An evergreen vacation destination in Himachal Pradesh, Dharamshala offers most beautiful views of snow clad Himalayan peaks, verdant valleys and raging rivers. However, the city owes its immense popularity to the presence of Dalai Lama, who has been offered refuge here. The flourishing Tibetan culture and overwhelming presence of monks and monasteries at Dharamshala are result of an attempt by His Holiness and 80,000 Tibetan refugees to keep their culture and traditions alive.
Places to See
Tibetan Temples, monasteries and trekking routes attract most attention at Dharamshala. The town is divided into two parts - Upper Dharamshala or McLeodGanj, where Dalai Lama resides; and Lower Dharamshala or the main city. The hotspots at Dharamshala are:
- War Memorial
- Kotwali Bazar
- Dal Lake:
- St. John's Church in the Wilderness
- McLeodganj
- Bhagsunath
- Kunal Pathri
- Dharmkot
- Triund
- Kareri
- Chinmaya Tapovan
- Masrur
- Cave Temple at Trilokpur
- Sujanpur Tira
- Andretta
Shopping
Dharamshala markets offer Himachali handicrafts on one hand and Tibetan souvenirs on the other. Explore Tibetan Market to find some exotic Tibetan jewellery, meditation bowls said to have healing powers, woolen clothes and other Tibetan handicrafts. You can also buy wooden carvings, bamboo and cane artwork, and silk and woolen scarves at Dharamshala.
Where to Stay
Situated at the foot of Dauladhar Mountains, Dharamshala has budget hotels in the lower city, deluxe hotels at McLeodganj, and luxury health and other resorts a little further away from the town area. Nestled in picture-perfect locales, these resorts provide world-class facilities and services to make you stay most pleasurable and enjoyable. We recommend:
- Himalayan Wonder World
- Chinar Lodge
- Chonor House
- Glenmoor Cottages
- India House
- Asia Health Resort
- Snow Hermitage Resort
- Spring Valley Resort
- Royal Palace Resort
How to Reach Dharamshala
Dharamshala is easily accessible by road. It does not have a railway station and airport of its own.
By Road: Regular bus services connect the lower town of Dharamshala and the upper town known as Mcleodganj, the main tourism spot. Direct buses connect Dharamshala to Delhi, 520 km from here. Luxury and A/C coaches are easily available on this route.
By Rail: The nearest broad gauge railway station is at Pathankot, 85 km from Dharamshala. Recommended trains to Pathankot are Jammu Mail and Dauladhar Express. The meter gauge train service plies up to Kangra, 22 km from Dharamshala. Though it is cheaper, the toy train ride takes longer and is often overcrowded. However, it also treats you to some of the most panoramic views on the way.
