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Dharamshala
Dharamshala is now the main hill station in the Kangra Valley and is also the headquarter of district Kangra. Dharamshala lies between the Shivalik Hills and the foothills of the mighty Dhauladhars. Blessed with marvelous landscapes, Dharamshala is a travellers paradise—lofty snow peaks, deep gorges, lush green valleys, manicured tea gardens, wooded hills, gushing rivers, enchanting mountain lakes, flower-adorned meadows, beautiful temples and striking monasteries.
Dharamshala is divided into roughly two parts:
Lower Dharamshala (1,250 m)
This is the busy commercial area with government buildings, the shopping centre and the bus stand.
Upper Dharamshala (1,982 m)
This part has suburbs like Forsythganj and Macleodganj where the celebrated Dalai Lama has settled in exile. It has a lots of Tibetan population and monasteries and looks like a Tibetan township.
Dharamshala is divided into roughly two parts:
Lower Dharamshala (1,250 m)
This is the busy commercial area with government buildings, the shopping centre and the bus stand.
Upper Dharamshala (1,982 m)
This part has suburbs like Forsythganj and Macleodganj where the celebrated Dalai Lama has settled in exile. It has a lots of Tibetan population and monasteries and looks like a Tibetan township.
| State | : | Himachal Pradesh |
| Location | : | Kangra District, Himachal Pradesh |
| District Area | : | 29 km. sq. (11 sq mi) |
| Altitude | : | 2827 metres (above sea-level) |
| Population | : | approx. 19,124 (in 2001) |
| Sex Ratio | : | 824 females : 1000 males |
| Literacy | : | 77% |
| STD Code | : | 01892 |
| Best time to visit | : | September to June |
| Rainfall | : | 31.8 mm |
| Temperature | : | Summer: 38°C Max. to 22°C Min. Winter: 4°C Min. |
| Climate | : | Pleasent in summer, very cold in winter |
| Clothing | : | Summer: Light Cotton clothing Winter: Heavy woolens |
| Local Languages | : | Pahari, Hindi |
War Memorial
It is a very beautiful place to visit. This memorial is built near the entry point to Dharamshala. It was built to commemorate the memory of those who fought in defense of the motherland.
Dal Lake
The lake lies amidst hills and stately fir trees. Dal Lake is bout three kilometers from McLeod Gunj and eleven kilometers from Dharamshala, next to the Tibetan Children's Village. This small lake is brownish in color and not nearly as impressive as other lakes in Himachal Pradesh.
Kunal Pathri
This is around 3 km. A level walk from Kotwali Bazar leads up to the rock temple of the local goddess.
Dharamkot
11 km. Situated on a hill, this picnic spot affords a panoramic view of the Kangra district and Dhauladhar.
Bhagsunath
11 km. It has an old temple, a spring, slate quarries and a small yet beautiful waterfall. A popular picnic spot.
Kareri
1,983 metres, Kareri is 22 km from Kotwali Bazar. 13 km from the Kareri Rest House is Kareri lake, surrounded by green meadows, oak and pine trees.
Lord Elgin's Memorial
8 km. The Church of St. John in the wilderness has a monument to Lord Elgin, Viceroy of India, who died at Dharamshala and was buried here in 1863.
Naddi
At 2,000 meters above the sea level and about two kilometers from Mcleod Ganj, a modern picnic spot is developing fast at Naddi. It is connected with a metalled motor able road. It is the only place in Dharamshala from where an open view of mountains and wide valleys on Dhauladhars southern side can be seen. It is also a starting point for a trek to Kareri lake, Guna Temple and Triund.
Triund (2,827 meters above seal level)
Triund is on the foothills of Dhauladhar range and is 17 km from Dharamshala and a 9 km trek from McLeodganj passing through Dharamkot and Rakkar at a height of 2,827 mtrs. The breathtaking views of the mountains and the valleys make Triund an ideal spot. A ropeway is available from Dharamshala to Triund and accommodation is available at the forest rest house at Triund.
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.
Tsuglagkhang (Dalai Lama's Temple)
Tsuglagkhang is the most important Buddhist monument in McLeodganj. It enshrines three magnificient images, including an enormous gilt statue of Shakyamuni, statues of Valokitesvara and Padamasambhava, or Guru Rinpoche, the Indian scholar who introduced Buddhism and Tantric teachings to Tibet in the 8th century.
Church Of St. John
In The Wilderness Fifteen minutes' walk from McLeod Gunj, the Anglican church lies in the forest near Forsyth Gunj. This neo-Gothic stone church was built in 1852 and has some fine Belgian stained-glass windows.
It is a very beautiful place to visit. This memorial is built near the entry point to Dharamshala. It was built to commemorate the memory of those who fought in defense of the motherland.
