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.

The post How You Can Make Your Trip To Dharamshala Memorable first appeared on jüSTa Hotels & Resorts.

Dharamshala Tourism: Exploring top sightseeing spots in Dharamshala

Like other best places to visit in India, Dharamshala has become a preferred travel destination for the young generation. Many people from Delhi are now settled here & are earning their livelihood. 

Gyuto Monastery

Gyuto Monastery is one of the top tourist attractions in Dharamshala, famous for its Buddhist philosophy, Tantric meditation, & Tantric rituals. The structural detailing of this amazing divine complex has been meticulously designed to complement the Tibetan style. If you closely notice the colour pattern of the monastery, then it matches the wardrobes of Buddhist monks who are seen clad in the same colours (yellow & red). If you don’t feel comfortable in the crowded atmosphere, step onto the divine sanctity of Gyuto Monastery, & experience the ultimate peace with yourself.

• Things to do: Meditating & experiencing peace

Triund

Triund in Dharamshala is a famous scenic place to experience amazing views of Dhauladhar Hills & Kangra Valley. Not just for nature lovers, but it is also the best place for adventure seekers as they have the opportunity to experience trekking to reach Triund Hill. If you have this dream of gazing at the starlit sky at night with your beloved partner, then it is the right place for you. Travellers must be familiar with the fact that Triund is an ecological zone, hence, they must refrain themselves from leaving plastic waste here. 

• Things to do: Trekking, camping, & gazing starlit sky at night

Dharamshala Cricket Stadium

Dharamshala Cricket Stadium is the ideal travel spot for all cricket fans in Dharamshala. Here, you can view live cricket matches as the spectator sitting in the colourful seats. This stadium is worth visiting with its stunning mountain view at its backdrops. Even if there are no matches, still, you can have a sightseeing tour here. For your convenience, you can book a hotel near Dharamshala Cricket Stadium.

• Things to do: Sightseeing & watching live cricket matches

Bhagsu Waterfall

All those travellers who love watching alluring waterfalls must visit Bhagsu Waterfall, & behold the beauty of the natural waterfall cascading from 20 m in height. Apart from watching the waterfall, you can also dip in the cold water of its naturally formed pond. You can visit the nearby Bhagsunag Temple, a holy spot dedicated to Lord Shiva. 

• Things to do: Watching the gushing waterfall, & taking a dip in its cold water pool

Kalachakra Temple

Among the list of top tourist attractions in Dharamshala is Kalachakra Temple. It is one of the popular Buddhist temples that grabs tourists’ attention with its vivid Tibetan architecture. The other major attractions are prayer wheels, large Buddha statues, & Tibetan artwork. The 14th Dalai Lama often visits this temple to impart teachings to the Buddhist monks.

• Things to do: Sightseeing, watching the prayer wheels, practising peace, & meditation

Aghanjar Mahadev Temple

Aghanjar Mahadev Temple is an ancient temple dedicated to Lord Shiva. Encircled with lush greenery & nearby water streams fascinates tourists to explore this place. The main attraction is the shivling that lies in the cave. According to a mythological fact, it is where legendary archer Arjun from Mahabharata got the blessings of Shiva.

• Things to do: Praying to Lord Shiva

Guna Devi Temple

The next is Guna Devi Temple, dedicated to Goddess Kali, a fierce form of Goddess Durga/Parvati. You have to visit this temple through Naddi Village. For this, you have to do trekking where you will come across the beautiful scenic sights. 

• Things to do: Worshipping Goddess Kali, Trekking

Find the right luxury staycation in Dharamshala

To experience all the nearby sites, booking your staycation in this hill station of Himachal Pradesh is essential. So before you rush to your respective computing software to browse the best hotels & resorts, we bring you a top option. It is jüSTa Birding Resort & Spa, a 5-star resort in Dharamshala. Encircled with the lush beauty of the latter hilly town you can have a fantastic view of the clear skies with rare species of birds. 

This resort is worth considering for your comfy staycation, as it comprises 44 spacious rooms with distinctive charm facilitated by modern amenities & attached private balconies. Besides all the luxurious & comfy facilities in all rooms, the resort also welcomes you to have a lovely dining experience at Sabor. This all-day dining restaurant serves both veg & non-veg on its menu. With its flawless services & amenities, including a fitness centre & spa, your dream celebrations will also become a reality. 

