music are very famous. Tibetan works and archive are preserved in the library at Dharamsala where Buddhist monks from distant refugee camps come to study ancient manuscripts.
Tourist Attractions in Dharamshala
The various tourist attractions in Dharamshala are Triund, Dharamkot, Kareri, Dal Lake, Nurpur, Kunal Pathri, St. John's Church.
Triund
Triund is situated above Mcleodganj, about 20 kms. from Dharamshala. Triund lies at the feet of the perpetually snow clad Dhauladhar at the height of 2975 m. The snow line starts at Ilaqa, 5 kms. from Triund. It is a popular picnic and trekking spot. Accommodation is available in the rest house of Forest Department, but water has to be fetched from a distance of about 2 kms. Ropeway is being installed from Dharamshala to this place. To reach Triund, one has to trek from Mcleodganj for about 9 kms. This trek passes through the Dharamkot and Rakkar villages. The trek Triund Dharamshala
from Rawa, Dallake, Dharamkot and Bhagsu meet at a ridge known as Galu Devi (2130m) which has a small temple and a water point. On this track one can spot many types of birds, specially Monals. The black bear, leopards, pigs and wild goats are also found in this region.
Dharamkot
Dharamkot is a popular viewpoint located on the the crest of the Dharamkot hill, about 11 kms. from Dharamshala. This picnic spot offers a panoramic view of the Kangra velley, Pong Dam lake and surrounding Dhauladhar peaks. One can reach Dharamkot by a simple trek from Bhagsu. The scenery from Dharamkot is simply breathtaking and here you can also meet the Gaddi folks.
Kareri
Kareri is a beautiful scenic spot located in the cool depths of a pine grove, about 22 kms. from Kotwali Bazar. The beautiful Kareri Lake is located just 13 km away from the spot. This lake is set amidst green meadows and Oak and pine forests, at an altitude of 3250 m. Durbasa and Kali temples are located in Kareri.
Dal Lake
The picturesque Dal lake is a popular picnic spot situated amidst the hills and deodar trees. This lake is surrounded by the pine forests. The lake lies 11 kms. from Lower Dharamshala and connected by motorable road. It is also a starting point for excursion and trekking. Dal lake is located next to the Tibetan Children's village. A colourful annual fair is also held here in the month of September every year.
Nurpur
Nurpur is situated about 66 kms. from Dharamshala. budget accommodation in dharamshala Nurpur is named after Nurjehan, the wife of the Mughal emperor Jehangir. It has an ancient fort and a carved Krishna temple. Today, Nurpur is known for its fine Pashmina shawls and textiles.
War Memorial
Set amidst beautiful surroundings, this War memorial is built near the entry point to Dharamshala to commemorate the memory of those who fought valiantly for the defence of the motherland.
Kunal Pathri
Kunal Pathri is located not too far from the Kotwali bazaar, in the lap of the Dhauladhar range. A 3 kms. walk from Kotwali Bazar leads upto the rock temple of the local goddess, Kapaleshwari. Kunal Pathri is a little rock temple dedicated to the local goddess, Kapaleshwari. According to the legends, the Daksh Prajapati, the father of Sati had once organized a Yajna. But he doesn't invited Lord Shiva to this Yajna. Sati could not bear the insult to lord Shiva and in retaliation jumped into the fire of the Yajna. Lord Shiva was so shocked that he started roaming in a state of madness with the body of Sati on his back. When Lord Vishnu saw this then he used the Sudarshan Chakra to destroy Sati's body and a part of her skull is believed to have fallen here. Due to this, this place is known as Kunal Pathri.
St. John's Church
The St. John's Church lies on a motorable road between McLeod Ganj and Forsythe Ganj, 8 kms. from Lower Dharamshala. The St. John's Church has a monument dedicated to Lord Elgin, one of the 19th century viceroy of India, who was buried here in 1863 AD. The St. John's Church is a Gothic building with cobble-stones floors and stained glass windows. There is a Christian cemetery around it where various other British soldiers were buried.
Bhagsunag Falls
At a distance of 11 kms. from Lower Dharamshala, Bhagsunag can be approached by road, here an old temple, a fresh water spring and restaurant are located. Further about 2 kms. is beautiful Bhagsunag water falls which soothes one's eyes.
