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Destinations in Himachal
 
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August 2009
Travelogue - Delhi - Manali - Road trip & Road map.

A long weekend and it was time for a hillstation tour as the heat and humidity in Delhi was unbearable this August 2009. As to all hillstations nearby were ventured many a time we had to check out a new place, yes this time it was Manali. Club Mahindra gave us the facility for a 3 day halt at Club Mahindra Snow Peaks with the necessary guidance.
HimachalPradesh, the state with a lot to explore. Lakes, rivers, forests, valleys and towering mountains, all abound here. The state has thoroughly been blessed by nature. And it has all the means to satisfy a tourist's wandering soul. Be it adventure sports, bird watching or just admiring nature's bounty. You'll find it all here in Himachal Pradesh. 
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You are here - Home - North India - Himachal Pradesh - Dharamshala
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Set against the backdrop of of the dramatic Dhauladhar mountains, Dharamshala is perched on the high slopes in the upper reaches of Kangra valley. It is a charming town with elegant bunglows nestling in the conifer forests. Dharamshala is alo the home of of the Dhalai Lama, the spiritual head of Buddhism who is now headquartered at McLeodganj (Upper Dharamshala). Little Lhasa is an enchanting world where spinning prayer wheels and fluttering prayer flags spread the message of peace and universal harmony.
How to Reach

The nearest airport is at Gaggal 13 kms from Dharamshala and 23 kms from McLeodganj. The flight is subject to conducive weather conditions. Taxis are available from the airport to Dharamshala, Kangra, Palampur and other centres of the valley.

Reaching Dharamshala by road

Dharamshala is just off National Highway 20 and is linked by road transport to all major centres in the world.



Places to See

Dal lake
It is 11 kms from Dharamshala the lake is sorrounded by rhododendrons, deodars, and juniper trees. The lake has an enchanting picnic spot.

McLeodganj
It is called Little Lhasa at 1,770 m this is the residence of Dalai Lama and the Tibetan government in exile which has been here for over three decades. The monastery has larger than life images of Buddha, Padmasambhava and Avlokteshwara. 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.They organise a 10 day festival from the second Saturday every April. There is also a Tibetan handicraft centre situated at McLeod Ganj and a Sunday market.

Bhagsunath
11 kms from Dharamshala close to the fresh water springs is the temple of Bhagsunath. It is a popular oicnic spot and has the famous slate quarries nearby. Further about 2kms. is the beautiful Bhagsunag water falls.

Triund
It is 2,827 m and around 17 kms from Dharamshala. The snowline starts at ilaqua which is 5 kms from here. It is a popular picnic and trekking spot. A ropeway is being built from Dharamshala to this place.

Masrur
23 kms from Dharamshala is this monolithic temple which appears very similar to the temples of Ellora. These is the only shrines carved out of live rock in North India. There are 15 temples in the Indo Aryan style. The images of Rama, Laxman and sita are seen in the main temple. The temple has a water pond. The snow clad Dhauladhar gives a panoramic view from here.

Chintpurni Temple
This Shakti temple has many devotees coming here daily. In August there is a fair held for 10 days here.

Nadaun
Situated on the Shimla - Dharamshala road there is a old palace and an ancient Shiva temple here. The palace has some of the old paintings. The Shaktipeeth Jwala temple is 14 kms away from here. Adventure sport enthusiasts can have a campling sites for anglers, river rafting can be done at Dehra and so on.

Chamunda Devi temple
15 kms from Dharamshala is the famous temple of Goddess of Chamunda Devi. The temple has 'lingam' which represents Lord Shiva. The temple has a glorious view of the Dhauladhar, the Baner and the Dadh. A trek of about 16 km up in the Dhauladhar ranges is the ancient temple of Aadi Himani Chamunda.   

Nurpur
Nurpur has  an old fort and a temple of Brij Raj. Nurpur Fort got its name when Jahangir, the Mughal Emperor named it after his wife Nurjahan. It has picture of men, women, children, the kings, gods and goddesses etc on its walls. It is a beautiful fort. The Brij Raj world is dedicated to Lord Krishna. It has a black stone idol of Lord Krishna.

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.
Fairs and Festivals  I  Adventure & Sports in Himachal  I  Distance chart