Dharamshala - Tibetan Buddhism Heartland in Himachal

Dharamshala is a little Tibetan Buddhism heartland tucked in the folds of Himalayas. Located in Kangra district of Himachal Pradesh, this hill station is best known as the home of his holiness 14th Dalai Lama Tenzin Gyasto, a world known Buddhist figure and a Nobel Peace Prize Recipient.

Location of Dharamshala

Dharamshala is a city in the Indian state of Himachal Pradesh.

How to Reach Dharamshala

• By Air – Gaggal airport in Kangra valley is the nearest airport at a distance of 14km. From airport, feel free to hire a cab to get to the main town.
• By Train – Pathankot is the major railway junction, which is 85km away from Dharamshala. There is a narrow guage train from Pathankot to Kangra. After getting off at the railway station, you can avail the bus service or hire private or shared taxis to get to Dharamshala.
• By Road – Buses are easily available connecting Dharamshala to the nearby cities. Regular buses are available from Delhi, Jaipur, Chandigarh, Ambala and Amritsar to Dharamshala.

Accommodation at Dharamshala

The city provides various kinds of accommodation, where to stay in Dharamshala is not a problem at all. There are star rated hotels, budget hotels in this region. Tourist will find various accommodation facilities that provide western standards of hotel as well as friendly home stays.

What/Where to Eat in Dharamshala

Food at Dharamshala is as vibrant as its culture and the attractions that draw such huge crowd to the state. Dharamshala has plenty of small coffee shops and nice restaurants around the tourist spots. There are plenty of places that offer Italian, Chinese and western recipes at cheap rates. Being dominated by Tibetan culture one will mostly try Tibetan food, it is unusual and very tasty. There are many stalls selling hot “momos”- try them.

Buddhist Attractions in Dharamshala

• Dalai Lama Temple Complex – It is situated at a walking distance from the Mcleodganj bus stand in upper Dharamshala on Temple Road. The Temple Complex is kept open from sunrise to sunset for the visitors. It is decorated with the colourful prayer flags, and perfect for long serene walks or early morning meditation with chanting monks.
• Namgyaima Stupa – It is an old Buddhist structure and was built to honour the Tibetan Soldiers, who died during the freedom struggle of Tibet. This stupa is surrounded by a number of prayer wheels. This structure is similar in design to the structure built during the 3rd century by King Ashoka. This religious shrine has an idol of Sakyamuni Buddha placed in a little chamber. The pleasant surroundings coupled with the delivering of mantras by the devotees are a great way to escape from the bustling city life.
• Tsug-Lag-Khang (Central Cathedral)
• Norbulinka Institute – Located at Sidhpur near Dharamshala. Norbulingka institute is dedicated to preserving the integrity. The institute has the ‘Seat of Happiness Temple’ and a 4 meter high copper statue of Buddha Sakyamuni, which is one of the largest statues outside. The Norbulingka Institute named after the 18th century residence
• Tibetan Library and Museum– The library was founded by Tenzin Gyasto, the 14th Dalai Lama on june 11, 1970 and is considered one of the most important libraries and institutions of Tibetan works in the world. The third floor of the library contains a museum containing notable artefacts.
• Dolma Ling Monastery
• Tibetan Institute of Performing Arts (TIPA)

When to Visit Dharamshala

The best time to visit Dharamsala is from May to October as the climate is enjoyable during the summers and drops below freezing point during winters and the place is covered with thick snow.

Dharamshala tour is an enchanting tourist destination filled with classic wonders. The panoramic views, gargling waterfalls, exciting trekking options and serene Buddhist character lend it an enriched essence

Other Tourist Places in Dharamshala

The following tourist attractions are major spots at Dharamshala

Masrur, Bhagsunag Temple, Chamunda Temple, Dal Lake, Naddi etc.