Dharamshala
Dharamshala is the district hqr. of Kangra district. This is a
hill station lying on the spur of the Dhauladhar range about 18kms.
north east of Kangra town. Hill station is wooded with oak and conifer
trees and snow capped mountains enfold three sides of the town while
the valley stretches in front. The snow line is perhaps more easily
accessible at Dharamshala than at any other hill resort and it is
possible to trek to snow point after an early morning's start.
In 1905, tragedy struck Dharamshala when an earthquake levelled
it completely. After its reconstruction, Dharamshala flourished
as a quiet health resort. It is divided into two distinct parts.
Lower Dharamshala has civil offices and business establishments
with courts.Kotwali Bazar and Upper Dharamshala compose of places
with names which bear witness to its history like McLeod Ganj and
Forsythe Ganj. Since 1960, when it became a temporary hqrs. of His
Holiness The Dalai Lama, Dharamshala has risen to international
fame as "The Little Lhasa in India".
Excursion
Mc Leod Ganj
A number of residential buildings, restaurants, antique and curio
shops, together with famous Tibetan institutions have lent importance
to McLeod Ganj. The Budha temple is situated opposite to the present
abode of His Holiness, the Dalai Lama and is worth a visit. The
Tibetan Institute of performing Arts(TIPA) is 1km. walk from McLeod
Ganj and preserves a number of musical dance and theatrical traditions
of Tibet. It holds an annual 10-day folk opera commencing on the
second Saturday of April. There is also a Tibetan handicraft centre
situated at McLeod Ganj and a Sunday market is organized at about
10 minutes walk from here.
Bhagsunag Falls
At a distance of 11kms. from Lower Dharamshala, Bhagsunag can be
approached by road, here an old temple, a fresh water spring and
restaurant are located. Further about 2kms. is beautiful Bhagsunag
water falls which sooths one's eyes.
St. John's Church
The church of St. John's in the wilderness lies on a motorable road
between McLeod Ganj and Forsythe Ganj 8kms. from Lower Dharamshala.
It has a monument of Lord Elgin, one of the Viceroys of India, who
died in Dharamshala and was buried here in 1863.
Dal Lake
The lake lies amidst hills and stately fir trees 11kms. from Lower
Dharamshala connected by motorable road. It is the starting point
of excursions and trekking and is located next to the Tibetan Children's
village.
Dharamkot
Situated on the crest of hill 11kms. from Dharamshala. This picnic
spot affords a panoramic view of the Kangra valley, Pong Dam lake
and Dhauladhar ranges.
Triund (2975 m)
20 kms. from Dharamshala, Triund lies at the feet of the perpetually
snow clad Dhauladhar at the height of 2975 m . The snow line starts
at ilaqa, 5kms. from Triund. It is a popular picnic and trekking
spot. Accommodation is available in the rest house of Forest Department
,but water has to be fetched from a distance of about 2kms. Ropeway
is being installed from Dharamshala to this place.
War Memorial
Set amidst beautiful surroundings , this memorial is built near
the entry point to Dharamshala to commemorate the memory of those
who fought valiantly for the defence of the motherland.
Kunal Pathri
A level 3kms. walk from Kotwali Bazar leads upto the rock temple
of the local goddess.
Kareri
22kms. from Kotwali Bazar it has a rest house for night halt. On
way visit Kareri lake situated at the distance of 13kms. from rest
house. Durbasa and Kali temples are located here.
Jwalamukhi Temple
The famous temple of Jwalamukhi is 30kms. from Kangra and 56 kms
from Dharamshala. Dedicated to the "GODDESS OF LIGHT",
the temple is one of the most popular Hindu temples in northern
India. There is no idol of any kind the flame is considered as a
manifestation of the goddess. An eternally burning and shining blue
flame emanates from the rock sanctum and is fed by the priests with
the offerings of devotees. The golden tower (dome) of the temple
was a gift from the Emperor Akbar. Two important fairs are held
here during the Navratras in earlier April and mid October. Hotel
accommodation, Dharamshala, rest houses and HPTDC hotels with modern
facilities are available for visitors to the shrine. (Please also
visit the exclusive web site for the temple namely.
Dehra Gopipur
It is situated on the bank of the Beas. It is possible to use Dehra
as a base for different fishing areas like Pong Dam Pattan, kurn
and Nadaun. There are PWD &Forest rest houses for a night stay
. one can also visit the famous temple of Chintpurni from here.
Trilokpur
It is situated 41 kms. from Dharamshala and can be approached by
road the natural cave temple of Trilokpur contains a stalactite
and stalagamite is dedicated to Shiva. High on the ridge of the
cave are ruins of a palace and baradari (audience hall)of Lehna
Singh Majitha, Governor of Kangra hills during the Sikh rule.
Nurpur
66kms. from Dharamshala , Nurpur is famous for an old fort and a
temple of Brij Raj. Nurpur acquired its name in 1672, when Jahangir,
the Mughal Emperor named it after his wife Nurjahan. Nurpuri shawls
are good. There is a PWD rest house for the convenient stay of tourists.
Masroor
Known for its monolithic rock temples, Masroor is 15kms. south of
Kangra. There are 15 rock cut temples in Indo-Aryan style and richly
carved. The temples partly ruined now are profusely decorated with
sculptural ornamentations , conceived in the same manner as the
great temple of Kailash at Elora in Maharastra with which they bear
a striking resemblance. The main temple is dedicated to Lord Ram,
Lakshman and Sita.
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General Information
Languages
Hindi, Punjabi, English and Pahari are understood & spoken by
the people engaged in tourism trade.
Shopping Centres
Kotwali Bazar, a general shopping area, and McLeod Ganj for Tibetan
handicrafts
Temperature
Max. 38 C in June
Min. 0 C in Jan
Annual Rainfall
Varies between 290 cms. To 380 cms.
Second highest rainfall in the country
Best Season
March to June : September to December
Clothing
Winter: Heavy Woollens
Summer: Light Woollen and tropical
Getting There
By Air
The nearest airport at Gaggal is 13kms. away after which it is accessible
by road.
By Rail
Pathankot, the terminal of the broad gauge railway, is 90kms. There
is also a narrow gauge train from Pathankot which comes up to Kangra
(94kms.). and from here Dharamshala is 17kms. by road.
By Road
Direct and regular bus service from Delhi (470kms.), Chandigarh
(240kms.), Jammu (210kms.), Shimla (300kms.), Chamba (192kms.) and
Manali (265kms)
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General Information & Accomdation info on Dharamshala city of Himachal
Pradesh - India
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