Dharamshala is a city and a municipal council in Kangra district in the Indian state of Himachal Pradesh. It is one of the coveted tourist destinations of the region and is popular for being the residence of Dalai Lama as well as the the headquarters of Central Tibetan Administration. A small hamlet in the Kangra district, Dharamshala is situated at an average elevation of 1457 metres (4780 feet), covering an area of almost 8.51 km. The city is divided into two distinct sections. Kotwali Bazaar and the surrounding markets are referred to as "Lower Dharamshala" or just "Dharamshala." Further up the mountain is McLeodGanj separated in between by the village of Ganchen Kyishong, the home of the Tibetan government-in-exile. One of the worth visiting place of Himachal Pradesh, Dharamshala is thronged by visitors from nook and corner of the Orb. India travellers simply love this Place , the major travel or tourist attractions of this place include:
McLeod Ganj
A number of residential buildings, restaurants, antique and curio shops, together with famous Tibetan institutions have made McLeod Ganj a prominent tourist place. The Buddha temple situated opposite to the present abode of His Holiness, the Dalai Lama is worth a visit. The Tibetan Institute of performing Arts (TIPA), which is about a kilometers walk from McLeod Ganj preserves a number of musical dance and theatrical traditions of Tibet. It holds an annual 10-day folk opera commencing on the second Saturday of April. There is also a Tibetan handicraft centre situated at McLeod Ganj and a Sunday market is organized at about 10 minutes walk from here.
St. John's Church
The St. John's Church lies on a motorable road between McLeod Ganj and Forsythe Ganj, which is 8 km from Lower Dharamshala. The St. John's Church has a monument dedicated to Lord Elgin, one of the 19th century viceroys of India, who was buried here in 1863 AD. The St. John's Church is a Gothic building with cobble-stones floors and stained glass windows. There is a Christian cemetery around it where various other British soldiers were buried.
Jwalamukhi Temple
The famous temple of Jwalamukhi is about 35 km from Kangra and 56 km from Dharamshala. Dedicated to the Goddess of Light, the temple is one of the most popular Hindu temples in northern India. There is no idol of any kind and the flame is considered as a manifestation of the goddess. An eternally burning and shining blue flame emanates from the rock sanctum and is fed by the priests with the offerings of devotees. The golden tower (dome) of the temple was a gift from the Emperor Akbar. Two important fairs are held here during the Navratras in earlier April and mid October.
Dharamkot
Dharamkot is a popular tourist place located on the summit of the Dharamkot hill, which is about 11 km from Dharamshala. This is primarily a picnic spot, which offers a panoramic view of the Kangra velley, Pong Dam Lake and surrounding Dhauladhar peaks. One can reach Dharamkot by trekking from Bhagsu. The vista from Dharamkot is spectacular and the Gaddi folks can be seen in this place.
Bhagsunag Falls
Situated at a distance of 11 kms from Lower Dharamshala, Bhagsunag is situated in McLeod Ganj and offers a captivating scenic beauty and a serene ambience. The place houses an old temple, a fresh water spring and restaurant. Further about 2 km from the temple is the striking Bhagsunag waterfalls, which is worth visiting.
McLeod Ganj
A number of residential buildings, restaurants, antique and curio shops, together with famous Tibetan institutions have made McLeod Ganj a prominent tourist place. The Buddha temple situated opposite to the present abode of His Holiness, the Dalai Lama is worth a visit. The Tibetan Institute of performing Arts (TIPA), which is about a kilometers walk from McLeod Ganj preserves a number of musical dance and theatrical traditions of Tibet. It holds an annual 10-day folk opera commencing on the second Saturday of April. There is also a Tibetan handicraft centre situated at McLeod Ganj and a Sunday market is organized at about 10 minutes walk from here.
St. John's Church
The St. John's Church lies on a motorable road between McLeod Ganj and Forsythe Ganj, which is 8 km from Lower Dharamshala. The St. John's Church has a monument dedicated to Lord Elgin, one of the 19th century viceroys of India, who was buried here in 1863 AD. The St. John's Church is a Gothic building with cobble-stones floors and stained glass windows. There is a Christian cemetery around it where various other British soldiers were buried.
Jwalamukhi Temple
The famous temple of Jwalamukhi is about 35 km from Kangra and 56 km from Dharamshala. Dedicated to the Goddess of Light, the temple is one of the most popular Hindu temples in northern India. There is no idol of any kind and the flame is considered as a manifestation of the goddess. An eternally burning and shining blue flame emanates from the rock sanctum and is fed by the priests with the offerings of devotees. The golden tower (dome) of the temple was a gift from the Emperor Akbar. Two important fairs are held here during the Navratras in earlier April and mid October.
Dharamkot
Dharamkot is a popular tourist place located on the summit of the Dharamkot hill, which is about 11 km from Dharamshala. This is primarily a picnic spot, which offers a panoramic view of the Kangra velley, Pong Dam Lake and surrounding Dhauladhar peaks. One can reach Dharamkot by trekking from Bhagsu. The vista from Dharamkot is spectacular and the Gaddi folks can be seen in this place.
Bhagsunag Falls
Situated at a distance of 11 kms from Lower Dharamshala, Bhagsunag is situated in McLeod Ganj and offers a captivating scenic beauty and a serene ambience. The place houses an old temple, a fresh water spring and restaurant. Further about 2 km from the temple is the striking Bhagsunag waterfalls, which is worth visiting.