Languages Spoken:
Himachali, Hindi, English
Best Time To Visit:
March To November
Long Distance Code:
+91-1892
Importance:
Head quarters of Dalai Lama
Dharamshala, the district head quarter of the Kangra district is around 235 kms from the capital of the state, Shimla. Perched on the spur of the Dhauldhar range it is about 18 km north east of Kangra Town. It is clearly divided in upper and lower Dharamshala and has the altitude difference of nearly 1000 meters.
The most fertile and undulating valley surrounded by hills on three sides and a valley in the front is the beautiful hill station of Dharamshala. Lying between the gentle Shivalik Hills and the foothills of the mighty Dhauldhar with lush terraces, wooded hills, manicured tea gardens and sparkling streams; Dharamshala is better known as the little Lhasa of India owing to the dwelling of many Tibetan Buddhists. Dharamshala over looks the plains and is surrounded by dense pine trees and Deodar forests. The snow capped mountains in distant view and small streams turning and twisting all through, bestows the sobriquet of a picture perfect hill station to Dharamshala. The colourful temple and Gompas, which reflect the culture of Tibet only adds to the beauty of town.
The small town is more than 150 years old they say. It became the capital of the Kangra rulers in 1852. The Tibetan exodus began in 1906 that earlier chose Dalhousie but later shifted to the higher altitude of Mcleodganj in Dharamshala. Today this little Lhasa of India has more of Tibetan population and the Tibetan culture dominates the town, but still the town has retained its colonial and British flavour.
Today it is the temporary residence of the great Dalai Lama.
