Attractions
in Dharamsala |
Kangra Art Museum |
This treasure trove of the Kangra valley's arts, crafts, and
rich past, displays artifacts that date back to the 5th century.
The museum also includes a gallery of Kangra's famous miniature
paintings and a representative collection of sculptures, pottery,
and anthropological items.
|
War
Memorial |
Set
amidst the pine groves is a war memorial, built on the entry
point of the to Dharamsala to commemorate the post independence
war heroes of Himachal Pradesh. A web of narrow paths and
landscaped lawns lead towards this monument.
|
Dal
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.
|
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-km from Dharamsala on the way
to McLeod Ganj. Under the shade of Doedar branches, a memorial
has been made over the body of the British Viceroy, Lord Elgin
who died at Dharamsala in 1863.
|
Tatwani
& Machhrial |
There
are hot springs situated at Tatwani, 25-km from Dharamsala
but on the way, at Machhrial, is a waterfall twice as big
as the one near the Bhagsunath temple.
|
The
Shrine of Bhagsunath |
Just
11-km from the town center of Dharamsala is the ancient temple
of Bhagsunath. There are many fresh water springs close to
the temple, which are considered sacred by the Hindus.
|
Kunal
Pathri |
These
are the rock temples from which the place derives its name.
Kunal pathri is a 3 kms flat walk from Kotwali Bazaar.
|
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
|
Norbulinka
Institute |
Just
four 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.
|
Attractions
From Dharamsala |
McLeodganj |
Originally
home of the semi-nomadic Gaddi tribe, McLeodganj is today
the residence of His Holiness, the Dalai Lama. This mid 19th
century place was developed as a British Garrison. The place
was developed as an important administrative point for the
whole Kangra valley. Today the place has developed as headquarters
of the exiled Tibetan Government. The impressive monastery
has larger than life size images of Buddha, Padmasambhava
and Avaloketeshwara
|
Masrur
|
Fifteen
richly carved monolithic rock temples sculpted in the splendid
style of the Kailash temple at Ellora and dating back to the
8th century are to be found at Masrur, just 15 km south of
Kangra. Images of Ram Sita and Lakhsman can be found in the
sanctum of the main temple.
|
Kareri |
Set
amidst a sylvan surrounding is a rest house, located in the
cool depths of the pine grove. Surrounded by green open meadows
and forests of tall oak & pine at a height of 3250m is situated
the picturesque Kareri Lake, which is just 13-km from the rest
house and 22- kms from Dharamsala. |
Triund
|
Triund
is a popular picnic spot at an height of 2827 m. The area
is on the foothills of Dhauladhar range and is 17-kms from
Dharamsala. The snow line starts at Ilaqua, which is five
kms from Triund. The breathtaking views of the mountains and
the valleys makes Triund an ideal picnic spot and trekking
spot.
|
Trilokpur |
On
the way from Pathankot, 41-km from Dharamsala are the unique
cave temples with a stalactite and stalagmites dedicated to
Lord Shiva.
|
Sujanpur
Tira |
This
place is famous for the wall paintings and the temples. Sujanpur
Tira also has fort, which is worth visiting. It is 8- km from
Dharamsala and in particular the festival of Holi is a major
event here and attracts many visitors to this area
|
Jawalamukhi |
Dedicated
to the "Goddess of Light", the temple is one of the most popular
Hindu temples in northern India. In this temple there is a
copper pipe through which natural gas comes out, the priest
of the temple lights this and the blue flame emanating is
worshipped as the manifestation of Goddess. The temple is
topped by a golden spire, a gift from the Emperor Akbar. The
famous temple of Jwalamukhi is 30-km. from Kangra and 56-km
from Dharamshala
|
Chamunda
Devi |
Not
so far from the town is the famous temple with the majestic
Dhaulandhars as a backdrop. It is an enchanting spot with glorious
views of the mountains, the Baner Khud, Pathiar and Lahala forests |
Nurpur |
Named
after Nurjehan the consort of the Mughal Emperor Jehangir, it
has an ancient fort and an exquisitely carved Krishna temple.
Nurpur is also famous for its fine Pashmina shawls and textiles |