Where is Dharamsala?
Dharamsala
(185 km from Shimla) is located in the state of Himachal Pradesh in northern
India. It lies in the Kangra Valley in the Dhauladhar mountains.
How will you gain access?
Gaggal (13 km) is the nearest airport from the town of Dharamsala. The
airport operates regular flights connecting the town to the key destinations
of the country. Pathankot is the closest railhead. National Highway no. 1
provides links with Pathankot and Jalandhar and other places of Himachal
Pradesh.
What magnetises people?
» Macleodganj
The engaging Tibetan settlement in Macleodganj is a huge attraction for the
travellers and visitors. There are a number of bustling bazaars here,
selling exquisite carpets, handicrafts and delicious Tibetan foods. The main
street is adorned with a giant prayer wheel. The Dalai Lama resides in
Macleodganj. The place is a chief centre of Tibetan culture.
» St. John's Curch
St. John Church is yet another attraction of the town. The stone church
bears delicate stained glass windows. There is also a memorial to Lord
Elgin. It's a must-visit site.
» Triund
Triund
lies at an elevation of 2,975 m. It happens to be wonderful scenic spot,
providing breathtaking views of mountains and valleys to the visitors. It is
located in the foothills of the Dhauladhar range.
» Kunal Pathri
Moving 3 km ahead of Kotwali Bazar, one arrives at a the Kunal Pathri
temple. This rock-temple is dedicated to the local goddess.
» Bhagsunath
The Bhagsunath shrine lies in close vicinity of the Macleodganj Bazar. It
lies close to the Dal Lake. The shrine attracts a good number of devotees
daily.
» Kangra Art Museum
The Kangra Art Museum showcases a priceless collection of Kangra Valley's
arts and crafts. The artifacts displayed here date back to the 5th century.
There is a gallery that presents a phenomenal collection of Kangra's
miniature paintings, sculptures, pottery and anthropological items.
What are the adventures in store?
There are many interesting stretches for trekking around Macleodganj and
Dharamsala. Toral Pass (4,575 m) is just 10 km from Dharamsala. For a longer
trek, one can walk the 8-km long stretch between Dharamsala and Triund. Rock
climbing over the Dhauladhar range is no less attraction. Options of angling
and fishing are also available as there are numerous rivers and streams
around Dharamsala.
Which are the nearby hotels?
Grace Hotel (10 km from airport) is a deluxe hotel providing with
facilities like 24-hour room service, channel music, TV, laundry, doctor on
call etc. The hotel also offers recreational activities like fishing,
trekking and rock climbing. Ais Health Resort is yet another popular deluxe
hotel. The hotels has 19 lavish rooms and 5 apartments with a mini-bar in
each room and apartment. The resort offers CCTV, computers, safe deposit,
doctor on call, laundry service, parking, money exchange, 24-hour room
service, multi-cuisine restaurant, swimming pool, multipurpose hall, home
theatre etc.
What is the best time?
Lying in the Himalayas, Dharamsala experiences a pleasant climate during
the summer months. Winters are, however, very cold. Temperature can even
drop below freezing point during the winters. The best time to visit the
place is between the months of May and October.
