Dharamsala, a major tourist attraction in HP, is surrounded by the snow-capped Dhauladhar mountain range on one side, and ancient temples of the Hindu Gods, nestled within luxuriant pine forests, on the other. A Hill Station of extraordinary beauty and serenity, Dharamsala is also the world-renowned headquarters of His Holiness the Dalai Lama and His Holiness Karmapa.

So spectacular is its natural charm that the great Indian sage and philosopher, Swami Vivekananda, was mesmerized by the region and stayed in Dharamsala for a long period to meditate.

Situated in the valley of Kangra, Dharamsala is spread out over a region with altitudes ranging from 1,250 to 2,000 meters. The town is well served by road, rail and air. Dharamsala remains relatively unexploited by the tourist business and waits for you to offer your clients its un spoilt beauty and cultural heritage in an authentic Indian milieu.

The Tibetan settlement at Mcleodgunj and the Tibetan Library are a treasure trove of historical manuscripts on Tibet and its ancient culture. Tourists from all parts of the world are treated to magical sights ranging from snow-capped mountains, meandering forest trails, holy shrines, art galleries, historical monuments, Tibetan Monasteries and adventure sports such as hang-gliding, kayaking and fishing.

USEFUL FACTS FOR TOURIST ABOUT DHARAMSALA

•Airways operate regular flights on the Delhi-Dharamsala route except during Monsoons (July through September)

• Dharamsala is also easily accessible via road.

• Pathankot and Palampur towns are rail heads for broad/narrow gauge trains, from where it is possible to reach Dharamsala via car.

• The maximum temperature during the summer is around 35° Celsius (95° Fahrenheit) and the temperature in winter goes below 0° Celsius (32 ° Fahrenheit),
leading to snowfall.

• Several 3 or 4 star hotels as well as more economical accommodations are available throughout the year.

Tsuglag Khang: (Central Cathedral)

Also known as Namgayal Monastery. Situated opposite the residence of His Holiness the Dalai Lama, Tsuglag Khang is known to the local Indians as Dalai Lamas Temple.It houses three main images that of Sakyamuni Buddha, Padmasambhava and Avalokitesvara - the Buddha of Compassion,. The principal image is that of Sakyamuni Buddha.

Tibetan Museum.

Pictures and video clips depicting atrocities on Tibetan during their struggle for freedom.

Library of Tibetan works and Archives.

Tibetan Medical Institute and Astro Centre.

St. Johns Church in the Wilderness.

One of the memories of the British Raj is the church of St. John, situated in the wilderness. This charmingly designed stone church is located just 8 kms from Dharamsala on the way to Mcleodganj. Under the shade of cedar trees a memorial has been erected in the memory of Lord Elgin, the Viceroy of India, who died at Dharamsala

Waterfall and an Ancient Hindu Temple at village BhagsuNag.—2kms from Mcleodgunj.

Tibetan Children Village.

Naddi. A picturesque spot-- Ideal for photography.

ACTIVITIES AT MCLEODGANJ

Tibetan Universal Message.
Tibetan Cooking classes.
Yoga classes
Palmistry
Indian Cooking classes.
Kerala Ayurvedic Message
Ayurvedic Massage.

PLACES OF INTEREST REACHABLE FROM DHARAMSALA

Tapovan

10 kms. from Dharamsala, Tapovan houses a modern ashram of Swami Chinmayanand, which is a Spiritual Center and training camp for the study of holy scriptures. U.S. students often visit the Center for study tours.

Chamunda Temples

15 kms. from Dharamsala, these are the famous shrines of the Goddess Chamunda and Lord Shiva. Surrounded by the Dhauladhar range on three sides and dense pine forests on the fourth is a holy place for Hindus.

Dhauladhar Nature Conservation Park

30 kms. from Dharamsala, this is a wild life safari set up recently.

Palampur

40 kms. from Dharamsala, at an altitude of 1,500 meters, surrounded by terraces of tea gardens and forests of pine and deodar, is the beautiful town of Palampur. Tashi Jong monastery, Shobha Singh’s art gallery and the pottery society are some local attractions here.

Billing

90 kms. from Dharamsala, this is the venue for various adventure sports, including hand gliding and para-gliding.

Masrur

An ancient religious centre which dates back to the 8th century, Masrur has rock-carved temples, similar to the Ajanta and Ellora temples.

Kangra

17 kms. from Dharamsala, Kangra is a historical town known for the world famous Kangra Paintings and the remnants of the Kangra fort. Situated amidst the colorful bazaars is the famous shrine of the Goddess Brijeshwari.

Jawalamukhi

56 kms. from Dharamsala, this temple is among the most scared in northern India. Jawalamukhi dates back to the times of the Moguhal Emperor Akbar. An eternal blue flame can always be seen emerging from a rock at the holy site.

Baba Baroh Temple

50 kms. from Dharamsala, Baba Baroh is a beautiful marble temple constructed recently by Hindu devotees.

Dalhousie

100/160 kms. from Pathankot and Dharamsala respectively, Dalhousie is an old and prestigious Hill Station surrounded by groves of deodar and oak trees. The historical and cultural significance of this site makes it a must-see for all tourists.

Khajjiar

22 kms. from Dalhousie, Khajjiar is a beautiful and scenic meadow set amidst dense forests and a “Floating Island”. This region is aptly known as the Switzerland of India.

Chamba

30 Kms. from Khajjiar, Chamba overlooks the gushing Ravi River and is world renowned for exquisite handicrafts and traditional Indian apparel and antiques. In addition, this Scotland of India is famous for the incredible beauty of its native women and their melodious love songs.

Kullu-Manali

Possibly the most popular tourist destinations in northern India. Manali particularly is synonymous with natural beauty and adventure. A picturesque region filled with sparkling streams, luxuriant forests, lush orchards, snow-capped mountains and the world-famous 14,000 feet high Rohtang Pass, which leads to the rugged valley of Lahul-Spithi. The entire region attracts numerous European mountaineering groups and Bollywood’s scenic outdoor film shooting units.

Water Sports Center at Pong

60 kms. from Dharamsala, this is the ideal place for water skiing, surfing, kayaking/canoeing, sailing, rowing, paddle boating and fishing.