Dharamshala - In The Holiness

By Author: Rashmiranjan Patil
Total Articles: 261
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Dharamshala - the home of the Tibetan community in exile - is located in the valleys of the Dhauladhar range in the foothills of the Himalayas. Located in the Kangra district in the state of Himachal Pradesh, Dharamshala with its dense oak, pine and deodar forests, rivulets, cool mountain air, and numerous trekking options into the hills and valleys attractive surroundings and the nearby snowline, has everything for a perfect holiday.

In 1959, when His Holiness Dalai Lama led his supporters from Tibet to India, the Indian Government decided to gift Dharamshala to him so that the numerous Tibetans could make this place their home. Dharamshala literally translates into 'spiritual sanctuary'. It is from here that the Tibetan Government in exile governs from.

Dharamshala comprises of two areas - the lower Dharamshala at an altitude of 1380 m along with upper Dharamshala with the suburbs of Mcleodganj and Forsytheganj at an altitude of 1830 m.

Mcleodganj, 13 km from Dharamshala, is famous all over the world as the religious centre of Tibetan Buddhism. Numerous Buddhist monasteries, prayer wheels and gompas ...
... adorn this mystical town along with the traditional Tibetan handicrafts, thangkas, carpets, garments and other knick knacks.

The church of St. John in the wilderness is situated on the slopes of Mcleodganj and is the final resting place of numerous British officers including Lord Elgin, a British Viceroy of India during the 19th century. Other than the monasteries, numerous ancient temples like Jwalamukhi, Brijeshwari, Bhagsunath Temple and Chamunda can be found here.

The important tourist destinations are Bhagsu Falls, Tsuglagkhang, Namgyal Monastery, Tsechokling Gompa and Norbulingka Institute.

Another important attraction is the Triund hill amidst the Dhauladhar ranges. Triund, located about 9 km from Mcleodganj, can be reached after a 5 hour difficult trek and is very popular among the trekking enthusiasts.

A few places one can visit when in Dharamshala are the Kangra Art museum at Kotwali bazar, War memorial, Kunal Pathri temple and plush tea gardens on the way to Kunal Pathri. The Kangra museum in Dharamshala gives an insight into the town’s rich past with its display of various artefacts like miniature paintings, sculptures, pottery, coins, jewellery, royal attire and 5th century manuscripts.

Dharamshala is well connected by road and air. The nearest airport is at Gaggal, 13 km away and can be approached by air from Delhi. Pathankot, the nearest broad gauge railway station is 85 km away. The Kangra toy train will take you till Kangra, 17 km away, and is worth a try for the scenic beauty. Taxis to Dharamshala are available from Delhi. HPTDC operates a regular luxury coach from Delhi to Dharamshala.

Dharamshala has a pleasant climate throughout the year, though in the winters the temperature can drop to freezing point.