Queen Of The Hills 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 ATTRACTION
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.
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Dal 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.
CHURCHES
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.
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HOT SPRINGS
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 |