DHARAMSHALA
TRAVEL GUIDE AND TOURIST ATTRACTIONS:
Dharamshala in Himachal Pradesh is an old British hill station, perched high
above the floor of the Kangra valley. Dharamshala is known for its scenic
beauty, calmness and serenity. It has high pine trees, tea gardens and timber
yielding trees. Its main attraction is in the upper part of the town called
McLeod Ganj. Dharamshala is also the home of Dalai Lama, spiritual head of
Buddhists, Tenzin Gyasto and an entire Tibetan Community. Visiting Dharamshala
is the best way to see Tibet without actually going there. A population of
15,000 Tibetan has turned Mcleod Ganj into a miniature Tibet. Simply put, Mcleod
Ganj is a tourist Zoo, with crowds of yuppies, hippies, American Budhists and
honeymooners.
An earthquake once wrecked Dharamshala in 1905. Since 1960, it became temporary
headquarters of the Dalai Lama and has risen to international repute as " The
little Lhasa in India". The Dalai Lama gives public audiences several times a
year, so inquire at your hotel. The Dalai Lama's private residence and the
Thekchen Choling temple, also known as the Central Cathedral are on the east end
of the Temple road. The view across the valley from the balcony of the temple is
magnificent. The complex is run by 200 monks who assist the Dalai Lama, it also
has a bookstore and a restaurant. Dharamshala is truly a great travel and
tourism destination.
LOCATION:
253 km (157 mi) west of Manali, 248 km (154 mi) north of Chandigarh.
PLACES TO VISIT IN DHARAMSHALA:
Tibet Museum, Mcleod ganj , Tibetan Medical & Astro Institute, Bhagsunath, St.
John's Church , Kunal Pathri, War Memorial, Kotwali Bazar.
EXCURSIONS:
Chirmaya Topovan 10 kms, Dal Lake 11 kms, Dharamkot 11 kms, Triund 17 kms, Kareri 22 kms, Kangra 18 kms, Jwalamukhi 56 kms, Nadaun 10 kms, Chintpurni 80 kms, Masroor 40 kms, Trilokpur 41 kms, Nurpur 66 kms, Sujanpur Tira 80 kms, Chamunda Devi Temple 15 kms, Palampur 35 kms, Pong Wild life Sanctuary.
WHERE TO STAY AND EAT:
Some of the good places to stay and eat in Dharamshala are - Chonor House, Snow Lion, McLlo, Yak, Nick's Italian Kitchen, Indian House.
SHOPPING:
Tibetan crafts, antiques, jewelry and clothing are available in Mcleod Ganj. Tibetan Gallery near the bus stand has a wide range of Tibetan style blouses, skirts, kurtas and T-shirts for both adults and children. The Tibetan Handicraft Centre at the Mcleod Ganj post office sells thick, reasonably priced Tibetan Carpets. Norling Designs has expensive but very fine crafts and clothing from the Norbulingka Institute. The local wine shops sell apple beer and apple wine.
Dharamshala a great travel and tourism destination of Himachal Pradesh.
