OVERVIEW

 

Situated at a wonderful location, Dharamshala is a beautiful and peaceful town, spread at different levels and surrounded by forests of pine. Accessible by the broad gauge line at Pathankot and after that the narrow gauge line Dharamshala provides a range of interesting activities for visitors, with the lower end of the town, at a height of 1250 m above sea level. The massive snow-capped peaks of the Dhauladhars rise like giant waves of a frozen ocean, providing the town with breathtaking views. Dharamshala is a hill station with great variations in altitudes, temperatures and character, making it a popular destination.

 

 

1. TSUGLAGKHANG TEMPLE:

 

 

The temple Tsuglag Khang here is an important Buddhist site where a congregation of monks and nuns can be seen chanting holy scriptures around the year. The temple houses statues of the Buddha as Shakyamuni and Avalokiteshvara. It also has the statue of Guru Rimpoche (Padmasambhava). On occasion, the Dalai Lama does lead the prayer sessions at this temple.

 

 

2. NAMGYAL MONASTERY:

 

 

The original Namgyal Monastery was founded in Tibet by the second Dalai Lama Gedun Gyatso, but was relocated to Mcleodganj after the Tibetan uprising in 1959. The monastery also known as the Namgyal Tantric College has become a centre of the study of Tibetan Buddhism and culture. In residence, there are more than 200 monks who study Buddhist Sutra and Tantra texts along with other modern subjects. A large number of followers and scholars, domestic and international, do visit the monastery.

3. MARTYRS MEMORIAL:

 

 

At the entry point of the town of Dharamshala, a monument has been built to commemorate the war heroes. Three huge panels of black marble are etched with the names of those martyrs who laid down their lives guarding the country in the wars of 1947-48, 1962, 1965, and 1971 and in various peacekeeping missions.

 

 

4. BHAGSU NAG TEMPLE & WATERFALL:

 

 

Just 2 km from Mcleodganj is the ancient Bhagsu Nag Temple dedicated to Shiva with a freshwater spring. Further, a 1.5 km path leads to a waterfall, which is at its pristine glory during monsoons. The view of unsullied water gushing out of the waterfall and the mist emanating from the fall is indeed a delightful experience.

 

 

5. KANGRA ART MUSEUM:

 

The museum is located at Kotwali Bazaar and one can see Kangra Valley’s arts, crafts and rich past, displaying artefacts dating back to the 5^th century. It includes a gallery of Kangra’s famous miniature paintings and a representative collection of sculptures, pottery and anthropological items. A section houses the work of contemporary artists, sculptures and photographers. It remains closed on Monday & gazetted holidays.

 

 

6. DHARAMKOT:

 

This viewpoint located on the Dharamkot hills offers a panoramic view of the Kangra valley and surrounding Dhauladhar peaks. Dharamkot has many meditation and yoga centres.

 

 

7. DAL LAKE:

 

About 4 km from Mcleodganj is Dal Lake a natural water body. The lake is a scenic picnic spot surrounded by Deodar forests. It is a good base for trekkers. There is a temple of Durveshwar Mahadev by the side of the lake. A colourful annual fair is held every September on the day of Radhastmi.

 

 

8. KANGRA FORT:

 

 

The view of gushing streams of Banganga and Manjhi rivulets from the fort is charming. The Kangra Fort was the seat of power of the Katoch Kings. It was the ancient capital of the Katoch kingdom and a symbol of power in the Punjab Hill States. One can enter the fort by a narrow path. It was protected by a number of gates named after its winners like Jahangir, Ranjit Singh and the British. At the top of the fort, there was the palace of the Katoch kings. In the courtyard, there are two temples. Adjoining the fort, one can visit the museum. The Kangra Fort is a protected monument and is under the Archaeological Survey of India. The fort remains an attraction around the year.

 

 

9. SHRI CHAMUNDA DEVI TEMPLE:

 

 

Not far from the town is the famous temple of Shri Chamunda Devi with the Dhauladhars forming a majestic backdrop. It is an enchanting spot with a glorious view of the mountains, the Baner Khud, Pathiar and Lahla forests. The temple of Chamunda Nandikeshwar Dham is 15km from Dharamshala.

 

10.  NORBULINGKA INSTITUTE:

 

 

7 km from Dharamshala, the Norbulingka Institute was established to keep alive the traditional arts and crafts of Tibet. It includes a Statue, Thangka paintings, woodcarvings, carpentry and metal crafts. This has a beautiful Buddha temple, a dolls museum, a crafts centre and a garden.