Explore the Virgin Beauty of Dharamshala in Himachal Pradesh in India

Northern part of India has many hill stations due to the presence of Himalayan Mountain range. Kangda district of Himachal Pradesh is full of many such hill stations that are very beautiful and close to the nature. Dharamshala is the main hill station in the valley of Kangda, which is situated in the mountain ranges of Shivalik and Dhouldhar. Kangda valley is full of beautiful tea gardens, hills full of thick green trees, and the natural beauty of its own due to its geographic location.

Dharmshala is situated at the end of Dhouldhar Mountain range. Dharmshala is divided in to two main parts, upper Dharmshala and the lower Dharmshala. Upper Dharmshala is the hill station part and the lower Dharmshala is the busy commercial center. The importance of Dharmshala has increased over last few years after the arrival of Dalai Lama here. Dharmshala is well connected by all the three means of travel, air, rail and the road. The nearest airport is Kangda that is only 7 miles away. There are daily regular flights available from Delhi for Kangda. The nearest railway station is also Kangda, located on the narrow gauge railway line. You can also reach Dharmshala by road through the hired car or taxi or the State Transport buses. You can also come via Pathankot that is around 50 miles away from Dharmshala.

There are many good hotels available here like Anupama, Nataraj, Padhmini, Rising Moon, Sood guest House, Bhagsu, and Shikar. We had stayed at Hotel Anupama, which is one of the best hotels here. The rate was Rs. 2400($60) per day for a luxury double room with complementary continental breakfast. The hotel is located in the center of the town in upper Dharamshala and is very convenient to visit all the sites seeing spots from here. The best time to visit Dharmshala is during early winter in October and November. There may be heavy rush in summer and the winter during December to February can be very sever cold with occasional snowfalls.

There are many sites seeing spots to be visited at Dharmshala. The most important of all is Kotwali Bazaar that is the central point of all the activities. There is a temple, called Kunal Pathri, in the Kotwali Bazaar, which is an ancient and artistic structure having the statues of local goddesses. Dal Lake is the next spot to be seen. It is a picnic spot having thick, dense forest all around it. The big fair is held here on Dussehra day every year. The temple of Bhagsunath is the next place to be visited. This is the temple of lord Bhagsu and the big fair is held here also every year on the Maha Shivratri day. One small fall is located near to this famous temple. Chamundadevi's temple is the next. The great view of the mountains is available from this ancient temple located at the height of around 800 feet. Macleodgunj is the next place, where Tibetans have established and all the Tibetans handicrafts are available here.

You must not miss Chinmay Japovan Trust. Swami Chinmayanandji has established this peaceful ashram in the year 1978. There is a big Hanuman statue of 10 feet height here. There is also a Ram Mandir here in this ashram complex. The meditation room, library, and school are also available inside this complex. You may also like to visit Gopalpur, which is around 6 miles away from Chamunda devi temple. There is a large zoo and the botanical garden here, made and operated by the forest department of the Himachal Pradesh. There are some excursions also available like Noorpur, Masrur, Trilokpur, and Kangda very close to Dharmshala. Masrur has beautiful temples engraved in the stone. Noorpur town was made by Mogul King Jehangir in the memory of his beloved wife Noorjehan. There is an ancient fort and the Krishna Mandir here. Trilokpur is famous for the lord Shiva temple having large pillars made of calcium carbonate stones. Kangda was the capital city of this valley in the ancient times. There are beautiful temples and art galleries having pictures of the old times.

Dharmshala is comparatively a peaceful hill station that is closest to the nature. If you are fond of peaceful, virgin natural beauty, Dharmshala is the best place for you to visit in India.