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Dharamsala

''This is a hill station lying on the spur of the Dhauladhar range about 17 kms north- east of Kangra town. This hill station is wooded with oak and conifer trees and snow capped mountains enfold three sides of the town while the valley stretches in front.
The snowline is perhaps more easily accessible at Dharamshala than at any other hill resort and it is possible to make a day's trek to a snow-point after an early morning's start. Dharamshala is also the headquarter of the Kangra district. ''

The hill resort set in exotic surroundings of lush green forests comprising of beautiful pine trees and velvety tea gardens, is known for its exceptional natural beauty, calmness and serenity. One of the major advantages in visiting Dharamsala is its easily accessible snowline. Dharamsala over looks the plains and is surrounded by dense pine trees and Deodar forests.

A nearby snowline with numerous streams and cool healthy atmosphere makes the surroundings very attractive. Dharamsala also gained enormous popularity because of His Holiness, the Dalai Lama. Dharamsala has been the Dalai Lama's home since 1959.

BEST TIME TO VISIT

As located on the Himalayas, the climate of Dharamsala is pleasant during summer and very cold in winters. The summer months from May to October is pleasant and is the ideal time to visit the hill station. During winters the temperature can drop below the freezing point and heavy woolen clothes are required.

PLACES AROUND DHARAMSHALA

St. John'S Church In Wilderness - 7-km upward from Dharamsala, between Forsyth Ganj and Mcleod Ganj lies the charming St. John's Church. It was built in 1852 and is dressed in grey stone with some fine Belgian stained glass windows donated by Lady Elgin.

Chamunda Devi Temple - Not far from Dharamsala hill stationh is the famous temple of Chamunda Devi.

Maharana Pratap Sagar - Named in honour of the Maharana Pratap Sagar great patriot 'Maharana Pratap' (1572 - 97 AD), the Maharana Pratap Sagar was once known as the 'Pong Dam Reservoir'.

Dall Lake - Surrounded by high and green Deodar trees is the lake, which fills a mountain bowl. Situated 11-kms away from the town, this lake is easily approachable by road and makes an enchanting and serene picnic spot. It is beautifully surrounded by fir trees.

Dharmkot - Just 11-km away from Dharamsala, located on the crest of a hill lie this attractive picnic spot, which presents a panoramic view of the Kangra valley and Dauladhar ranges.

Moodabidri - Moodabidri, 23 kms from Venur described as Jaina Kashi, is known for the 18 bastis, the most famous of them being 'Savira Kambada Basti' (Basti with thousand pillars). Built in 1430 AD, this basti has beautiful.

KANGRA ART MUSEUM, KOTWALI BAZAR - This treasure trove of the Kangra Valley displays arts, crafts and rich past, artifacts that date back to the 5th century. It includes a gallery of Kangra's famous miniature painting and a representative collection of sculptures, pottery and anthropological items.

CLIMATE

In winter, the temperature can drop to freezing point when heavy woolens are required. During summer, the climate is mild and light woolens / cottons are recommended.

HOW TO REACH THERE

Air: The nearest airport at Gaggal is 14 km away after which it is accessible by road.

Rail: Pathankot is the nearest broad gauge railway terminal to Dharamshala. From Pathankot there is a narrow gauge railway line up to Kangra (94 km) and from here Dharamshala is 17 km by road.

Road: Direct and regular bus service from Delhi (520 km), Chandigarh (250 km), Jammu (210 km), Shimla (238 km), Chamba (185 km) and Manali (240 km).