More on Dharamshala—beautiful Himachal
Standing
on the rooftop of his house at Dharamshala my friend dispelled my doubts
regarding tourist worthiness of Dharamshala, “Don’t underestimate this place as
a tourist spot. In fact this is one of the major tourist destinations in
Himachal. Look at the Dhauladhar. You won’t get such a close view from the
comfort of your room from many other places.” I had to agree. Though the view
taken was through medium zoom, even then it looked very close as if I could
touch it.
 |
| Dhauladhar at touching distance |
At normal
view itself the high elevation makes Dhauladhar looking down to you. Later in
front of his house I stood looking at it wondering, perhaps I could place a
reclining chair here lounging lazily with a book and occasionally looking up at
the majestic view in front of me. Here, the heavenly Dhauladhar will always be
there cradling the fortunate little men. I felt a tinge of envy towards my friend.
 |
| Always be there cradling |
My friend continued, “See over there—that is the
International cricket stadium where IPL matches are hosted and remember—altitude
of this place is near about 5000 feet. Add to that McLeodGanj where Dalai Lama
had relocated his official residence. It is an international tourist
attraction; and McLeod Ganj is actually a suburb of Dharamshala a little
further up the hills.” “But still, excluding Dhauladhar these are kind of
civilization attractions, isn’t it? You can say Dharamshala is a sprawling
sparsely populated town under the shadows of Dhauladhar.” I was relentless. My
preferences are always with pure nature.
My friend shook his
head, “No, you may very well undertake more than one trekking trips from here,
you know. And forests? Though the tree cover has thinned over the years, still
Dharamshala has some good tree covers around it. While coming, you had stopped
at one such stretch.” Well yes, I remembered. That was a good spot. Dhauladhar
looked absolutely majestic over the tall tree tops. I really didn’t expect such
a breathtaking view after a relatively dreary drive from Jammu.
 |
| Breathtaking Dhauladhar |
This is but natural. Dharamshala is an old place. When
it grew, ground was cleared to build accommodations. But even when we visited
three years ago, it was not a crowded city. The relatively wide expanse helped.
On one side of the
house of my friend was uninterrupted cropland with no visible human habitation.
Multistoried buildings could be seen only on the low gently sloping hills
further away. This place is large with undulating hills and valleys. It is
difficult to imagine upper Dharamshala ever becoming crowded in future.
 |
| Open cropland and low hills |
Dharamshala was important once, lost the prominence in
between, but again regained it now. It is the district headquarters and also
the Tibetan center. It has the only airport in this region. Naturally it would
grow, but having the expanse and multiple suitable locations at various
altitudes, it is growing without diminishing its natural beauty much.
At
last when I said, “Okay I agree. I think there will be enough for me to request
your hospitality in future,” my friend smiled.
Location &
Description
Dharamshala
is under Kangra district of Himachal Pradesh in the western Himalayas. It is
about 18 kms from Kangra and is its district headquarters. Its name originated
from a pilgrim’s resting place situated on the way to Dhauldhar.
Over
the years it has grown to a city that is spread out in the upper reaches of
long and beautiful Kangra valley. Though it has an operational airport with
daily flights from Delhi, an international cricket stadium and modern market
place in lower Dharamshala, it still is surrounded by relatively dense forests
of Deodar and Oak in its outskirts.
The
snow range of Dhauladhar surrounds the valley adding grandeur to it. The
nearness of Dhauladhar lends Dharamsala with the unique distinction of being
the only hill-station in India from which one can access the snowline in a
day’s trek.
How to reach
To Dharamshala
by Road
Being
a major city and hill-station in Himachal Pradesh, by road you can reach
Dharamshala by bus or by car from many cities in North India such as Pathankot,
Jammu, Chandigarh, Delhi, Amritsar, Manali, Shimla or Chamba.
Pathankot to Dharamshala
by road
By
Pathankot Mandi road it is about 95 kms to Dharamshala from Pathankot and the
road condition being generally good it should take you about two hours to reach
Dharamshala by car. Himachal State Transport buses and taxis for hire are available
at Pathankot.
Jammu to Dharamshala
by road
From
Jammu to Pathankot it would be NH-1A, rest you know—total distance would be
about 200 kms. NH-1A being a national highway average speed on this stretch
should be higher and you should be able to reach Dharamshala by about three and
a half hours by car. We had traveled this way. You would also get regular bus
service for Dharamshala from Jammu.
