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Dharamsala is located in the Kangra valley in the
Dhauladhar mountains. It became the capital of the Kangra District in
1852.It became a popular hill station for the British working in or near
Delhi offering a cool respite during the hot summer months.Dharamshala
stands at the foot of Dhauladhar and has a magnificent view of snowy peaks,
deodar and pine forests, tea gardens and beautiful hills. The snow line is
perhaps more easily accessible at Dharamshala than any other hill station in
India. Dharamshala now really has become international, with a number of
Tibetan settlements and the residence of Noble Laureate the 'Dalai Lama'.
Dharamshala is divided into two distinct parts : lower Dharamshala the civil
and business area with Courts and Kotwali bazar and upper Dharamshala
composed of places like Mcleod Ganj and Forsyth Ganj.
Dharamsala has been connected with Hinduism and Buddhism for a long time
with many monasteries having been established there in the past. In the 8th
century, however, these monasteries are believed to have declined, with
traditional Hindu building styles experiencing a revival. The local Gaddi
people are now almost all Hindu and for the most part worship many gods and
goddess.
Population :- Dharmsala had a population of 19,034. Males constitute
55% of the population and females 45%. Dharmsala has an average literacy
rate of 77%, higher than the national average of 59.5%: male literacy is 80%
and, female literacy is 73%. In Dharmsala, 9% of the population is under 6
years of age.
The area covered by Dharamsala is almost 29 km². During the months of
December and January, snowfall and hail is common and the temperature ranges
from 0 °C to 14.5 °C. During summers, the temperature ranges from 22 °C to
38 °C.There is an airport about 20 km away in Kangra. Rice, wheat and tea
are grown around Dharamsala.
Tourism :- Dharamshala is one of the ace tourist spots in Himachal-Pradesh.
Dharamshala offers the magnificent view of snow covered dhauladhar peaks.
Dharamsala has a number of famous places around i.e.mcleodganj, dharamkot,
triund etc. Dharamshala has always been the attraction for tourists from
abroad. There is also a newly built world class cricket stadium in
dharamsala. Dharamshala is also one of the fastest growing cities in
himachal pradesh.
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HOW
TO REACH
By Air - Airlines flies to Gaggal airport at Dharamshala thrice a
week from Delhi and Kulu.
By Rail - Pathankot (90kms) is the nearest railway station from Dharamsala.
Another convenient railhead is Amritsar. Both the railway stations are
linked to various important cities by a well laid-out rail network.
By Road - A good network of roads connects Dharamsala with many prominent
cities and tourist destinations such as: Chandigarh (239kms), Amritsar
(200kms), Delhi (514kms), Shimla (322kms), Dalhousie (55kms) etc. From
Dharamsala one can also reach the Himalayan wilderness in the states of
Himachal Pradesh and Jammu and Kashmir.
WHEN TO GO
Best time to visit Dharamshala is April to June and September to November.
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WHAT TO SEE |
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Kangra Art Museum : -Kangra Art Museum is
treasure trove of the Kangra valleys arts, crafts and rich past,
display artifacts that date back to the 5th Century. It includes a
gallery of famous paintings and a representative collection of
sculptures, pottery and anthropological items. Shamiyanas and local
dresses used by local royalty, old carved doors, jail and pndals are
also on display. Coins jewellery and manuscripts are included. A
section houses the works of conteporary artists, sculptures and
photographers. |
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St. John's Church :- The church is small in
size and was built in 1852 in the Gothic style. Its tapering high
windows, the front and back sides of its building all seem to be in
perfect harmony with the deodar grove which is a home to lots of
monkeys, baboons and birds. In 1905 earthquake, the bellfry of the
church was completely destroyed. However, the rest of the building
escaped damage. A new bell (built in 1915) was brought from England
and installed outside in the compound of the church. The church
witnessed a special event in 1992 when visitors from 39 countries
participated in its service.
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Mcleod Ganj :- The arrival of the Tibetan
spiritual leader, the Dalai Lama, along with thousands of refugees to
Dharamshala in 1959 made this place more lively. A number of Tibetan
settlements with religious education and other rehabilitation centres
have emerged all over Mcleodganj. Today, Mcleodganj is a major
Buddhist centre of pilgrimage and learning.
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War Memorial :- The War Memorial is situated
in Dharamshala town, near the entry point to Dharamshala commemorates.
This was built in the memory of those who fought valiantly for the
honour and defence of the mother land. The place is ideally located
amid the pine forest. There is also a cafe just close to War Memorial
serving fast food and beverages.
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Jwalamukhi Temple :- It is nearly two-hour
excursion would take guest to the famous Jwalamukhi Temple, dedicated
to the Goddess of Light. There is no idol to worship as such in the
temple. Rather a constantly burning blue flame emanating from inside
the rocks is worshipped. |
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WHERE TO EAT
There are few good restaurants in the city and you can also try the
restaurants at the luxury hotels.
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