HIMACHAL & IT'S DESTINATIONS

Himachal Pradesh is full of hill resorts, pilgrimages, adventure sports destinations and wildlife that attracts a wide range of tourists. Himachal Pradesh is one of the most important tourist destinations in India. It also has excellent trekking routes, majestic mountain ranges like the Dhauladhar's, wide rivers for rafting and peaks for para gliding.

The main tourist destinations are Shimla, Palampur, Dharamsala, Kulu-Manali, Chamba-Dalhousie. There are Temples at Bhima Kali, Sarahan, Hatkoti, Jawalaji, Chamunda Devi, Chintpurni, Renuka and Rewalsar, Deoth Siddh and Naina Devi which are major attractions for pilgrims.

Himachal's famous tourist destinations :

• Shimla - capital of Himachal
• Kullu / Manali
• Lahaul Spiti
• Dharamsala / Mcleodganj
• Chamba
• Kinnaur & Kaza
  

DESTINATION DHARAMSALA & KANGRA

Dharamsala is situated in the Northern Indian state of Himachal Pradesh. It lies on a spur of the Dhauladhar range in the Pir Panjal region of the Outer Himalayas; and commands majestic views of the mighty Dhauladhar ranges above, and the Kangra Valley below.

Dhauladhar means "white ridge" and this breathtaking, snow-capped range rises out of the Kangra Valley to a height of 5,200 meters (17,000 feet).The Kangra Valley is a wide, fertile plain, crisscrossed by low hills. The scenery touched the heart of a British official who wrote: "No scenery, in my opinion, presents such sublime and delightful contrasts. Below lies the plain, a picture of rural loveliness and repose...

Turning from this scene of peaceful beauty, the stern and majestic hills confront us... above all are wastes of snow to rest on."

People from all over the world flock to McLeodganj to receive blessings and teachings from His Holiness the Dalai Lama. Western and Indian tourists and scholars come here to see the rebirth of an ancient and fascinating civilization. The high altitude and cool weather contribute physically to the re-creation of the original Tibetan environment .Dharamsala pulsates with the sights and sounds of old Tibet. Though certainly more modern, life is basically Tibetan in character. Shops strung out along the narrow streets of McLeodganj sell traditional Tibetan arts and handicrafts and the aroma of Tibetan dishes lingers in the air.

Attractions at Dharamsala / Mcleodganj

Tsuglagkhang Temple :
The Tsuglagkhang Temple is the most renowned Buddhist monument in McLeodganj. There are three magnificent images of Buddha, including a gilded statue of Shakyamuni, statues of Valokitesvara and Padamasambhava.

The Namgyal Monastery was founded by the Third Dalai Lama, and serves the Dalai Lamas exclusively. A unique feature of this monastery is its diversity of practice. Namgyal monks perform prayers and rituals of all the major schools of Tibetan Buddhism.

Norbulingka Institute:
Just 4-kms from Dharamsala, Norbulinka was established to preserve and teach the ancient Tibetan arts. The shady paths, wooden bridges, small streams tiny water falls make this place look like heaven. Here one can watch the wooden carvings and the tangka paintings, golsithing and embroidery being done. The nunnery close to the institute is a place where women are taught the advanced levels of Buddhist philosophy.

St. John's Church:
One of the most poignant memories of the British Raj is the church of St. John, situated in the wilderness. This charmingly dressed stone church is located just 8-kms from Dharamsala on the way to McLeodganj. Under the shade of Doedar branches, a memorial has been made over the body of the British Viceroy, Lord Elgin who died at Dharamsala in 1863.

Triund:
Triund is a popular picnic spot at a height of 2827 m. The area is on the foothills of Dhauladhar range and is 17kms from Dharamsala. The snow line starts at Illaqua, which is five kms from Triund. The breathtaking view of the mountains and the valleys makes Triund an ideal picnic spot and trekking destination.

Kangra Art Museum:
This treasure trove of the Kangra valley's arts, crafts, and rich past, displays artifacts that date back to the 5th century. The museum also includes a gallery of Kangra's famous miniature paintings and a representative collection of sculptures, pottery, and anthropological items.

Tattwani:
There are hot springs situated at Tattwani, 25-km from Dharamsala but on the way, at Machhrial, is a waterfall twice as big as the one near the Bhagsunath temple.

Masrur Rock cut Temple:
Fifteen richly carved monolithic rock temples sculpted in the splendid style of the Kailash temple at Ellora and dating back to the 8th century are to be found at Masrur, just 15 km south of kangra. Images of Ram Sita and Lakhsman can be found in the sanctum of the main temple.

Gopalpur Zoo:
Gopalpur where the Forests Department has set up a zoo called Dhauladhar Nature Park.

Kareri:
Set amidst a sylvan surrounding is a rest house, located in the cool depths of the pine grove. Surrounded by green open meadows and forests of tall oak & pine at a height of 3250m is situated the picturesque Kareri Lake, which is just 13-km from the rest house and 22- kms from Dharamsala.

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