Dharamshala - The Winter Capital Of Himachal

Dharamshala - The Winter Capital Of Himachal

Dharamshala, located at a distance of 17 km from north-east of Kangra, is a noted hill station of Himachal Pradesh. The city is located at a distance of about 239 km from Chandigarh, 252 km from Manali; 322 km from Shimla and 514 km from New Delhi. The place is considered to be the entryway to the Kangra Valley. The scenic beauty of the place is enhanced by the snow-capped Dhauladhar mountain ranges in the backdrop.
Dharmashala photos, Dharamkot - Green mustard plants
Image source: commons.wikimedia

Tourist Places In and Around Dharamshala

This important city of the Kangra Valley experienced a devastating earthquake in 1905 after which it was reconstructed and turned into a beautiful health resort and prominent tourist attraction. The city is divided into two different regions, the Upper Dharamshala and the Lower Dharamshala. The Lower Dharamshala is the commercial centre whereas the Upper Dharamshala is noted for its colonial lifestyle. Areas like McLeodganj and Forsythganj represent the British suburbs, which are worth visiting.
Dharamshala rests amid forests of oak and coniferous trees, bordered by the Dhauladhar Ranges on three sides, and offers a mesmerising view of the Kangra Valley. The Kangra Art Museum located at Dharamshala houses the artistic and cultural traces of the place. Precious artefacts of the 5th century, along with sculptures, paintings, coins, pottery, jewellery, manuscripts, and royal attires, can be seen here.

What's Unique in Dharamshala

Dharamshala has also been recognised internationally and has been given the prestigious title of ‘The Little Lhasa in India’. His Holiness the 'Dalai Lama' made this beautiful place his temporary abode in the year 1960, while in exile. Owing to vast Tibetan settlements, this place is now also known as ‘the Land of the Lamas’. Areas like McLeodganj have become noted religious centres where the education and promotion of Tibetan Buddhism takes place in the region. Various monasteries and learning centres, along with several Hindu and Jain temples, are present in Dharamshala. Those visiting the place can buy local memorabilia, including beautiful Tibetan handicrafts, garments, thangkas and handicrafts, in the market of McLeodganj.

How to Reach Dharamshala

The Gaggal Airport, situated in the Kangra Valley, is the nearest air base to Dharamshala, at a distance of about 15 km. This airport is connected to the New Delhi Airport through domestic flights. International travellers can avail connecting flight from Delhi to the Gaggal Airport. The nearest railhead from Dharamshala is the Kangra Mandir, which is situated 22 km away. However, not all trains stop here as it is a smaller rail junction. Pathankot is the nearest major railhead from Dharamshala, situated at a distance of 85 km. The Pathankot Railway Station connects to all the major railway stations of India. Travellers who are interested to travel by road can avail both private and state transport buses from the cities near Dharamshala.

Dharamshala Weather


The summer season at Dharamshala extends between the months of March and June. The temperature of the place during this time ranges between 22° C to 38° C. Owing to the pleasant climate, this season is ideal for adventure lovers who enjoy trekking. Tourists usually avoid the monsoon season in Dharamshala as it experiences heavy rainfall. During winters, the climate of the place becomes extremely chilly. Temperatures may fall below - 4° C, resulting in poor visibility and roads blocks. Tourists can plan a trip Dharamshala between the months of September and June

Comments

Post a Comment

Popular posts from this blog

SEX and the Indian Temples

Image
SEX and the Indian Temples  We Indians even have a god for sex - Kama. So it is only natural that we have erotic sculptures on our temples. There have been many questions raised on the reason behind having erotic sculptures and sexual imagery in a place otherwise considered so 'holy' and 'pure'. There are a few theories floating about but the most popular one seems to be that in order to enter a place so pure, you need to relieve yourself of all your desires and lust. It is by acceptance of lust and desire in you that you can learn to control it. Furthermore, these sculptures are always on the outer walls of temples meaning that the humans need to leave their desires outside before stepping in. In many Indian manuscripts, sex was considered to be spiritual and not hedonistic. There are many such theories but the fact remains that these temples are known more for their erotic sculptures than the deities residing inside. 1. Khajuraho, Madhya Pradesh The most f
Read more

Different Folk Songs of Assam

Image
A ssam has a unique pride of place when it comes to traditional folk songs and music. Region-wise  however, these traditional songs and music have their own distinct styles and forms, and they differ in their rendition patterns, thanks to different cultures in different parts of the state. Yet, all these combine together to make the colourful composite Assamese culture. And, even as we march towards modernity, these very folk traditions reflect our cultural identity.  Historians claim that a distinctive culture of the conglomeration of Songs, Musical Instruments and Dance was observed in Assam during the 2nd century. The legend of Princess Usha of Sonitpur and her cohort  Chitralekha  also enlighten us on the Musical expertise of the Assamese women. History also claims that Assamese Music was admired even in China. Goalpariya songs are a major component of the Assamese folk traditions. With a distinctive style, these folk songs instantly touch the inner chords of listeners
Read more

Piya Se Naina:Amir Khusro - A journey of different moods

Image
Amir Khusro Khusro was born in 1253 A.D. in Patiyala, India, His paternal ancestors belonged to the nomadic tribe of Hazaras from Transoxiana, who crossed the river Indus and migrated to India in the thirteenth century. Khusro's father served the Sultan of Delhi, Shamsuddin Il-tutmish, in a high position, and Amir Khusro was educated in theology, Persian and the Quran. From his mother who was of Hindustani origin and from his maternal grandfather he acquired both, an intimacy with the local languages as well as a rooting in the immediate cultural ambiance  When his father died when Khusro was only eight he came under the care of his maternal grandfather. Ab'ul Hasan Yamin al-Din Khusrow (Persian: / Urdu ابوالحسن یمین‌الدین خسرو‎; Hindi: अबुल हसन यमीनुद्दीन ख़ुसरौ), better known as Amir Khusrow (or Khusrau) Dehlawi was an Indian musician, scholar and poet. He was an iconic figure in the cultural history of the Indian subcontinent. A Sufi mystic and a spiritual disci
Read more