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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