DHARAMSHALA – A PERFECT HOLIDAY IN PINE AND DEODAR FORESTS

Dharamshala a place and a small town in the snow clad Dhauladhar ranges of Himalayan in the Kangra valley region in India, is not so famous a spot for vacations, that is the reason it is least crowded and makes it the wandering men’s dream place.
The town has two sections, upper Dharamshala and lower Dharamshala. The upper Dharamshala has the history of British Raj. The British who were searching for the ideal place for the permanent station for their troops in Dhauladhar ranges, found an ideal place near a Hindu sanctuary called Dharamshala, the troops were settled near by, and the whole place was called by name Dharamshala. It was year 1849.
The lower Dharamshala is type of commercial version with bazaars and other people who came here in search of employment.
The average elevation of Dharamshala is 5000 ft.
The dense forests of pine and deodar, the plains flourishing with greens, the streams (and numerous) carrying fresh, sweet and cool water, the snow clad line on the mountains and the silence that one can hear one’s own foot steps, makes one to feel like he is in paradise.
Dharamshala has deeply remained connected with Hinduism and Buddhism. If you are interested in Buddhism, and want to visit His Holiness Dalai Lama then you must come here, because upper Dharamshala is the official residence of His Holiness Dalai Lama.
All around Dharamshala and few kilometers here and there, there are many places of great interests for the visitors.
Kotwali Bazaar, a typical orient bazaar full of Kangra valley arts and crafts, dresses, jewellery, coins, sculptures, pottery and so many other things that a visitor may wander here for hours.
Dal lake some 10 kms from Dharamshala surrounded deodar forests, a scenic view indeed.
Dharamkot some 11 kms away from Dharamshala, a picnic point, from here you can view the Dhauladhar ranges and Kangra valley.
Dharamshala is connected to Delhi by air, the nearest airport is Gaggal just 15 kms away.
Pathankot the nearest railway station is 100 kms away.
The local govt and the private tours and taxis are available
There are good hotels serving the food and accommodations, although shopkeepers may not be able to speak English, they do understand the English, the increasing touch with outer world has made them understand them what the Englishman is asking.
The paid guide service is excellent.
In fact so many people from western countries interested in Buddhism come here to pay their respect to His Holiness Dalai Lama.