Jwalamukhi Temple
The famous temple of Jwalamukhi is about 35 kms. from Kangra and 56 kms. from Dharamshala. Dedicated to the Goddess of Light, the temple is one of the most popular Hindu temples in northern India. There is no idol of any kind and the flame is considered as a manifestation of the goddess. An eternally burning and shining blue flame emanates from the rock sanctum and is fed by the priests with the offerings of devotees. The golden tower (dome) of the temple was a gift from the Emperor Akbar. Two important fairs are held here during the Navratras in earlier April and mid October.
Dehra Gopipur
Dehra Gopipur is situated on the bank of the Beas. It is possible to use Dehra as a base for different fishing areas like Pong Dam, Pattan, Kurn and Nadaun. One can also visit the famous temple of Chintpurni from here.
Trilokpur
Trilokpur is situated about 41 kms. from Dharamshala and can be approached by road. The natural cave temple of Trilokpur contains a stalactite and stalagamite and dedicated to Shiva. High on the ridge of the cave are ruins of a palace and baradari (audience hall) of Lehna Singh Majitha, Governor of Kangra hills during the Sikh rule.
Masroor
Masroor is known for its monolithic rock temples, and about 40 kms. from Kangra. There are 15 rock cut temples in Indo-Aryan style and richly carved. The temples partly ruined now are profusely decorated with sculptural ornamentations, conceived in the same manner as the great temple of Kailash at Ellora in Maharashtra with which they bear a striking resemblance. The main temple is dedicated to Lord Ram, Lakshman and Sita.
The mountains enfold 3 sides of the town and the valley stretches to the south.hotels in himachal There is a beautiful resort of Dharamsala, which stands on the spur of the Dharamsala range.Dharamsala is known for its scenic beauty, calmness and serenity. It has high pine trees, tea gardens and timber yielding trees.
Dharamsala is now the seat of His Holiness, the Dalai Lama. After the Chinese conquest of his country, Dharamsala is evocative of the imperial days in places like Mcleod Ganj and Forsythe Ganj. Dharamsala is the headquarters of the Kangra district. It became the capital in 1852 and is 125 years old.
An earthquake once wrecked Dharamsala in 1905. Since 1960, it became temporary headquarters of the Dalai Lama and has risen to international repute as " The little Lhasa in India".After the Indo-Chinese and Indo-Pak wars, the govt. erected war memorials of jawans and officers belonging to Kangra, who died in the war.
Tibetan environment has been created in the high altitude, and more than 3000 Tibetans have made Dharamsala their temporary home,himachal pradesh tour packages living mostly in Mcleod Ganj. To add to its beauty, there is an artificial stream flowing, gleaming with gold fish.
Chamera Lake Chamba ToursTibetans took shelter in India in 1959. In the wake of Dalai Lama’s flight from Tibet, 85000 Tibetans were devastated. Their spiritual leader hasn’t given up the hope of a free Tibet, but to keep the Tibetan art alive, efforts have been made to preserve them.
Tibet’s unique form of Thongka painting, woodcarving, metal –crafts and music are very famous. Tibetan works and archive are preserved in the library at Dharamsala where Buddhist monks from distant refugee camps come to study ancient manuscripts.
Tourist Attractions in Dharamshala
The various tourist attractions in Dharamshala are Triund, Dharamkot, Kareri, Dal Lake, Nurpur, Kunal Pathri, St. John's Church.
Triund
Triund is situated above Mcleodganj, about 20 kms. from Dharamshala. Triund lies at the feet of the perpetually snow clad Dhauladhar at the height of 2975 m. The snow line starts at Ilaqa, 5 kms. from Triund. It is a popular picnic and trekking spot. Accommodation is available in the rest house of Forest Department, but water has to be fetched from a distance of about 2 kms. Ropeway is being installed from Dharamshala to this place. To reach Triund, one has to trek from Mcleodganj for about 9 kms. This trek passes through the Dharamkot and Rakkar villages. The trek Triund Dharamshala
from Rawa, Dallake, Dharamkot and Bhagsu meet at a ridge known as Galu Devi (2130m) which has a small temple and a water point. On this track one can spot many types of birds, specially Monals. The black bear, leopards, pigs and wild goats are also found in this region.
Dharamkot
Dharamkot is a popular viewpoint located on the the crest of the Dharamkot hill, about 11 kms. from Dharamshala. This picnic spot offers a panoramic view of the Kangra velley, Pong Dam lake and surrounding Dhauladhar peaks. One can reach Dharamkot by a simple trek from Bhagsu. The scenery from Dharamkot is simply breathtaking and here you can also meet the Gaddi folks.
