| DHARAMSHALA / MCLEODGANJ
 Set
against the backdrop of the dramatic Dhauladhar mountains, Dhauladhar
is perched on the high slopes in the upper reaches of Kangra Valley. The
town is divided into two distinct and widely separated sections, Upper
and Lower Dhauladhar, which differ almost a thousand metres in height.
Today, Dhauladhar has become the synonymous to the Tibetan government
in exile and the home of Tibetan leader Dalai Lama. Even if the Tibetan
community dominates the town, still it has retained the colonial lifestyle
and British flavour
Dhauladhar over looks the plains and is surrounded by dense pine trees
and Deodar forests. A nearby snowline with numerous streams and cool healthy
atmosphere makes the surroundings very attractive.
Dhauladhar is a busy bazaar town and has established itself as the travelers
base camp, who come to explore the nearby mountains. The Kotwali Bazaar
provides the entire color and characteristic of a small town, which is
mixed with the simple life style.
 The
colorful temple and Gompas, which reflect the culture of Tibet, adds attraction
for the visitor. The Kangra museum gives an overview of the rich past
of the region and on the other hand there are institutes that have been
established to preserve the Tibetan art, cultures and traditions.
MCLEODGANJ : Mcleodganj is one of the Famous hill Station
in Himalayas, and This place also famous for His Holiness second home.
The Budha temple is situated opposite the present abode of His Holiness
The Dalai Lama and is well worth a visit and around it are situated Tibetan
monastery and nunnery. The Tibetan institute of performing arts (TIPA)
is just 1 km from Mcleodganj and preserves a number of musical, Dance
and theatrical tradition of Tibet.
KANGRA ART MUSEUM : Kangra art museum located at lower
Dharamsala 9 km from Mcleodganj.The Museum house of Kangra paintings,
Antiques, old traditional cloths and weapons of Royalties.
ST. JOHN CHURCH IN WILDERNESS : St. John Church is
built in 1852 this beautiful church is 1km from Mcleodganj.
NORBULINGKA INSTITUTE : This interesting institute
was established to keep alive the traditional arts and crafts of Tibet.It
is 18 km from Mcleodganj.
CHINMAYA TAPOVAN : Founded in 1978 by one of the finest
proponents of the Bhagwad Geeta and the philosophy of Vedanta-Swami Chinmayanada,
this is a place that exudes an aura of abiding peace.It is 20km from Mcleodgannj.
WAR MEMORIAL : Set amidst beautiful surroundings and
a place to visit in the afternoon this memorial is built near the entry
point to Dharamsala to commemorate the memory of those who fought valiantly
for the defense of the motherland. People offer a prayer here for those
who set out of their houses and did not return to their near and dear
ones.
TRIUND : Nine kilo metres from Mcleod ganj Triund lies
at the foot of the perpetually snow - clad Dhauladhar at height of 2875mts.The
snow line start at Illaqa Got 5km from Triund and affords breathtaking
view of the snow above and the valley below.It is a picnic and trekking
spot.
KUNNAL PATHRI : Kunal Pathri is a small picnic spot
in Dharamsala.This is Rock Temple of local Goddess called Kunal pathri
.
LORD ELGIN’S MEMORIAL : After the horrors of
1857, india’s First War of Independence, Queen Victoria assumed
the title of Empress of india.Her Prime Minister, Lord Canning made the
proclamation and the Governor General’s titles was raised to that
of Viceroy of india.
DAL LAKE : Dal lake is 3 km from Mcleod ganj.It is
not so large as its illustrious namesake in Kashmir.The lake lying amidst
the hills and surrounded by fir trees. Has a certain charm all its own.
Close to the cantonment, the annual fair in September is largely attended
by gaddis and other hillmen.
DHARAMKOT : Dharamsala is small hill of Dharamkot whose
summit 2100mts. High is a favorite resort affording a panoramic view of
the District of Kangra and the peaks of Dhauladhar. Now home of beautiful
Resort for visitors.
NADDI VILLAGE : A high point beyond the Dal Lake Naddi
Village affords a magnificent view of Dhauladhar mountain range to the
north and the vats expanse of lush Kangra valley to the south.
BHAGSUNAG : Near Mcleodganj is the shrine of BhagsuNag
dedicated to Lord Shiva, not far from a small but lovely Waterfall. Within
easy walking distance from the Mcleod Ganj.Baghsu nag is famous for its
ancient temple, the tank and the spring are considered sacred by the Hindus.
MACHHRIAL (TATTWANI) : Abounding in pleasant picnic
areas, one better than the other, Dharamsala is full of surprises.There
are hot springs situated at Tattwani, 25 km from Dharamsala but on the
way, at Machhrial is a waterfall twice as big as the one near the Bhagsu
Nag.
CHAMUNDA MATA : 15 km fro Dharamsala and approachable
by a motorable raod road is the famous temple dedicated to the Goddess
Chamunda Devi.On reaching the temple a glorious view of the Dhouladhar
on three sides and the Baner Khud, Pathiar and Lahla forest on the other
is available.
KARERI LAKE : Dharamslal abounded is picnic and beauty
spots, at a distance of 15 km is the beautiful Karei Lake at a height
3048mts. Surrounded by green meadows oak and pine trees.
MASRUR ROCK CUT TEMPLE : Masrur temple is famous fot
8th Century’s remarkable group of 15 monolithic rock-cut temples
in north india in the Indo-Aryan style and richly carved.The Architecture
is one of the finest examples of its type and characteristric of the time
of the old Rajas are the sculptures that fill it.The temples partly ruined
now are profusely decorated with sculptural ornamentation, conceived in
the same manner as the great temple of Kailash at Ellora to which they
still show their relationship.
MAHARANA PARTAP SAGAR : This reservoir was created
in 1975-76 with the construction of Dam on river Beas in Kangra District,for
irrigation and Hydel power generation purpose.The Dam resulted in the
formation of huge reservoir with a maximum waterspread of 314 sq km.Th
Dhouladhar mountain from the backdrop of intercepting the wintering waterfowl
on their Trans-Himalayan migratation to north and Central india.This reservoir
was declared a Bird Sanctuary in 1983 and a National Wetland in 1994 which
now been designated as an international Wetland (Ramsar Site).An area
of 5 km around the periphery of the lake margins has been marked as a
buffer zone for the management of bird sanctuary.The present waterfowl
more then 220 bird species have been recorded from the Maharana Partap
Sagar Bird Sanctuary.The sanctuary is an important staging area for an
annual migratory waterfowl population of more than 20000 birds.
ANDRETTA : Andretta is 13 km from palampur.Nestling
inthe rolling plains of Kangra valley with a wide panorama of snowy mountain
constant backdrop.Andretta has attracted many artists.The village was
brought to prominence by Ms Norah Richards, the famous writer and dramatist
popularly known as Nani of Punjabi Drama.Equally well known was her contemporary
Sir Sobha Singh.Honoured with the titels of Padma Shri,Sobha Singh created
most of his famous work Sohini Mahiwal, Heer Ranjha and a host of religious
paintings.Many of these are displayed here in a gallery.
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