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Dharamshala is the district hqr. of
Kangra district. This is a hill station lying on the spur of the
Dhauladhar range about 18kms. north east of Kangra town. Hill
station is wooded with oak and conifer trees and snow capped
mountains enfold three sides of the town while the valley
stretches in front. The snow line is perhaps more easily
accessible at Dharamshala than at any other hill resort and it is
possible to trek to snow point after an early morning's start.
In 1905, tragedy struck Dharamshala
when an earthquake levelled it completely. After its
reconstruction, Dharamshala flourished as a quiet health resort.
It is divided into two distinct parts. Lower Dharamshala has civil
offices and business establishments with courts.Kotwali Bazar and
Upper Dharamshala compose of places with names which bear witness
to its history like McLeod Ganj and Forsythe Ganj. Since 1960,
when it became a temporary hqrs. of His Holiness The Dalai Lama,
Dharamshala has risen to international fame as "The Little Lhasa
in India".
PLACES OF INTEREST
MC LEODGANJ: A number of
residential buildings, restaurants, antique and curio shops,
together with famous Tibetan institutions have lent importance to
McLeod Ganj. The Budha temple is situated opposite to the present
abode of His Holiness, the Dalai Lama and is worth a visit. The
Tibetan Institute of performing Arts (TIPA) is 1km. walk from
McLeod Ganj and preserves a number of musical dance and theatrical
traditions of Tibet. It holds an annual 10-day folk opera
commencing on the second Saturday of April. There is also a
Tibetan handicraft centre situated at McLeod Ganj and a Sunday
market is organized at about 10 minutes walk from here.
BHAGSUNAG FALLS: At a
distance of 11 kms. from Lower Dharamshala, Bhagsunag can be
approached by road, here an old temple, a fresh water spring and
restaurant are located. Further about 2 kms. is beautiful
Bhagsunag water falls which sooths one's eyes.
ST.JOHN'S CHURCH: The church
of St. John's in the wilderness lies on a motorable road between
McLeod Ganj and Forsythe Ganj 8 kms. from Lower Dharamshala. It
has a monument of Lord Elgin, one of the Viceroys of India, who
died in Dharamshala and was buried here in 1863.
DAL LAKE: The lake lies
amidst hills and stately fir trees 11kms. from Lower Dharamshala
connected by motorable road. It is the starting point of
excursions and trekking and is located next to the Tibetan
Children's village.
DHARAMKOT: Situated on the
crest of hill 11kms. from Dharamshala. This picnic spot affords a
panoramic view of the Kangra valley, Pong Dam lake and Dhauladhar
ranges.
TRIUND (2975 m): 20 kms. from
Dharamshala, Triund lies at the feet of the perpetually snow clad
Dhauladhar at the height of 2975 m . The snow line starts at ilaqa,
5 kms. from Triund. It is a popular picnic and trekking spot.
WAR MEMORIAL: Set amidst
beautiful surroundings , this memorial is built near the entry
point to Dharamshala to commemorate the memory of those who fought
valiantly for the defence of the motherland.
KUNAL PATHRI: A level 3kms.
walk from Kotwali Bazar leads upto the rock temple of the local
goddess.
JWALAMUKHI TEMPLE: The famous
temple of Jwalamukhi is 30kms. from Kangra and 56 kms from
Dharamshala. Dedicated to the "GODDESS OF LIGHT", the temple is
one of the most popular Hindu temples in northern India. There is
no idol of any kind the flame is considered as a manifestation of
the goddess. An eternally burning and shining blue flame emanates
from the rock sanctum and is fed by the priests with the offerings
of devotees. The golden tower (dome) of the temple was a gift from
the Emperor Akbar.
TRILOKPUR: It is situated 41
kms. from Dharamshala and can be approached by road the natural
cave temple of Trilokpur contains a stalactite and stalagamite is
dedicated to Shiva. High on the ridge of the cave are ruins of a
palace and baradari (audience hall) of Lehna Singh Majitha,
Governor of Kangra hills during the Sikh rule.
NURPUR: 66kms. from
Dharamshala , Nurpur is famous for an old fort and a temple of
Brij Raj. Nurpur acquired its name in 1672, when Jahangir, the
Mughal Emperor named it after his wife Nurjahan. Nurpuri shawls
are good.
MASRUR: Known for its
monolithic rock temples, Masrur is 15kms. south of Kangra. There
are 15 rock cut temples in Indo-Aryan style and richly carved. The
temples partly ruined now are profusely decorated with sculptural
ornamentations , conceived in the same manner as the great temple
of Kailash at Elora in Maharastra with which they bear a striking
resemblance. The main temple is dedicated to Lord Ram, Lakshman
and Sita.
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