Adventure Holidays In Dharamshala, Himachal Pradesh , India
The heights of the two sections vary from 1,250 metres to about 1
,770 metres with a steep winding 10 km road linking the two sections. Around a 150 kms from Mandi, this hill resort of Dharamsala in the Kangra Valley of northern Himachal Pradesh is the most important town of the district. Surrounded by pine forests, the grand Dhauladhar ranges tower like sheets of rock over Dharamshala, making this is a great place for the adventure lover. The influx of Tibetan refugees after Chinese occupation in 1959 changed all that. The Dalai Lama set up his temporary residence at McLeodganj, the upper town and has continued to stay here. Dharmsala gets a steady flow of refugees who cross from Tibet through Nepal. As a result, the large Tibetan settlement and the Tibetan Government in Exile has transformed this sleepy Himachali town. Many western visitors come to Dharamshala in search of spiritual guidance and an audience with the Dalai Lama.
Historically Speaking
Once a British hill resort, its importance declined and it became a sleepy little hill town. Founded by the British between 1815 and 1847, Dharamshala remained a low-profile hill town till the influx of Tibetan refugees along with the Dalai Lama since October 1959. India welcomed the religious leader
and offered him and his people sanctuary and a place to stay in Dharamshala. Ever since, a continuous flow of refugees has transformed the town into a miniature Tibet with Buddhist temples, schools, crafts organisations, meditation centres, library and medical centre. The upper area of McLeodganj was founded in 1848 and named after David McLeod, the Governor of Punjab. Today though, there is little that remains as reminder of its British association.
How to get there by Air
There is no airport at Dharamshala. The closest airport is Gaggal 15kms away.
How to get there by Rail
The nearest rail station for Dharamshala is at Pathankot, 150 kms down in the plains. There is a narrow guage train from Pathankot to Kangra (18 kms).
How to get there by Bus
From Dharamshala and McLeodganj there are regular bus services to Dalhousie, Chamba, Manali, Shimla and further down to Delhi. You could drive in by rented car from any of these towns as well. The countryside is interesting but the roads are not so great.
Best time to Visit
The best time to visit Dharamshala is between March and June, though heavy tourist traffic begins in May and lasts till the onset of the monsoons. The winters are cold and the town is quiet and empty, perfect for that peaceful vacation away from the hustle and bustle of city life.
Where to Stay
There are several private hotels and tourist lodges in both areas of Dharamshala and Macleodganj with the latter being preferred by tourists. The Grace hotel and the Royal Palace Resort in Macleodganj and the karnika Resort in Dharamshala are popular choices for accommodation.
Hotels in Dharamshala
Nearby Places
Dharamkot a settlement 3 kms north from McLeodganj past the Mountaineering Institute is set amidst tall pines and rhododendron forests, the site offers good views of the Dhauladhar range and has the Tushita Research Centre that runs courses in meditation. At Dharamkot is the Tibetan Children"s
Village, which runs a school and training institute to about 2,000 students. Many of the children who stay here are orphans, while some have been left in safe custody by the parents who returned to Tibet Naddi Gaon , one-and-a-half km, further up along a bridge near the Dal Lake offers some fabulous views of the Dhauladhar range. An 8 km trek from Dharamkot leads to the plateau of Triund at 2,827 metres. With a forest lodge set on top of the hill, the retreat is at the foot of the Dhauladhar peak with trails going further ahead into the Chamba valley. Bhagsu Village about 2 kms east of McLeodganj, sits on the banks of a small mountain stream. A waterfall feeds the stream and goes into a tiny pool where pilgrims bathe before praying at the Shiva temple of Bhagsunath. Some small lodges and family guesthouses are available for staying at Bhagsu. Jogindernagar , at 1,220 metres is the railhead for the narrow gauge railway line from Pathankot. A small town with nothing much happening, it has a hydel power project that draws water from the Uhl river. Hotels, including Himachal Tourism"s bungalow are adequate for an overnight halt. Baijnath the temple town has a complex with some ancient shrines dating back to the early 13th century. The most important temple of Vaidyanatha dedicated to Lord Shiva is considered one of the 12 sacred jyotirlingams (lingams of light) and was originally built in the 9th century. Devoted to Shiva"s incarnation as the lord of physicians, this temple is built in the classic Nagar style with niches containing images of other deities. A life-size Nandi bull (Shiva"s carrier) stands at the entrance. There are some small hotels for overnight halt at Baijnath Palampur a charming little town 40 kms from Dharamshala is surrounded by tea plantations and beautiful snow peaks and this quiet retreat thrives on its fruit orchards. A 300 metre wide gorge called the Neughal Khad is worth seeing when the Bundla river swells and spurts through it during the monsoons. Palampur is also on some popular trek routes and the nearest railway station is 5 kms away. There are several good hotels and resorts besides the Himachal Tourism hotel at Palampur. Andretta , associated with the modern Indian painter Sardar Sobha Singh and Norah Richards, a disciple of Mahatma Gandhi is a secluded village. The Sardar, who revived the Kangra school, is famed for his bright surrealistic paintings, often with devotional themes. A pottery centre run by an artist couple and a Writers" Retreat run by the Punjab University are the other attractions at Andretta.
by: Raman Mankotia
4 Tips And The Importance Of Computer Recycling Should I Buy An Off The Shelf Desktop Computer Or Have One Built To My Specifications? Why To Consider A Laptop Projector Get More From Your Laptop Battery How Are Weight Loss Programs Helpful For Me Document Services Chicago Help With More Than Copying And Printing Why Laptop Fans Are Great Accessories Choose Not To Buy The Latest Laptop Selecting The Right Affiliate Marketing Programs What Makes Dell Laser Printers Great Wine Rack Ideas - The Shocking Truth Behind Cost-free Programs Finding The Best Computer Services Delaware Area Buying The Perfect Laptop Computer For Your Needs