Places to see in Dharamshala, Dharamshala himachal, Dharamshala India, Dharamshala travel

Places to see in Dharamshala-

Dharamshala also called as the 'Mini Lhasa' because the headquarters of the Tibetan Government in exile is situated here, has many religious places and some gorgeous natural scenic beauty. The calm and serenity of the place together with the spiritual condiments make this place a delight to watch. The high pine trees , the tea gardens and timber yielding trees make this place breathtakingly beautiful. Some of the places worth watching in Dharamshala are-

Tsuglagkhang complex-

Located on the temple road this place has tha largest Tibetan temple located outside Tibet. The temple complex has a large central meditation hall containing some beautiful statues and thangkas, as well as a Kalachakra temple with beautiful murals. It is the monastery of His Holiness, Dalai Lama. The residence of Dalai Lama is located just in front of this temple.

Jwalamukhi temple-

This is one of the famous temples in northern India and is situated about 56 kms from Dharamshal. The temple is dedicated to the "Goddess of Light". Unlike other Hindu temples, this temple doesn't contain any idol instead , the flame inside the temple is regarded as the 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, The Mughal Badshah.

Jwalamukhi temple also witnesses two fairs held during the festival of Navratra, one in the month of April and other in October. HPTDC cottages and some guest houses and hotels are available near the temple for devotees.

Bhagsunath Temple-

Located about 11kms from Lower Dharamshala and about 3 kms from Upper Dharamshala (McLeodganj) near the village of Bhagsu. Bhagsunath temple is an ancient temple. The temple complex contains a tank and a spring which are considered sacred by Hindus. The temple contains an idol of Lord Hanuman. The Bhagsunath temple is also famous for annual fair which is held in the month of September every year.The temple is the kul devta of the First Gorkha Rifles from the time that the regiment was based in Dharamshala.

Bhagsunag falls-

Bhagsunag falls is located just behind the Bhagsunath temple in the village of Bhagsu.The ideal time to see this fall is during rainy season when it turns into beautiful cascade with a lot of water rolling down from the top of the peak.The mountain side of the fall is decorated with stylish slate graffiti. It is an ideal spot for picnics and recreation.

Dal Lake-

Located about 13 kms from Lower Dharamshals ,Dal lake is beautifully placed spot with Deodar forest surrounding it from all side.It is the starting point of excursions and trekking and is located next to the Tibetan Children's village.There is a small Shiva temple on the bank of the lake. The spot witnesses a fair in the month of September which is attended by Gaddi folk and other people in the district.

Kunal Pathari-

Kunal pathari can be accssed by a 3km level walk from Kotwali Bazaar. The temple is dedicated to Goddess Kapaleshwari. This rock temple has beautiful rock crvings of Gods and Goddesses. It is believed that the Kapal (skull) of Devi Sati fell here after being cut off by the chakra of Lord Vishnu.

Masroor-

Located about 40 kms from Dharamshala and at an altitude of about 400 mts Masroor is famous for its monolithic rock cut temples. There are about 15 temples that show striking resemblance with the temples located in Elora and Mahabalipuram. The temples ar dedicated to Lord Rama ,Lakshman and Sita. These partly ruined temples are built in Indo- Aryan style and are profusely decorated with sculptural ornamentations.

Nurpur-

Located about 60 kms from Dharamshala this place is named after the wife of Mughal emperor Jehangir, Nurjehan. Nurpur is famous for an old fort and the temple of Brij Raj. You can buy the Nurpuri shawls from here. Options to stay here are limited with a few guest houses and a HPTDC rest house.

Temple of Chamunda Devi-

Located on the Palampur road about 15 kms from Dharamshal this temple is dedicated to Goddess Chamunda Devi. You can watch the exquisitely beautiful sight of Dauladhar ranges and adjoining valleys from here. The Baner Khud flowing from beside the temple adds to the beauty of the place. A legend is attached with this place which has been quite aptly described at India site.

It has to do with the two demons, Chanda and Munda, trying to harass the goddess Ambika. The duo, followers of the notorious demon king, Shumbh Nishumbh, once set out for the Himalayas with their chaturangini army. Upon reaching here, they saw the devi (goddess) sitting high up on a peak, smiling to herself. Chanda and Munda then flew their arrows at her.

Furious at this, Ambika knitted her brows and lo! From their folds emerged this terrifying form of Kali, decked up in a cheetah skin sari (long piece of cloth cleverly draped by Indian women) and a garland of skulls. Kali fought all the demons singlehandedly and killed Chanda and Munda. Pleased, Ambika declared that Kali would now be worshipped here as Chamunda – a compound of Chanda and Munda. That is how the temple is supposed to have come up.
Source

Chamunda Devi temple is said to be more than 700 years old .The temple compound has a small tank in it where devoptees take a dip. The idol inside the temple is considered very much sacred, so muvh so, that it is concealed even for the eyes to a glimpse of it.

Trilokpur-

Trilokpur is situated about 41 kms away from Dharamshala and is famous of natural cave temple dedicated to Goddess Mahamaya Bala Sundri.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.The Goddess of the Trilokpur Temple resembles a stone lingam like Lord Shiva.

Triund-

Located about 20 kms away from Dharamshala , Triund lies at the foothill of Dauladhar peak and at a height of about 3000 mts. The snowline starts at Ilaqa wich is about 5 kms from here. Triund is a favourite picnic spot fr tourists and starting point for many trekking camps. A ropeway is being installed from Dharamshala to this place.

The Tibetan Institute of Performing arts-

It 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.

Gyote Ramoche Monastery-

This is an imposing structure called the Gyuto Ramoche Monastery (near Dharamshala). It is the base for the Karmapa Llama who is the second most respected religious authority after the Dalai Lama. He is also controversial ever since he escaped from Chinese control and arrived in India after an arduous 8 day trip across the Himalayas.

Norbuligka institute-

Norbuligka institute provides training ,education and employment to Tibetans.It supports an environment in which Tibetan community and family values can flourish. It reconciles the traditional creatively and respectfully with the modern, and seeks to create an international awareness of Tibetan values and their expression in art and literature. The inside of the institute is calm ,clean and very beautiful.