Dharamshala is a serene and pristine mountainous city nestled in the abode of the majestic Himalayas.
Basically located in the northern parts of Himachal Pradesh, it has a lot to offer for everyone visiting this place with their varied interests.
Dharamshala is a place to showcase the assimilation of culture, natural beauty, international heritage, and some spectacular adventure sports options.
Dharamshala is easily accessible by train. An overnight train journey is needed to reach this city.
Pathankot in Jammu and Kashmir is the nearest railway station, located only 85 kilometers away from Dharamshala.
There are numerous trains that travel to Jammu and Kashmir with a major halt in Pathankot, from where one can book a taxi or a rented vehicle to reach Dharamshala.
One can also drive down to Dharamshala. Although from Delhi, it takes 12-13 hours, there are also luxury buses traveling from Shimla and Delhi to Dharamshala.
There are also rented cars and vehicles available from Gaggal airport, plying to Dharamshala.
Places to stay in Dharamshala:
Dharamsala offers a number of options to choose from when it comes to staying. One can choose among the 5 star, 4 star and other hotels that offer luxury and all the modern amenities.
There are also a number of luxury resorts that offer a beautifully natural and rustic ambiance, complementing the serenity of this mountainous city.
One can also opt for homestays that offer a homely experience while on a trip.
Local delicacies to try out:
While in Dharamshala, one should try out some of the local delicacies to get a taste of the authentic flavors.
Some of the dishes to try out are tudkiya bhaat, which is necessarily a variant of pulao, the thukpa, shapta and the momos, borrowed from the rich Indo-Tibetan cultural ties that Dharamshala boasts.
One can also try out the traditional sweet rice dish mittha, dham, a dish made with rajma, and of course the clay oven pizzas, besides the very popular Maggie and tea in the roadside eateries.
Best time to visit:
Thebest time to visit Dharamsala is usually in the spring-summer months, between February to July.
The weather is pleasant at this time ranging from 21-34 degrees Celcius. However, for those who wish to experience the frigid winters of the mountains, the winter months can prove to be a good travel time.
Places to visit in Dharamshala:
Dharamshala has a long list of amazing places both rich in beauty, historical and cultural heritage that one should visit during their stay in Dharamshala.
Tsuglagkhang complex is one such religious center, located on the temple road. Its significance lies in the fact that it was built in 1959 during the first visit of the Dalai Lama to India.
The Namgyal Monastery is one of the most visited Tibetan monasteries in the region that is worth paying homage to.
For nature lovers, visiting the Kareri Dal lake, the Bhagsunag waterfalls, and the Naddi village can be an enchanting experience, as all these places offer such natural beauty that is unparallel to be found anywhere else.
The Dharamshala cricket stadium, being the highest in the world, has its own significance. One can also visit St. John in the Wilderness Church, the Kangra Fort, which is the oldest Fort in India, the Masroor rock-cut temples to witness the rock carving, and the Kangra Art Museum to get a glimpse of some of the magnificent artworks.