Dharamshala City of Monks
Dharamshala is famous worldwide due to its beauty, mountains, waterfall, and clean river. Not only the people of India but also people from abroad reach here to visit.
It is different fun to visit the hill station in the summer season. In the summer season, it is not only fun to roam in cool places, but it also gives peace of mind by looking at the beautiful plains.
The names of some of the best places in Himachal Pradesh are definitely included in the list of tourist places to visit in the summer season.
Dharamshala is a major tourist and scenic spot located in the Kangra district of the state of Himachal Pradesh. The place is world-famous as the holy abode of the Dalai Lama and is home to Tibetan monks in exile.
Dharamshala is located in the city of Kangra at a distance of 8 km from Kangra.
The city is divided into upper and lower divisions with different elevations. The lower division is the city of Dharamshala, while the upper division is known as McLeodganj. Dharamshala is derived from the Hindi words Dharam and Shala.
The word religion carries different meanings in different groups, both culturally and spiritually. Generally, Dharamshala is said to be a shelter or rest house for the pilgrims.
On the first day, you can plan to visit Dal Lake (Nadi Lake) in Dharamsala. The water of this lake, even clearer than crystal, attracts tourists. After visiting here, you can also do many adventure sports like bungee jumping, and rafting.
Apart from this, one can leave for the Triund track of Dharamsala. Here you will see many people trekking. After enjoying trekking, you can visit the holy Jwalamukhi Devi temple for peace. It is said that the Pandavas also rested here for some time.
History of Dharamsala
Before the British Raj, Dharamsala, located in the Kangra Valley, was ruled by the Katoch Dynasty. In 1848, Dharamsala was captured by the British Government. Seeing the beautiful location and pleasant weather here, British officers and other senior officers proposed to build a new army base here.
After this, the Gorkhas came to Dharamsala in 1860, and are associated with the city regarding the fate and history of this Gorkha tribe. The Gurkhas were originally Nepalese soldiers who were recruited by the British to fight in World War I.
The heroic work of these soldiers during the war is remembered even today. Many places in Dharamsala have been honored with his name like Depot Bazaar, Tiraha Lane, etc.
The Gorkhas had contributed a lot to the reconstruction of the city after the earthquake in Dharamsala. After this Shimla was made the summer capital. Many Gorkhas also played a major role in India’s freedom struggle as freedom fighters. Captain of the Indian National Army – Ram Singh Thakur who was a Gorkha, gave the famous patriotic song ‘Kadam Kadam Badhaye Jaa’.
It is said that there was an old Hindu Dharamsala, on the basis of which the place got its name “Dharamsala”. The British government wanted to make Dharamsala the capital of India during the summer, but due to a disaster in 1905, they chose Shimla.
A turning point in the history of Dharamsala came in 1959 when the Tibetan spiritual leader the Dalai Lama took refuge here after the Chinese invasion. Thousands of Tibetan refugees also settled here with them. Today Dharamsala is the largest home of Tibetan refugees.
Major Festivals of Dharamsala
Due to the fusion of many cultures, different types of festivals and festivals are celebrated in Dharamsala. Along with all Indian festivals, festivals like Haldi, Losar, Saka Dawa, etc. are especially celebrated here. Apart from this International Film Festival is also organized in Dharamshala in recent years.
Losar Festival
The Losar Festival or Tibetan New Year is considered to be the biggest festival here. Celebrated in the month of February, people celebrate this festival with full enthusiasm.
Saka Dawa Festival
This festival is related to Lord Buddha. Fairs are organized in McLeod Ganj during this festival.
How to reach Dharamshala?
Air Route
If you want to travel by plane, then the nearest airport is located in Gaggal, about 13 km from Dharamsala. Gaggal Airport connects Dharamsala to Delhi with the help of Air India and SpiceJet flights. If you are coming to any other part of India then the best option would be to fly up to Chandigarh and book a taxi for your journey to Dharamsala, which is about 275 km away.
By Train
The rail route is considered best suited to reach Dharamsala. The nearest railway station is Pathankot from where one can take a bus or taxi to reach Dharamshala.
By road
Dharamshala is connected by road transport to all the metropolitan cities of India. Dharamshala is very close to National Highway No.1
Tourist places to visit in Dharamsala
There are many places to visit in Dharamsala Himachal Pradesh where you can visit with your friends and family.
Dharamshala Cricket Stadium
Nestled in the lap of the majestic Himalayan mountain range of Dharamsala is a small cricket stadium situated at an altitude of 1,457 meters above sea level. Let us tell you that this cricket ground is one of the highest sports grounds in the world.
