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DISTANCES
/ LOCATION
- Delhi
to Dharamshala : 542 kms
- Delhi
to Shimla : 370 Kms
- Dharamshala
to Chandigarh : 250 km
- Dharamshala
to Shimla : 245 km,
- Dharamshala
to Pathankot : 95 km,
- Dharamshala
to Manali : 250 km,
- Dharamshala
to Dalhousie : 145 km,
- Dharamshala
to Chamba : 175 km,
- Dharamshala
to Palampur : 35 km,
- Dharamshala
to Bharmour : 234 km
- Dharamshala
to Katra
: 257 kms
GENERAL
INFORMATION
Dharamshala
is one of the principle towns of Kangra valley.
It is set in the backdrop of snow clad peaks of Dhauladhar
mountains. Today Dharamsala has become the synonymous
to the Tibetan government in exile. Dharamshala over looks
the plains and is surrounded by dense pine trees and Deodar
forests. A nearby snowline with numerous streams and cool
healthy atmosphere makes the surroundings very attractive.
Among
the peaceful environment grows an ever alive population
of Dharmshala. No doubt HH the Dalai Lama of Tibet choose
this place to be the headquarters of his exiled government.
Dharamshala provides an excellent atmosphere to spend
the holidays. Mc Leod Ganj and Forsythganj form the suburb
of this small town.
Dharamshala
is a busy bazaar town and has established as the travellers
base camp who come to explore the nearby mountains. The
Kotwali Bazaar provides all the colour and idiosyncrasies
of a small town which is mixed with the simple life style.
The colourful temple and Gompas which reflect the culture
of Tibet adds attraction for the visitor. And how can
one forget the ample opportunities of adventure sports
which the mountains and valleys offer and call visitors
to explore them.
PLACES
TO VISIT
Kangra
Art Museum : A gallery of miniature paintings
from Kangra, a representative collection of sculptures,
pottery and anthropological items and many more such
things are there in the Kangra Art museum.
War
Memorial : Just as one is entering the town,
set amidst the pine groves is a war memorial. A web
of narrow paths and stretches leads to the memorial.
This memorial was raised to commemorate the war heroes
of the post independence era.
Dal
Lake : Surrounded by high and green Deodar trees
is the lake which fills a mountain bowl. This shimmering
blue lake is called the Dal lake. This lake is 11kms
from Dharmsala and is approachable by roads. Dal lake
forms a perfect scenic picnic spots in the area.
St.
John's Church : One of the most poignant memories
of the British Raj is the church of St. John in wilderness.
This charmingly dressed stone church is located just
8 kms from Dharamsala on the way to McLeod Ganj. The
church is surrounded by Deodar trees which adds to the
beauty of the church. Under the shades of the Deodar
is laid to rest the body of British Viceroy, Lord Elgin.
The grassy slopes also holds a well maintained and preserved
graveyard.
Bhagsunath
: Just 11 kms from the town center of Dharamsala
is the ancient temple of Bhagsunath. There are many
fresh water springs close to the temple. The place has
developed as a popular picnic spot. The famous slate
quarries of Dharamsala are also nearby.
Kunal
Pathri : These are the rock temples from which
the Place derives its name. Kunal pathri is a 3 kms
flat walk from Kotwali Bazaar.
Dharmkot
: Dharmkot is just 11 kms from Dharamsala. From
here one can get very panoramic view of the Kangra valley.
The Dhauladhar ranges are also visible from this place.
The whole area is famous as picnic spot. The attractive
scenes of the valley and the natural splendour of the
area has made people visit the place time and again.
Masrur
: Just 45 kms from Dharamsala are the 15 richly
carved rock temples. This place is called Masrur.
Norbulinka
Institute : Just four kms from Dharamsala is
Norbulinka. This place has heavy Japanese influence.
The shady paths, wooden bridges, small streams tiny
water falls make this place look like heaven. Norbulinka
was established to preserve and teach the ancient Tibetan
arts. Here one can watch the wooden carvings and the
tangka paintings, golsithing and embroidery being done.
