One such hill station, famous for astounding beauty of mountains, screaming rivers, ever flowing waterfalls, straight standing monasteries, temples that bring peace to mind, dense forests of pines and deodars is Dharamshala, present in the Kangra District of Himachal Pradesh. It contains 2 parts: the lower which contains the commercial and Market places, frequently crowded by tourists and locals and the upper part containing Mcleodganj, the calmer and peaceful part of the city. What makes Dharamshala stay unique from other hilly cities is the serenity and tranquility it provides. You will find a major replica of Buddhism and Tibetan Culture here, overlooking large snow capped mountains, among dense trees. People across the globe reach here to experience the spirituality amongst mountains and to meditate on the rocks. Travelers visit to trek and to shop. People seeking relaxation and leisure often flock in summer. Dharamshala is doubtlessly the "Winter Capital of Himachal Pradesh".
What to do when in Dharamshala?
1. Tibetan Libraries:
Dharamshala is the perfect place if you are interested in knowing and learning the culture and characteristics of Buddhism and the monks. You will find many libraries here containing artifacts, manuscripts, books and notes about the religion. The Library of Tibetan Works and Archives is one such place in the city you should definitely go to get influenced by the kindest religion.
2. Ropeways:
Ropeways are one of the must try experiences you should have in the town. Dharamshala has many such ropeways overlooking the valleys, joining mountains and busiest places. The 1.8 km Dharamshala to Mcleodganj Ropeway provides many picturesque spots and can reach you in just 5 minutes.
3. Tea Gardens:
In hilly areas, you will very easily and frequently find tea gardens and Dharamshala is no different. The quality of the tea leaves is famous and widely acclaimed. Dharamshala is known as "The smallest tea region of India" and you can find many shops here to buy varieties of teas.
4. Trekking:
Trekking and camping are the must do adventures you should try during a trip to Dharamshala. There are many organizations providing trekking facilities from easy to difficult during the journey. Triund is one such modest and beautiful trek you should never miss. Kareri River Trek is situated 9 km away from the city which crosses a breathtaking bridge. The Guna Devi Temple Trek crossing dense forests of Deodars and locals is a sight to behold. Bhagsu Trek seems pleasantly pretty during monsoon. Indrahar Pass Trek is one of the best treks and offers many picturesque spots.
5. Shopping:
If you have a taste for antique and craftic pieces, and shopaholic by nature, you should definitely visit the markets of Dharamshala and Mcleodganj. You can see Tibetan Culture, arts and crafts blooming from every commodity. Singing Bowls are some rarer bowls used for meditation you can find in Jogibara Road and Kotwali Bazaar. Different Buddha statues in various sizes and colours, prayer wheels, prayer flags, and jewelleries can be found at street shops. Metallic Jewellery, pretty gems, colourful beads, silk clothes, woollen fabrics, crafted and knitted mats, rugs, carpets can be found in Miny Tibetan Market.
How to reach the city
Dharamshala is one of the major hill stations of the country and hence is well connected with other cities.
1. Airways:
Kangra Airport is the nearest airport and many flights connect to the city with Delhi, Mumbai, Chandigarh.
2. Roadways:
Both private and government bus services are available to reach the city from Chandigarh, Delhi, Shimla.
3. Railways:
Trains can be available from different cities to Pathankot Railway Station and then you can easily reach Dharamshala.
Places to visit
1. Namgyal Monastery:
Namgyal Monastery is the home of 200 Buddhist monks practicing Buddhism, mantras, tantras, Tibetan language and culture. It is also called "Dalai Lama's Temple" and people often visit here to experience the calmness.
2. Cricket Stadium:
The Dharamshala Cricket Stadium is one of the rare cricket stadiums that holds national and international cricket matches in the surrounding of greenery and mountains. The direct view of the match and the mountain offers you a majestic experience you wouldn't know existed.
3. Triund:
Triund is one of the famous, simplest and easiest treks of Himachal situated near to Dharamshala and hence is chosen by many travelers. The slow inclines overlooking the valleys and mountain peaks ahead and camping at nights is one the experiences that should not be missed.
4. St. John in the Wilderness Church:
St. John in the Wilderness Church is one of the oldest and important churches in Himachal Pradesh. It is situated on the way to Mcleodganj and is famous for the tranquility it offers.
5. War Memorial:
War Memorial is one of the must see places of Dharamshala, present in the center of the city which is dedicated to our war heroes who bravely fought for the nation. The location of the place is among dense forests surrounding hills which is another attraction to visit here.
6. Bhagsunag Temple:
Bhagsunag or Bhagsunath Temple is a must visit place on the trip to Dharamshala, located 3 km from Mcleodganj. The main attraction is the 2 temple pools which are believed to possess miraculous healing powers.
7. Dal Lake:
As the name suggests, the lake is named after the famous Dal Lake of Srinagar and is visited frequently due to its sublimity and serenity, situated in Tota Rani Village. This is the perfect spot for photographers, artists, people needing relaxation and provides a magnificent trekking site with spectacular views.
8. Dalai Lama Temple:
Dalai Lama Temple is one of those subsequent places where someone goes to get peace and serenity. You will find Buddhist monks chanting and meditating, and pretty mountain peaks to look towards with calmful eyes. The place is the home of Tibetan Culture and is also called "Tsuglagkhang Temple".
9. Bhagsu Falls:
Bhagsu Falls is one of the popular places in the city which is situated on the road joining Dharamshala and Mcleodganj. The spellbinding view of the freezing water from 30 feet is perfect to spend some quiet moments while the trek to reach this destination is even merrier.
10. Jwala Devi Temple:
The Jwala Devi Temple is one of the 52 Shakti Peethas in India and has a major religious importance. The main attraction of the place is the temple has no deity and the holy flame magically burns day and night without any fuel, which is believed to be the form of the Goddess.
11. Masroor Rock Cut Temple:
The currently on ruins temple is a combination of 15 rock cut temples, situated on the Nagrota-Surian Link Road. The temples are carved out of a single rock and the intricate works are a perfect example of Indo-Aryan style with Vedic teachings.
12. Indrahar Pass Trek:
Indrahar Pass Trek is one of the most significant and precious treks of all time , lasting for 14 km among lush greenery and scenic beauties of far mountains and snow covered peaks.
13. Naddi View Point:
Naddi View Point, situated in Naddi Village is one of the most sought-after places among tourists that provides astounding views of the snow capped mountains. It is the base point of some of the popular treks such as Triund and Dharamkot.
Best time to visit
Dharamshala falls under a humid subtropical climate and is one of the wettest places in the state.
1. Summer- March to June- 32°C to 37°C (not very hot)
2. Rainy- June to September- 20°C to 30°C (continuous rains)
3. Winter- December to February- 15°C to -1°C (very chilly)
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