Dharamshala is a hill station located in the Kangra District of Himachal Pradesh.
Before independence of India, Dharamshala was already a famous holiday destination for the British people.
In 1959, His Holiness the 14th Dalai Lama fled to India to escape the chinese invasion of Tibet. Jawaharlal Nehru, the first Prime Minister of India allowed him to settle near Dharamshala, in McLeod Ganj. Many tibetan immigrants joined the Dalai Lama who established the "Tibetan Government In Exile" in the year 1960.
Today several thousands Tibetan exiles live in McLeod Ganj. Monasteries, libraries and museum have been erected in order to preserve the rich tibetan culture and Buddhism traditions. Hence it has become an important tourist destination.
Dharamshala is divided into two parts, the lower city: which is the urban area with government offices, schools and markets. The upper city, McLeod Ganj which has most of the tourism facilities and places of interest.
A short, McLeod Ganj id the perfect destination to immerse yourself in the Tibetan culture. Surrounded by a dense forest of Himalayan Cedar (Deodar), and with the Dhauladhar range in the backdrop, McLeod Ganj do not lack charm ! You will be delighted by its very special atmosphere. Check the Dalai Lama website to attend one of his public event.
History
the colonial origin, the tibetan influence and the kangra air make an invigorating cocktail with a unique blend. Dharamshala stands out amongst the other hill-stations of india. It is also an archetypal getaway for the jaded city souls with thatched cottages nestling amidst thick coniferous forests. As one looks up, the green fringes merge with the snow-clad mountains and as your eyes shift downwards, the vast panorama of the kangra valley embraces you. It is a no holds barred battle of the eye with the scenery and one wonders how much the eyes can behold this quiet rhapsody of the nature.
Is it a tale of two cities? The town is divided in flesh and soul into two halves, each with its own character. The lower dharamshala is the main town at 1250 meters. The upper dharamshala or mcleod ganj from dharamshala by road, it is a 10 kilometers drive, which takes almost the same time as you would, walking up the steep path. The only reason that you would like to visit lower dharamshala would be to see the kangra art museum, which has a treasure trove of the art and crafts of region.
The vestiges of the raj dot the town - foremost is the church of st. John in the wilderness. There is a well-maintained, old graveyard. It reminds one of other old graveyards in hill-stations like mussoorie and shimla. These are perhaps the only peaceful places left in the hustle and bustle of these touristic places and your best bet if you are looking for peace!
How to reach Dharamshala
Dharamshala can be reached by road, train, and air. There are several buses available from all the major cities of Himachal Pradesh to reach Dharamshala. Cities that are directly connected to Dharamshala via state buses include Pathankot, Amritsar, Shimla, and Delhi. To reach Dharamshala by train, Pathankot is the nearest railhead, located nearly 85 km away. You can take a flight to Gaggal Airport, which is well-connected to Delhi, Kullu, and Chandigarh. Taxis and buses are available from outside the railway station and airport to reach Dharamshala.
Himachal Pradesh Tourism is known as the land of exotic hill stations as the landscape of Himachal is adorned with the splendid snowy mountain ranges of the mighty Himalaya. The pristine hilly locality with the mix of lush greenery, white snow, crystal clear gushing waterfalls and spectacular mountain range offer you a divine like experience. An ultimate holiday destination to get the solace and peace of mind away from the chaotic life of a city, the hill stations of Himachal attract a huge number of tourists from India as well as abroad. Not any particular location, but the every corner of the landscape of Himachal is blessed with a picturesque view. The incredible, serene and enchanting surroundings of Himachal are so meditative in its own way that tourists who have been here once are compelled to make a comeback again and again.