About Dharamshala, Himachal Pradesh
Located at the foot of the spectacular Dhauladhar mountain range, the town of Dharamshala overlooks the lush Kangra Valley in the north Indian state of Himachal Pradesh. Renowned for its natural beauty and its ancient Hindu temples, Dharamshala is also world famous as the home of the Dalai Lama and the centre of the Tibetan community in exile.
Strung out across a series of ridges that fan out from the lower reaches of the Dhauladhar mountains, Dharamshala is made up of several parts. The main attraction is McLeod Ganj, a former British hill station in upper Dharamshala where Tibetan refugees have made their home.
Dharamshala is easily reached by plane, train, bus and taxi. The nearest airport is a convenient 15 kilometres away. The railhead, Pathankot, is approximately two hours away by car. Several buses make the nightly run to Delhi and the town is also well connected to major destinations in Himachal Pradesh and neighbouring states.
Located at the foot of the spectacular Dhauladhar mountain range, the town of Dharamshala overlooks the lush Kangra Valley in the north Indian state of Himachal Pradesh. Renowned for its natural beauty and its ancient Hindu temples, Dharamshala is also world famous as the home of the Dalai Lama and the centre of the Tibetan community in exile.
Strung out across a series of ridges that fan out from the lower reaches of the Dhauladhar mountains, Dharamshala is made up of several parts. The main attraction is McLeod Ganj, a former British hill station in upper Dharamshala where Tibetan refugees have made their home.
Dharamshala is easily reached by plane, train, bus and taxi. The nearest airport is a convenient 15 kilometres away. The railhead, Pathankot, is approximately two hours away by car. Several buses make the nightly run to Delhi and the town is also well connected to major destinations in Himachal Pradesh and neighbouring states.
HISTORY :
The history of Dharamsala dates back more than 3,500 years. The earliest known tribe was the "Dasu Warriors", who were later assimilated by the Aryans.
British, who stay here till the independence of India, were annexed this hill station in 1848. In 1849, the British posted a regiment here, but this small township did not remain a military base for long ! The pine-clad hillsides continued to flourish as a romantic – health resort for the English Sahibs and Mem-Sahibs. The two main areas at that time were Mcleodganj, named after Lt. Governor of Punjab, David Mcleod and Forsythganj. Lord Elgin, Viceroy of British India liked this sleepy hamlet so much that it was his desire to be buried here at St. John's Church in the Wilderness in 1863.
After India achieved Independence in 1947, His Holiness the 14th Dalai Lama of Tibet on his “famous” flight to freedom from his native place of birth – TIBET, under Communist occupation…came to India in 1959. In March 10, 1960 His Holiness the Dalai Lama of Tibet along with his people came to Dharamsala and made it His Home in effect the Tibetan Govt-in –exile. Today, thousands of Tibetan refugees have made this scenic Kangra Valley, their home. With them came the different Tibetan flavours of Lhasa making it popularly known as the Little Lhasa of Tibet.!
The history of Dharamsala dates back more than 3,500 years. The earliest known tribe was the "Dasu Warriors", who were later assimilated by the Aryans.
British, who stay here till the independence of India, were annexed this hill station in 1848. In 1849, the British posted a regiment here, but this small township did not remain a military base for long ! The pine-clad hillsides continued to flourish as a romantic – health resort for the English Sahibs and Mem-Sahibs. The two main areas at that time were Mcleodganj, named after Lt. Governor of Punjab, David Mcleod and Forsythganj. Lord Elgin, Viceroy of British India liked this sleepy hamlet so much that it was his desire to be buried here at St. John's Church in the Wilderness in 1863.
After India achieved Independence in 1947, His Holiness the 14th Dalai Lama of Tibet on his “famous” flight to freedom from his native place of birth – TIBET, under Communist occupation…came to India in 1959. In March 10, 1960 His Holiness the Dalai Lama of Tibet along with his people came to Dharamsala and made it His Home in effect the Tibetan Govt-in –exile. Today, thousands of Tibetan refugees have made this scenic Kangra Valley, their home. With them came the different Tibetan flavours of Lhasa making it popularly known as the Little Lhasa of Tibet.!
WHEATHER :
Dharamsala is at an altitude of 1700m, so be prepared for all types of weather. The cool summer months were the prime motivators, which made the British to choose Dharamshala as their summer capital. While summers are pleasant, during winters the temperature sinks to freezing point and it becomes imperative to protect oneself from chilly winds and minus temperature, in the hill station. The spring and summer season will completely keep you enchanted with diverse hued flowers adding bewitching beauty to the freshly snow melted hill station. July to September is a time in Dharamshala which is famous for heavy rains in the region. During the months of December to February, Dharamshala is completely covered with pure white snow. Please bring wet-weather gear during monsoon and thermals or warm clothes during the winter months. Be sure to bring a good pair of hiking boots or walking shoes to enjoy the beautiful surrounding nature of the Himalayan foothills.
Summer
Being located in sub-Himalayan range of mountains, Dharamsala experiences pleasing weather conditions in summer also. The summer season in Dharamshala lasts from March to July. This season is ideal for touring Dharamsala, since the weather is neither too hot nor too cold. Here the mercury doesn't touch 300 centigrade and beyond. The pleasant summers of Dharamshala in fact are a reason, why many of the people from plains flock to the hill station. Light cotton clothes are suitable during this season. The summer days are pleasant at Dharamshala while the nights become slightly cold.
