Dharamsala, which means a spiritual dwelling is indeed a holy residence of his holiness Dalai Lama. A city in the north of Himachal Pradesh surrounded by the picturesque views of the Himalayas, it is one of the hill stations where culture, history and spirituality come together, providing a great retreat for the mind and the soul. The place with vibrant monasteries, sparkling waterfalls, forts and museums will keep anyone enchanted and will make one feel like staying a bit longer.
Dharamshala is divided into two parts. The Kotwali bazar and the market area is in Lower Dharamshala and Upper Dharamshala is where one can find the thick pine, cedar and Himalayan oak forests around the township of Mcleodganj.
Mcleodganj – The Residence Of His Holiness
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A peaceful retreat where people from all over the world visit, this Little Lhasa, is famous for being the home to the Tibetan spiritual leader Dalai Lama. Mcleodganj is situated in Upper Dharamshala and many international visitors come here to take courses in Buddhism, meditation or yoga and also to go trekking to the Dhauladhar mountains.
Kangra Valley – To Feel The Serene Views Of Nature
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One of the most picturesque valleys in lower Himalayan ranges, Kangra valley is sheltered by the Dhauladhar range and is surrounded by greenery. There are many temples around this area and the Kangra fort is a major tourist spot as it is the largest and oldest fort in the Himalayas. The miniature paintings and the exquisitely designed shawls of the Kangra region are internationally renowned.
Go Trekking To The Triund Hill
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Triund Hill is a wonderful trekking destination with amazing trails. This place is called the crown jewel of Dharamshala and offers a scenic view of the mountain peaks on one side and the beautiful Kangra valley on the other side. The trek is an easy one so that even beginners can easily do it and the trek along this route is absolutely worth it because of the refreshing walks amongst the rhododendron and oak forest. On the way you will come across small villages and cosy cafes and where you can enjoy the breathtaking views from the top.
Get A Taste Of Different Cuisines
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This place has diverse food options like Italian, Belgian, Korean, Chinese, Himachali and a lot of Tibetan food since Dharamshala is dominated by Tibetan culture. Try the tasty thukpa which is noodles in soup and a variety of momos. There are a lot of bakeries around, so you get to enjoy the hot cup of tea or coffee with numerous options of baked foods.
There are so many more things to do in Dharamshala, that I am sure once you visit, you will feel like going back again and again.