Conclusion

With many top sightseeing spots in Dharamshala, your weekend getaway will surely be joyous. No matter whether you are a family vacationer, honeymoon couple, or adventure junkie, this hill station in Himachal Pradesh has all stored for its travellers. Now, with the approaching winter season, many travellers won’t leave a single chance to grab Dharamshala Tourism packages.

The post Top Sightseeing Spots in Dharamshala To Explore in Your Weekend Trip 2024 first appeared on jüSTa Hotels & Resorts.

jüSTa Birding Resort & Spa: What makes it a luxury stay for bird lovers in Dharamshala?

When exploring Dharamshala, this beautiful hilly paradise is not confined to mountain ranges, tea gardens, or adventure activities like trekking. If you are coming here merely for these, you are missing out on one intriguing part: bird watching. Among many top hotels & resorts, jüSTa Birding Resort & Spa is one luxury stay in Dharamshala, located on top of the majestic hills, within breathtaking valleys, & surrounding lush greenery.

As an avid traveller, you might love to know the reason behind its unique name, ‘Birding’. Well, it truly lives up to its name, as this resort lets you explore the rare species of birds whose pictures you might have flipped through in books & magazines. But what if we say you can experience watching them at Dharamshala? Yes, that’s true, & to make it possible, you need to plan your stay at this resort.

Famous birds that you can watch around Dharamshala

It is not just animals that drive your attention; exploring the sight of the rarest bird species is equally interesting. With so many things to explore in Dharamshala, jüSTa Birding Resort & Spa lets you fulfil your wish of birdwatching, with its near distance to Mcleodganj, a suburb in Dharamshala. Here is the list of birds that would captivate your attention.

• Himalayan Bulbul
• Jungle Babler
• Himalayan Griffon
• Yellow Lored Tit
• Great Tit
• Black Kite
• Rofus Bellied Woodpecker
• Common Kestrel
• Laughing Dove
• White Capped Redstart
• Oriental White Eye
• Common Myna
• Purple Sunbird
• White Throated Fantail
• Common tailor Bird
• Indian Robin
• Indian Roller
• Common Iora
• Ashy Prinia
• Blue Throated Barbet
• Rofus treepie
• Verditer Flycatcher
• Ultra Marine Flycatcher
• Tree Sparrow

Top bird watching trails in Dharamshala you should not miss exploring

The above listing mentions the rarest species of birds that you can expect to see in Dharamshala. To watch them, we bring you the names of bird-watching trails in this hill town that you can add to your itinerary list.

• Triund Trek Loop
• Karthani – Leta Trail
• Dal Lake – Dharamkot Loop
• Bhagsu Waterfall Trail
• Upper Bhagsu – Galu Devi Waterfall
• Triund Trek via Gallu Devi Temple
• Dal Lake – Galu Devi Temple
• Mcleodganj – Kandi
• Triund Hill – Indrahar Pass Trail
• Thatharana Trek
• Toral Pass Trail via Chhatair
• Dharamkot – Raeel Trail
• Dharamshala Loop
• Gaj Pass
• Dharamkot – Galu Devi Trail
• Indrahar Pass via Kareri Lake
• Lam Dal Lake Temple
• Dharamkot – Gaj Pass Trail
• Kandi – Jwala Devi Temple Trail

Why plan your stay at jüSTa Birding Resort & Spa

You can book your stay at jüSTa Birding Resort & Spa to spot the rarest bird species at these bird-watching trails. Tucked away from the city’s chaotic environment, this 5-star luxury resort in Dharamshala makes a perfect choice to experience serenity amid nature. Nestled atop the hill at 5200 ft above sea level, it features 44 well-appointed rooms with private balconies that let you enjoy having a hot cup of coffee while enjoying a perfect view of the surrounding hills & greenery around. 

Known for its exceptional hospitality services, the resort strives to make its guests’ stay memorable with all modern-day luxuries. Other than experiencing the spectacular sight of the moonrise, guests can also have beautiful views of the Dhauladhar Range, Mcleodganj, & Dharamkot from the lavish room categories here. This luxury resort has the provision of central heating as per weatherly need. 

