Dharamshala
Tourism
Dharamshala is the district hqr. of Kangra district. This is a hill station
lying on the spur of the Dhauladhar range about 18kms. north east of Kangra
town. Hill station is wooded with oak and conifer trees and snow capped mountains
enfold three sides of the town while the valley stretches in front. The snow
line is perhaps more easily accessible at Dharamshala than at any other hill
resort and it is possible to trek to snow point after an early morning's start.
Dharamsala popularly known as the Scotland of India, is one of the 80 hill stations
established by the British between 1815 and 1847 and has one of the most spectacular
settings for a hill station is closest to the perennial snowline and is built
along a spur of the Dhaula Dhar range. The town varies in height from 1250 meters
at the bazaar to 1768 metres at McLeodganj. Dharamsala is surrounded by deodar
forests and provides a superb view of the great granite mountains that almost
over chang the town
.
About 10 kms. away from Dharamsala is McLeodganj which has a strong Tibetan
influence. Monks in deep red are a common sight in this town and it is the headquarters
of the Dalai Lama. The Dalai Lama settled here after his flight across the Himalayas
following the Chinese invasion of Tibet in oct. 1959 The Tibetan community has
tended to take over the hospitality business and provide cheap and clean hotels
and small friendly restaurants, The following words might help you in having
an exchange in Tibetan
Tasgu dekej (hello,good luck)
Thukje-chey (Thank you)
Thukhe-sik a (please)
Gong-thag(sorry)
Ssoo-den (Good - bye)
Jaa (Go)
The
Namgyal Monastery with the Centre of Tibetan Studies, is known as
little Lhasa and is a major attraction in McLeodganj This cathedral opposite
the DakauLama's residence, resembles the center of the one in Lhasa and is a
5minute walk from the main bazaar. It contains large gilded bronzes of Buddha,
Avalokitesvara and Padmasam-bhava.Dalai Lamas often leads the prayers when he
is in residence and if you sign up at the secutity office an audience with him
is possible. The othert major attraction is the
Church of St. John in -the
wilderness which has attractive stained glass windows. Lord Elgin, one of
the few viceroys of British occupied India, to die in office, is buried here,
according to his last wish, as it reminded him of his beloved native Scotland.
The
Nechung Mmonastery in Lgangchen Kyishobn has Tibetan libnrary lwith
a good rang of books, magazines & photo-copying facilities and a museum.The
central Tibetan Administration Offices are located here and you can also attend
lectures & classes on Tibetan culture and Buddhism.
Walks : From McLeodganj there are a number of interesting walks like
the 2 km stroll to
Bhagsunag which has a spring and a temple or to
Dharamkot,
3 kms., has very fine views. If you feel energetic enough, you can continue
on towards the snow line. 10 kms. From the McLeodganj bus stand is
Dal Lake,
the site of an annual fair held in September. It is a pleasant walk to the lake.
At the foot of the dhaula Dhar is
Triund which is an 8 km trek. A further
5 kms. is the snowline where a Forest Rest House is situated. At an altiude
of 1983 metres is Kareri, a picturesque spot where a rest house is located in
the cool depths of a pine grove. The beautiful Kareri Lake., further away from
this spot is set amidst green meadows and forests of tall oak and pine.
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