The nunnery close to the institute where women are taught
the advanced levels of Buddhist philosophy. Norbulinka
can also be approached from McLeod Ganj.
Chinmaya
Tapovan : Just 10 kms from the town is the ashram
complex established by Swami Chinmayananda. A noted
exponent of Gits, Swami Chinmya choose this lovely place
on the banks of Bindu Saras. The ashram includes a 9m
high image of Hanuman, a Ram temple, a meditation hall,
a school and a health & recreation center.
Andretta
: This place is 13 kms from Palampur. Andretta
was the house of artist S.Sobha Singh and it has a gallery
some of his major works. There is also a pottery center
at Andretta.
EXCURSIONS
Mc
Leod Ganj : Originally home of the semi nomadic
Gaddi tribe, Mc leod ganj is today the residence of HH
the Dalai Lama. The mid 19th century this place was developed
as a British Garrison. The place was developed as an important
administrative point for the whole Kangra valley. Today
the place has developed as headquarters of the exiled
Tibetan Government. Mc Leod is just before the Upper Dharamsala.The
impressive monastery has larger than life size images
of Buddha, Padmasambhava and Avaloketeshwara.
Kareri
: Set amidst a sylvan surrounding is a rest house.
This is Kareri, small but very picturesque place. The
rest house is surrounded by green open meadows and thick
woods. From here one can proceed to Kareri lake which
is 13 km from the rest house. Kareri is 22 kms from Dharamsala.
Triund
: Triund is a popular picnic spot at an height
of 2827 m. The area is on the foothills of Dhauladhar
range and is 17 kms from Dharamsala. The snow line starts
at Ilaqua which is five kms from Triund. The spectacular
views of the mountains and the valleys makes Triund an
ideal picnic spot. The trekking routes has attracted many
visitors to this place.
Trilokpur: The way from Pathankot, 41 kms from Dharamsala
are the cave temples dedicated to Lord Shiva. The caves
are unique in themselves as they have Stalactite and Stalagmites.
Sujanpur
Tira : This place is famous for the wall paintings
and the temples. Sujanpur Tira also has fort which is
worth visiting. It is 80 kms from Dharamsala and in particular
the celebration of Holi is very important and attracts
many visitors to this area.
Kangra
: Once upon a time this place was an important
seat of administration. But today there is not much to
be seen. But Kangra the Capital of Chand dynasty tells
a story of glory which has faded into history.
Jwalamukhi
: It is one of the most sacred sites in the Kangra
valley. Here a temple dedicated to Goddess of light is
located. In this temple there is a copper pipe through
which natural gas comes out the priest of the temple lights
this and the blue flame emanating is worshipped as the
manifestation of Goddess. The temple is topped by a Golden
spire. It is 34 kms from Kangra.
Nurpur
: Just 24 kms on the Pathankot-Dharamsala road
is a place which is named Nurpur after Nur Jehan, the
wife of Mughal Emperor Jehangir. There also a fort which
houses the ruins of a Krishna temple. The rich carvings
from the Mughal era can be seen in the remaining structures
of Nurpur. The Krishna temple also shows signs of some
rich decorations and carvings.
HOW
TO REACH SHIMLA?
|| BY
TRAIN ||
Pathankot
is 85 kms and is nearest railhead for Dharamshala. Till
Pathankot there are trains from all over the country and
from here it is a three hour journey to Dharamshala.
|| BY
ROAD ||
The roads
are good and one drive from Chandigarh or Delhi to this
place. There are regular bus services from Shimla to Dharamhsala.
From Manali too bus services are available to this place.
||
BY AIR ||
Dharamshala
is not connected by the air services. The nearest Airport
is Gaggal. Though the Airport is just 13 kms from Dharamshala
the air services are not good.
CLIMATE
CONDITIONS
The
climate is very pleasant during the summers but in winters
the cold is very bad. Temperature can drop below the freezing
point during the winters and heavy woollen cloths are
required. During the summers the weather is mild and pleasant.
The best time to visit the place is during the summers
when the cold has shed its biting teeth and there is plenty
of Sunshine. visit this place between March and October.
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