Dharamshala - Introduction to city Dharamshala - In Himanchal Pradesh

• Area: 123 sq. km
• Population (1991): 19,303
• Altitude: 1,889 m above sea level
• Languages Spoken: Hindi, English, Pahari (local dialect)
• Best Time to Visit: April - September
• STD Code: 018926

The high snow-clad Dhauladhar ranges of the Himalayas form a magnificent backdrop to the hill resort of Dharamshala. This is the principal township of the Kangra district and overlooks the widespread plains. With dense pine and deodar forests, numerous streams, cool healthy air, attractive surroundings, and the nearby snowline, Dharamshala has everything for a perfect holiday. It is full of life and yet peaceful, which is why the headquarters of His Holiness the Dalai Lama are located here.

Dharamshala covers a wide area in the form of twin settlements: Lower Dharamshala (1,380 m), a busy commercial center, and Upper Dharamshala (1,830 m), which includes the suburbs of McLeodganj and Forsytheganj, retaining a British flavor and colonial lifestyle. The charming church of St. John in the Wilderness is situated here, the final resting place of Lord Elgin, a British Viceroy of India during the 19th century. Dharamshala is also home to a large Tibetan community who have made this their home. Numerous ancient temples like Jwalamukhi, Brijeshwari, and Chamunda lie on the plains below Dharamshala.

Sightseeing: Places to Visit in Dharamshala

Dharamshala offers various sightseeing opportunities:

• Kangra Art Museum: Located in Kotwali Bazaar, this museum includes a gallery of Kangra's famous miniature paintings and a collection of sculptures, pottery, and anthropological items.
• War Memorial: A beautifully landscaped lawn with narrow paths that fill a pine grove, commemorating the martyrs of the area.
• St. John's Church: A memorial erected over the body of Lord Elgin, who died in Dharamshala in 1863.
• McLeodganj: The residence of His Holiness the Dalai Lama, and home to the Tibetan Government-in-exile for over three decades.

Excursions: Places Nearby Dharamshala

There are several interesting excursions to be taken from Dharamshala:

• Chinmaya Tapovan: An ashram complex established by the late Swami Chinmayananda, a noted exponent of the Gita.
• Nurpur: Famous for an old fort and a temple dedicated to Brijraj.
• Andretta: The famous artist S. Shobha Singh lived here for several years, and a gallery houses some of his major works.
• Masroor: Home to large monolithic temples, similar to the temples of Ellora.