‘DHARAMSHALA’, a city surrounded by cedar forests on the edge of the Himalayas, situated in Himachal Pradesh, is a popular hill station in India. This hillside city is a home to the Dalai Lama, rich in Tibetan culture and mountain trails. There are countless tourists places to visit in Dharamshala that are sure to fill your heart with an amazing experience of joy and adventure.
To get the best of the experience, visit Dharamshala in winters , as you can experience snow-fall and capture the beauty of snow capped mountains. From the beautiful hills, green valleys to serene rivers and dense forests, Dharamshala has got everything to offer to nature lovers. It is the best destination to find peace, joy and to rejuvenate yourself. Excited already?
So let’s explore these amazing places for making your trip memorable and Exciting!
MCLEOD-GANJ
Look at the picture above! Isn’t it just picture perfect? Well, welcome to McLEOD GANJ. It is a suburb or more like an upper division part of Dharamshala. This hill town alone attracts a number of tourists every year. The residence of the Dalai Lama, is also popular for its monasteries, museums, temples, waterfalls, lakes and for its Tibetan culture.
The beautiful mountain views will make your jaw drop!. The numerous sites in the town like the waterfalls and the sunset points will surely take your breath away. Its surreal beauty makes it one of the most visited tourist places in India.
Popular Activities :- Trekking and camping on the mountains, paragliding and Boat riding is some of the popular activities to do in McLeod Ganj.
Location :-Located in the Kangra district of Himachal Pradesh, McLeod Ganj is about5 kms from Dharamshala.
TRIUND:-
Triund is a small hill station which is popular for its mellow trekking spot with scenic views. Covered with large rocky hills, it place offers panoramic views of Bhagsu Village and distant views of the Shivalik hills and plains of Kangra Valley.
Triund is a heaven for trekkers. This place is really delightful especially for those nature lovers who want to take glimpses of The Himalayas and feel close to the mighty range of mountains. If you go for camping, a majestic night view of this place is a sight not to be missed!
Popular activities:- Trekking, Camping.
Location:- Kangra, Himachal pradesh and 14 km from Dharamshala.
NADDI VIEW POINT
NADDI is a village situated in the upper reaches of the Kangra valley and quite popular for its scenic viewpoints. At this place, you can find a dazzling view of snow capped Dhauladhar mountains and experience the surreal sunset from the top. This place holds a calm and peaceful aura where you can find serenity within yourself.
Tourists also consider this place as a snow wonderland during winters. If you ever travel to Dharamshala, don’t miss out to stay at Naddi Village considering it has the best views of both mountains and the Valley. It also has some really good restaurants and roadside food corners that you must try. Well “life should have more mountains and less stress”. Right? Just Kidding!
Popular activities:- Sightseeing, sunset.
Location:- 12 kms from Dharamshala.
KARERI LAKE:-
Kareri Lake, is a high altitude, shallow, freshwater lake situated in the beautiful mountain ranges of Dhauladhar. Its spell-bound beauty and the calm settings will leave you gaping at it. The beautiful lake is surrounded by lush green vegetation and the beautiful mountains which makes it the most popular places to see in Dharamshala.
Its amazing and heavenly scenic beauty leaves travellers mesmerized. This lake also offers a sight of a base camp for trekking. You can also go boating.So all trekkers out there! Have you heard that Lake Treks are Fun? Well, they are! So what are you waiting for?
Popular activities:- Camping, boating, picnic and trekking.
Location:– Kangra District.
BHAGSUNAG WATERFALLS:-
Popularly known as Bhagsu Falls this waterfall is situated at Bhagsu, 2kms from Mcleodganj. It lies behind the Bhagsunag temple. Bhagsunag Waterfall is literally the most iconic spot of Dharamshala.The waterfall cascade about 30m in height in Monsoon and 20m throughout the year.
The pristine water drizzling onto the rocks and tumbling down the mountain is a sight not to be missed. And the bliss-pool at the bottom like a wall of blue satin threaded with silver will definitely take your breathe away.
Popular activities:- Sightseeing, trekking, and picnic. (you can also take a dip in the Chilled water)
Location: Near the Bhagsunag temple, Dharamshala.
BHAGSUNAG TEMPLE:-
Bhagsunag Temple, dedicated to lord Shiva, holds a special place in history and is also One of the most ancient temples of India. It is situated in Palampur near Dharamshala.
Tourists not only visit Dharamshala for enjoyment but also for spiritualism. This temple attracts thousands of pilgrims folks, trailing through the winding and lofty Hills. The surrounding beauty of the temple makes it more peaceful. It also conducts the annual fair during the end of the year.
Popular activities:-worshipping and Meditation.
Location:- Palampur-Dharamshala Road, Himachal Pradesh.
NAMGYAL MONASTERY:-
Namgyal Monastery, located in McLeod Ganj is the one of the most visited monastery in India. It was founded in 16th-century Tibet by the second Dalai lama. And hence being an ancient monastery with almost 200 monks, the monastery is the Largest Tibetan temple outside the geographical boundary of Tibet!(amazing no?)
You should definitely pay a visit here as you may discover many interesting facts About Tibetan Culture. It has a vibrant Look from outside which attracts the crowd round the year. Even the prayer wheels, the beautiful Tibetan-style ancient décor and architecture will leave you mesmerizing.
Popular activities:- The prayer room and the meditation session of Monks
Location:- McLeod Ganj, Dharamshala.
KANGRA FORT:-
The Kangra Fort located right next to kangra town stands rock in Purana kangra Dominating the surrounding valley, was built back in the 4th B.C. and is an one of the oldest and ancient forts in India. It also has an ancient Maharaja Sansar chand Katoch museum containing really cool and exciting monuments inside it related to our Indian History.
This fort was also discussed once in the famous Mahabharata epic.
Surrounded by the mountain ranges the fort has a splendid view to look at. The old snatched and ruined walls are the witnesses of the historical events happened during that time unveiling the truth of its history. You should also not miss the jaw-dropping view of Manjhi and Bangana river .
Popular activities:- touring the fort, the rivers, and the museum.
Location:- Old kangra, kangra, near Dharamshala.
St. JOHN IN THE WILDERNESS CHURCH:-
St. JOHN IN THE WILDERNESS CHURCH is an ancient church which was built in 1852 and is located near Dharamshala on the way to McLeod Ganj. This Magnificent Church is built amid the picturesque valley of McLeod Ganj. The specialty of this church is that it is made by the neo-gothic form of architecture which gives it a appealing view.
This church is ideally situated in the majestic Deodar forest in the wilderness. Its main attraction, the Belgian stained-glass window is donated by Lady Elgin, wife of Lord Elgin. You should definitely pay a visit and Light Candles for your Spiritualism.
Popular activities:- Worshipping lord.
Location:- Road to Naddi Village from McLeod Ganj , Dharamshala
DHARAMSHALA CRICKET STADIUM:–
Adjective does not roll out as one enters the most beautiful ground in India. The Dharamshala cricket stadium ,with a capacity of 23,000 is as picturesque as the Adelaide Oval and Newlands, if not more. A small and glittering green plate, the ground has a snow-capped background in the form of the Dhauladhar hill-range.
The mountains add a serenity to the venue, which lies at an altitude of 1317 meters above the sea level. Another impressive and amazing fact is that its one of the highest cricket grounds in the world. One can enjoy both the match and the view together. It has also held several cricket matches.
Popular activities:– Watching cricket matches and Sightseeing.
Location:– Tehsil, HPCA cricket stadium, Kangra district, Dharamshala.
So my dear readers, just pack your bags already!! As a beautiful and an amazing journey awaits you at Dharamshala.
Let your soul Explore 