North
India Travel Guide
Dharamshala Tourism
Dharamshala is the district
hqr. of Kangra district. This is a hill station lying on the spur of the Dhauladhar
range about 18kms. north east of Kangra town. Hill station is wooded with oak
and conifer trees and snow capped mountains enfold three sides of the town while
the valley stretches in front. The snow line is perhaps more easily accessible
at Dharamshala than at any other hill resort and it is possible to trek to snow
point after an early morning's start.
Dharamsala popularly known as the
Scotland of India, is one of the 80 hill stations established by the British between
1815 and 1847 and has one of the most spectacular settings for a hill station
is closest to the perennial snowline and is built along a spur of the Dhaula Dhar
range. The town varies in height from 1250 meters at the bazaar to 1768 metres
at McLeodganj. Dharamsala is surrounded by deodar forests and provides a superb
view of the great granite mountains that almost over chang the town.
About
10 kms. away from Dharamsala is McLeodganj which has a strong Tibetan influence.
Monks in deep red are a common sight in this town and it is the headquarters of
the Dalai Lama. The Dalai Lama settled here after his flight across the Himalayas
following the Chinese invasion of Tibet in oct. 1959 The Tibetan community has
tended to take over the hospitality business and provide cheap and clean hotels
and small friendly restaurants, The following words might help you in having an
exchange in Tibetan
Tasgu dekej (hello,good luck)
Thukje-chey (Thank
you)
Thukhe-sik a (please)
Gong-thag(sorry)
Ssoo-den (Good - bye)
Jaa (Go)
The Namgyal Monastery with the Centre of Tibetan Studies,
is known as little Lhasa and is a major attraction in McLeodganj This cathedral
opposite the DakauLama's residence, resembles the center of the one in Lhasa and
is a 5minute walk from the main bazaar. It contains large gilded bronzes of Buddha,
Avalokitesvara and Padmasam-bhava.Dalai Lamas often leads the prayers when he
is in residence and if you sign up at the secutity office an audience with him
is possible. The othert major attraction is the Church of St. John in -the wilderness
which has attractive stained glass windows. Lord Elgin, one of the few viceroys
of British occupied India, to die in office, is buried here, according to his
last wish, as it reminded him of his beloved native Scotland. The Nechung Mmonastery
in Lgangchen Kyishobn has Tibetan libnrary lwith a good rang of books, magazines
& photo-copying facilities and a museum.The central Tibetan Administration
Offices are located here and you can also attend lectures & classes on Tibetan
culture and Buddhism.
Walks : From McLeodganj there are a number of interesting
walks like the 2 km stroll to Bhagsunag which has a spring and a temple or to
Dharamkot, 3 kms., has very fine views. If you feel energetic enough, you can
continue on towards the snow line. 10 kms. From the McLeodganj bus stand is Dal
Lake, the site of an annual fair held in September. It is a pleasant walk to the
lake. At the foot of the dhaula Dhar is Triund which is an 8 km trek. A further
5 kms. is the snowline where a Forest Rest House is situated. At an altiude of
1983 metres is Kareri, a picturesque spot where a rest house is located in the
cool depths of a pine grove. The beautiful Kareri Lake., further away from this
spot is set amidst green meadows and forests of tall oak and pine.
