Dharamshala
Dharamsala (Mcleodgani) is in Kangra District of the state of Himachal Pradesh.
This hill station with a magnificent view of the Dhauladhar range of the
Himalayas is the seat of his holiness, the Dalai Lama.
About Dharamshala
Dharamshala is also renowned for its beauty, elegance and charm that it
expresses through the natural scenarios and the mystic ambience of religious
associations. It the centre of preaching of the Tibetan religious Guru
and Nobel peace prizewinner, the Dalai Lama.
A hill station of the Kangra valley, it has obtained its name from the guesthouse
for the religious travelers, called Dharamshala in Hindi. The town is divided
into two parts, the Upper Dharamshala and the Lower Dharamshala.
Location
Dharamshal, the small beautiful town of Himachal Pradesh falls in the
Kngra valley, at a distance of 185 km from Shimla, the capital of Himachal
Pradesh.
Attractions
Himachal Pradesh is one of the most beautiful states in Northern India,
Dharamshala is like a small piece of diamond, which multiplies its beauty
manifold. The landscape is splendid, with green surroundings, swift rivers,
and the mighty hill ranges, the small city is a perfect resting destination
after some rush hours of journey. If one goes to Dharamshala the main
attractions would be as follows.
The Kangara Art Museum - This museum houses some rare artifacts,
miniature paintings and other cultural objects representing the richness
of the past of this small town. Some of these belong to the 5th century,
and the artifacts are quite well preserved. The library of Tibetan arts
works and archives is also a good place to visit, especially for the Scholars
and the enthusiasts of ancient art and literature.
St. John's Church - The most exciting memorial building of the
British Raj in this town is the St. John's Church, which also houses a
memorial of Lord Elgin, the Viceroy who died in1963.
Excursions
Mcleodganj in the suburbs of the upper Dharamshala, houses the residence
of Dalai Lama, who heads the prayers while at residence and is considered
one of the key leaders of Tibet. He has been operating the Government in
Exile since his disappearance from Tibet. He has also won the Nobel Peace
prize, and is a noteworthy Buddhist spiritual leader.
Palampur - Green is great, as well as the place, coloured green with
the tea estates scattered around in the town, making the place a great green
picture of life. The place is famous for many interesting places such as
Bundelmata temple, Bir, Billing and Al Hilal, the last one being a famous
hideout place for Maharaja Ranjit Singh.
How to reach
Air - Kangra Gaggal Dharmashala airport is the nearest, at a distance
of 12 km.
Rail - Pathankot is the nearest railhead in broad gauge route, however
Kangra station is in the narrow gauge map, only 18 km from Dharamshala.
Road - The national highways numbered 1 and 1A connect Dhramshala to
Pathankot and Jalandhar, thus obviously the roads are quite good.
Where to stay
Low and mid-bidget hotels are available in Dharmashala.
Dharamshala, Buddhist Major Destinations Reservation Form
