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Attractions : Kangra
Art Museum, St. John's Church, McLeodganj, Dall Lake
Best Time To Visit : Mid-May to Mid-October.
Set against the backdrop of
the dramatic Dhauladhar mountains, Dharamsala is perched on the high
slopes in the upper reaches of Kangra Valley. The town is divided into
two distinct and widely separated sections, Upper and Lower
Dharamsala, which differ almost a thousand metres in height.
Today, Dharamsala has become the synonymous to the Tibetan government
in exile and the home of Tibetan leader Dalai Lama. Even
if the Tibetan community
dominates the town, still it has retained the colonial lifestyle and
British fervour.
Dharamsala over looks the
plains and is surrounded by dense pine trees and Deodar forests. A
nearby snowline with numerous streams and cool healthy atmosphere
makes the surroundings very attractive.
Dharamsala is a busy bazaar town and has established itself as the
travellers base camp, who come to explore the nearby mountains. The
Kotwali Bazaar provides the entire colour and characteristic of a
small town, which is mixed with the simple life style.
The colourful temple and Gompas, which reflect the culture of Tibet,
adds attraction for the visitor. The Kangra museum gives an overview
of the rich past of the region and on the other hand there are
institutes that have been established to preserve the Tibetan art,
cultures and traditions.
PRIME ATTRACTIONS
Kangra Art Museum:
This treasure trove of the Kangra valley's arts, crafts, and rich
past, displays artifacts that date back to the 5th century. The museum
also includes a gallery of Kangra's famous miniature paintings and a
representative collection of sculptures, pottery, and anthropological
items.
War Memorial:
Set amidst the pine groves is a war memorial, built on the entry point
of the to Dharamsala to commemorate the post independence war heroes
of Himachal Pradesh. A web of narrow paths and landscaped lawns lead
towards this monument.
Dall Lake:
Surrounded by
high and green Deodar trees is the lake, which fills a mountain bowl.
Situated 11-kms away from the town, this lake is easily approachable
by road and makes an enchanting and serene picnic spot.
St. John's Church:
One of the most poignant memories of the British Raj is the church of
St. John, situated in the wilderness. This charmingly dressed stone
church is located just 8-km from Dharamsala on the way to McLeod Ganj.
Under the shade of Doedar branches, a memorial has been made over the
body of the British Viceroy, Lord Elgin who died at Dharamsala in
1863.
Tatwani & 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.
The Shrine of
Bhagsunath: Just
11-km from the town center of Dharamsala is the ancient temple of
Bhagsunath. There are many fresh water springs close to the temple,
which are considered sacred by the Hindus.
Kunal Pathri:
These are the rock temples from which the place derives its name.
Kunal pathri is a 3 kms flat walk from Kotwali Bazaar.
Dharmkot:
Just 11-km away from Dharamsala, located on the crest of a hill lie
this attractive picnic spot, which presents a panoramic view of the
Kangra valley and Dauladhar ranges.
Norbulinka
Institute: Just
four kms from Dharamsala, Norbulinka was established to preserve and
teach the ancient Tibetan arts. The shady paths, wooden bridges, small
streams tiny water falls make this place look like heaven. Here one
can watch the wooden carvings and the tangka paintings, golsithing and
embroidery being done. The nunnery close to the institute is a place
where women are taught the advanced levels of Buddhist philosophy.
Chinmaya Tapovan:
Just 10-km from the town is the tranquil ashram complex set up by the
great exponent of the Gita--Swami Chinmayananda. Situated on the banks
of Bindu Saras, the ashram includes a 9m high image of Hanuman, a Ram
temple, a meditation hall, a school and a health & recreation center.
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.
EXCURSIONS
McLeodganj:
Originally home
of the semi-nomadic Gaddi tribe, McLeodganj is today the residence of
His Holiness, the Dalai Lama. This mid 19th century place was
developed as a British Garrison. The place was developed as an
important administrative point for the whole Kangra valley. Today the
place has developed as headquarters of the exiled Tibetan Government.
The impressive monastery has larger than life size images of Buddha,
Padmasambhava and Avaloketeshwara.
Masrur:
Fifteen richly carved monolithic rock temples sculpted in the splendid
style of the Kailash temple at Ellora and dating back to the 8th
century are to be found at Masrur, just 15 km south of Kangra. Images
of Ram Sita and Lakhsman can be found in the sanctum of the main
temple.
Kareri:
Set amidst a
sylvan surrounding is a rest house, located in the cool depths of the
pine grove. Surrounded by green open meadows and forests of tall oak &
pine at a height of 3250m is situated the picturesque Kareri Lake,
which is just 13-km from the rest house and 22- kms from Dharamsala.
Triund:
Triund is a popular picnic spot at an height of 2827 m. The area is on
the foothills of Dhauladhar range and is 17-kms from Dharamsala. The
snow line starts at Ilaqua, which is five kms from Triund. The
breathtaking views of the mountains and the valleys makes Triund an
ideal picnic spot and trekking spot.
Trilokpur:
On the way from Pathankot, 41-km from Dharamsala are the unique cave
temples with a stalactite and stalagmites dedicated to Lord Shiva.
Sujanpur Tira:
This place is famous for the wall paintings and the temples. Sujanpur
Tira also has fort, which is worth visiting. It is 8- km from
Dharamsala and in particular the festival of Holi is a major event
here and attracts many visitors to this area.
Jawalamukhi:
Dedicated to the "Goddess of Light", the temple is one of the most
popular Hindu temples in northern India. In this temple there is a
copper pipe through which natural gas comes out, the priest of the
temple lights this and the blue flame emanating is worshipped as the
manifestation of Goddess. The temple is topped by a golden spire, a
gift from the Emperor Akbar. The famous temple of Jwalamukhi is 30-km.
from Kangra and 56-km from Dharamshala.
Chamunda Devi:
Not so far from the town is the famous temple with the majestic
Dhaulandhars as a backdrop. It is an enchanting spot with glorious
views of the mountains, the Baner Khud, Pathiar and Lahala forests.
Nurpur: Named after Nurjehan the consort of the Mughal Emperor
Jehangir, it has an ancient fort and an exquisitely carved Krishna
temple. Nurpur is also famous for its fine Pashmina shawls and
textiles. |
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