Dharamshala
Overview
Dharamshala is a settlement at the foothills of the Dhauladhar Himalayan range. Due to the abrupt rise in the range, there can be sudden rainfall and the lower region gets plenty of rainfall, a climate suitable for tea plantation. It is also home to the Tibetan Government in Exile. The majority of the tourist places and sightseeing attractions are located in Mcleodganj nearby Dharamshala. With the help of a tour guide, one can also see around other locations like St. John Church, Dal Lake, etc. One can explore the vicinity like Palampur, Baijnath and Kangara, in a long vacation or holiday. The tourism of Dharamshala is backed by its restaurants and hotels that connect the tour to different places. Sightseeing can be done on short trips. Travel to Dharamshala is an enjoyable experience in the soothing weather and hilly surroundings.
Places of Attraction
Mcleodganj: Spend a holiday here to visit the Dalai Lama Temple Complex and Tibetan Institute of Performing Arts and few holiday spots away from the busy city life. You can tour through the market with a tour guide to know the Tibetan markets and other small places worth visiting.
Dharamkot: Dharamkot lies 9 km from Dharamshala. It is a vacation tourist place where Dhauladhar range gleams right ahead. Dharamkot also has fresh air and greenery. It is also the main point of adventure tourism.
Bhagsu Naag Temple and waterfall: Bhagsu Naag temple and waterfall is a famous sightseeing place for huge waterfall and holy bathing. Swim in the cold water in hot summers in the pool. The temple is very close to Mcleodganj main market.
St John Church: St John the Baptist is revered for the St John Church in Forsyth Gunj that was built in 1852. The tourist places like the church are rare due to its presence in the middle of deodar trees. You can travel 1 km from Mcleodganj towards Dharamshala to reach the church.
Cricket Ground: HPCA stadium of Dharamshala holds many international matches. It was built in 2003 in a colourful theme and serves as a major landmark of the region.
Palampur: Palampur is known for its tea gardens. Most of the tourism here involves walking through the gardens in the aromatic environment. It will give a refreshing experience on a holiday.
Baijnath: Baijnath has a very old Shiva Temple that is associated with the devotion of demon Ravana for God Shiva. It is built with stone and there are carvings on the walls. Both Palampur and Baijnath can be explored in one trip.
Weather
Dharamshala majorly has rainy weather throughout the year. There is snowfall in Mcleodganj and other high reaches in January and February. Spring arrives by March and April when the atmosphere is cold but very clean with hotel availability. Tourism is very high during summers in Dharamshala, that is, May and June. Tourist places can be easily visited and vacations go very well. Tour guides are also busy in peak time. July, August and September get heavy rainfall. The October, November and December are dry months with little rainfall.
How to Reach
By Air: Gaggal airport is the nearest airport only 12 km from the main town.
By Train: Pathankot Railway station is nearest broad gauge railway station - 85km. Jogindernagar Railway Station is the nearest narrow gauge railway station- 76 km.
By Road: Dharamshala and nearby towns are connected with national highways from Dalhousie, Chandigarh and Pathankot. Chandigarh is 243 km from Dharamshala.
Best Time to Visit
Dharamshala is mostly rainy so March to June are good months to plan a trip. Restaurants and hotels are also full of tourists.