Dharamsala (Himachal Pradesh)

Dharamshala, popularly known as the Scotland of India, stands on a spur of the Dhauladhar range amidst magnificent deodar and pine forests. It is the district headquarters of Kangra district and is also known as "The Little Lhasa in India". It has every thing for a perfect holiday and is full of life and peace. The headquarters of His Holiness the Dalai Lama are here.

Places of Interest

Bhagsunag
Bhagsunag-which is referred firstly by the kings name (Raja Bhagsu) and then by the Lords name –Nag is believed to be historical. It is about 11 kms. From Lower Dharamshala and we find an old temple and a fresh water spring. The temple of Bhagsu is devoted to Lord Shiva.

Dal Lake
About 11 kms. From Dharamshala is a miniature oval-shaped artificial lake called Dal Lake surrounded by gigantic Fir trees. An annual fair is held in September every year. This lake has a charm of its own, solely due to its surrounding forest and hills.

Kunal Patheri
These are the rock temples from which the place derives its name. Kunal Pathri is a 3 kms. flat walk from Kotwali Bazaar. All around it is a sprawling tea estate.

Mc Leod Ganj
This was originally the home of the semi-nomadic Gaddi tribe, and today the residence of His Holiness, the Dalai Lama. This is now a major culture center of Tibetan culture and the impressive monastery has life size images of Buddha, Padmasambhava and Avaloketeshwara.

War Memorial
Set amidst the pine groves is a war memorial, to commemorate the post independence war heroes of Himachal Pradesh. A web of narrow paths and landscaped lawns lead towards this monument.

Population 8,600

Best time to visit: September to June

Excursion

Nurpur
66kms. from Dharamshala , Nurpur is famous for an old fort and a temple of Brij Raj. It is named after the Mughal Empress Nurjehan. There is a PWD rest house for the convenient stay of tourists.

Triund
This is on the foothills of Dhauladhar range and is 17 kms. from Dharamsala. The breathtaking views of the mountains and the valleys make Triund an ideal picnic and trekking spot. A Ropeway is being installed from Dharamshala to this place.

Jwalamukhi Temple
This temple is 30 kms. From Kangra dedicated to the "Goddess of Light". In this temple there is a copper pipe through which natural gas comes out and the priest of the temple lights this. A golden spire, a gift from the Emperor Akbar, tops the temple.

Masroor
About 15 kms. South of Kangra this is the only shrine carved out of live rock in North India. Images of Ram Sita and Lakhsman can be found in the sanctum of the main temple.


How to get there

By Air: Jagson Airlines flies to Delhi and Kullu from Kangra airport at Gaggal, 15 km from Dharamsala.

By Rail: Nearest narrow gauge railhead is 17 km away and broad gauge railhead at Pathankot is 90 km away, which connects all major cities.

By Road: It is well connected by road. The main bus stand is in Dharamsala. All long distance buses leave from here; most of the buses from McLeodganj only ferry passengers to the Dharamsala bus stand.