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Getting there:
Dharamshala can be approached by air from Delhi. The
nearest airport is at Gaggal, just 13km away. Pathankot the
nearest broad gauge railway station is 85 km away and the toy
train station is just 17km at Kangra. Taxis, Buses for
Dharamshala are available at both places. From Pathankot the
drive takes about tree hours. Or you can drive from Delhi
(526km) via Chandigarh, Kirtpur and Bilaspur. This should take
around 12 hours. From Delhi and Shimla luxury buses ply to
Dharamshala.
Sightseeing:
War Memorial : Situated in Dharamshala town. The
memorial is situated near the entry point to Dharamshala
commemorates the memory of those who fought valiantly for the
honor and defence of the mother land. The place is ideally
located in the pine forest and offers a very enjoyable walk
through pine forest. Near War Memorial is the beautiful GPG
College Dharamshala made during the British Era. There is also
a cafe just close to War Memorial serving fast food and
beverages.
Kunal Pathri : A 3 km level walk from the Kowali Bazaar
leads up to this rock temple.
St. John's Church : 8 km from Dharamsala between
forsythganj and Mcleodganj is the charming dressed stone
church of St. john in the Wilderness. Under the Shade of
deodar braches. A memorial has been erected over the body of
the British viceroy. Lord Elgin who died at Dharamsala in
1863. There is a well tended old graveyard on these grassy
slopes.
Dal Lake : 11 km from Dharamshala and surrounded by
deodar trees, the lake fills mountain coming from Tibet. The
Tibetan Institute of Performing Arts is just a km away and it
organizes a ten day festival from the second Saturday of
April.
Hags : Close to fresh water springs, this ancient
temple is 11 km from Dharamsala. It is a popular picnic spot
and the famous slate quarries are close by.
Mcleodganj : A road leading up through the crowded
bazaar is a steep 10 kms climb up to the northern edge of
Mcleodganj, the upper town. This winding road takes nearly 40
minutes by bus, or about 20 minutes by a shared taxi. The
alternative is a short cut along a steep trail, that leads to
the southern end of Mcleodganj past the Dalai Lama's
residence.
Climate
As Dharamsala is located in the Himalayas, the climate
is very pleasant during the summers but in winters the cold is
very bad. Temperature can drop below the freezing point during
the winters and heavy woollen clothes are required. During the
summers the weather is mild and light woolens and cottons are
recommended. The best time to visit the place is during the
summers when the cold has shed its biting teeth and there is
plenty of Sunshine. But avoid coming here during the monsoon
months, as there is a danger of landslides. |