Chandigarh to Dharamshala
by road
You
can approach Dharamshala from Chandigarh also as it is about 250 kms and four
and half hours drive away by car. That is comfortable as the way is mostly along
national highways. You would get Haryana State Transport buses from Chandigarh
as well as cars for hire.
New Delhi to Dharamshala
by road
It
is a long drive of 500 to 550 kms from New Delhi to Dharamshala that would take
you nine to nine and a half hours by car. There is not much point in wasting so
much time traveling through the plains when your destination is a prime
hill-station in the Himalayas unless under special conditions. You would get
regular bus services from New Delhi to Dharamshala.
Amritsar to Dharamshala
by road
Amritsar
and Jammu are nearly at similar distances of about 200 km by road from
Dharamshala. To come from Amritsar you need to take first NH-15 and then from
Pathankot take Pathankot Mandi route as before. It should take you three and
half hours by car.
Manali to Dharamshala
by road
Shorter
route is by NH-21 and then Highway 154 through Naggar, Kullu, Mandi and
Palampur. You won’t have to come through Pathankot as Manali is on east of
Dharamshala whereas Pathankot is on the west. The distance is about 250 kms and
it should take you about four hours by car.
Shimla to Dharamshala
by road
From
Shimla to Dharamshala by the shortest route it would be about 250 kms and it
should take you about four and a half hours by car. Bus service is also
available.
Chamba to Dharamshala
by road
Chamba
is near Dalhousie and it is only about 140 kms away from Dharamshala by the
shortest route. You should reach Dharamshala from Chamba by about three and a
half hours. Bus service is also available from Chamba to Dharamshala.
To Dharamshala
by Rail
The
nearest railway station is Pathankot. It is a major railway junction in north
India and is connected to most of the major cities in the country. You would
get State Transport buses as well as cars for hire from Pathankot.
To Dharamshala
by Air
The
nearest airport is Gaggal about 13 kms away. But being a small airport at a
hill-station, smaller aircrafts ply in this route and flights are few. You might
decide to come by air to either Jammu or Amritsar. Both, being major airports,
have more flights.
Where to stay—hotels
and Guest houses
Dharamshala
commanding a large spread out area with a number of suburbs and also being the
headquarters of Kangra district, it boasts of quite a large number of hotels
spread out all across. Because of its all-seasons nature and many attractions tourist
traffic is heavy here. We have listed here 63 government run and private hotels from
information collected from public domain. The list has no specific order and we
are not in a position to say anything good or bad about any of the entries. Even we
would like to say that the list is only an indicative one and may not be fully
accurate or totally exhaustive.
Himachal Tourist
Development Corporation
Website: hptdc.nic.in;
Email ids: dharamshala@hptdc.in
1. The Dhauladhar, Kotwali Bazar, Dharamsala (H.P.) - 176215. Tel:
(01892) 224926, 224927 Fax: 01892 - 22492
3. The Club House, Mcleodganj, Dharamsala (H.P.) - 176219. Tel: (01892)
- 220834
4. The Kashmir House, Dharamsala (H.P.)-176215. Tel: (01892) – 222977
5. The Kunal, near bus station, Dharamsala (H.P.) - 176215. Tel:
(01892) - 223163
Private hotels
1. Hotel Sapphire, McLeodGanj
2.
Hotel Upper City Heart, Naddi
3. Hotel Clouds End
Villa & Cottages, Naroji Road
4. Una Comfort
Nandini-Dharmshala, Naddi
5. Leisure Vacations
Karnika Resort, Khaniyara Road
6. G K Conifer, Civil Lines
7. Imperial Heights
Resorts, in the village of Khaniyara
8. Udechee Huts, near Dal Lake
9. The Exotica, Khanyara Indru Nag Road, Near Paragliding Point
10. Victoriya Palace, Dal Lake, Naddi
11. Hotel Asian Plaza, main Chowk, McLeodGanj
12. Hotel the Origin, Khaniyara Road, McLeodGanj
13. Villa Paradisso on Jogiwara Road, McLeodGanj
14. New Varuni House on Temple Road, McLeodGanj
15. Greenwoods Inn, Green Valley, DharamKot Road, McLeodGanj
16.
McLeodGanj Homestay, McLeodGanj
17.
Hotel Sahiwa, McLeodGanj
18. Dharamshala -The
Sanctuary – A Sterling Holidays resort, Molhi,
Near Norbulingka Sidhpur-Khanyara Road
19. Hotel Holiday Hill, Dharamshala
20. Bob’n Barley, near Sunset point, Dharamshala
21.
