India /Himachal Pradesh /Kangra /Dharamsala

Dharamsala is famed as the holy abode of Tibetan Charismatic Leader Dalai Lama and houses the Tibetan Government in exile. Dharamsala is a synonym for Buddhism in India. The gorgeous city is distinctively divided as upper and lower divisions with two altitude ranges.Numerous Buddhist Viharas or Gompas, presenting great cultural values and Tibetan architectures, are the main attractions of Dharamsala. Dharamsala has a vibrant environment with dense green forests with Deodar trees and pine trees. Blessed with many clear and unpolluted streams it is an ideal retreat for nature lovers. This place has been renowned as one of the best picnic spots in India.Kotwali Bazaar is a perfect shopping place where one can view the color and lifestyles of the entire Dharamsala community. The market is considered as the base camp for tourists’ travelling to upper Dharamsala. The tourists who love nature walks and trekking can stay in this base camp and explore the hilly forest regions. One of the tourist attractions in Dharamsala is the Kangra Art Museum, displaying the rich past of Dharamsala and its cultural supremacy of the Tibetan people. There are some institutions as well which are established to preserve the grand old Tibetan traditions, cultures and arts. This little hill town is indeed a must visit to every traveler coming to this region.

Quick Facts-Edit

Category : Hill Station, Pilgrim

Time Zone: UTC + 5:30 Hours

Pincode: 176215

STD Code: 1892

Info Website: N.A

Best Time to Visit:  Sep – June

HistoryEdit

Dharamshala is a hill station lying on the spur of the Dhauladhar range about 17 kms north- east of Kangra town. This hill station is wooded with oak and conifer trees and snow capped mountains enfold three sides of the town while the valley stretches in front. The snowline is perhaps more easily accessible at Dharamshala than at any other hill resort and it is possible to make a day’s trek to a snow-point after an early morning’s start. Dharamshala is also the headquarter of the Kangra district.In 1905, tragedy struck Dharamshala when an earthquake levelled it completely. After its reconstruction, Dharamshala flourished as a quiet health resort. It is divided into two distinct parts. Lower Dharamshala has civil offices and business establishments with courts. Kotwali bazar and Upper Dharamshala comprise of places with names which bear witness to its history like McLeod Ganj and Forsythe Ganj. Since 1960, when it became a temporary headquarter of His Holiness The Dalai Lama, Dharamshala has risen to international fame as The Little Lhasa in India . Mcleodganj is 9 km from Dharamshala.In and around Dharamshala, one can visit the Kangra Art museum at Kotwali bazar, War memorial, Kunal Pathri temple and tea gardens on way to Kunal Pathri. There is also a beautiful Cricket stadium in the city facing mighty Dhauladhar.

Places to VisitAdd

How to ReachEdit

By Air : The nearest airport to Dharamshala is Gaggal airport in Kangra valley, Himachal Pradesh. The airport is around 17 km away from Dharamshala and connects domestic flights to Delhi. From Delhi travelers can connect to major cities in India and abroad.

By Train : Nearest railway station is Kangra Mandir at a distance of 22 km from Dharamsala. All trains won’t stop here. The major rail junction is Pathankot, which is about 85 km away from Dharamsala. Pathakot is well connected to all major cities in India.

By BUS : Buses are the most common means of transport in the city.

By Taxi : Taxis for reaching Dharamsala.

By Other : Auto rickshaws are a very comfortable mode of travel present too, but they will normally charge you more as auto rickshaws in Dharamsala do not run on meter. There are no night fares applicable and fares may range from Rs 30 to 40. Travelling through an auto rickshaw is also a safe mode of travel.

Top HotelsAdd

Economy – Up to Rs. 801 to Rs. 1200

Hotel valley view crest ; Near Dal Lake ,Satobari hills, Naddi, Kangra, Upper Dharamsala, Himachal Pradesh 176216 ; Ph – 0189 222 0091 ; Facilities – Room Service

Deluxe – Up to Rs. 1201 to Rs. 2500

Snow Crest Inn ; Naddi VillageDharamsala. ; Ph – 0189 222 0543 ; Facilities – Room Service

Luxury – Rs. 2501 and above

HOTEL ASIAN PLAZA ; Main Square , Mcleodganj Dharamshala. ; Ph – 0189 222 0855 ; Facilities – Room Service

Top RestaurantsAdd

• Hotel Centre Point ;  363 / 3 Major District Road 44, Dharamsala ; M –  094 18 478949 ; Food Serve :  Indian

• Staywell Hotel ;  Kirpu Mor Kotwali Bazar Khara Danda Road to Mcleodganj, Near P.W.D. Rest House Dharamshala ; M –  094 18 053916 ; Food Serve :  Indian

Must Eat FoodAdd

Must Do ActivitiesAdd

Must ShopAdd

Woollens ; Kotwali Bazaar ;  Kotwali Bazaar, Dharamsala. ; Ph/M:  N.A
Carpets ; Kotwali Bazaar ;  Kotwali Bazaar, Dharamsala. ; Ph/M:  N.A
Metal Wares ; Kotwali Bazaar ;  Kotwali Bazaar, Dharamsala. ; Ph/M:  N.A
Thangkas ; Kotwali Bazaar ;  Kotwali Bazaar, Dharamsala. ; Ph/M:  N.A
Jewellery ; Kotwali Bazaar ;  Kotwali Bazaar, Dharamsala. ; Ph/M:  N.A

Nightlife (Pub / Disc / BAR)Add

SpaAdd

Strands Salon n Spa ;  Kotwali Bazar Khanyara Rd, Dharamsala ; Ph/M – 0189 222 6081 ; Cost:  N.A ; Services –  Massag Center

FestivalAdd

Safety / WarningEdit

N.A

HelplineEdit

• Police : 100
• Fire : 101
• Ambulance : 102

ItineraryEdit

Day 1:
10:00 am – Dharamkot ;Approx. time spent : 3 hrs
1:00 pm – Chinmaya Tapovan ;Approx. time spent : 2 hrs
3:00 pm – Kangra Fort ;Approx. time spent : 2 hrs
5:00 pm – Chamunda Devi ;Approx. time spent : 1 hrs
6:00 pm – Tibetan Library ;Approx. time spent : 1 hrs
Day 2:
10:00 am – Bhagsu Falls ;Approx. time spent : 2 hrs
12:00 pm – Bhagsu Nag Temple ;Approx. time spent : 1 hrs
1:00 pm – Tsuglagkhang Complex ;Approx. time spent : 2 hrs
3:00 pm – St. John Church;Approx. time spent : 1 hrs
4:00 pm – Dal Lake ;Approx. time spent : 1 hrs
5:00 pm – Triund ;Approx. time spent : 2 hrs
Day 3:
10:00 am – Hang gliding in Bir ;Approx. time spent : 3 hrs
1:00 pm – Kotwali Bazaar ;Approx. time spent : 2 hrs
3:00 pm – War Memorial ;Approx. time spent : 1 hrs
4:00 pm – Namgyalma Stupa ;Approx. time spent : 1 hrs
5:00 pm – Kumar Pathri;Approx. time spent : 2 hrs

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