Dharamshala
"Two and a half millennia after the Buddha walked on earth, another
walks in his foot steps." Welcome to Dharamsala, the land of Dalai
Lama, a charming little town with elegant bungalows. Dharamsala enjoys the
unique distinction of being the chosen home of the spiritual and temporal
head of the Tibetan people.
There are several places of tourist attractions in Dharamsala that are worth
visiting. Dharamsala is better known as Dalai Lama's abode and Tibet's Government-in-exile
after the Chinese invasion of Lhasa in October 1959. A visit to Dharamsala
would be considered irreverent without a peek into the various monasteries
dotting the hillsides. There are several places to visit and see around
Dharamsala that make excellent weekend trip and excursion options.
Three km east of McLeod Ganj is the village of Bhagsu, or Bhagsunath an
excellent weekend excursion place from Dharamsala. Its main claim to fame
is the Bhagsunath Temple, a quiet temple that lies beside several pools
where devout Hindus and monks congregate to bathe. Head for the murkyDal
Lake that is connected to Dharamkot by a path down wooded slopes.
It is the scene of an animal fair and Shaivite festival each year in September.
Though Dharamsala does not have an airport or railway station of its own
it is easily accessiblethroughout the year.
In order to make the travel tour to Dharamsala even more joyful you need
to choose just the right kind of accommodation for you and your family or
friends in Dharamsala. The various hotels packages in Dharamsala offer the
best of facilities.
Planning a religious trip to Dharamsala city or enjoying your holidays?
Check out the following all-inclusive tour packages and holiday offers that
will make your travel trip to Dharamsala city comfortable and enjoyable.
We provide a range of tour packages and holiday offers for the city of Dharamsala
that will suit your requirements and budget.
History
The annexation of Tibet by China in 1959 did not leave many options for
the 14th Dalai Lama and his Buddhist government. Moreover, not many countries
were willing to risk the wrath of the Communist rulers of China, a nation
that was beginning to make its presence felt in the international arena.
The Indian government came to their rescue, offering them asylum in Dharamsala.
Of course, there are those who opine that the Tibetan refugees were of great
propaganda value at a time when India and China were not the best of neighbors.
Whatever the reasons, a steady stream of Tibetans has relocated here since
1960, as much to escape Chinese oppression as to bask in the presence of
the man they regard as their spiritual and political leader.
Best Season, Climate, and Clothing
The colonial origin, the Tibetan influence, and the Kangra air make an invigorating
cocktail with a unique blend. Dharamsala 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 an unrestrained battle of the eye with the scenery, and one wonders
how much the eyes can behold this quiet rhapsody of the nature. The winter
season is the best time to view to beauty of Dharamsala. In case you are
planning your Dharamsala visit in winters then heavy to very heavy woolen
clothing is required. Thesummer months in Dharamsala from mid May to mid
October are pleasant. During the summers cotton and light woolens are sufficient
owing to the sunshine. You must avoid the monsoon months for traveling to
Dharamsala due to the danger of landslides.
How to reach
- Bus
From Delhi, the easiest way to get directly to
Mcleod Ganj is by overnight
bus. We recommend using a bus service that operates from the Tibetan
Colony in Delhi so you will be delivered directly to Mcleod Ganj. Other
government-owned buses usually stop at Dharamsala, and another local
bus must be taken to Mcleod Ganj (about a half hour ride). Ask about
our Reception and Orientation service to take all the hassle out of
your travel!
- Plane
There is an airport about eighteen kilometers from lower Dharamsala
connecting to Delhi, Kullu, and Shimla. Indian Airlines operates a service
from Delhi about 3 times a week.
- Train
From Delhi, you can take a 12-hour train to Pathankot and either catch
a 4-hour bus to Dharamsala. Then a local bus can be taken for the half-hour
journey to Mcleod Ganj.
Dharamshala, Hill Stations in India
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