Dharmsala Hill Station ‘Abode of His Holiness Dalai Lama’

Dharmsala Hill Station:

Dharamsala is one of the best hill stations in India. It is located in the gorgeous Kangra Valey in the Dhauladhar ranges in Himachal Pradesh. It is a wonderful picturesque hill station spread around this area with beautiful natural flowers, greenery, and temples. Now the hill station of Dharamsala has become very popular on the world map due to its importance to Buddhism and the 14th Dalai Lama living in this Holy place. The place also became the refugee centre for Tibetans. Many monasteries and temples attract tourists from all over the world.

Buddhism in hilly place:

The place is also a prime centre for Tibetan Buddhism. The greenery hill station is bounded by river streams, pine-clad hills, lofty snowy peaks, ancient Hindu temples and many Pagodas shaped like monasteries. The city is also divided into upper and lower Dharamshala. The difference in the altitude between the upper and lower Dharamshala is 1000 meters. The visitors enjoy a lot when they place their feet in this area; the greenery, pine and deodar forests, waterfalls and lakes all attract the tourists to nature. It is also tough to explain how tourists enjoy visiting this place.

Essential Places to see in Dharamsala:

St John’s Church In Wilderness: It lay between Forsyth Ganj and Mcleod Ganj and 7 km upward from Dharamsala. It was constructed in 1852 with grey stones. For decoration the is the church used stained glass windows.
Chamunda Devi Temple: This is a very famous and sacred temple to the Hindus and is very near Dharamsala. It is an attractive spot with scenic views of the mountains. Baner Khud, Pathiar and Lahla forests spread around the temple.

Maharana Pratap Sagar: Once the Maharana Pratap Sagar was known as ‘Pong Dam Reservoir’. He later named ‘Maharana Pratap’ to honour his great patriotism. This dam was completed in 1976, and the reservoir has an area of about 45,0000 hectares. In 1983 Sag, ar has declared a wildlife sanctuary. There are 2200 species of birds belonging to 54 families—the rare birds like black-headed gulls, plovers, terns, ducks, waterfowl and egrets. The wetland area is prepared as suitable habitat for migratory birds. Rare animals like sambar, deer, wild boars, and nilgai leopards also habituate the sanctuary: the reservoir has only seven species and sub-species of fish.

Norbulinka Institute:
Indian Department of Religion and Culture established the Institute Norbulinka to promote Tibetan art and culture in exile. The Japanese influence is significantly more in this area. It is just 4 km away from Dharamsala.

Nurpur Fort: This fort is near Pathankot and 66 km from Dharamsala. During the Mughal emperor Jehangir period, the defence was very famous. In later years, it was ruined; still, we can see the ruins and some finely carved reliefs of the monuments there.
Tsug-Lag-Khang: This is a famous spiritual place opposite the residence of His Holiness Dalai Lama. This is the main Hindu temple for the local Indians and is also called the Jokhang.

Dall Lake is a beautiful place surrounded by high and green Deodar trees. The transport facilities are -sophisticated, and one can easily approach this place. This Lake is 11 km away from the town of Dharamsala.

Dharmkot: It is just 11 km from Dharamsala, and this is one of the attractive picnic spots. We can see the panoramic view of the Kangra valley, and Dauladhar ranges from here.
Moodabidri: This construction is 23 km from Venus, also called Jaina Kashi. It was built in 1430 AD with beautiful monolith columns and a priceless collection of jewel-studded metal images of Jain Tirthankaras.
Namgyal Monastery: It was founded by Third Dalai Lama Sonam Gyatso in 1575 and was later known as Namgyal Dratsang. The Dalai Lamas have used it in their public religious activities for the welfare of Tibet.

Pong Lake Sanctuary: It is on the banks of the Beas River and 65 km away from Pathankot. It is also significant for wildlife sanctuaries with species like Nilgai, Sambar, Barking Deer, Wild Buar and Leopard. The Lake was developed to promote water sports for tourists.

Mcleod Ganj: This is a Buddha temple opposite the abode of His Holiness Dalai Lama—several residential buildings, restaurants, and antique shops surround the city.
Mcleod Ganj: Tibet has lent importance to Mcleod Ganj. The Buddha temple is opposite the present abode of His Holiness, the Dalai Lama. This place is well worth a visit; it is located in Tibetan monasteries and nunneries. Several residential buildings, restaurants, and antique and curio shops are present.

The climate in the Hill Station:

The place is in the Himalayas, so the weather is charming during the summer. But the weather is freezing in winter, and the temperature can drop below freezing. March and October are the best time to visit Dharamshala. The remaining months are not preferable to visit this place.

Popular Shopping in Dharamsala:

Local artisans are very skilful in preparing handicraft items. The Kotwali Bazaar is the main shopping area in Dharmsala. The Tibetan carpets are beautiful things in this area. These carpets are woven delicately and applied with bright colours.

TRAVEL INFORMATION :

By Air: The nearest airport is Gagala, which is just 13 km away from Dharamsala. Delhi international airport provides many flights travel to Dharamsala.
By Road: Road connectivity is available to the major towns around Dharamsala. Bus services from Manali are available at any time. From Delhi, Chandigarh, Kiratpu and Bilaspur take 8 hours to reach Dharamsala.
Rail: The nearest railhead for Dharamsala is Pathankot. It takes three hours to journey from Pathankot to Dharamsala.