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Dharamsala is the district headquarters of Kangra district. The forested hill station lies on the spur of the Dhauladhar range, about 18km north east of Kangra town. Snow-capped mountains enclose it from three sides while the valley stretches out in front. The snow line is easily accessible from here and it is possible to trek to the snows after an early morning's start.
The hill town had been completely levelled in an earthquake in 1905 and after its reconstruction, Dharamsala flourished as a quiet health resort. It is divided into two distinct parts. Lower Dharamsala has civil offices, business establishments and courts. Kotwali Bazaar and Upper Dharamsala are more touristy with places whose names bear witness to its history – McLeod Ganj and Forsythe Ganj. Today, it is best known as the seat of Tibet's government-in-exile and the home to His Holiness Dalai Lama. March is a particularly busy month in Dharamsala when the Dalai Lama gives public lectures. For the serious student of Tibetan culture, there's a monastery up at McleodGanj and the school of Tibetan studies with an excellent library.
Dharamsala has also often been likened to Kathmandu, for its colourfulness, free flow of backpackers, cheap restaurants and hotels, prayer wheels, busy markets and Tibetan crafts shops. There is an unmistakable energy and charm to the place. A little higher up the ridge is the pretty church of St. John in the Wilderness. Around Dharamsala, there are a number of lovely walks with marvellous views of the mountains – some of these lead to picturesque picnic spots.
GENERAL INFORMATION:
Area: 28.81 sq. km
Altitude: Between 1250 metres and 1982 metres.
Temperature (deg C): Summer - Max.33, Min.22; Winter - Max.15, Min. 0.
Clothing: Summer - Light woollens, Winter - Heavy woollens.
Best Season : April to June and September to November.
Languages Spoken: Pahari (the local dialect), Hindi.
GETTING THERE:
By Air: The nearest airport is at Gaggal, 9 km from Dharamsala and 18 km from McLeodganj. Check for flights with Archana Airways that operates services from Chandigarh and Delhi. Airport/ City transfers by taxi costs Rs. 250 (McLeodganj).
By Rail: A narrow gauge line that runs between Pathankot (the nearest broad gauge railhead) and Jogindernagar connects the Kangra valley to the rest of the world on the railway. Kangra Mandir Railway Station is the nearest point for Dharamsala (18 km). The journey from Pathankot (90 km) takes about 4 hours. Transfer to/from Dharamsala, from the railway station costs Rs. 300 by taxi.
By Road: To reach Dharamsala on the road, you can take the following routes: From Delhi: via Chandigarh, Ropar, Kiratpur, Una, Mubarakpur, Dehragopipur, Ranital, Kangra (600 km). From Pathankot: via Chakki, Nurpur, Shahpur, Chambi on NH 20 (85 km). From Manali: via Mandi, Palampur, Dadh, Chamunda (238 km). From Shimla: via Ghaggas, Hamirpur, Tira Sujanpur, Palampur (235 km).
Direct & regular bus services link Dharamsala with Chandigarh 239 km, Delhi 514 km, Dalhousie 143 km, Hoshiarpur 128 km, Jwalamukhi 55 km, Jammu 197 km, Kangra 18 km, Kullu 214 km, Manali 253 km, Mandi 147 km, Nangal 145 km, Palampur 35 km Chamba 192 km and Shimla 322 km.
Local Transport
Tourist taxis are the major mode for local commutation and are easily available from the taxi-stands or through hotels and travel agents. Tariff (return) to some popular spots in and around Dharamsala are (from McLeodganj): Lower Dharamsala Rs. 70, local sightseeing (Bhagsunath Temple, Dalai Lama's Temple, Dal Lake, Talnu) Rs. 200; Kangra Rs. 275; Naddi/Talnu Rs. 70; Masroor Temple Rs. 500; Palampur Rs. 400; Kangra-Chamunda Devi-Jwalaji Rs. 700, and Kangra-Jwalaji-Chintpurni Rs. 1050.
Regular bus services of HPRTC and private bus companies also operate between Dharamsala and suburban localities. The buses are usually crowded.
Conducted Tours
HPTDC conducts the following tours from Dharamsala complex:
1) Dharamsala to Badrinath & back via Palampur-Chamundadri: Rs.100 per seat.
2) Dharamsala to Jwalaji-ChintPurni and back via Kangra: Rs.100 per seat.
Shopping
You cannot help but shop in Dharamsala when you sight the colourful wares and objects all over the charming markets. There are Tibetan trinkets, inexpensive warm clothing, incense, prayer bells, rugs and books. A large handicraft shop on Jogibara Road sells thangkas of all sizes, and prayer flags. Nowrojee store by the bus stand, something of an institution, offers sweets stocked in ancient thick glass jars, along with its own bottled pop. The Green Shop, Bhagsu Road, sells recycled painted cards, hand-painted T-shirts, books on environment and filtered boiled water.
Trekking
Between May and October, the Dhauladhar ranges offer an exciting opportunity for trekking. There is a branch of the Mountaineering Institute Manali, Dharamsala.
