Get ready to get wild with Skiing along with other winter sports at Dhramshala.
Travel to Himachal Pradesh and come to Dharamshala, where the winds of change are rushing to shatter its quiet calm. The term Dharamashala means 'The Holy Refuge' and this scenic town is roosted in the Kangra valley and belongs to the group of the 80 hills that were developed by the British to help them fight the dust and sweltering sun.
This home of the present Dalai Lama is a scenic hill station located at an altitude of 4,550 ft above sea level, this small petite beauty is located at a very convenient distance from the Kangra valley and the beauteous McLeodganj. Divided into two parts as Upper Dharamshala and Lower Dharamshala, here you will see hills, bungalows, churches, monasteries and cantonment. Surrounded by the mighty Dhauladhar mountains, Dharamshala has an incomparable distinction of being the chosen home of the spiritual and temporal head of the Tibetan people.
Dharamsala over looks the plains and is surrounded by dense pine trees and Deodar forests. A nearby snow line with numerous streams and cool healthy atmosphere makes the surroundings very attractive. Spend a vacation in this cocktail of Tibetan and Kangra culture with a tinge of colonial origin, that makes this destination, the sweetheart favorite of the tourists. Enjoy a holiday that you had always dreamt of, but had never endeavored.
Dharamshala's Attractions
Among the primed Deodar and Pine covered hillocks, where nature has used its brush to add the colorful strokes of life, there is no dearth of attractions. This Indian hill settlement is a traveler;s delight, where in the lower part is the Kotwali Bazaar, while the upper part for the town is more residential. Elegant bungalows and the cantonment greets the tourist. This is a place where short walks are the best way to explore the lush and greens of Dharamshala. Enjoy a trip to Himachal Pradesh to see the most famous attractions of Dharamshala.
Fame finds it way to the Namgyal Monastery near Dharamshala, where resides the 14th Dalai Lama. Thousands of people beat their path to visit this monastery, which has been the centre of Buddhist pilgrim for the past four decades. A visit to the this monastery, posing in the Center of Tibetan Studies is nothing but mandatory. 'Tsuglagkhang', opposite the Dalai Lama's residence, will remind you of Lhasa as it contains large gilded bronzes of the Buddha, Avalokiteswara and Padmasambhava. Other monasteries that you cannot miss is Geludpa Monastery, that adjoins the Dalai Lama's monastery. Here you should see the giant statue of Buddha, Thankas and other ritual and consecrated subjects. The Nechung Monastery in Lgangchen Kyishobn has Tibetan libnrary lwith a good rang of books, magazines & photo-copying facilities and a museum.
While in Dharamshala you should enjoy shopping in Kotwali Bazaar. This joint along with array of shops, little cafes and eating outlets makes it an attraction in its own. While here you cannot miss checking the Kangra Art Museum that has wonderful collection of miniatures, arts, crafts, and rich past, displays artifacts that date back to the 5th century. This treasure trove also displays collection of sculptures, pottery, and anthropological items.
You should pay homage to Himachali war heroes in War Memorial lying near the museum. Get off at upper Dharamshala and pass through the deep wooded Forsytheganj that has eye catching bungalows. Here you should visit the St. John's Church, that holds the Viceroy Lord Elgin's Memorial. This church has some beautiful stained glasses that mustn't be missed.
Move towards the Sidhpur to Norbulingka, lying at a distance of 16 kms. This halt will reveal to you the preservation of Tibetan arts and crafts in a centre that will demand a day's trip, and its worth it. Set in the style of a Japenese garden, Norbulingka has a temple, souvenir shop and Losel Dolls Museum and a beautiful cafe, Norling. There are also metal and wood workshops where you can see people indulged in crafting.
The Shrine of Bhagsunath, just 11-km from the town center of Dharamsala is the ancient temple of Bhagsunath. There are many fresh hot water springs close to the temple, which are considered sacred by the Hindus. The most important ones are the Tatwani & Machhrial. Surrounded by the high and green Deodar trees is the lake, which fills a mountain bowl. This is Dal Lake, Situated 11 kms away from the town and is an enchanting picnic spot.
Just at a distance of 12 kms from Dharamshala is an oasis of mediation calm. Several meditation centres have mushroomed here due to the calm and scenic ambiance. You should try the Vipassana or Tushita Meditation Centres. For Yoga lessons, head for the Iyengar Himalayan Yoga center.