UNA Comfort Great Himalayan Adventure Resort, McLeodGanj
22. Snow Crest Inn, near Dal lake
23. Aveda Dharmshala, overlooking cricket stadium
24.
Hotel Oak Valley, McLeodGanj
25.
Hill Queen, McLeodGanj
26.
Asia Health Resort, Dharamshala
27.
Moon Walk Residency, McLeodGanj
28.
Surya McLeod, McLeodGanj
29.
Hotel Gandhi’s Paradise on Dharamkot Road near starting point of trek route to
Triund
30. Spring Valley
Resorts, near Bhagsunag Temple
31. Hotel Country Lodge, Ramnagar
32. Hotel Pong View, Cantt. Road, with a view of Pong Dam
33.
Hotel Morainic Hills in Bhgsunag
34.
The Horizon Villa South, McLeodGanj
35. 9 Chimes, near Bhagsu Park
36. Staywell Hotel, Kirpu More, Kotwali Bazar
37. Snow Crest Inn, near Dal lake
38.
Hotel Valley View Crest, Naddi
39.
Himgiri Resorts, Naddi
40.
Pema Thang Guest House, McLeodGanj
41.
Bella Heights, McLeodGanj
42.
Hotel Deodar Villa, McLeodGanj
43.
Hotel Amandeep, McLeodGanj
44.
Hotel Pink House, McLeodGanj
45. Pause Dwelling Place,
McLeodGanj
46.
Hotel Highland, Bhagsu, McLeodGanj
47. Hotel Centre Point, near Dal lake
48. Aakriti Hotel, Cantt. Road
49. Hotel Anand Palace, McLeodGanj
50. Hotel Grand Hill, McLeodGanj
51. Hotel Sahima, Naddi Road
52. Vikrant Hotel &
Restaurant, Bhagsunag, McLeodGanj
53.
Hotel Eco Nest, Bhagsunag, McLeodGanj
54.
Ess & Bee Resort, Dal Lake
55.
Pawan Guest House, McLeodGanj
56. Hotel Anuj Residency,
Bhagsunag, McLeodGanj
57. Hotel Whispering
Pines, Village Kalapul
58. Sky Pie Guest House,
Bhagsu
Most of the private hotels and a few government run
hotels are located in the upper reaches of Dharamshala and locations are
usually chosen to offer a grand Dhauladhar view or valley view from the hotel.
Climate,
Altitude and best time to visit Dharamshala
The
altitude of Dharamshala is between 4000 and 5000 feet with its famous suburb
McLeodGanj lying at about 6500 feet. Because of proximity of snowline
temperature falls below zero degree C during winter but during June temperature
rises as high as 38 degrees C. During winter it snows and heavy woolens and
jackets for protection from wind are needed. Rains are heavy here and this
region records reportedly the second highest rainfall in India. With such
variation in weather conditions and proximity of snow peaks, Dharamshala is a specially
endowed hill-station in the Himalayas to visit.
This
is a kind of all-season hill station with snowy winter from December to
February for snow lovers, comfortable with flowers blooming from March to June
for most tourists, heavy rains in the hills during July and August for the
romantic and fresh green valley with temperature dipping for trekking,
paragliding and other sightseeing during September to November. Predictably,
March to June is the tourist season not only for Dharamshala but for most
hill-stations in Indian Himalayas and so is the most crowded period of the year.
To
me highlight of March to June would be the blooming flowers but I would miss
the heavily snow-clad mountains so near in winter and also the freshly washed
air and sparkling green of the forests of post-rains pre-winter period. Though
heavy rains in such environment might feel romantic for a few days, but you
would miss most other attractions of the place as also moving amongst the hills
as road condition would be unpredictable.
What to see and
do at Dharamshala
Outsiders
visit Dharamshala for tourism and for work. But even if a person had come for
work he may find some time to go around and relax. Dharamshala has markets for
shopping, temples for religious minded, Tibetan Center as a special attraction
for all, adjoining attractive scenic spots, comfortable trekking routes,
adventure sports such as paragliding and other natural attractions. If you go
for an outing or work, you would have something for you in and around the city
to give you pleasure.
Places of
tourist interest at Dharamshala
Dhauladhar: In
suitable weather, preferably between March and June, one could undertake a daylong
trek to Dhauladhar snow point from Dharamshala.
Triund: This is a hill point about 9 kms from
McLeodGanj and is called the Jewel of Dharamshala because of its great view. It
is one day’s trek from McLeodGanj through very scenic route.
