|
BUDDHIST SITES |
|
|
|
|
|
BUDDHIST DESTINATION |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
| |
|
|
|
| DHARAMSALA |
|
|
| With a magnificent view of the Dhauladhar range of the Himalayas, Dharamsala is the seat of His Holiness the XIVth Dalai Lama and the headquarters of the Tibetan government in exile. This small town has a large Tibetan refugee settlement and one can see monks in their robes and old Tibetans walking with rosaries in their hands or turning the prayer wheels. The main is the Namgyal monastery or the Dalai Lama�s temple. Gangchen Kyishong houses the offices of the Tibetan government in exile. Monastery of Nechung Oracle is where the official oracle of the Dalai Lama sits and one can visit the monastery and witness the daily services. Tse-Chok-Ling monastery is nestled in a quiet spot and one can visit and take part in the prayer services. Men-Tse-Khang is the center for Tibetan Medicine. Near Dharamsala is a place called Rewalsar, where one can visit the cave temple to the great Indian Tantrik Guru Padmasambhava, who had stopped at this place, while on his way to Tibet, to spread Buddhism. |
 |
| Dharamsala Attractions |
Kangra Art Museum:
This treasure trove of the Kangra valley's arts, crafts, and rich past, displays artifacts that date back to the 5th century. The museum also includes a gallery of Kangra's famous miniature paintings and a representative collection of sculptures, pottery, and anthropological items.
War Memorial:
Set amidst the pine groves is a war memorial, built on the entry point of the to Dharamsala to commemorate the post independence war heroes of Himachal Pradesh. A web of narrow paths and landscaped lawns lead towards this monument.
Dall Lake:
Surrounded by high and green Deodar trees is the lake, which fills a mountain bowl. Situated 11-kms away from the town, this lake is easily approachable by road and makes an enchanting and serene picnic spot.
St. John's Church:
One of the most poignant memories of the British Raj is the church of St. John, situated in the wilderness. This charmingly dressed stone church is located just 8-km from Dharamsala on the way to McLeod Ganj. Under the shade of Doedar branches, a memorial has been made over the body of the British Viceroy, Lord Elgin who died at Dharamsala in 1863.
Tatwani & Machhrial:
There are hot springs situated at Tatwani, 25-km from Dharamsala but on the way, at Machhrial, is a waterfall twice as big as the one near the Bhagsunath temple.
The Shrine of Bhagsunath:
Just 11-km from the town center of Dharamsala is the ancient temple of Bhagsunath. There are many fresh water springs close to the temple, which are considered sacred by the Hindus. Kunal Pathri: These are the rock temples from which the place derives its name. Kunal pathri is a 3 kms flat walk from Kotwali Bazaar.
Dharmkot:
Just 11-km away from Dharamsala, located on the crest of a hill lie this attractive picnic spot, which presents a panoramic view of the Kangra valley and Dauladhar ranges.
Norbulinka Institute:
Just four kms from Dharamsala, Norbulinka was established to preserve and teach the ancient Tibetan arts. The shady paths, wooden bridges, small streams tiny water falls make this place look like heaven. Here one can watch the wooden carvings and the tangka paintings, golsithing and embroidery being done. The nunnery close to the institute is a place where women are taught the advanced levels of Buddhist philosophy.
Chinmaya Tapovan:
Just 10-km from the town is the tranquil ashram complex set up by the great exponent of the Gita--Swami
Chamunda Devi: Situated on the banks of Bindu Saras, the ashram includes a 9m high image of Hanuman, a Ram temple, a meditation hall, a school and a health & recreation center.
Andretta:
Situated just 13-kms away from Palampur, lies this dwelling place of artist S.Sobha Singh. It houses a gallery of some of his major works and a pottery center |
| How to Reach |
Air: Dharamsala can be approached by air from Delhi and the nearest Airport is at Gaggla, just 13-km away from the town.
Rail: Pathankot is 85-km and is the nearest railhead for Dharamsala. Trains from all over the country make a stop over at Pathankot and from here it is a three-hour journey to Dharamsala.
Road: From Manali too bus services are available to this place. One can drive from Delhi via Chandigarh, Kiratpur, Bilaspur and it's an 8-hours journey. From Delhi and Shimla, luxury buses ply to Dharamsala.
|
|
