Dharamshala is situated in Himachal Pradesh's Kangra district. Many people are unaware that the city is divided into two sections. One is Lower Dharamshala, which is its commercial hub and is lined with marketplaces, courts, and the well-known Kotwali Bazaar, where you may find commonplace goods. In addition to Mcleodganj, Upper Dharamshala is home to additional buildings that serve as reminders of its colonial heritage. Each of the city's two sections has something unique to offer. It gives you as a visitor the chance to relax and enjoy the natural beauty of the area.

The massive snow-capped peaks of the Dhauladhar Range provide a constant view of Dharamshala. At Mcleodganj, where the Tibetan community predominates, one can observe the much-discussed Tibetan Buddhist culture. It is located at an astounding height of 2,082 meters and is a suburb of the city. Along with restaurants serving a range of Tibetan cuisine, from momos to Thenthu, the main street is lined with stores selling Tibetan arts and crafts. The Tsuglagkhang Complex, the 14th Dalai Lama's official residence, is the focal point of the majority of the market. Of course, Tibetan exiles use it as a place of pilgrimage.

Travelers come to see the Dalai Lama, see the museum, observe the monks' debates, and simply enjoy the atmosphere that the location exudes.

Once you have had your fill of Dharamshala's Tibetan side, proceed to the St. John's Church in the Wilderness, a magnificent building from the British Raj. It was constructed in 1852 and features neo-Gothic architecture. It is among the few structures in the area that survived the terrible 1905 earthquake. In its grounds, Lord Elgin was laid to rest. Keep an eye out for its Belgian stained glass windows when you're there.

When visiting Dharamshala, you should also stop by Bhagsunag Falls. It seems like a long piece of white silk from a distance, and as it gets closer to the base, it splits in two. It is located adjacent to the Bhagsunag Temple and Mcleodganj. July through September is the ideal time of year to visit the waterfall. The Kangra Art Museum introduces visitors to Dharamshala's rich history. You must go in the direction of Kotwali Bazaar to get there. Despite its small size, it has a fascinating assortment of objects. Among these are the well-known Kangra miniature paintings, crafts, and sculptures from the fifth century.

The region's traditional attire is on display in one area of the museum, while in another, you can view antique furniture, pandals, and carved doors that were once used by royalty. Coins, manuscripts, and jewelry are also part of its collection. When visiting Dharamshala, you should also make time to visit the Norbulingka Institute. As soon as you go inside, you're met with gardens in the Japanese style, an abundance of trees, and the characteristic Tibetan architecture. The War Memorial is one of Dharamshala's other tourist destinations.

Because it is situated at the city's entrance, it is hard to overlook. Aside from its evident historical significance, people are drawn to it because of the solitude and the chance to spend time in nature.

There are numerous temples in Dharamshala, but the two most well-known are the Chamunda Devi Temple and the Kunal Pathri Temple. Of these, Chamunda Devi Temple is situated roughly 15 kilometers away from Dharamshala, the city's capital. It is a component of the Char Devi Temple in Himachal Pradesh and is regarded as a Shakti Peeth. The shrine honors the goddess as a destroyer of evil in her most terrifying guise. The visit will be worthwhile despite the possibility of crowding.

It is estimated that the temple complex's water tanks date back roughly 700 years. The other temple, Indru Nag Temple, is renowned for its tranquility and offers beautiful views of Dharamshala. It is associated with an interesting legend according to which, Lord Shiva blesses a demon who worships him deeply but is ultimately transformed into a snake after being cursed by a saint.

Next is the Gyuto Monastery, which was constructed in 1989 to honor the Dalai Lama's acceptance of the Nobel Peace Prize. In 1996, he formally opened it. The monastery is painted a vivid yellow that makes it apparent from a distance, and it is situated against the mountains. To get to the entrance, you must up a fair number of steps. Thangkas are suspended from the temple's ceiling inside. On the altars are statues of Lord Buddha and other gods.

Tourist Attractions in Dharamshala

1- Mcleodganj

The most significant area in Himachal Pradesh is Mcleodganj, sometimes referred to as Little Lhasa and is unquestionably one of the most visited tourist destinations in Dharamshala. Located in Upper Dharamshala, this picturesque hilltop is home to some of the region's prominent tourist destinations. The abode of His Holiness the Dalai Lama, the location is roughly 1770 meters above sea level. The fact that thousands of Tibetan exiles have been residing in Mcleodganj since 1959 and that the Tibetan Government in exile has had its headquarters here for more than thirty years makes it a historic location.

