Whenever it comes to escaping from mundane life routines, people usually look for places where they can surround themselves with scenic surroundings & find utmost peace. One such place where you can experience it is Dharamshala, a tranquil small hamlet located in Kangra district, Himachal Pradesh. The hilly town has a lot to offer visitors, from practising spirituality to adventure fun. Hence, your trip to Dharamshala will end with unforgettable memories.
Before beginning our travel guide to the top tourist attractions in Dharamshala, let us briefly delve into its history. From part of the Katoch dynasty to being a jurisdiction under the province of Punjab at the time of British rule, this hill town has been through upsides & rough phases. Despite being the summer capital of British officers, it was not a famous place in 1959. This famously called Little Lhasa is known to be an abode of the 14th Dalai Lama, who took refuge here to escape from the atrocity of the Chinese authorities. At present, both Dharamshala & Mcleodganj share a similar status of being abode to Tibetan refugees & heritage for Indians.
Fascinating sites that make your trip to Dharamshala memorable
Now, we are listing the places that are worth exploring in Dharamshala. Touring these sites makes your visit to this hill town memorable. These are:
Kunal Pathri Temple
You can begin your trip to Dharamshala by visiting Kunal Pathri Temple at a distance of 3 km. This holy site is located amidst beautiful dense tea gardens. According to Hindu mythology, it is where the skull of Sati, the consort of Lord Shiva, fell. The rock temple is within walking distance from Kotwali Bazaar & is an ideal retreat for nature walks & photography.
Bhagsunag Waterfall
If you love admiring nature’s charm, then Bhagsunag Waterfall is one of the amazing places to visit in Dharamshala. Sharing a similar name to Bhagsunag Temple, this natural gushing freezing water flow is a captivating visual treat for onlookers & is best for picnicking with loved ones. Don’t miss visiting it.
Dharamkot
If you are looking for an off-beat path other than Dharamshala or Mcleodganj, then Dharamkot comes as one such place to be explored as it brings a tranquil ambience for peace lovers. This site has the slightest tourist footfall and is perfect for a calm vacation. It is a spot to get expansive views of the Dhauladhar ranges & Kangra Valley. Some places to visit are Tushita Meditation Centre, Vipassana Meditation Centre, & Dhamma Shikara.
Kangra Fort
Joining the list of top places in Dharamshala is Kangra Fort. It is an ancient site that dates back to the Mahabharata era, finding its relevance to the Trigarta Kingdom. No matter if it is in a ruined state today, the remains of this architectural marvel are still worth observing. It is also known by other names – Kot Kangra & Nagarkot.
Namgyal Monastery
Namgyal Monastery is one of the famous sites located in Mcleodganj. Its foundation was laid by the 2nd Dalai Lama during the 16th century. It is the best place to extinguish your fears, anxiety, & stress when entering into its divine circumference. At present, this monastery is home to the 14th Dalai Lama.
Library of Tibetan Works & Archives
If you love exploring unique things, visit the Library of Tibetan Works & Archives, housing 600 Buddhist artefacts, & 80,000 manuscripts. Exploring them lets you gain knowledge of Buddhist traditions & culture. This Tibetan library was founded by Tenzin Gyatso (14th Dalai Lama) in 1970 on 11th June.
Dharamshala Cricket Stadium
Dharamshala Cricket Stadium, or HPCL Stadium, is a major part of Dharamshala tourism, attracting cricket fans from all over India. It is worth exploring for its colourful architectural structure with picturesque mountain views at its backdrops. Be the luckier to be the spectator in watching the live domestic, international & IPL matches on the cricket ground here.
War Memorial
The War Memorial is a place to commemorate the soldiers who laid their lives during the Indo-China war of 1947, 1962, 1965, and 1971. Their memories are preserved in huge panels of black stone. This is an essential stop that should be on your Dharamshala itinerary list.
Planning your memorable stay at Dharamshala
To experience visiting all the sites mentioned above, you will find the need to look for comfy accommodation. Before you tap for options, we suggest you stay at jüSTa Birding Resort & Spa, a 5-star luxury resort in Dharamshala. It is an idyllic retreat for travellers who would be experiencing the lush green surroundings of the hill town, plus spotting the rare species of birds ruling the sky.
Displaying the cultural heritage of Himachal Pradesh through its majestic architecture, the resort is an appealing stay in the lap of nature with its 44 luxurious rooms. Acquainted with modern amenities & private balconies, giving the visitors a beautiful, breathtaking outside view. The resort also houses a banquet hall named Jehan, sprawling at 2438 sq. ft, & features five different seating styles. The extensive Amber Lawn at 3990 sq. ft makes this resort an ideal venue to plan a destination wedding in Dharamshala.
Now coming to culinary treat, it has Sabor, one of the best restaurants in Dharamshala, serving its guests with vegetarian & gluten-free options. Featuring large windows & outdoor seating area, the design of this restaurant has been curated keeping the bird lovers in mind. This lets you have an unforgettable dining experience when enjoying your meal while observing the wide variety of birds. Besides vegetarian meals, guests would also enjoy hearty soups, grilled meats, and fresh salads.
Conclusion
When planning a trip to Dharamshala, there are places worth visiting with family, friends, or as a solo traveller. Today, this blog has mentioned some significant spots that should be explored for their uniqueness. Those looking to escape from the humdrum of city life must plan their visit to experience the utmost mental peace & relaxation.
