Dharamsala is a serene hill station located in the state of Himachal Pradesh. It is situated in the Kangra valley at an average height of 4780 feet above mean sea level. This heavenly place is surrounded by dense forests of cedar trees.
Dharamsala, which means spiritual sanctuary, gets its name from the never ending history of spiritual influence in the region. During the British reign, it gained popularity and came to the fore. However, after India’s freedom, this land was given to the Tibetan Government after their exile from the country due to an uprising. Ever since, this has been the home of Tibetan people and also the Great Dalai Lama. All this has given the place a great cultural and religious influence resembling Tibet. Hence, t is no surprise that the city is also known as ‘Little Tibet’.
It is a very beautiful place offering breathtaking sights that leave everyone astounded. The rich history and the lingering religious influence, is the reason why this place ranks high amongst the list of ‘must-visit’ places.
How to Get There
Dharamsala, being located amidst the mountains, is not a typically easy place to reach. The nearest airport to Dharamsala is 15 kilometers from the city. As far as trains are concerned, it has no connectivity. Hence, evidently, the best way to reach Dharamsala is by planning a road trip. The city lies at reasonable distance from major cities like Delhi and Manali. It is approximately 520 kilometers from Delhi, and the drive is absolutely beautiful. If you are not eager to drive yourself, cabs are available for rent along with experienced drivers.
Best Time to Enjoy Dharamsala
Due to its location, Dharamsala experiences a typical hill station like climate. The summers are pleasantly cool and the temperature drops to subzero during the winters. Thus, it is no wonder that Dharamsala is mostly preferred by people during the summers. However, for those looking to have a different kind of outing, the winter experience is something worth giving a shot. This place should be avoided during monsoons due to the possibility of landslides. The months of March-June and October- November are the best.
What to Do
Dharamsala is a place having unhindered natural beauty. This is also aided by the minimal population in the region. Since the people do not have many great sources of earning, tourism is the main source of income. Moreover, with so many places worth visiting, tourism is indeed at its peak in this little town. From lakes to churches, this hill station has it all. Here are a few of the places that cannot be left out of the itinerary at all costs.
1.McLeod Ganj – Also known as Little Lhasa, this place is famous all over the world for being the residence of His Holiness, The Dalai Lama. It has a huge Buddhist Monastery, with larger than life images of Lord Buddha. The architecture in the area is heavily influenced by the Tibetan community predominant in the area. All this makes it the most visited attraction in all of Dharamsala.
2. Bhagsunag Falls – This offers one of the most picturesque locations in Dharamsala. It lies 11 kilometers from the main area of Dharamsala. Bhagsunag has many beautiful waterfalls, an ancient temple and a freshwater spring in the area. It makes for a great picnic spot too. Visiting this serene spot is a definite must for every visitor to Dharamsala.
3. Dal Lake – The Dal Lake is located at a distance of 10 kilometers from Dharamsala. It is another beautiful spot in the area, where the lake is surrounded by Deodar and Fir Trees. This is a beautiful picnic spot which is visited by the locals and tourists alike. People looking for a quiet time in the lap of nature should definitely plan a visit here.
4. St. John’s Church – This church lies in the area between Forsyth Ganj and Mcleod Ganj. It is located 8 kilometers from the main town. This church is dedicated to Saint John in the Wilderness. St. John’s Church is also famous for being the graveyard of the British Viceroy, Lord Elgin who died in this place in 1863. The deodar branches over and around the church also make it a very charming place.
Scenic Road Trips from Dharamsala [photo credit: google images]
5. Explore More – Dharamsala has many great locations nearby which can also be visited whenever you plan a trip to Himachal Pradesh. The most prominent and well-known of these places are Manali and Dalhousie which are definitely worth seeing.
Dharamsala Specialities
1. Shopping – Dharamsala has a great Tibetan influence which is evident in the local products sold in the markets. The most famous of these products are Tibetan carpets and shawls, Tibetan jewellery, Singing Bowl and Lord Buddha Handicrafts. These make for great souvenirs and gift items.
2. Eating – The food in Dharamsala is also inspired by the Tibetan culture. Hence, if one has to try the local dishes, they have to look for places offering authentic Tibetan cuisine. Some of the most renowned dishes include – Yak Butter Tea, Thukpa, Thenthus and Momos. All of these are a real delight for the taste buds.
3. Festivals – Since this area is predominated by Tibetan people, the festivals of that countries are celebrated quite popularly along with the famous Indian ones. All the festivals are celebrated with great enthusiasm. To highlight a few main ones, they are – The Saka Dawa Festival (a typical Tibetan affair), Himalayan Festival (to honour Dalai Lama), Haldi Festival and Lohri.
Due to the seamless beauty and the quiet surroundings, Dharamsala offers a retreat paralleled by a very few locations anywhere in India. Thus, for anyone looking to get away from the tiring and busy city life for a few days and not knowing where to go, Dharamsala is your answer.
Trackbacks
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Dharamsala
http://www.himachal-tourism.net/Dharamshala_Attractions.htm
