Dharamshala
Himachal in Himalayas that is ‘Him’+ ‘alaya’which means “Him” as ice or snow and “alaya”means Home , combination of both means The Home of Snow Himalayas. Himachal is located on the north-western region of the Himalaya. Himalaya’s beauty is mind-blowing it is the best place to enjoy your holidays, weekends.
Dharamshala is one of the destinations in Himachaal where tourist can see the beauty of lush green and golden valleys, flower filled meadows, misty woods, fast flowing rivers, glaciers, gushing water streams, steep waterfalls, enchanting lakes, rippling streams.
Dharamshala is also known as “The Little Lhasa in India”. This place is located in the upper reaches of the Kangra Valley at an average altitude of 1,475 metres. Dharamshala is divided into two parts that is Upper and Lower Dharamshala. Upper part is a tourist attraction point like McLeodganj, landscapes, churches, monasteries and lower part is like educational institutions, offices, the bus station and hospitals.
The presence of the great Tibetan leader Dalai Lama along with other Buddhist nuns & monks lives here for thousands of years and made this place tourists attractions. Tourists will find Buddisht and Himachal culture both here.
How to Reach
By Air: Gaggal Airport in Kangra Valley is the nearest Airport from Dharamshala which is 15 km away. Taxi/cabs arre accessable from Airport.By Rail: The nearest railway station is Pathankot
By Road: Buses are easily available from metro cities to Dharamshala.
Within Dharamshala Taxis and buses are easily available.
Best Time To Visit
Dharamshala can be visited throughout the year. Oct-Jun is the best time to visit Dharamsala.
Summer (April-June) The temperature in Summers ranges between 20 to 35 degrees Celcius.
Monsoon (July-September) The temperature ranges from 18 to 22 degrees Celsius.
Winter (October-March) The temperature in Winters remains between 4 to 7 degrees Celcius.
Local Food
Due to Tibetian culture one will mostly find Tibetian Cuisine like momos,thukpas and other Tibetian dishes. Another speciality here is honey ginger lemon tea. Some of the Reataurants in Dharamshala is “One of the Blue Italian Pizzaria”, “Taste of India”.
Things To Do In Dharamsala
1. Dharamshala Cricket Stadium
The stadium is located at the height of 1457 metres above sea level.This place is a perfect place for the cricket tourist and is open for tourism whether match is going on or not. One can see the tibetian culture and art in construction of this stadium. One can reach this place by taking Taxi which is easily available.
2. St. John in the Wilderness Church
It was built in 1852 and is one of the most important churches in Himachal Pradesh. This church is located on the way to Mcleodganj and near Dharamshala. This church was built in dense woods that is why it is famous as 'St. John in the Wilderness'.
3. War Memorial
This place is made in the memory of those who fought for saving of motherland. War Memorial is situated near Dharamshala situated inbetween the pine forests.
4. Gyuto Monastery
A not so easy to find monastery, unless a driver is willing for the same. A serene monastery of holiness.
5. Dal lake and Nadi
Dal lakes lies inbetween hills and deodar trees and is 11 km away from lower Dharamshala. Small Shiva Temple is also situated on the banks of this lake.
6. Tea gardens
Across the Kangra Valley Dharaamshala has beautifully lined and organized tea gardens, which is known for its good quality tea.
7. Jwalamukhi Devi Temple
One of the most famous temples in India. There is no idol , but only a flame burning all time from some mysterious source. In this temple one can experience the ultimate power of Goddess in its natural form.
8. Triund
This place is situated at a great height from here one can enjoy the view of Moon Peak – Indira pass. Triund is a 9-km trek away from Mcleodganj.
9. Bhagsunag falls
This place is famous for its old temple “Bhagsunag Temple” and waterfall, the height of the waterfall is approx. 20 metres. The Bhagsunag Fall is located only 2 kms from Mcleoganj and about 11 kms from Dharamshala.
