INTRODUCTION:
Dharamshala is popularly known to Indians as home to a pleasant climate and imposing mountains. Dharamshala is a city within the Kangra district of Himachal Pradesh. It is the administrative center of Kangra and a very popular tourist destination all over India. McLeodganj is a suburb of Dharamshala.
Dharamkot:
Dharamkot is a hill station within the Kangra district near Dharamshala.The restaurants here provide Israeli cuisines and many locals have trained themselves in speaking Israeli fluently.
Bhagsu is a small village located near McLeodganj in Dharamshala and is famous for Bhagsunath falls and pristine Bhagsunath temple.These are all important and popular tourist destinations visited widely by people across India and the world.
Weather
The weather in Dharamshala is quite pleasant throughout the year owing to its high elevation. The temperature during summers (April-June) remains around 25 degrees and the season marks the peak of tourism in the region.
Monsoon
(Jul-Sept) brings intense rains in Dharamshala making the region quite wet. It is not a bad time to visit Dharamshala as the beauty of the landscape is in full swing and it’s easy to find accommodation at this time because tourists almost desert the region during rainy seasons. The bad news about monsoon season in Dharamshala is that it closes down the trek routes since slippery treks make very dangerous ground for trekking.
During winter (Oct-March),
the region receives heavy snowfall. The average temperature remains around 4 to 7 degrees and sometimes drops to zero. The winters remain extreme and are good if you wish to relish the snow-filled landscape.
Places to visit in Dharamshala
Dharamshala is blessed with abundant tourist attractions and activities. If you wish to explore Dharamshala you must save at least 3 to 4 days for the trip.
The key attractions and activities are illustrated below.
Places to visit in McLeodganj
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Monasteries
Dharamshala, being the seat of Tibetan monks and leader Dalai Lama is also home to Tibetan culture and a rich Buddhist lifestyle. There are several monasteries like Dalai Lama Temple (Tsuglagkhang Monastery), Namgyal Monastery, Gyuto Monastery, and Norbulingka Institute. The atmosphere in these monasteries is so serene and spiritual that it penetrates every soul.
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Tibetan Museum
The Tibetan museum in Dharamshala is the best place to learn about Tibetan history in an effortless and captivating way. It depicts the history of Tibet, its tense relationship with China, and the escape of the Dalai Lama.
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Masroor rock cut temple
Masroor rock cut temple is a monolithic rock temple situated 45 kilometers from McLeodganj. It is shrouded with mythical tales of origin and is associated with the stay of Pandavas during their exile. The architecture resembles that of Mahabalipuram and Elephanta caves.
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Kangra Fort
Located 20 kilometers from Dharamshala, it is the largest and oldest fort in the Himalayan region. Built by the katoch King Susharma Chandra after the Mahabharata war. Its significance is both in terms of history and architectural aesthetics.
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Bhangsu waterfall
It takes around 300 steps to reach the waterfalls from the temple. It is an amazing spot for a short picnic. An attraction near the falls is shiva cafe which serves hot momos and maggie.
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Triund hill trek
Nestled in the lap of the Dhauladhar ranges, Triund hill is 2,842 meters high, located at a distance of 9 kilometers from Mcleodganj. Paragliding offers a mesmerizing view of dhauladhar ranges.
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Bir Billing
Though not located in Mcleodganj it is a perfect spot for paragliding. Situated 70 kilometers from Dharamshala it offers suitable topography, wind speed, and direction for paragliding. It provides a surreal spectacle of the valley below. It takes a day to reach Bir Billing from Dharamshala.