If you feel like planning a destination wedding here, this resort is the best venue with its spacious banquet hall at 2438 sq ft. The nearby top sightseeing spots in Dharamshala to explore from here include the Dalai Lama Temple, Bhagsu Waterfall, & Triund Trek. Apart from these sites, you can also access paragliding, a 2 min walk from the hotel. The other adventure sports to experience include ziplining & ATV rides.

Counting more reasons that make jüSTa Birding Resort & Spa a worthy stay is the extensive balcony at 80 sq. ft. with a panoramic view. Besides this, it also has a vast open seating area at 3990 sq. ft. Coming to the culinary part, the resort has an in-house restaurant, Sabor, serving not only the popular local cuisines in Dharamshala but also Indian, & international dishes. It is a perfect dining area to enjoy a candlelight dinner under the stars.

The design of this restaurant has been curated keeping the birdwatchers in mind, featuring large windows, & an outdoor seating area from where you can have stunning views of the surroundings, especially spotting the wide variety of birds in their natural habitat. With all such prolific facilities to expect at jüSTa Birding Resort & Spa, this resort is a must-stay for its impeccable services. Watching the various birds flapping their wings & ruling the sky will be a wonderful experience you will gain from here. 

Conclusion

If you are looking for a comfy staycation in Dharamshala, jüSTa Birding Resort & Spa will prove an ideal luxury amidst a serene atmosphere, with picturesque views of Dhauladhar range from your lavish rooms here. But our primary motive in this article was to brief you about mentioning Birding in its name. This is because it allows you to view the rarest species of birds that are impossible to find everywhere. So do avail this opportunity & make your stay at this resort memorable with your loved ones. 

The post jüSTa Birding Resort & Spa: An Ideal Retreat For Birdwatchers In Dharamshala first appeared on jüSTa Hotels & Resorts.

Set against the backdrops of the lofty Dhauladhar Ranges, at a peak of 4,000 m, this holy hill station lies on top of the Kangra Valley. Dharamshala always tops among the best places to visit in Himachal Pradesh, making your travel journey exciting. Before we begin our list of top tourist spots to explore, let us have a quick overview of its history. 

Dharamshala Tourism: A Glance To Its Brief History

Dharamshala, popularly called the Winter Capital of Himachal Pradesh, was founded in 1855 during the 19th century during British reign. During that time, this place was an army subsidiary cantonment for troops positioned at Kangra. Moreover, it was a retreat for the Britishers to escape the summer heat. Later on, it became a major centre for trade, commerce, & official commitments of the British in Kangra district by 1904. 

The hilly city was so enticing, with alluring gardens added with imported plants that multiplied its aura. But in 1905, the city was doomed by a devastating earthquake of 7.8 magnitude, losing all its charm as many people, including Britishers, were killed & injured. The strike was so fatal that it destroyed many buildings in Dharamshala. Even the Bhagsunag Temple of the Gurkhas also came into its radar. When the city was revamped, with the operating force of the 1st Gurkha Rifles, the district headquarters shifted to Shimla. 

Why Dharamshala Is Known As Abode Of Dalai Lama

There is a history behind why Dharamshala is popularly called the abode of the Tibetan spiritual master Dalai Lama. After the end of British influence, the city was about to witness other recordable events in its history. It all happened when, in March 1959, the 14th Dalai Lama took refuge in India after the failure of the uprising against the Communist Party of China in Tibet. He was allowed to settle in Dharamshala by the Indian government. In 1960, the Government of Tibet in Exile in Dharamshala was established by him. It became an official refuge for all Tibetans in India. 

Top Tourist Attractions To Explore In Dharamshala

When we talk about Dharamshala Tourism, below are some best places to visit in Dharamshala. 

Gyuto Monastery

Gyuto Monastery is one of the famous Dharamshala tourist attractions. Established in Tibet in 1474, it is known for tantric teachings & meditation. It was rebuilt by Tibetan monks in Dharamshala after the communist Chinese invasion in 1959. It was when the Dalai Lama, & the monks of Gyuto Monastery took refuge in India. Here, they started promoting the tantric teachings of their great teacher, Tsongkhapa, with the motive of the wellbeing of people. The monastery houses a gold-plated statue of Lord Buddha that radiates when touched with morning sunlight. 