Routes:
1. Dharamsala-Dharamkot-Triund-Dharamsala - 34 km
2. Dharamsala-Khanyara-Aghanjar-Mahadev-Dharamsala - 16 km
3. Dharamsala-Chamunda-Dadh-Dharamsala - 29 km
4. Dharamsala-Bhagsunath-Dharamsala - 22 km
5. Dharamsala-Kareri Lake-Dharamsala - 35 km
Fishing
The 20-km stretch of the Beas River between Nadaun and the Pong Dam offers excellent opportunities.
Meditation
Besides staying in a monastery, one may take week or month-long meditation course in Tibetan Buddhism, at the Tushita Retreat Centre, north of McLeodganj (Rs. 2500 for 2 weeks). The Vipassana Centre, also in Dharamkot, holds ten day courses for beginners (voluntary donations). Check notice boards in restaurants for dates, and details of yoga courses.
Tourist Information
Himachal Pradesh Tourism Development Corporation, Tourist Information Office Kotwali Bazaar, Dharamsala.
BEYOND DHARAMSALA
McleodGanj:
This is really where the Dalai Lama resides. There is a Buddha temple located opposite his abode, the Tibetan Institute of performing Arts (TIPA) is a km away and holds an annual 10-day folk opera commencing on the second Saturday of April. There is also a Tibetan handicraft centre situated at McLeod Ganj and a Sunday market is organised every week. McLeod Ganj is also crowded with restaurants, antique and curio shops and is a tourist’s delight.
Bhagsunag Falls:
An old temple, a fresh water spring and restaurant and of course, the falls, are located at Bhagsunag, 11 km from Lower Dharamsala.
St.Johns Church:
The Church of St. John in the Wilderness lies on a motorable road between McLeod Ganj and Forsythe Ganj, 8 km from Lower Dharamsala. The grave of Lord Elgin, one of the British viceroys of India, is located in the church cemetery.
Dal Lake:
The pretty lake located next to the Tibetan Children's village, 11 km from Lower Dharamsala, is the starting point of many excursions and treks.
Dharamkot:
This is a favourite picnic spot with panoramic views of the Kangra valley, Pong Dam lake and Dhauladhar ranges. 11 km from Dharamsala.
Triund:
20 km from Dharamsala, Triund (2975 m), is where you go to touch the snows at any time of the year. Literally located at the feet of the perpetually snow-clad Dhauladhar, five km further from here is Ilaqa, the actual snowline. It is a popular picnic and trekking spot. Accommodation is available in the rest house of Forest Department. A ropeway is being installed from Dharamsala to Triund.
War Memorial:
Set amidst beautiful surroundings, this memorial has been built near the entry point to Dharamsala to commemorate war heroes.
Kunal Pathari:
An easy 3 km walk from Kotwali Bazaar leads up to the rock temple of the local goddess.
JWALAMUKHI TEMPLE:
The famous temple of Jwalamukhi is situated 30 km from Kangra and 56 km from Dharamsala. The temple is one of the most popular Hindu temples in northern India. It does not house any idol, only an eternal flame burns here as a manifestation of the goddess. There is a golden dome, a gift from the Mughal Emperor Akbar. Two important fairs are held here during the Navratras in earlier April and mid October. There are rest houses and HPTDC hotels for those wishing to spend the night or longer.
DEHRA GOPIPUR:
Situated on the bank of the Beas River, Dehra is the base for fishing in the region at Pong Dam, Pattan, Kurn and Nadaun. There are PWD & Forest rest houses. One can also visit the temple of Chintpurni from here.
Trilokpur:
Situated 41 km from Dharamsala, famous for natural cave temples containing stalactite and stalagmite formations. High on the ridge of the cave are ruins of a palace and baradari (audience hall) of Lehna Singh Majitha, Governor of Kangra hills during the Sikh rule.
Nurpur:
66km from Dharamsala, Nurpur is famous for an old fort and a temple of Brij Raj. Nurpur acquired its name in 1672, when Jehangir, the Mughal Emperor named it after his wife Nurjahan. There is a PWD rest house.
Masroor:
Known for its monolithic rock temples, Masroor is located 15 km south of Kangra. There are 15 richly carved rock-cut temples in the Indo-Aryan style. There is a striking resemblance with similar rock-cut temples found in Ajanta and Ellora in Maharashtra.
Distances From Dharamsala
Chinmaya Tapovan (10 km); Dal Lake (11 km); Dharamkot (11 km); Triund (17 km); Kareri (22 km); Kangra (18 km); Jwalamukhi (56 km); Nadaun (10 km); Chintpurni (80 km); Masroor (40 km); Trilokpur (41 km); Nurpur (66 km); Sujanpur Tira (80 km); Chamunda Devi Temple (15 km); Palampur (35 km); Pong Wild life Sanctuary (Kangra); Bassa Wild Life Sanctuary (Kangra).
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