Dharamsala
is situated in the Northern Indian state of Himachal Pradesh.
It lies on a spur of the Dhauladhar range in the Pir Panjal region
of the Outer Himalayas; and commands majestic views of the mighty
Dhauladhar ranges above, and the Kangra Valley below. Dhauladhar
means "white ridge" and this breathtaking, snow-capped
range rises out of the Kangra Valley to a height of 5,200 meters
(17,000 feet).The Kangra Valley is a wide, fertile plain, crisscrossed
by low hills. The scenery touched the heart of a British official
who wrote: "No scenery, in my opinion, presents such sublime
and delightful contrasts. Below lies the plain, a picture of rural
loveliness and repose...
People
from all over the world flock to Mcleodganj to receive blessings
and teachings from His Holiness the Dalai Lama. Western and Indian
tourists and scholars come here to see the rebirth of an ancient
and fascinating civilization. The high altitude and cool weather
contribute physically to the re-creation of the original Tibetan
environment. Dharamsala pulsates with the sights and sounds of
old Tibet. Though certainly more modern, life is basically Tibetan
in character. Shops strung out along the narrow streets of Mcleodganj
sell traditional Tibetan arts and handicrafts and the aroma of
Tibetan dishes lingers in the air.
Tsuglagkhang
Temple :
The Tsuglagkhang Temple is the most renowned Buddhist
monument in McLeodganj. There are three magnificent images
of Buddha, including a statue of Shakyamuni, statues of
Valokitesvara and Padamasambhava. The Namgyal Monastery
was founded by the Third Dalai Lama, and serves the Dalai
Lamas exclusively. A unique feature of this monastery is
its diversity of practice. Namgyal monks perform prayers
and rituals of all the major schools of Tibetan Buddhism.
Norbulingka
Institute:
Just 4-kms from Dharamsala, Norbulinka was established
to preserve and teach the ancient Tibetan arts. The shady
paths, wooden bridges, small streams tiny water falls make
this place look like heaven. Here one can watch the wooden
carvings and the tangka paintings, golsithing and embroidery
being done. The nunnery close to the institute is a place
where women are taught the advanced levels of Buddhist philosophy.
Gyuto
Monastery, Sidhbari:
Sidhbari is where is located the Karmapa (Ogyen Trinley
Dorje)'s temporary residence, at Gyuto Monastery.Sidhbari
is about six kilometers from Dharamsala. Karmapa means "the
one who carries out buddha-activity" or "the embodiment
of all the activities of the buddhas." In the Tibetan
tradition, great enlightened teachers are said to be able
to consciously arrange to be reborn as a teacher who can
carry on the teachings of a predecessor in a prior life.
St.
John's Church:
One of the most poignant memories of the British Raj is
the church of St. John, situated in the wilderness. This
charmingly dressed stone church is located just 8-kms from
Dharamsala on the way to McLeodganj. Under the shade of
Deodar branches, a memorial has been made over the body
of the British Viceroy, Lord Elgin who died at Dharamsala
in 1863 while the British raj in India. The church is an
excellent place to sit and relax admist the deodar trees.
Triund:
Triund is a popular picnic spot at a height of 2827 m.
The area is on the foothills of Dhauladhar range and is
17kms from Dharamsala. The snow line starts at Illaqua,
which is five kms from Triund. The breathtaking view of
the mountains and the valleys makes Triund an ideal picnic
spot and trekking destination. One can make a day hike to
Triund or make an appointment for a night stay at one of
the guesthouse.
Bhagsu
Temple and Water fall:
About two kilometers from McLeod is a holy pilgrim site
for Hindus. Bhagsu, as it is better known has an ancient
Shiv temple. The main attraction for the tourist and the
crowd puller here is not the temple but the public swimming
pool. It is a treat for tourist making it to Dharamsala
during the hot months. But if you are not a great fan of
crowded places then stear clear of this swimming pool as
it is always crowded. Of course except during the cold winters
when the water is freezing.
Naddi
& Dal lake:
Just 2 kms from Mcleodganj is the sacred Dal lake known
for its religious water. The lake is regarded is the lake
of Lord Shiva. One kns ahead is the famous location called
Naddi, where you can see the Mount Dhauladhar very near
and the sunset is worth seeing in the the evening. Naddi
is a liked many for it's natural look and cool winds that
pass by from the mountains.
Char
Dham Devi Darshan
One can visit the famous religious places of Himachal from
Dharamshala. The 4 Devi dham (char dham devi darshan) are
visited by many devotees.
These includes Chintapurni Mata, Jawala ji Mata, Chamunda
Mata and Brijeshwari Mata.
Dharamshala
& Palampur Tea Gardens
The captivating tea gardens of Dharamshala will fill your
heart with delight when you take a stroll to these gardens.
To have a glimpse of the tea gardens you need to come to
Chilgari. From here there are two roads, one lead to Mata
Kunal Pathari Temple and another to Narghota Village. Both
the roads have tea gardens on each side with lush green
pine trees.
Palampur is a fascinating green hill station in the Kangra
Valley, surrounded on all sides by tea gardens and pine
forests before they merge with the Dhauladhar ranges. Palampur
is the tea capital of northwest India.
Dharamsala
is situated in the Northern Indian state of Himachal Pradesh.
It lies on a spur of the Dhauladhar range in the Pir Panjal region
of the Outer Himalayas; and commands majestic views of the mighty
Dhauladhar ranges above, and the Kangra Valley below. Dhauladhar
means "white ridge" and this breathtaking, snow-capped
range rises out of the Kangra Valley to a height of 5,200 meters
(17,000 feet).The Kangra Valley is a wide, fertile plain, crisscrossed
by low hills. The scenery touched the heart of a British official
who wrote: "No scenery, in my opinion, presents such sublime
and delightful contrasts. Below lies the plain, a picture of rural
loveliness and repose...
People
from all over the world flock to Mcleodganj to receive blessings
and teachings from His Holiness the Dalai Lama. Western and Indian
tourists and scholars come here to see the rebirth of an ancient
and fascinating civilization. The high altitude and cool weather
contribute physically to the re-creation of the original Tibetan
environment. Dharamsala pulsates with the sights and sounds of
old Tibet. Though certainly more modern, life is basically Tibetan
in character. Shops strung out along the narrow streets of Mcleodganj
sell traditional Tibetan arts and handicrafts and the aroma of
Tibetan dishes lingers in the air. 
Tsuglagkhang
Temple :
Norbulingka
Institute:
Gyuto
Monastery, Sidhbari:
St.
John's Church:
Triund:
Bhagsu
Temple and Water fall:
Naddi
& Dal lake:
Char
Dham Devi Darshan
Dharamshala
& Palampur Tea Gardens