Dharamsala Travel Guide

About Dharamsala: Founded in 1855, Dharamsala has a spectacular setting along a spur of Dhauladhar  range. Surrounded by forests of chir pine, rhododendron and Himalayan Oak, Dharamsala is the main hill station in the Kangra Valley. It is a fertile, undulating valley, lying between the gentle Shivalik Hills and the foothills of the mighty Dhauladhars. The valley noted for the beauty of its scenery, lush terraces, wooded hills, manicured tea gardens and sparkling streams. The Dhauladhars, ‘the white mountains’ that rise 4000 mts. Above the valley floor, provide a dramatic backdrop. Picturesque Dharamsala is built on a spur of the Dhauladhar range. It commands a splendid view of the surrounding  country. Originally it was a little hill resort built by the British, very near the snow line. Lower Dharamsala is the busy commercial area with government buildings, the bazaar and the bus stand.  Upper Dharamsala has suburbs with evocative names like Forsythganj  and Mcleodganj.

Places of attraction

Kangra  Art Museum :- This museum, a few minutes  walk south of the tourist office, has miniature paintings from the Kangra School of art, which flourished in the Kangra Valley  during the 17th  century; it also has elaborately  embroidered  costumes of Kangra  people, woodcarvings and tribal  jewellery. It’s open 10 am.to 5 pm, Tuesday to Sunday. Entry is free.

Namgyal monastery:- It is at Mcleodganj  with the Buddhist  school of Dialectics, mostly  attended  by monks  is known as Little Lhasa.

Kalachakra Temple :- To the left of the Tsuglagkhang  is the temple with very good Dharma  and Buddhist  masters  of different  lineages  of Tibetan  Buddhism, with the central image of Sakyamuni. Sand mandalas are constructed throughout the year, accompanied by ceremonies. The temple is very important, as the practice of Kalachakra  Tantra is instrumental in  bringing about world peace and harmony.

Macleodganj: Up in Macleodganj is a charming Tibetan settlement with bustling  bazaars that sell  carpets, handicrafts  and delicious  Tibetan  food. A giant prayer wheel  ornaments the main street and in the monastery, a serene statue of the Lord Buddha presides  over the gentle  chanting of the monks. The Dalai Lama resides in Macleodganj, which is now a major centre of Tibetan culture  It has the school of Tibetan  studies  with rare manuscripts  and ancient texts, the Tibetan  Institute  for the Performing Arts  and a handicrafts centre.

St. John in the Wilderness: This is a stone church with delicate stained glass windows and a memorial to Lord Elgin.

Triund (2975 mts.): Just below the snow line is the scenic picnic spot at Triund with its spectacular views and pleasant forest rest house (10 kms.)

Kunal Pathri: A rock temple to the local goddess is not far from the kotwali Bazaar.
(3 km)

Dal Lake : A popular picnic spot surrounded by forests of fir. An annual fair is held here.

Dharamkot (2100 mts.): Dharamkot Hill is above Upper Dharamsala and has panoramic  view  of the majestic Dhauladhars.

Bhagsunath: An easy walk from the Macheodganj and close to Dal Lake is the shrine of Bhagsunath. There is a pretty water fall not far away (11 kms.).

Machhrial and Tatwani: A Beautiful water fall at Machhrial and the hot springs at Tatwani a little beyond it are pleasant picnic spots (25 kms).

Kareri (1983 mts.):  The Kareri Lake is 13 kms. away and set among alpine meadows and forests of pine. It is a scenic spot with a rest house.3250 mts. Above sea level.

Chamunda Devi Temple : There are glorious views of the mountains from the famous temple of Chamunda Devi (15 kms.).

Naddi (1800 mts.): The scenic spot of Naddi is 3 kms. from Dal Lake and offers  spectacular  views  of Kangra Valley  and Dhauladhar  ranges.

Guna Devi (2310 mts.): One can trek 8 kms. from Mcleodganj via  Naddi and Galu  to reach  Guna  Devi, a small  temple of goddess Kali.

Norbulingka Institute (1200 mt.): This interesting institute was established to keep alive the traditional arts and crafts of Tibet. It is 7 kms from Kotwali Bazar.

Aganjar Mahadev Temple (1200 mts.): This ancient Shiva Temple at Khaniara, 8 kms. from Dharmasala  is  worth a visit.

Chinmaya Japovan Trust (1000 mts.): 9 kms. from Dharmashala  is a tranquil  Ashram  complex  founded  in 1978  by the great  exponent  of the Gita’ Swami  Chennayananda. The complex includes a 9 metre high image of Lord Hanuman, a magnificent Rama Temple, a meditation hall, a school, health and recreational centre.

Gopalpur:  8 kms. after Chamunda  Devi is Gopalpur  where the Forest  Department  has set up a zoo  called  Dhauladhar   Nature  park.

Places to Eat:

• Because of western demand and Tibetan enterprise, the upper town offers plenty of good alternatives to Indian food. The adventurous can try Tibetan soups (thukpa), noodle dishes, steamed or fried momos and shabakleb.
• Midtown, in Kotwali Bazar, offers mainly non-veg Indian and Rising Moon offers  Tibetan  and Chinese food.
• Friends Corner, in Mcleodganj, near bus stand, is famous  for good breakfast, dim but popular.
• Shambala, excellent  Indian  meals and western cakes  and pancakes  available, very  good value, pleasant atmosphere.
• German Bakery:-Mi Road ( steep road to Dharamkot), best  bread  and brown  rice, open till 0100.