While visiting the cricket stadium in Dharamsala, you might feel a bit strange, but the spectacular natural backdrop and the cool breeze blowing continuously across the grounds make a visit to the HPCA Stadium special.
War Memorial Dharamshala
War Memorial is one of the special places to see in Dharamshala. This monument is situated in the deodar forests near the city and is a place worth visiting.
There is a beautiful GPG College here which was constructed during the British period. It is the memorial that is built at the entry point of Dharamshala in the memory of those who fought for the defense of our motherland.
Dal Lake and Nadi Dharamshala
Dal Lake is 11 km from Lower Dharamsala and is situated amidst deodar trees near the hills. This place is a starting point for trekking and excursion which is covered around the lake for walks. A small Shiva temple is also situated on the banks of this lake where a grand fair is held every year.
Dharamshala Himachal Pradesh Attraction Triund
Triund is situated at a distance of 9 km from Mcleodganj. This place is situated at a very high altitude which gives a splendid view of Moon Peak-Indra Pass.
This place is great for having a picnic. The cleanliness and pristine environment here will win your heart. If you come to visit Dharamsala, then you must also visit Triund, one of the special places here.
Jwalamukhi Devi Temple Dharamshala
It is said that when many evil spirits used to come here and harass the deities, at the behest of Lord Shiva, the deities decided to destroy them and many deities concentrated their power and there a huge flame emanated from the earth. From this flame, a girl was born, who is now known as Sita or Parvati.
Sati’s tongue fell into Jwalaji, about 610 meters above sea level, and the goddess appeared in the form of that small flame. It is believed that Pandavas also visited this holy place.
Bhagsu Falls Dharamshala
Bhagsu Falls is located 2 km away from McLeodganj which is one of the best places to visit in Dharamsala. Bhagsu Falls is set amidst greenery and nature in its most pristine form which is majestic and extremely majestic. All tourists traveling to Dharamshala must visit this place.
Namgyal Math Mcleodganj Dharamshala
Namgyal Monastery is located in the Tsuglakhang complex which is one of the most visited places by tourists near Dharamsala here. Apart from being the residence of the Dalai Lama, this complex is home to temples, bookstores, and many other shops.
Dharamsala Attractive Place Dalai Lama Temple Complex
The Dalai Lama Temple Complex, also known as the Tsuglakhang Temple, is a politico-religious center in Dharamsala, full of Tibetan culture. Wheels or garlands are present in the temple for peaceful meditation and religious prayer.
The Dalai Lama temple complex has become a revered pilgrimage site for Buddhists. Apart from this, the peaceful environment here attracts tourists from all over the world.
Kangra Art Museum Dharamshala
The Kangra Museum reveals the splendid marvels of Tibetan and Buddhist artwork and their rich history. It is located near the bus station of Dharamshala. In this museum, you can see things like old jewelry, rare coin memorabilia, paintings, sculptures, and pottery.
Masroor Rock Cut Temple Dharamshala
Masroor Rock Cut Temple located at a distance of 32 km from Kangra in Dharamsala is an archaeological site that is presently in ruins.
The complex here has a combination of 15 rock-cut temples designed in the Indo-Aryan style of architecture. It is said to have been built in the 8th century and is dedicated to the Hindu deities Shiva, Vishnu, Devi, and Saura. For history lovers and tourists, this place is no less than a paradise.
What is the best time to visit Dharamshala?
By the way, you can visit Dharamsala throughout the year. However, the best time to visit Dharamsala would be in spring and early summer when the weather is a maximum of 25 degrees Celsius.
The winters here sometimes get drenched with snow, which makes the valley more beautiful at this time. Avoid traveling here in the monsoon as it may hamper your travel plans, but this place does not receive much rainfall as compared to other parts of Himachal and Uttarakhand.
Restaurants & Local Cuisine in Dharamsala
Here you are looking for places to eat in Dharamsala, then let us tell you that there are many restaurants and cafes that can be found here, which give a simple and good meal. Due to the dominance of Tibetan culture, most of the Tibetan cuisine is found here.
You can taste momos, thukpa, and other Tibetan dishes here. Another special thing about this place is that honey ginger lemon tea is quite famous here. Pancakes, omelets, and sandwiches along with a variety of snacks are also available in many cafes here. The Green Restaurant and Herbal Tea Shop are one of the best establishments here. Foods such as the Tibetan type of samosa, soup, and noodles are common here.
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