Mcleodganj has the name of Sir Donald Friell McLeod, the lieutenant governor of Punjab, who oversaw the development of the Mcleodganj region. With its magnificent monasteries including life-size statues of Buddha, Padmasambhava, and Avaloktwshwara, the area has become a prominent Buddhist hub. Through traditional architectural designs, Tibetan handicrafts, culture, temples, and clothing, the Tibetan community is represented in the city. Mcleodganj is home to a large number of Tibetan marketplaces, eateries, and stores that sell delectable food created with the rich flavors of Tibet and display the stunning handicrafts of Tibet.

2- Namgyal Monastery

The Dalai Lama, a Tibetan spiritual leader, resides in Namgyal Monastery, which is also the biggest Tibetan temple outside of Tibet. The second Dalai Lama created this lovely monastery in the 16th century so that Namgyal monks could help the Dalai Lama with public religious matters. In addition to serving as a center for learning and meditation on the profound Buddhist treatises, the monks who reside here carry out ceremonies for the benefit of Tibet. His Holiness the 14th Dalai Lama and thousands of Tibetans, including hundreds of Namgyal monks, escaped into neighboring Nepal, Bhutan, and India after the Red Chinese invaded Tibet in 1959. They later reestablished the Namgyal monastery in India.

The 3rd Dalai Lama founded the Namgyal Monastery in Tibet in 1575, and after the Tibetan uprising in 1959, it was moved to Dharamshala. About 200 Tibetan monks currently reside at the monastery, where they contribute to the preservation of its long-standing customs, artistic abilities, and ceremonies. Modern Tibetan and English language studies, Sutra and Tantra text analysis, Buddhist philosophy, the creation of butter sculptures, torma offerings, sand mandalas, the playing of various ceremonial musical instruments, ritual chanting, and dances are all included in the study of Buddhism.

Even people who are not interested in this religion will be captivated by the tranquil atmosphere and the majestic Buddha statues in this monastery because of its obvious beauty.

3- Bhagsunag Falls

This charming waterfall is easily accessible by road and is just 11 kilometers from Dharamshala. The ancient temple, freshwater spring, and slate quarry waterfall, encircled by breathtaking cliffs and forests, make it one of the top tourist destinations in Dharamshala. To obtain Lord Shiva's blessing, tourists can visit the Bhagsunag temple and swim in the cool fall water. Tourists can continue their journey to Triund after visiting the Bhagsunag Fall, which is located on the route to Triund.

Despite being a little distance from the town of Dharamshala, tourists make sure to see this breathtaking waterfall, which is also a significant location for Hindu pilgrims.

This waterfall, which is around 20 meters high, is a sight to behold, particularly during the rainy season. Tourists can enjoy mouthwatering appetizers and warm, served drinks at the lovely café adjacent to the fall. The Bhagsunag Fall is best viewed during a trip and is just 2 miles from Mcleoganj.

4- Triund

This breathtaking mountaintop, which is 2,827 meters above sea level, is around 17 kilometers from Dharamshala. Since the majestic snowline of the Dhauladhar range begins only 5 km from Triund and offers a mesmerizing view of the snow-covered valleys, people adore coming here. Triund is the ideal location for those looking to go hiking or have a picnic. It is a well-liked location for picnics and trekking, and people who wish to complete the return walk in a single day are encouraged to start early. This location, which is nestled in the Dhauladhar mountain range, is Dharamshala's crown treasure. It provides a magnificent view of the Kangra valley on one side and the Dhauladhar mountain on the other.

People of practically every age may easily complete this peaceful walk, which is why so many tourists from India and other countries come to this lovely location each year.

One can pass through a lovely forest of oak, deodar, and rhododendron trees on the road to Triund. The forest is much more stunning in January and February when it is completely covered in snow.

5- Dharamkot

Dharamkot, another well-known picnic location in Dharamshala, is a stunning hill station located around 14 kilometers from the city's center. It is perched atop a hill. This breathtaking location offers expansive views of the Dhauladhar peaks and the Kangra valley. From Bhagsu, it's easy to climb to Dharamkot, where visitors may take in the stunning scenery and enjoy the quick, refreshing drinks that are served at the numerous restaurants. Numerous Westerners have settled in the area, living in small guest houses and village homes while engaging in early-morning Vipassana (meditation), a component of Buddhist study and practice.

Seek blessings while taking in the picturesque vistas of the Kangra valley at the Galu Devi Temple, which is situated amid a dense forest of Deodar and Oak trees, on the road to Dharamkot.

