Dharamshala Tourism
Dharamshala in Himachal
Pradesh is today known for its Tibetan settlement and the Headquarters of the Dalai Lama in India. It is a convenient starting point for trips to the Kangra Valley, Palampur, Baijnath, Jwalamukhi, etc. Positioned as it is on a spur of the Dhauladhar range, it seems to be enfolded by mountains on three sides with the Valley stretching below on the fourth.Dharamsala is a busy bazaar town and has established itself as the travelers 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 colorful 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.
Dharamshala Attractions
1. Dall Lake
11 km. The lake lies amidst hills and stately fir trees.
2. Kunal Pathri
This is around 3 km. A level walk from Kotwali Bazaar leads up to the rock temple of the local goddess.
3. Dehra Gopipur
56 km Dehra Gopipur is situated on the banks of the Beas which provides good fishing.
4. Dharamkot
11 km. Situated on a hill, this picnic spot affords a panoramic view of the Kangra district and Dhauladhar.
5. Bhagsunath
11 km. It has an old temple, a spring, slate quarries and a small yet beautiful waterfall. A popular picnic spot.
6. Nurpur
95 km. from Dharamshala and 24 km. from Pathankot, Nurpur has an old fort and temple to Baij Raj. Nurpuri shawls are a good buy.
7. Machhrial & Tatwani
25 km. There are hot springs at Tatwani. On the way there is a waterfall at Machhrial, twice as big as that at Bhagsunath.
8. Kareri
1,983 metres, Kareri is 22 km from Kotwali Bazar. 13 km from the Kareri Rest House is Kareri lake, surrounded by green meadows, oak and pine trees.
9. Lord Elgin`s Memorial
8 km. The Church of St. John in the wilderness has a monument to Lord Elgin, Viceroy of India, who died at Dharamshala and was buried here in 1863.
10. Sujanpur Tira
80 km. A historic town famous for Kangra paintings of the time of Raja Sansar Chand. There is an old palace open to visitors. The Holi festival at Sujanpur is celebrated decoratively.
11. Triund
2,827 metres and 17 km. Triund lies at the foot of the perpetually snowclad Dhauladhar. The snow line starts at IIaq, 5 km from Triund. It affords a breath-taking view of the snow above and the valley below.
Sports Activities
12. Fishing
The Kangra Valley`s extensive waterways offer excellent fishing, the best catch being mahseer, a fish which thrives in rapidly flowing water, mali, saul, bachwa, and shingara.
13. Trekking
Dharamshala-Dharamkot-Triund-Dharamsala (45 km).
Dharamshala-Kahniara-Aghanij ar-Mahade-Dharamshala 26 km.
Dharamshala-Chamunda Devi Dadh-Dharamshala (29 km).
Dharamshala-Bhagsunath-Dharamshala 22 km.
Dharamshala-Dall Lake-Dharamshala (22 km )
Dharamshala- Kareri-Dharamshala (35 km).
All these treks can be undertaken in a day by making an early start. Bhagsunath and the Dall Lake lie at a distance of 2 km and 3 km respectively from McLeodganj and can be visited on the same day.
Getting There
By Air
Dharamshala can be approached by air from Delhi. The nearest airport is 13 km. away at Goggla
By Road
Direct and regular bus services operate from Delhi via Chandigarh, Kiratpur and Bilaspur. Taxis are also available.
By Rail
Up to Pathankot by broad gauge line (85 km) by road and then up to Kangra by narrow gauge line. The nearest railway station is Kangra Mandir (22 km
