The
High snow clad Dhauladhar ranges of the Himalayas from a magnificent backup
to the hill resort of Dharamsala is the principal township of Kangra
district and overlooks the wide spread f the plains. With dense pine and
deodar forests, numerous streams, cool healthy air, attractive surroundings
and the nearby snowline. Dharamsala has everything for a perfect holiday.
Getting there
Dharamshala can be approached by air from Delhi. The nearest airport is at
Gaggal, just 13km away. Pathankot the nearest broad gauge railway station is
85 km away and the toy train station is just 17km at Kangra. Taxis, Buses
for Dharamshala are available at both places. From Pathankot the drive takes
about tree hours. Or you can drive from Delhi (526km) via Chandigarh,
Kirtpur and Bilaspur. This should take around 12 hours. From Delhi and
Shimla luxury buses ply to Dharamshala.
Sightseeing
War Memorial : Situated in Dharamshala town. The memorial
is situated near the entry point to Dharamshala commemorates the memory of
those who fought valiantly for the honor and defence of the mother land.
The place is ideally located in the pine forest and offers a very enjoyable
walk through pine forest. Near War Memorial is the beautiful GPG College
Dharamshala made during the British Era. There is also a cafe just close to
War Memorial serving fast food and beverages.
Kunal Pathri : A 3 km level walk from the Kowali Bazaar
leads up to this rock temple.
St. John's Church : 8 km from Dharamsala between
forsythganj and Mcleodganj is the charming dressed stone church of St. john
in the Wilderness. Under the Shade of deodar braches. A memorial has been
erected over the body of the British viceroy. Lord Elgin who died at
Dharamsala in 1863. There is a well tended old graveyard on these grassy
slopes.
Dal Lake : 11 km from Dharamshala and surrounded by deodar
trees, the lake fills mountain coming from Tibet. The Tibetan
Institute of Performing Arts is just a km away and it organizes a ten day
festival from the second Saturday of April.
Hags : Close to fresh water springs, this ancient
temple is 11 km from Dharamsala. It is a popular picnic spot and the famous
slate quarries are close by.
Mcleodganj : A road leading up through the crowded bazaar
is a steep 10 kms climb up to the northern edge of Mcleodganj, the upper
town. This winding road takes nearly 40 minutes by bus, or about 20 minutes
by a shared taxi. The alternative is a short cut along a steep trail, that
leads to the southern end of Mcleodganj past the Dalai Lama's residence.
Climate
As Dharamsala is located in the Himalayas, the climate is very pleasant
during the summers but in winters the cold is very bad. Temperature can drop
below the freezing point during the winters and heavy woollen clothes are
required. During the summers the weather is mild and light woolens and
cottons are recommended. The best time to visit the place is during the
summers when the cold has shed its biting teeth and there is plenty of
Sunshine. But avoid coming here during the monsoon months, as there is a
danger of landslides.