Kareri
Kareri is a beautiful scenic spot located in the cool depths of a pine grove, about 22 kms. from Kotwali Bazar. The beautiful Kareri Lake is located just 13 km away from the spot. This lake is set amidst green meadows and Oak and pine forests, at an altitude of 3250 m. Durbasa and Kali temples are located in Kareri.
Dal Lake
The picturesque Dal lake is a popular picnic spot situated amidst the hills and deodar trees. This lake is surrounded by the pine forests. The lake lies 11 kms. from Lower Dharamshala and connected by motorable road. It is also a starting point for excursion and trekking. Dal lake is located next to the Tibetan Children's village. A colourful annual fair is also held here in the month of September every year.
Nurpur
Nurpur is situated about 66 kms. from Dharamshala. budget accommodation in dharamshala Nurpur is named after Nurjehan, the wife of the Mughal emperor Jehangir. It has an ancient fort and a carved Krishna temple. Today, Nurpur is known for its fine Pashmina shawls and textiles.
War Memorial
Set amidst beautiful surroundings, this War memorial is built near the entry point to Dharamshala to commemorate the memory of those who fought valiantly for the defence of the motherland.
Kunal Pathri
Kunal Pathri is located not too far from the Kotwali bazaar, in the lap of the Dhauladhar range. A 3 kms. walk from Kotwali Bazar leads upto the rock temple of the local goddess, Kapaleshwari. Kunal Pathri is a little rock temple dedicated to the local goddess, Kapaleshwari. According to the legends, the Daksh Prajapati, the father of Sati had once organized a Yajna. But he doesn't invited Lord Shiva to this Yajna. Sati could not bear the insult to lord Shiva and in retaliation jumped into the fire of the Yajna. Lord Shiva was so shocked that he started roaming in a state of madness with the body of Sati on his back. When Lord Vishnu saw this then he used the Sudarshan Chakra to destroy Sati's body and a part of her skull is believed to have fallen here. Due to this, this place is known as Kunal Pathri.
St. John's Church
The St. John's Church lies on a motorable road between McLeod Ganj and Forsythe Ganj, 8 kms. from Lower Dharamshala. The St. John's Church has a monument dedicated to Lord Elgin, one of the 19th century viceroy of India, who was buried here in 1863 AD. The St. John's Church is a Gothic building with cobble-stones floors and stained glass windows. There is a Christian cemetery around it where various other British soldiers were buried.
Bhagsunag Falls
At a distance of 11 kms. from Lower Dharamshala, Bhagsunag can be approached by road, here an old temple, a fresh water spring and restaurant are located. Further about 2 kms. is beautiful Bhagsunag water falls which soothes one's eyes.
Jwalamukhi Temple
The famous temple of Jwalamukhi is about 35 kms. from Kangra and 56 kms. from Dharamshala. Dedicated to the Goddess of Light, the temple is one of the most popular Hindu temples in northern India. There is no idol of any kind and the flame is considered as a manifestation of the goddess. An eternally burning and shining blue flame emanates from the rock sanctum and is fed by the priests with the offerings of devotees. The golden tower (dome) of the temple was a gift from the Emperor Akbar. Two important fairs are held here during the Navratras in earlier April and mid October.
Dehra Gopipur
Dehra Gopipur is situated on the bank of the Beas. It is possible to use Dehra as a base for different fishing areas like Pong Dam, Pattan, Kurn and Nadaun. One can also visit the famous temple of Chintpurni from here.
Trilokpur
Trilokpur is situated about 41 kms. from Dharamshala and can be approached by road. The natural cave temple of Trilokpur contains a stalactite and stalagamite and dedicated to Shiva. High on the ridge of the cave are ruins of a palace and baradari (audience hall) of Lehna Singh Majitha, Governor of Kangra hills during the Sikh rule.
Masroor
Masroor is known for its monolithic rock temples, and about 40 kms. from Kangra. There are 15 rock cut temples in Indo-Aryan style and richly carved. The temples partly ruined now are profusely decorated with sculptural ornamentations, conceived in the same manner as the great temple of Kailash at Ellora in Maharashtra with which they bear a striking resemblance. The main temple is dedicated to Lord Ram, Lakshman and Sita.