Dal Lake
The lake lies amidst hills and stately fir trees. Dal Lake is bout three kilometers from McLeod Gunj and eleven kilometers from Dharamshala, next to the Tibetan Children's Village. This small lake is brownish in color and not nearly as impressive as other lakes in Himachal Pradesh.
Kunal Pathri
This is around 3 km. A level walk from Kotwali Bazar leads up to the rock temple of the local goddess.
Dharamkot
11 km. Situated on a hill, this picnic spot affords a panoramic view of the Kangra district and Dhauladhar.
Bhagsunath
11 km. It has an old temple, a spring, slate quarries and a small yet beautiful waterfall. A popular picnic spot.
Kareri
1,983 metres, Kareri is 22 km from Kotwali Bazar. 13 km from the Kareri Rest House is Kareri lake, surrounded by green meadows, oak and pine trees.
Lord Elgin's Memorial
8 km. The Church of St. John in the wilderness has a monument to Lord Elgin, Viceroy of India, who died at Dharamshala and was buried here in 1863.
Naddi
At 2,000 meters above the sea level and about two kilometers from Mcleod Ganj, a modern picnic spot is developing fast at Naddi. It is connected with a metalled motor able road. It is the only place in Dharamshala from where an open view of mountains and wide valleys on Dhauladhars southern side can be seen. It is also a starting point for a trek to Kareri lake, Guna Temple and Triund.
Triund (2,827 meters above seal level)
Triund is on the foothills of Dhauladhar range and is 17 km from Dharamshala and a 9 km trek from McLeodganj passing through Dharamkot and Rakkar at a height of 2,827 mtrs. The breathtaking views of the mountains and the valleys make Triund an ideal spot. A ropeway is available from Dharamshala to Triund and accommodation is available at the forest rest house at Triund.
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.
Tsuglagkhang (Dalai Lama's Temple)
Tsuglagkhang is the most important Buddhist monument in McLeodganj. It enshrines three magnificient images, including an enormous gilt statue of Shakyamuni, statues of Valokitesvara and Padamasambhava, or Guru Rinpoche, the Indian scholar who introduced Buddhism and Tantric teachings to Tibet in the 8th century.
Church Of St. John
In The Wilderness Fifteen minutes' walk from McLeod Gunj, the Anglican church lies in the forest near Forsyth Gunj. This neo-Gothic stone church was built in 1852 and has some fine Belgian stained-glass windows.
Summers
Summers (March to June) are warm with temperatures between 22°C to 38°C. Trekking tourists prefer this season.
Winters
Winters (December to February are chilly and freezing during Januray with minium mercury level is goes below 4°C. Snowfalls in winters (especially January) are notorious here with blocking many roads with poor visibility.
Monsoon
Monsoons (July to September) with heavy rainfalls are messy. Tourists typically avoid heavy rainfall days in July and August.
Summers (March to June) are warm with temperatures between 22°C to 38°C. Trekking tourists prefer this season.
Winters
Winters (December to February are chilly and freezing during Januray with minium mercury level is goes below 4°C. Snowfalls in winters (especially January) are notorious here with blocking many roads with poor visibility.
Monsoon
Monsoons (July to September) with heavy rainfalls are messy. Tourists typically avoid heavy rainfall days in July and August.
By Air
Gaggal airport in Kangra valley is the nearest airport. The airport is 12 km away from Dharamsala, which costs about Rs 350 by Taxi cab. This airport connects domestic flights to Delhi. International travelers have to get connection through Delhi Airport, which is about 520 km away from Dharamsala. Delhi Airport is connected to all major cities in India and most of the foreign cities.
By Railway
Nearest railway station is Kangra Mandir at a distance of 22 km from Dharamsala. All trains won’t stop here. The major rail junction is Pathankot, which is about 85 km away from Dharamsala. Pathakot is well connected to all major cities in India.
By Road
Regular bus services are available in Dharamsala connecting the nearby cities. Direct private luxury buses are available from Delhi (520 km), costing about Rs 1600.
Gaggal airport in Kangra valley is the nearest airport. The airport is 12 km away from Dharamsala, which costs about Rs 350 by Taxi cab. This airport connects domestic flights to Delhi. International travelers have to get connection through Delhi Airport, which is about 520 km away from Dharamsala. Delhi Airport is connected to all major cities in India and most of the foreign cities.
By Railway
Nearest railway station is Kangra Mandir at a distance of 22 km from Dharamsala. All trains won’t stop here. The major rail junction is Pathankot, which is about 85 km away from Dharamsala. Pathakot is well connected to all major cities in India.
By Road
Regular bus services are available in Dharamsala connecting the nearby cities. Direct private luxury buses are available from Delhi (520 km), costing about Rs 1600.
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