History

Dharamshala, as a hill station is quite famous among people and is located along the range of Dhauladhar. It is basically divided into lower and upper town. In the lower town the traditional markets are present and the upper town is quite popular for the presence of Dalai Lama.

The heights of the upper and the lower towns vary from each other. The height of the two divided sections ranges from 1,250 meters and 1,770 meters. The town of Dharamshala is 150 kilometers from Mandi.

The range of Dhauladhar is surrounded by beautiful pine trees and from the top of the range it looks that the town of Dharamshala has been covered by bed of rocks. In 1959 the Tibetan refugees came into this town. Dalai Lama came to his place and set up his house in the upper part of the town which is McLeodganj.

The town of Dharamshala is mostly dominated by Tibetan refugees. Much role is played by the Tibetan government in making this place more beautiful and keeping it very clean. The place is quite famous among tourists all over the world for its scenic beauty. It attracts a lot of tourists from the western part of the world since Dalai Lama provides spiritual guidance to many. His teachings are quite famous among people who are in search of spiritual serenity.

History

Dharmasala was founded by the British Empire during the period of 1815-1847. The Tibetan refugees entered Dharmasala in the year 1959 along with religious leader Dalai Lama. The town has transformed into a small Tibet with the place densely populated with Buddhist temples, meditation centers and other craft organizations.

How To Reach

By Air

There is no recognized airport in Dharanshala that will help the tourists to quickly connect with place. Gaggal which is 15 kms away is considered to be the closest among all the other airports that connect Dharamshala. Kingfisher Airlines offers daily flight from Delhi to Dharamshala. Cabs are readily available near the airport to connect to the town of Dharamshala.

By Rail

Pathankot which is said to be 150 kms from the town of Dharamshala is considered to be the nearest of all the railway stations that connect to the town of Dharamshala. Bus services are also readily available to conveniently connect to the town of Dharmashala.

By Bus

The Inter State bus services readily and quickly connects to the town of Dharamshala. The bus services are available from Delhi.

Places To Visit

Bhagsunag Fall

Bhagsunag Fall is located 11 kilometers away from Dharamshala town and has an ancient temple, a fresh water spring, many waterfalls and numerous slate quarries.

St. John's Church

Located some eight kilometers from Dharamsala, this church is situated in the forest between Mcleod Ganj and Forsyth Ganj. It has lovely spotted glass windows and there is a Christian cemetery around it, housing the grave of Lord Elgin who wished to be buried here.

Dal Lake

Dal Lake is located next to Tibetan Children’s village and, about eleven kilometers away from Dharamsala, forms a major excursion. The place has great beauty and peace.

Weather And Best Time To Visit

Weather

Dharmasala has a cool climate all through the year.

Best Time To Visit

From September to June.

Language And Culture

Language

Languagesspoken areHindi, Punjabi, English and Pahari.

Culture

Dharmashala is considered to be one of the famous tourists spot among all over the world. It is very famous for its mountain ranges and the scenic beauty of the town. There are number of temples, mountain ranges and other monastery within the town of Dharamshala. Though the place is dominated by Tibetan culture yet an inkling of colonial and British lifestyle is also noticed in the place.

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Accommodation

The Dhauladhar

Hotel Dhauladhar is situated within the epicenter of the town. The location of the hotel is quite convenient for people since all the other places within the town can be accessed very quickly. The location of the hotel gives a crystal clear view of the town which is an elixir for the eyes.

Address: The Dhauladhar, Kotwali Bazar, Dharamsala (H.P.)

The Bhagsu

Thishotel was established in the year 1978 and is very close to the vicinity of the Monastery of Dalai Lama.

Address: The Bhagsu, Mcleodganj, Dharamsala (H.P.)

Festivals And Activities

Festivals

The Tibetan New Year, Losar celebrated in the months February-March is the main festival in Dharamshala. If you are planning to visit Dharamshala then this is an excellent time to be in McLeodganj when festivity is in the air and there are many ritual dance performances.

Dal Fair

Dal Fair is the main festival of Dharamshala. Dal Fair in Dharamshala is generally celebrated in the month of August or September on the banks of Dal Lake.

The TIPA Shoton Festival

TIPA is known as Tibetan Institute of Performing Arts and organizes various cultural programs and festivals in Dharamshala. The famous TIPA Shoton Festival of Dharamshala is annually organized by the Tibetan Institute of Performing Arts with great splendor and extravaganza.

Activities

Activities in Dharamshala are restricted to trekking as it the base for trekking in the forested Dhauladhar range, for which equipment can be hired here. The best season for treks is from April till June and again between September and October.

Hotels

Hotel Nishaad Resorts Dharamshala

Nishad Resorts complex is located at the key location and provides you one of the best holiday experiences you have ever had.

Address: Village Naddi, Above Dal Lake, Dharamshala Cant. Pin-176216, INDIA

Hotel Valley View Crest Dharamshala

A hotel situated below the mountain ranges of Dhauladhar with excellent view of the valley. The ambience near the hotel is cool and pleasant and therefore the place is quite well-known for its serenity.

Address: Strawberry Hills, Near Dal Lake, Satobari Road, Upper Dharamsala, 176216 District Kangra, Himachal Pradesh, India

Get Around

There are plenty of local buses shuttling between Dharamshala and McLeodganj. Besides this, shared taxis at about Rs.5 per seat are available. Auto rickshaws also ply between McLeodganj and the hamlet of Bhagsu.

Get Out

Palampur a charming little town 40 kms from Dharamshala is surrounded by tea plantations and beautiful snow peaks and this quiet retreat thrives on its fruit orchards.

Andretta

Situated just 13-kms away from Palampur, lies this dwelling place of artist S.Sobha Singh. It houses a gallery of some of his major works and a pottery center.

Tatwani And Machhrial

There are hot springs situated at Tatwani, 25-km from Dharamsala but on the way, at Machhrial, is a waterfall twice as big as the one near the Bhagsunath temple.

Chinmaya Tapovan

Just 10-km from the town is the tranquil ashram complex set up by the great exponent of the Gita--Swami Chinmayananda.

Shopping

Kotwali Market: Kotwali Bazaaris considered to be the busiest as well as crowded place of Dharmasala. The shopping center is quite popular for the availability of local products and most importantly it is quite famous for the Tibetan mats available in the market.

Main Market Chowk

This is considered to be the main market of the place and is quite famous among the visitors for the availability of variety in the market. The visitors can purchase Tibetan antiques, jewelries, incense sticks and other handicrafts called thangkas. The market is also famous for woolen garments.

Jogibara Road

In Dharmasala this place is quite popular for the availability of famous silk scarves, cane handicrafts and other works of Tibetan art.

Location Map

Images