Dharamshala
Brief
Rightly called the Scotland of India, Dharamshala has some of the most spectacular views of the Dhauladhar snowline and age-old monasteries,dotting the wooded landscape. Also a sacred place for Tibetans, because His Holiness the Dalai Lama lives here, Dharamsala is a spiritual paradise, where Buddhism prevails and the Dalai Lama is larger than life. At once earthy and surreal, Lower Dharamsala is a busy commercial centre, while Upper Dharamsala with its suburbs of McLeodganj and Forsythganj, retains a British flavour and colonial lifestyle. McLeodganj is also where the Tibetans live amid the backdrop of the Dhauladhar range. An enchanting hill station, while the scent of pine mingled with that of incense infiltrates ones senses, it is an invigorating experience that cleanses both the mind and the soul.
History
When China annexed Tibet in 1959, the 14th Dalai Lama and his Buddhist government didn't have too many options. Not many countries were willing to risk the wrath of the Communist rulers of China, a nation that was just beginning to flex its muscle in the international arena. It was the Indian government that came to their rescue, offering them asylum in Dharamsala, a hill station in Himachal Pradesh that the British discovered in 1815, and used as a getaway from the stifling heat of the plains in summer. Of course, there are those who aver that the Tibetan refugees were of great propaganda value at a time when India and China were not the best of neighbours. Whatever the reasons, a steady stream of Tibetans has relocated here since 1960, as much to escape Chinese oppression as to bask in the presence of the man they regard as their spiritual and political leader.
Culture
The colourful temple and Gompas, which reflect the culture of Tibet, adds attraction for the visitor. The Kangra museum gives an overview of the rich past of the region and on the other hand there are institutes that have been established to preserve the Tibetan art, cultures and traditions.
Climate & Geogaphical Location
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.
How to Reach
Air, rail and road connect Dharamshala. By air, the Gaggal Airport about 11 km away from Dharamsala has flights connecting it to Delhi. By rail, though the Kangra Mandir Railway Station, 22 km away, is closest to Dharamsala, Pathankot is the most convenient railhead with trains from Delhi, Punjab, Jammu and other cities arriving here. By road, Dharamshala is linked to all major towns nearby, as it is just off the NH 20. The 85 km distance from Pathankot to Dharamsala can be covered by taxi or deluxe bus. The bus terminus at McLeodganj is the normal arrival point for luxury and deluxe buses from Manali and Delhi. State-run buses usually terminate at the bus stop at the southern end of Kotwali Bazaar.
Tourist Places
War Memorial
Set amidst the pine groves, is a war memorial built to commemorate the post-independence war heroes of Himachal.
Museum of Kangra
Showcases miniature paintings, sculptures, pottery and dresses used by local nobility.
Dal Lake
About 11 km from Dharamsala, the Dal lake surrounded by deodar trees, makes for an enchanting picnic spot.
McLeodganj
McLeodganj, also known as Little Lhasa, has its own charm and the residence of the Dalai Lama, to show off. The Monastery here are clustered with larger than life carved Buddhas, Padamasambhava and Avalokteshwara. The large Tibetan community and the presence of traditional architectural designs drawn from Tibet add up to its charm. Come April and the Tibetan Institute of Performing Arts, organises a 10 day festival highlighting Tibetan glory and grandeur.
Church of St John
Church of St John, is an 8-km drive out of Dharamsala, located between McLeodganj and Forsythganj. An awesome sight, it is entirely constructed in stone.
Chintpurni
Chintpurni (74 km) is a holy destination for Indians, and one can spend an entire day there. Usually, people combine Jwalaji with this destination and the taxi fare works out to Rs 1,000.
Others
BHAGSUNATH - Close to freshwater springs, this temple is 11 km from Dharamsala. It is a popular picnic spot and the famous slate quarries are close by. CHINMAYA TAPOVAN - 10 kms from Dharamshala on the banks of the Bindu Sars river, is an ashram set up by the late Swami Chinmayananada. The complex includes a meditation hall, school, health and recreation centre. KANGRA CHAMUNDA DEVI - Kangra Chamunda Devi is another sightseeing option via taxi, for Rs 700. Both the sights combine to make an enriching religious/ historical excursion. KUNAL PATHRI - A pleasant walk through the Kotwali Bazaar, leads you to a temple made out of rocks set in serene surroundings. MASRUR - 23 kms south of Gaggal, is this large, monolithic temple, similar to the temples of Ellora. This is the only shrine carved out of live rock in North India. Images of Rama, Laxman and Sita are installed here. TILOKPUR - 41 kms from Dharamshala, on the highway to Pathankot, is a cave temple dedicated to Shiva, with stalactite and stalagmite formations.
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Ashish Bhat - INDIA 25th June 2010Welcome to Incredible India, the land of prosperity which can be seen in its dynamic culture, age old traditions and geography.
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Welcome to Incredible India, the land of prosperity which can be seen in its dynamic culture, age old traditions and geography.Welcome to Incredible India, the land of prosperity which can be seen in its dynamic culture, age old traditions and geography.Welcome to Incredible India, the land of prosperity which can be seen in its dynamic culture, age old traditions and geography.