McLeodGanj: This
suburb of Dharamshala is about 5 kms from Dharamshala and is situated in the
upper reaches of the Dhauladhar spur. Its altitude being higher the British preferred
this place for stay. Old constructions still exist here. The scenic beauty from
here is also excellent. But the most important factor making McLeodGanj an
international tourist destination is the 14th Dalai Lama who moved
Tibet in exile administration from Mussorie to this place and subsequently influx
of Tibetan refugees and Tibetan language students made McLeodGanj the Little
Lhasa.
Kangra art museum: This
is in Kotwali Bazar and an important tourist attraction. Here rare artifacts dating back to 5th century are
displayed along with Kangra’s famous miniature paintings and sculpture.
Kunal Pathri: It is a
3 km walk from Dharamshala to a temple through picturesque tea gardens.
Cricket stadium: The
International cricket stadium is beautifully positioned with a grand view of
the Dhauladhar.
Dal Lake: This lake
is about 11 kms from Dharamshala and surrounded by Deodars, is a beautiful scenic spot popular
for picnickers.
Bhagsunath: This is
an ancient temple with nearby fresh springs and famous slate quarries. This place
is only 11 kms away from Dharamshala and a favorite picnic spot.
Chinmaya Tapovan: is
an ashram complex established by late Swami Chinmayananda. It is 10 km from
Dharamshala on the banks of the rivulet Bindusaras.
Temples: The old
temples of Jwalamukhi, Chamunda Devi and Brijeshwari Devi are close to
Dharamshala.
Nurpur: 66 kms
away are the old fort of Nurpur and the famous temple of Brijraj.
Bir and Billing: Bir has
Buddhist monasteries and fine Tibetan handicrafts. Billing is 14 km from Bir at
a higher altitude. Billing is the take-off site and Bir is the landing site for
paragliders. Bir has an arena of 200 km for high altitude and cross country
paraglider flying, and is considered one of the best in the world for
paragliding. Bir and Billing offer spectacular scenic beauty.
Local People
The
local people are accommodative and helpful. Generally the city of Dharamshala
is easygoing, though due to modernization, typed characteristics are creeping
in.
Activities
Trekking: Apart
from 1 day’s snow line trekking to Dhauladhar, there are other trekking routes.
One can trek to McLeodGanj, Chamba, Bharmour, Indrahara and Kareri Lake among
others.
Rock climbing: During
May June, rock climbing can be done in Dhauladhar.
Paragliding: Dharamshala
is famous for paragliding and the Bir Billing paragliding locations earned
world fame for this adventure sport.
Walking & sightseeing: Most tourists won’t undertake though the adventure
sports and rather enjoy the scenic beauty while walking on the mountain roads
or occupy themselves with sightseeing.
Nearby places
Kangra,
Chamba, Dalhousie, Bharmour, Karera lake are all nearby places with tourist
attractions. Some of these are popular and some not so much, but all are
accessible easily by car, or on foot.
Ideal for
Summer
holiday visits, family visits, adventure sports, winter sports, or plain
relaxing away from the madding crowds. There are times and places in
Dharamshala for tourists of all inclinations including honeymoon couples of
course.
Parting words
When you approach
Dharamshala by road, a little before entering the city you would be struck by
the breathtaking view of Dhauladhar over the tall Deodars and soon you would
notice on the right first signs of Dharamshala on low hillsides.
 |
| Dharamshala shows up |
Within a short time you would be traveling along city
roads lined up by multistoried buildings and well-stocked shops. That is
Kotwali Bazar at lower Dharamshala. Most of the offices are located in this
area and the major bus terminus is also here only. But this is the central
Dharamshala so to say. As you move nearer to the Dhauladhar along a rising and
turning road you would start to feel less crowded with space around opening up
and majestic Dhauladhar coming nearer enchanting you.
Wherever
you decide to stay, you would be able to see Dhauladhar and within ten to
fifteen kms you would reach the suburbs peaceful amidst pristine nature. The nearness
of the snow line, massive snow peaks and places to stay and see at various
altitudes nearby along with its unique all-season climate make Dharamshala a
more than one visit destination.
Links
1.
Himachal Pradesh govt.
page on Dharamshala tourism: http://himachaltourism.gov.in/post/dharamshala.aspx
2.
Himachal Pradesh Tourist
Development Corporation: http://www.hptdc.nic.in/cir0302.htm
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