6- War Memorial

Built to memorialize those who fought bravely for the honor of their nation, the War Memorial is situated at the entrance to the town of Dharamshala. This spot is perfectly situated in Dharamshala's pine forest and provides a delightful stroll through the forest. The stunning GPG College Dharamshala, built during British rule, and a café offering fast food and drinks are the two primary attractions close to the War Memorial. The gracefully designed War Memorial, surrounded by expansive gardens, honors the courageous individuals who gave their lives in defense of the nation and serves as a reminder that these heroes will never truly leave our memories.

The War Memorial was constructed with the names of those numerous warriors engraved on the stone in remembrance of the soldiers who died during the 1947–48 operations, 1962, 1965, and 1971 peacekeeping missions.

7- Jwalamukhi Temple

Make sure to visit the Jwalamukhi Temple, one of the most well-known ancient temples of Goddess Durga, if you are in Dharamshala. Since it is thought that Sati's tongue dropped here and the goddess appears as tiny blue flames that blaze through cracks in the ancient rock, the shrine does not have an idol. As a result, flames emanating from the rock are used to worship Jwalamukhi, the deity of fire. The King of Nepal presented a massive brass bell to the temple, which has a tiny platform in front.

Inside the temple, which is adorned with shawls and other decorations, is a mystic Yantra, or diagram of the Goddess. Many tourists come to this lovely temple to attend the prayers, which last for nearly the entire day, and to take in the picturesque vistas of the Dhauladhar range in the background. Aprayer is done five times a day, and a haven once.

8- Kumal Pathri Temple

The stunning Dhauladhar hills in Kangra district, surrounded by lush surroundings and dense tea gardens, are home to this well-known temple. It is devoted to the goddess Durga, who is said to have been preserved in a stone that is constantly damp within the temple. Beautiful carvings of gods and goddesses can be seen throughout the temple, and it is thought that the skull of Goddess Sati, Lord Shiva's wife, fell here in this location when she passed away. This temple's lovely surroundings, exquisite design, and enchanted mood draw many visitors each day.

The rock temple of the local deity is just a short stroll from Kotwali Bazaar, and the Kunal Pathari is just a few kilometers from Dharamshala. Tourists can have a good view of the Dhauladhar range, where they will be greeted by refreshing winds because the temple is close to reviving tea gardens. This location is ideal for taking a nature stroll, taking pictures, and receiving the mother goddess' blessings.

9- St. John’s Church

About 8 kilometers from Dharamshala, this majestic chapel is situated in the lovely Mcleodganj valley. The church is a monument to Lord Elgin, one of India's viceroys, who passed away at Chauntra (Mandi district) and was buried here in 1863 A.D. It is situated in a thick jungle between Mcleodganj and Forsythganj. This historic church boasts beautiful glass windows and stunning architectural design, and it is surrounded by a Christian cemetery. It's perfectly located in the wilderness's magnificent 'Deodar' woodland.

Constructed in neo-Gothic style, the St. John Church is an Anglican church devoted to John the Baptist. Lady Elgin, Lord Elgin's wife, provided the Belgian stained-glass windows that are its centerpiece. The building's strength allowed it to withstand the 1905 Kangra earthquake, which devastated the majority of the buildings in Kangra, Mcleodganj, and Dharamshala and claimed around 19,800 lives.

Best Time To Visit Dharamshala

Peak Season: March to June

Shoulder Season: December to February

Low Season: July to September

March to June (Summer)

Weather: Dharamshala experiences quite good summer weather. The flowers bloom cheerfully while the sun shines contentedly. The atmosphere is pleasant and the climate is nice. This is the ideal weather for trekking and sightseeing in Dharamshala.

Tips: Because of the city's elevation, the sun's rays are intense and direct. Do not forget to wear a hat and apply sunscreen! Make sure to wear long-sleeved t-shirts and slacks, but keep your attire airy and light. Keep a cardigan with you at all times in case it gets cold.

July to September (Monsoon)

Weather: The monsoon season in Dharamshala is a lovely and rainy time of year! The surroundings are revitalized by the showers, which make everything lush and green. Even though the days are humid, the cool wind is especially pleasant in the evenings. There is a lot of rainfall, which can be especially harsh if not managed well.

Tips: Bring an umbrella, a windbreaker, and water-resistant footwear, like gumboots. Make plans for the day based on the weather forecast so you can benefit from any downpours. Don't try to drive alone on these routes.

December to February (Winter)

Weather: Dharamshala endures harsh, icy winters like other cities in the Indian state of Himachal Pradesh. Thick layers of fog and frost cover the atmosphere as temperatures fall into the negative range. Strong wind gusts make the air even colder. To the unaided eye, the sight of the landscape covered with shimmering snow is magical.

