Dharamshala
Dharamshala is the district hqr. of Kangra district. This is a hill station
lying on the spur of the Dhauladhar range about 18kms. north east of Kangra
town. Hill station is wooded with oak and conifer trees and snow capped mountains
enfold three sides of the town while the valley stretches in front.
The snow line is perhaps more easily accessible at Dharamshala than at any
other hill resort and it is possible to trek to snow point after an early
morning's start.
Dharamsala popularly known as the Scotland of India, is one of the 80 hill
stations established by the British between 1815 and 1847 and has one of the
most spectacular settings for a hill station is closest to the perennial snowline
and is built along a spur of the Dhaula Dhar range.
The town varies in height from 1250 meters at the bazaar to 1768 metres at
McLeodganj. Dharamsala is surrounded by deodar forests and provides a superb
view of the great granite mountains that almost over chang the town
.
About 10 kms. away from Dharamsala is McLeodganj which has a strong Tibetan
influence. Monks in deep red are a common sight in this town and it is the
headquarters of the Dalai Lama.

The Dalai Lama settled here after his flight across the Himalayas following
the Chinese invasion of Tibet in oct. 1959 The Tibetan community has tended
to take over the hospitality business and provide cheap and clean hotels and
small friendly restaurants, The following words might help you in having an
exchange in Tibetan
Tourist Places in Dharamshala
The
Namgyal Monastery with the Centre of Tibetan Studies, is known
as little Lhasa and is a major attraction in McLeodganj This cathedral opposite
the DakauLama's residence, resembles the center of the one in Lhasa and is
a 5minute walk from the main bazaar.
It contains large gilded bronzes of Buddha, Avalokitesvara and Padmasam-bhava.Dalai
Lamas often leads the prayers when he is in residence and if you sign up at
the secutity office an audience with him is possible. The othert major attraction
is the Church of St. John in -the wilderness which has attractive stained
glass windows.
Lord Elgin, one of the few viceroys of British occupied India, to die in office,
is buried here, according to his last wish, as it reminded him of his beloved
native Scotland.
The
Nechung Mmonastery in Lgangchen Kyishobn has Tibetan libnrary lwith
a good rang of books, magazines & photo-copying facilities and a museum.The
central Tibetan Administration Offices are located here and you can also attend
lectures & classes on Tibetan culture and Buddhism.
Dharamshala Reservation Form