Dharmasala

There was a time when sheep and goats used to graze in the meadows of Dharmasala but now it is the home of about 3000 Tibetans. Situated in the Kangra valley, Dharmasala is a beautiful hill station. It is also called" The little Lhasa of India". The Dalai Lama has been living here since 1960.

Till the end of the 18th century, king Sansarchand ruled here. Dharmasala is important historically for its numerous forts. In and around Dharmasala, there are many tea estates. Snowfall, sunlight and rainbows can be seen at one time.

Dharmasala is very attractive to the tourist because of its forests of deodar and pine trees and also its green mountains. It is divided into two parts. There is a difference of 457 mts between these two parts. Dharmasala spreads from 1250 mts. to 2000 mts. The lower part has its police station, the court and other business spots while the upper part has Mekladganj, Forsitganj, and other important spots.

Tourist Season : From March to June and September to November.

Travel Plans : Dharamsala is 126 Kms from Dalhousie. Hence, while visiting Dalhousie, one can go there. Buses are available to visit Dharmasala and the other sites around it.

Places of Interest :

Mcladganj: 10 kms by road and 3 kms by foot, Mcladganj is surrounded by many old manors, restaurants, and shops that sell ancient handicraft. The famous Tibetan Monastery and the temple of the Dalai Lama are also here.

St. Jone's Church: 8 kms from Dharmasala, this beautiful church is situated amidst green trees. This church was made in memory of Lord Elgin, former Viceroy of India. Highlights of this church are its attractive stained-glass windows.

Bhagsunath Temple: This ancient temple is 11 kms from Dharmasala. Close to this temple is a beautiful waterfall.

War Memorial: One sees this place as soon as one enters Dharmasala. As the name suggests, this was built in memory of the soldiers who died fighting.

Dharamkot: This picnic spot is on the peak of the mountain 11 kms from Dharmasala. The view of Kangra valley and other mountain peaks is clearly visible from here.

Dal Lake: This stream is 11 kms from Dharmasala. It is surrounded by fir trees and is ideal for trekkers. In September every year a fair is held here.

Chamunda Tour: 60kms from Dharamsala.

Kunal Pathri: Here one finds pictures of ancient Gods and Goddesses carved on rocks. Kunal Pathri is 3kms from the police station.

Shopping : One finds a mixture of Tibetan and Himachal culture here. Carpets and dhurries from Tibet and hand made articles from Himachal, wooden items can be bought here.

Temperature:

Clothings : Light woollens in summer and thick woollens in winter.

Other important Information: Here in isolated spots, the Forest Department has guest houses has rooms available at inexpensive rates. But one has to reserve  it in advance.

Restaurants: There are many restaurants in Meklad Ganj and Kothwali Bazaar which serve North Indian, Continental and Chinese food.

Distances from Cities and Towns: