Located an average elevation of 1457 meter in the Kangra Valley of Himachal Pradesh mesmerizing Dharamshala captures your imagination with its picturesque natural beauty and unique mix of Tibetan, British and Himanchali cultures. Becoming the temporary headquarters of the Dalai Lama since 1960, The hillside town of Dharamshala, stretches along a spur of the Dhauladhar mountain range amidst magnificent deodar, conifer and pine forests, tea gardens and mist-soaked hills. Formerly known as Bhagsu, Dharamshala is broadly divided into two parts; Upper and Lower Dharamshala.
Covering the wide area of this hill town in the form of twin settlement, lower Dharamsala is a busy commercial centre. While upper Dharamsala with the suburbs of Mcleodganj and Forsytheganj, retains a British flavor and colonial lifestyle. Along with the most picturesque views of the adjoining Kangra valley with the snow-clad Himalaya, numerous streams, cool healthy air, attractive surroundings and the nearby snowline makes Dharamsala a perfect holiday destination in summer. My Holiday to India Travel Guide offers you to explore the best attraction of Dharamshala in April 2021.
Bhagsu Nag Temple : The temple is situated two km from McLeod Ganj is an ancient Hindu temple dedicated to Bhagsu Nag, the snake god, and to Lord Shiva attracts visitors. A freshwater spring is the added attraction in which pilgrims to take a holy dip flows through the temple. The view of unsullied water gushing out of the water fall and the mist emanating from the fall about 20 feet is indeed a delighting experience.
Chinmaya Tapovana : Situated on the banks of Bindu Saras Chinmaya Tapovan is a modern day ashram at the foothills of the majestic Dhauladhar ranges of the Himalayas. Swami Chinmayananda set up the ashram with a 9 m high image of Lord Hanuman, Ram temple, school, meditation hall and a health and recreation center. Now these days the ashram is important as a center of the Sandeepany Vedanta course, meditation camps, vedic teachings and the Chinmaya Rural Primary Health and Training Center.
Dal Lake : The place is famous for a pretty scenic lake surrounded by forests of pine trees. The sacred Dal Lake with natural water body is 11km from Lower Dharamshala connected by motorable road. There is a temple of Durveshwar Mahadev by the side of the lake. Dal Lake is spot of religious importance, besides, a place of tourist attraction. A colorful annual fair is held every September on the day of Radha Ashtami.
Dharamkot : Dharamkot is located 2km north from Mcleodganj, is a picnic spot presents a wide view of the Kangra Valley and the Dhauladhar ranges. This eco-friendly village is renowned for its picturesque settings and natural beauty. The beauty and lifestyle of Dharamkot have compelled the visitor to stay in village homes and tiny guest houses.
Kangra Art Museum : The museum is situated in Kotwali Bazaar near the bus station Kangra Art Museum is a treasure of Kangra valley’s cultural past, crafts, arts and other ancient artifacts. The variety of items on display includes woodcarvings and tribal jewellery, sculptures and pottery, anthropological items, collections of coins and manuscripts, royal tents, Shamianas and pandals. The art gallery of the museum is exemplary specimens of famous Kangra Kalam works or the Pahari miniature paintings. This painting is famous for the use of seductive figures and fine colors.
Kunal Pathri : A small rock-cut temple dedicated to Goddess Kalpeshwari, and is located 3 km from the Kotwali Bazaar. It's a believed that a part of Goddess Sati, skull, fell here when Lord Shiva was carrying the charred body of the Goddess, and hence the name of the temple.
McLeod Ganj : McLeodganj is the headquarters of the Tibetan government in exile, and home of the 14th Dalai Lama, Tenzin Gyatso. This place is not an ordinary Indian hill station, but it is wholly a different place being in touch with the whole world but has an environment of its own. Camping is indeed the best way of enjoying the wonders of nature and the warmth of people.
Famous Tibetan institutions have lent importance to McLeod Ganj. A Buddha temple is situated opposite the present abode of His Holiness, the Dalai Lama and around it are situated a Tibetan monastery and nunnery. The Tibetan Institute of Performing Arts (TIPA) preserves a number of musical, dance and theatrical traditions of Tibet.
Namgyal Monastery : Namgyal Monastery is also known as 'Namgyal Dratsang', which means 'Victorious Monastery' is the personal monastery of the 14th Dalai Lama. Namgyal is a renowned center of learning and meditation on Buddhist treatises and teachings. Its primary purpose was to assist the Dalai Lama in his spiritual duties and public religious activities.
Namgyalma Stupa : Situated in the heart of McLeodganj, Namgyalma Stupa is an old Buddhist structure. The stupa is a memorial to the Tibetans who died fighting in their homeland. The beautiful structure surrounded by prayer wheels, is said to be similar to the structure built in third century during the time of the great emperor Ashoka. Every year many Buddhist pilgrims come here to offer their prayers.
Opening Time : 7 am Closing Time 7 pm
St. John’s Church : Lying in the forest between McLeod Ganj and Forsyth Ganj, St. John’s Church is the most ancient structure of the town. It is a short walk of about 10-15 minutes from either Mcleodganj or Naddi, on the road to lower Dharamshala. The gothic stone building of the church constructed was established 161 years ago and dedicated to John the Baptist. The place has a monument dedicated to Lord Elgin, one of the Viceroys of India.
Visiting Hours : 10 AM - 5 PM daily
The Norbulingka Institute : Founded in 1988 by Kelsang and Kim Yeshi the institute promotes the Tibetan culture in its literary and artistic forms. The institute supports an environment in which Tibetan community and family values can flourish. It reconciles the traditional creatively and respectfully with the modern, and seeks to create an international awareness of Tibetan values and their expression in art and literature. Norbulingka produces high quality, traditionally crafted art objects, as well as clothing and home furnishings.
Tibetan Medical and Astro Institute : To promote and practice gSowa-rigpa, the Tibetan system of medicine, astronomy and astrology the institute provide accessible health care to people regardless of caste, colour or creed. This Institute has in its premises a hospital, a Medical and Astrological College, a Research Department carrying out modern clinical research on Tibetan traditional methods of cure, an Astronomical and Astrology Department, a pharmacy and a museum displaying various raw drugs, surgical instruments, medical and astrological charts.
Tsuglakhang : Situated at the nerve center of the town, the Tsuglagkhang Complex is the official home of the 14th Dalai Lama. The temple is said to be a replica of the original Tsuglakhang, the main temple in Lhasa. Tsuglagkhang is the premier attraction for visitors to McLeod Ganj as well as a pilgrimage site for Tibetan exiles. Pilgrims come to do a circuit around the complex, spinning the prayer wheels as they walk.
