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 Dharamsala Splendidly situated, is a beautiful town set amidst forests of pine. It is a hill station with a difference – for the several separate areas of the town are located at different levels up a spur of the Dhauladhar range. A part from being the headquarter of the Kangra district, it is the seat of HH Dalai Lama, who runs the Tibetan Government in exile from here. Due to thick population of Tibetan refugees and Buddhist monasteries, Dharamsala is known as "The Lhasa of India.
General Information
Altitude: Between 1250 meters and 1982 meters
Best Season: April to June and September to November
Temperature: Summer - Max.33, Min.22;
Winter - Max.15, Min. 0
STD Code: 01892
How to get there
Air
The nearest airport, Amritsar (200 km), is connected to New Delhi.
Rail
The nearest railhead Pathankot (90 km) is connected to major cities in India. There is a narrow guage train from Pathankot to Kangra (18 km).
Road
Regular bus services link Dharamshala with Chandigarh 239 km, Delhi 514 km, Dalhousie 143 km, Hoshiarpur 128 km, Jwalamukhi 55 km, Jammu 197 km, Kangra 18 km, Kullu 214 km, Manali 253 km, Mandi 147 km, Nangal 145 km, Palampur 35 km Chamba 192 km and Shimla 322 km
 In and around
McLeodganj
Is a charming Tibetan settlement with bustling bazzars that sell carpets, handicrafts and delicious Tibetan food. A giant prayer wheel ornaments a main street and in the monastery, a serene statue of the Lord Buddha presides over the gentle chanting of the monks.
Bhagsunath
A pretty waterfall and a small shrine lie at the end of an easy walk from the McLeodganj bazaar.
Kunal Pathri
Not far from the Kotwali bazaar is the little rock temple dedicated to a local goddess.
Chinmaya Topovan
A tranquil ashram complex set up by that great exponent of the Gita Swami Chinmayananda.
Dal Lake
The pretty lake is a scenic picnic spot surrounded by forests of pine. It is good base for trekkers. A colorful annual fair is held here every September.
Dharamkot
2100 m, a favorite viewing point located on Dharamkot hill offers panoramic views of Kangra valley and the Dhauladhar peaks.
Triund
2975m above McLeodganj the gradient is steep. Just below the snowline lies Triund the popular picnic and trekking spot with its breath taking views and a lovely forest rest house.
Kareri
1983m. a picturesque spot where a rest house is located in the cool depths of a pine grove. The Beautiful Kareri Lake, 13 km. Away from this spot, is set amidst green meadows and forests of tall oak and pine at a height of 3250m.
Kangra
Is one of the prettiest valleys of Himachal with its lush green terraces and orchards, overlooking a gushing stream – the Banganga. Once the ancient capital of a powerful hill state, Kangra was known for its magnificent temples and as centre of the arts. Just outside the town is the temple dedicated to Bajreshwari Devi. This beautiful temple known once for its legendry wealth was subject to successive depredations by invaders from the north. Jwalamukhi 56 km. This picturesque temple, built against a wooded spur, in the indo – sikh style, has a domb that was gilded Mughal emperor Akbar.
Nadaun
Built by the Raja Sansar Chand on the river Beas as his capital. The Kangra school of painting reached its zenith during his rule. Nadaun is a charming place for a quite weekend – or for a spot of angling in the river Beas.
Masroor
15 richly carved monolithic rock temples sculpted in the splendid style of the Kailash temple at Ellora and dating back to 8th century are to be found at Masroor.
Trilokpur
A cave temple dedicated to Lord Shiva is noted for its stalactite and stalagmite formation.
Nurpur
Named after Nur Jehan the consort of the Mughal emperor Jehangir, it has an ancient fort and a carved Krishna temple. Nurpur is famous today for its fine pashmina shawls and textiles.
Sujanpur Tira
Further up stream on the banks of the foaming Beas, 22km. From Hamirpur, is the lost capital of Raja Sanasar Chand loacated in idyllic surroundings. The temples of Narbadeshwar, Gaurishankar and Murlimanohar built by him still have fine wall
paintings.
Chamunda Devi Temple
Just 15 km from
town is the famous temple with the majestic Dhauladhars as a back drop. It
is an enchanting spot with glorious views of the mountains, the Baner
Khud, Pathiar and Lahla Forest.
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