Tsuglagkhang Temple

Tsuglagkhang Temple is among the top Dharamshala tourist attractions because of its peaceful environment & rich Tibetan culture. Popularly called the Dalai Lama Temple, it attracts tourists, pilgrims,& monks. Inside the temple, you will see the massive idol of Lord Buddha, along with statues of Padmasambhava, Avalokiteshvara, and other Buddhist monks. In this temple, you will notice Lamas chanting mantras on beads & prayer wheels. At the central point, you will also see a gold-plated prayer wheel that reads the mantra ‘Om Mani Padme Hum’. You can pay your respects while rotating it.

Kalachakra Temple

As the name suggests, Kalachakra means Wheel of Time. It is a temple that attracts tourists from all parts of the country with its captivating architecture, divine aura, & tranquil surroundings. The temple houses a Kalachakra image at the centre, a statue of Shakyamuni Buddha, & mural paintings depicting 722 mandala deities. You can also admire the finest Tibetan Thangka art painted on the temple walls. The sacred shrine also welcomes book lovers at its book shop who can also dine out at a small cafe nearby.

Bhagsunag Temple

Bhagsunag Temple is a famous temple dedicated to Lord Shiva. It attracts many Hindu pilgrims & local Gorkha community. It is said that after taking the blessings of the deity, devotees must dip in its sacred pond since the water of this pond has the magical power to heal diseases. After paying much respect to the lord, you can have a good time at Bhagsunag Waterfalls.

Jwala Devi Temple

Jwala Devi Temple is another top pilgrimage site for most Hindus. The temple is dedicated to Goddess Jwala. Unlike other temples, where you worship idols of gods, there is no idol of the goddess, as she is worshipped in the fire form. This temple is included among the 51 Shakti Peethas. As per Hindu mythology, it is that place where the tongue of Sati fell at the time when Lord Vishnu was cutting her lifeless body to stop the agony of wailing Shiva. 

Dharamshala Cricket Stadium

Dharamshala Cricket Stadium is an excellent retreat for cricket buffs, who can avail the best opportunity to watch live cricket matches here amidst the breathtaking view of mountains. Also known as HPCA Stadium, it attracts tourists to admire its Tibetan style of architecture, & its scenic location. Book your tickets to watch the upcoming World Cup 2023 matches at Dharamshala Cricket Stadium in October 2023. 

Kareri Dal Lake

The famous Dal Lake of Kashmir inspires Kareri Dal Lake. This place is surrounded by lush greenery & rugged mountains, which makes a perfect stopover for adventure seekers for trekking, honeymooners, & people who wish to spend some peaceful time in the lap of nature, tucked away from bustling city life. You can enjoy boat rides with your beloved partner and pray at a small Shiva temple on its banks. 

Activities To Explore In Dharamshala

The best activities to do in Dharamshala include sightseeing the religious Buddhist monasteries, & Hindu temples like Bhagsunag Temple, & Jwala Devi Temple; there are adventure activities like paragliding, camping, trekking, boating, & visiting the tea gardens. Don’t forget to explore Kangra Fort & visit the War Memorial to commemorate the soldiers who laid their lives during Indo-China wars in 1947-48, 1962, 1965 and 1971.

Where To Plan Your Comfy Staycation In Dharamshala

When planning for your staycation in Dharamshala, there is a long list of hotels & resorts that boast about their hospitality services. But why spend time scrolling for multiple options when you can book jüSTa Birding Resort & Spa? It is a 5-star luxury resort in Dharamshala providing all modern amenities to its visitors, including 44 rooms with third occupancy, bathtubs, Sabor restaurant, AIR Bar, banquet hall, gymnasium, & spa. 

Conclusion

Dharamshala Tourism attracts tourists from all over India to experience the serene environment & top tourist spots of this picturesque hill station of Himachal Pradesh. The place showcases Tibetan culture with Buddhist monasteries. Besides this, it is also a haven for adventure activities like trekking, camping, paragliding, & boating. To make your journey reminiscing, you can shop for Tibetan carpets, brass statues, handicrafts, shawls, & more. Overall, your travel journey to Dharamshala will turn out to be a memorable trip.

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