DHARAMSALA / KANGRA VALLEY

Kangra is accepted as one of Himachal's most picturesque areas, thousands of streams flow through its enchanting valleys. Dharamsala is the district headquarters of Kangra.

Dharamsala and McLeodganj sites before the backdrop of the snow-draped Dhauladhar mountains, which are a sub-system of Himalayas. The town is surrounded by woods of pine and deodar and below it, is the wide expanse of the plains. This is the base for a variety of excursions and centre of pilgrimage.

McLeodganj is Dharamsala's twin town. This is the seat of His Holyness the "Dalai Lama". The Namgyal is based here and there is a large Tibetan community. McLeodganj also retains a British colonial flavour that dates back to the 19th Century. The colourful temple and Gompas, which reflect the culture of Tibet, adds attraction for the visitor. The Kangra museum gives an overview of the rich past of the region and on the other hand there are institutes that have been established to preserve the Tibetan art, cultures and traditions.

Dharamsala the Little Lhasa of Tibet know to world is Popular in Tibetan Culture and Buddhist Philosophy, where all tourist comes for its Magnificient Himalayan Mountain, come with us to explore the wonder of Dharamsala with Tibetan Hospitality

History :

Lord Elgin, the British Viceroy of India (1862-63) was thoroughly enchanted with the natural beauty of Dharamshala because of its similarity with Scotland, his home in England. Lord Elgin died in 1863 while on a tour. He now lies buried in the graveyard of St. John's Church-in-Wilderness, which stands in a pine grove between McLeodganj and Forsythganj.

By 1904, Forsythganj and McLeodganj had become the hub of trade, business and official work of Kangra District. But after a severe earthquake in 1905, the British government shifted the district headquarters to the lower reaches of the spur.

Attractions:

Tsuglagkhang Temple :
The Tsuglagkhang Temple is the most renowned Buddhist monument in McLeodganj. There are three magnificent images of Buddha, including a gilded statue of Shakyamuni, statues of Valokitesvara and Padamasambhava.

Situated next to the Tsuglagkhang Temple, the Kalachakra Temple is open to the public. The Dalai Lama uses this temple as his base for public teaching. The centre of the main Northern mural is a large painting of the historical Buddha Shakyamuni surrounded by all 722 deities of the Mandala.

The Namgyal Monastery was founded by the Third Dalai Lama, and serves exclusively the Dalai Lamas. A unique feature of this monastery is its diversity of practice. Namgyal monks perform prayers and rituals of all the major schools of Tibetan Buddhism.

Norbulinka Institute:
Just 4-kms from Dharamsala, Norbulinka was established to preserve and teach the ancient Tibetan arts. The shady paths, wooden bridges, small streams tiny water falls make this place look like heaven. Here one can watch the wooden carvings and the tangka paintings, golsithing and embroidery being done. The nunnery close to the institute is a place where women are taught the advanced levels of Buddhist philosophy.

John's Church:
One of the most poignant memories of the British Raj is the church of St. John, situated in the wilderness. This charmingly dressed stone church is located just 8-kms from Dharamsala on the way to McLeod Ganj. Under the shade of Doedar branches, a memorial has been made over the body of the British Viceroy, Lord Elgin who died at Dharamsala in 1863.

Kareri:
Set amidst a sylvan surrounding is a rest house, located in the cool depths of the pine grove. Surrounded by green open meadows and forests of tall oak & pine at a height of 3250m is situated the picturesque Kareri Lake, which is just 13-km from the rest house and 22- kms from Dharamsala.

Masrur:
Fifteen richly carved monolithic rock temples sculpted in the splendid style of the Kailash temple at Ellora and dating back to the 8th century are to be found at Masrur, just 15-kms south of Kangra. Images of Lord Ram, Goddess Sita and Lakhsman can be found in the sanctum of the main temple.

Triund:
Triund is a popular picnic spot at an height of 2827 m. The area is on the foothills of Dhauladhar range and is 17-kms from Dharamsala. The snow line starts at Ilaqua, which is five kms from Triund. The breathtaking views of the mountains and the valleys makes Triund an ideal picnic spot and trekking spot.

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