Dharamsala is a perfect getaway for nature lovers
Dharamsala is a city located in Himachal Pradesh, India, and is known for being the home of the Dalai Lama. As a result, Tibetan culture is quite prominent in the region and tourists visit the city to get a feel of Tibetan culture without actually going to Tibet.
Attractions in Dharamsala
Museum of Kangra Art: As the name suggests, the museum holds a number of Kangra-style artwork including miniature paintings, temple carvings, fabrics, weapons, palanquins, embroidery, and more such things.
The Tsuglagkhang Complex: It is the largest Tibetan temple that is located outside Tibet. The temple has beautiful statues of Sakyamuni Buddha and a meditation hall. You may also garner as much luck as you want by spinning the Tibetan prayer wheels as fast as you can. Fragrance of incense sticks, tranquil sounds of prayers and different images of monks doing meditation will surely bring some peace to your soul. Well, after the meal for your soul, you can also catch some delicious vegetarian food for your stomach from the cafe at the basement.
Tibet Museum: Located inside the Main Temple complex in McLeod Ganj, Dharamsala, Tibet Museum narrates the history of Tibet to those who hold interest in Tibetan culture and want to explore. They conduct educational activities relating to Tibetan history and provide traveling museum kits, catalogs, and publications as such.
Tibetan Institute of Performing Arts: It is a platform where you can catch the glimpse of traditional Tibetan dances and music. Contemporary plays are also performed, reviving the theatrical traditions of Tibet.
Naam Art Gallery: The gallery showcases a number of watercolor, acrylic, and oil paintings by Elizabeth Buschmann and A.W. Hallett. If you are an art connoisseur, then it is a must-see place for you.
Dharamkot: it is located a few kilometers away from Dharamsala and is a great picnic spot due to the amazing view of mountains that it provides.
Institutes: There are a number of institutes in Dharamsala where visitors can enroll for courses on yoga, mediation, healing and even paragliding.
Accommodation in Dharamsala
Due to its popularity, there are a number of accommodation options available to visitors. Hotel Shikhar and Pawan Guest House are nice pocket-friendly hotels in the city, while Bob’s n Barley and Villa Paradiso are good options for visitors with mid-range budgets. The Fortune Park Moksha and WelcomHeritage Grace Cottage Hotel are excellent options for tourists who do not mind being a little spendthrift.
Dharamsala Map
Facts about Dharamsala
- Dharamsala was initially known as Bhagsu.
- The name of the city can be loosely translated into spiritual dwelling.
- Dharamsala is located at a height of 1,457 m above sea level.
Where is Dharamsala ?
Dharamsala is located in the Kangra district of Himachal Pradesh in India.
How to Reach
By Air
Gaggal Airport is the nearest airport to the city. A taxi should take about half an hour to cover the 15 km distance.
By Rail
Kangra Railway Station is the closest railway station to Dharamsala. However, the trains are usually very slow. As a result, many tourists choose to travel to Pathankot Junction Railway Station and take a bus or taxi from there as it is much faster. A taxi from Pathankot Junction Railway Station will take about two hours to reach the city.
By Road
Dharamsala is well-connected to the major cities in the region like Delhi, Chandigarh, and Pathankot by road and there are a number of busses that ply to and from Dharamsala to these cities.
Best time to visit Dharamsala
Summer is the best time to visit the city as the temperature is quite mild at that time.
More about Dharamsala
Is it possible to meet the Dalai Lama?
While it is possible to meet the Dalai Lama, an application has to be given months in advance along with a legitimate reason to do so.
How is the weather in Dharamsala?
The weather in Dharamsala is generally quite mild during summer, while the temperature can drop below freezing point in winter. Tourists traveling to Dharamsala in winter are advised to wear heavy woolen clothing.
image credits : Gili Chupak
