Dharamshala:

The charming hill resort also known as the ‘Scotland of India’ is the district headquarters of Kangra. It is one of the 80 hill resorts established by the British. Mcleod Ganj and Forsyth Ganj, the suburbs of upper Dharamshala still retain the British flavor, while the lower Dharamshala is a busy commercial centre. The resort lies on the spur of the Dhauladhar range and the snow line easily accessible as compared to other hill resorts. Today, Dharamshala is popular world over for being the headquarters of His Holiness the Dalai Lama and is also referred as the “Little Lhasa in India”.

War Memorial (3 kms):

It lies near the entry point of Dharamshala and was erected in memory of the post independence war heroes of Himachal.

Kunal Pathri (3 kms):

This small rock temple of a local goddess is easily approachable from Kotwali Bazar.

Kangra Art Museum:

It lies at the Kotwali bazar and exhibits rich art and crafts of the Kangra valley.

St. John Church (7 kms):

The church on the road between Mcleod Ganj and Forsythe Ganj has a memorial of Lord Elgin, one of the Viceroy’s of India, who died Dharamshala in 1863.

McLeod Ganj (9 kms):

It is the headquarters if HH the Dalai Lama. Places worth seeing are the Monastery, Tibetan Institute of Performing Arts and Tibetan Handicraft centre. There is a large presence of Tibetan community and McLeodganj teems with Tibetan restaurants, antique and curio shops.

Bhagsunag:

The beautiful site 2 kms. From Mcleodganj has an old temple and water spring. About 0.5 kms. from here is the spectacular Bhagsunag waterfall.

Around Dharamshala

Dal Lake:

The pretty lake amidst forest of Deodar is 2 kms. from MeLeodganj.

Dharamkot:

The picturesque site is 3 kms. from MeLeodganj on the crest of a hill. It affords a fine view of the Kangra valley, Pong Dam Lake and Dhauladhar ranges.

Chamunda Devi Temple (16 kms):

The famous temple is on the banks of river Baner with Dhauladhar in the backdrop. On the rear side is a sacred Shivalinga.

Kareri (22 kms):

It is 13 kms. trek from McLeoganj and is Known for Kareri Lake, Durbasa and Kali temples.

Triund (20 kms):

The popular picnic and trekking site lies at the base of snow clad Dhauladhar ranges.

Trilokpur (41 kms):

The natural cave temple of Lord Shiiva has stalactite and stalagmite formations. Nearby are relics of the palace of Lehna Singh Majitha, the governor of Kangra hills.

KANGRA:

The historic town 17 kms. from Dharamshala is set on the confluence of the Bener and Majhi streams, overlooking the torrent of Banganga river. The capital of the Kangra rulers attracted many invaders. It was conquered by the forces of Jahangir in 1620 and was re-captured by Raja Sansar Chand Katoch in the 18th century. Kangra is famous for its temples, fort and paintings.

Nagarkot (3 kms):

The fort mostly in ruins now withstood the onslaught of the forces of Mahmud of Ghazni and Jahangir. It was almost ravaged by an earthquake in 1905. The splendid view from its ramparts is truly awesome.

Brajeshwari Devi Temple:

The shrine noted for its legendary wealth was invaded in 1909, by Mahmud of Ghazni. It is said that he looted the rich treasures of the temple. The earthquake of 1905, completely destroyed the shrine and was rebuilt in 1920.

Around Kangra

Jwalamukhi Temple (30 kms):

This unique shrine of Jwalamukhi, the ‘goddess of the flaming mouth’ is one of the most important pilgrim centres of northern India. There is no idol in the shrine and an eternal flame rising from the rocky sanctum is worshipped here. The ‘Shaktipeeth’ is believed to be the site where the tongue of Goddess Sati, the consort of Lord Shiva fell.

Masrur (15 kms.):

Rock temples

Nurpur:

It is 66 kms. from Dharamshala and is known for and old fort, a temple of Brij Raj and Nurpuri shawls. Jahangir named the town after his wife Nurjahan.

Palampur:

Picturesque Palampur set amidst tea plantations and pine trees is endowed with exceptional scenic beauty and bracing climate.

Neugal Khad:

Fine view of the Dhauladhar ranges.

Bandla:

Tea estate and factory.

Andretta (13 Kms):

Home of the famous artists, Sobha Singh, Ms. Nora Richards and B. C. Sanyal. The house of Sobha Singh is now an art gallery, exhibiting his exquisite works.

Baijnath (16 kms):

The sacred shrine built in ‘Nagari’ style is dedicated to Lord Shiva as Vaidyanath, the Lord of Physicians. The Shivalinga enshrined within the sanctum is said to be one of 12 jyotirlingas in India. A large fair is held here on Shivaratri.

Bir:

Beautiful Bir surrounded by tea gardens is known for Buddhist monasteries and is also a perfect landing ground for para-fliders.

Billing:

It is 14 kms. from Bir and is a paradise for aero sports lovers.

HOW TO REACH

By Air: Nearest airport for Dharamshala is Gaggal (13 kms.).

By Rail: Pathankot (85 kms.) is the nearest broad gauge railway station. Narrow gauge station is at Kangra.

By Road: Well connected by good network of roads.