Popular for being “home” to the Tibetan spiritual leader Dalai Lama is a picturesque city known as “Dharamsala” located in the Kangra district of Himachal Pradesh. This city earlier known as “Bhagsu” is extremely famous for its exquisite natural beauty and pleasant climate. In addition, this beautiful city has also been included in a list of hundred Indian cities to be developed as a “smart city” under a program called “Smart Cities Mission”. This program has been initiated by the Government of India under the leadership of Prime Minister Narendra Modi. So if you intend to relax in presence of true natural beauty and a pleasant climate than this beautiful city is a destination worth visiting.
Read More: 5 REASONS FOR VISITING KULLU
[put_wpgm id=117]
Dharamsala Map
How to reach Dharamsala?
By train:
The nearest railway station to Dharamsala is located at a distance of 150 km in Pathankot. From the Pathankot railway station there are a number of bus services, or private or shared taxi services that are available to Dharamshala.
By bus:
Dharamsala, in general, is well connected by road to especially New Delhi via Inter State Bus Services. It has also been found that there are regular bus services from Dharamsala and McLeodganj that connect to neighboring cities such as Dalhousie, Chamba, Manali, Shimla etc. In addition, rented car services from neighboring cities such as Shimla, Manali to Dharamsala are also available. Manali and Shimla are starting points that are located in close proximity to this hill station.
a. How to reach Dharamsala from Manali : The shortest route to reach Dharamsala from Manali via NH154 and NH3 is as depicted in the map above. Alternatively, click on the Google Maps link here to view on Google Maps.
b. How to reach Dharamsala from Shimla : There fastest route from Shimla to Dharamsala is via NH205 and the route map is depicted above. Alternatively, click on the Google Maps link here to view on Google Maps.
By air:
The closest airport to Dharamsala is located in Kangra. There are regular flight services available from the Gaggal Airport to Delhi. In addition, taxi services from this airport to Dharamsala are also available.
Climate and the best time to visit Dharamsala Hill
“Scorching” is the best way to describe the summer months in Dharamsala that begins in April and ends in May with the temperature ranging from a maximum of 38 degree Celsius to a minimum of 30 degree Celsius. The rainfall received during the monsoons which arrive in June and departs in September can be termed as “heavy” with the humidity throughout this season remaining high. The winter months on the other hand which begins in December and ends in March is extremely “cool and pleasant” with temperatures ranging from a minimum of 7 degree Celsius to a maximum of 15 degree Celsius. So the ideal time to visit this picturesque city is from September to March.
Places To Visit Around Dharamsala
There are a few ideal tourist hotspots located in Dharamsala that are a must visit. They are as follows
John Church:
Built in 1852 this neo-gothic church located in Dharamsala is dedicated to John the Baptist. This beautiful church is an ideal tourist hotspot and is located on the way to Mcleodganj.
War Memorial:
Located in Dharamsala in close proximity to the beautiful pine forests is the War Memorial. In addition, the exquisitely built GPG College is also situated around this memorial. It is the presence of the beautiful pine trees that truly make this memorial a worth visit.
Jwalamukhi Devi Temple:
Dedicated to Lord Shiva is a beautiful temple called “Jwalamukhi” located in Dharamsala. According to a myth, this temple supposedly serves as the protector of the entire city against the forces of an evil spirit.
Dharamsala Cricket Stadium:
First built in 2003 this stadium is surrounded by the picturesque view of the Dhauladhar mountain range. It is the natural beauty of this mountain range which serves as a background to this stadium that makes it a destination in Dharamsala worth visiting.
Accommodation – Hotels, Resorts and Home Stays in and around Dharamsala :
Click on the link here to check out the places to stay near Dharamsala, Himachal Pradesh on Google Maps.
Also Read: 5 UNKNOWN HILL STATIONS IN HIMACHAL PRADESH