Dharamsala over looks the plains and is surrounded by dense pine trees and Deodar forests. A nearby snowline with numerous streams and cool healthy atmosphere makes the surroundings very attractive. A busy bazaar town, Dharamsala has established itself as the travellers base camp, who come to explore the nearby mountains. The Kotwali Bazaar provides the entire colour and characteristic of a small town, which is mixed with the simple life style. The colourful temple and Gompas, which reflect the culture of Tibet, adds attraction for the visitor. The Kangra museum gives an overview of the rich past of the region and on the other hand there are institutes that have been established to preserve the Tibetan art, cultures and traditions.
Today, Dharamsala has become the synonymous to the Tibetan government in exile and the home of Tibetan leader Dalai Lama. Even if the Tibetan community dominates the town, still it has retained the colonial lifestyle and British
fervour.
ClimateAs 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.
Places
to Visit
- Kangra Art Museum
- War Memorial
- St. John's Church
- Norbulinka Institute
How to Reach
- Air
Dharamshala can be approached by air from
Delhi and the nearest Airport is at Gaggla, just 13-km away from
the town.
- Rail
Pathankot is 85-km and is the nearest
railhead for Dharamshala. Trains from all over the country make
a stop over at Pathankot and from here it is a three-hour
journey to Dharamsala.
- Road
From Manali too bus services are available
to this place. One can drive from Delhi via Chandigarh,
Kiratpur, Bilaspur and it's an 8-hours journey. From Delhi and
Shimla, luxury buses ply to Dharamshala.