Tips: Be sure you're prepared for the cold weather. This entails owning a decent winter jacket, woolen sweaters, scarves, mufflers, socks, and snow boots. Additionally, get some thermals! To keep your chest warm, keep protective inner garments on hand, like vests. During this period, lip balm and moisturizer will be your closest buddies.

How to Reach Dharamshala

Reach Dharamshala by Air

Even though Dharamshala is in the highlands, it has excellent air access thanks to the Gaggal Airport, which is located around 15 kilometers from McLeod Ganj, the town center. While one-stop flights arrive from all over the nation, including major cities like Hyderabad, Chennai, Mumbai, Kolkata, and Jaipur, direct flights are only offered from New Delhi. Reputable domestic airlines like IndiGo, Spice Jet, and Air India serve these. Buying plane tickets in advance is advised because prices may go up closer to your trip dates or during busy times.

Taxi services are available to transport you into town once you land at Gaggal Airport. They typically take approximately 30 minutes to go to Dharamshala and cost between INR 900 and 1000.

Given how well-connected the Indira Gandhi International Airport is to both the nation and the rest of the world, some tourists decide to limit their flights to New Delhi. If you decide to do that, it will take you 10–11 hours to go to Dharamshala by bus, taxi, or rental car.

Reach Dharamshala by Railways

Fortunately, trains are a practical and affordable way to go to Dharamshala, there is a disadvantage: there isn't a railway station in the town itself; the nearest one is Pathankot Station, which is located in Punjab and is about 86 kilometers away. However, once you get off, it's easy to find ways to travel to Dharamshala. The entire trip takes roughly four hours, and regular buses and taxis are available from the Pathankot Bus Stand.

The cities of Delhi, Agra, Jaipur, Bhopal, Mumbai, Pune, Chennai, Coimbatore, Madurai, Kochi, Trivandrum, Kolkata, Ahmedabad, Patna, and Lucknow all have direct train service to Pathankot.

Reach Dharamshala by Road

Since the roads are in decent shape, you might drive from your hometown to Dharamshala. Most will need to take the NH154 and NH503 that lead to the town after driving up to Delhi. However, there are more practical road travel choices like bus services, prepaid taxis, and rental automobiles if you don't want to drive yourself.

There are many car-rental companies in the area if you're traveling from New Delhi, and the Inter-State Bus Terminus has busses for every price range. The average cost of a premium seat, which would run overnight for about 11 hours, would be between INR 1200 and 1800. Taxis or cars should get you there faster, but it's preferable to travel during the day.

Direct buses to Dharamshala are also available from:

Pathankot, Dalhousie, Chamba, Manali and Shimla

Distance Chart:

How to Commute Within Dharamshala

On Foot

The most wonderful thing about exploring Dharamshala is that you can walk to most areas of the town, including Dharamkot, Bhagsu, and McLeod Ganj. Nearly all of the town's magnificent vistas, monuments, monasteries, cultural landmarks, restaurants, lodging facilities, and wellness centers are covered by that circuit alone. Less well-known villages like Forsyth Ganj, Talnu, and Naddi are just a short stroll away.

It is certainly an adventure to stroll around Dharamshala, so make sure not to miss it.

By Automobile or Taxi

In the main town, you can rent vehicles and cabs for longer trips or extra comfort. For popular tourist destinations and sightseeing tours, they often charge set prices. There are two types of taxi services available: privately operated and government-run. They charge about INR 250 for one-way travel across small distances. The major markets make it simple to locate the taxi of your choosing.

You can go around Dharamshala whenever you like if you have your car or a self-driven rental car, but you should use caution on the steep roads.

Using an auto-rickshaw

You can find autorickshaws in Dharamshala and throughout India! Three people can ride in comfort on the zippy three-wheelers, which are a less expensive option than cabs. Typically, they operate on set rates that range from INR 100 to 400, based on the distance traveled.

By Bus

The bus is by far the most cost-effective choice, even though it comes with certain comfort costs. From the town center, there are frequent daily buses that travel to all of the main nearby and distant sites. The buses that travel between McLeod Ganj, Bhagsu, and Dharamkot are reasonably priced (INR 10–20) and depart often. Bus travel is a safe and reasonably priced way to get around Dharamshala, even though it usually takes longer than other forms of transportation.

After learning how to go to Dharamshala, it's time to check out some incredible Thomas Cook Dharamshala Tour Packages and the top destinations in Dharamshala. Never before has vacation planning been so simple.