Dharamshala
Built along a spur of the Dhauladhar range the
hill station of Dharamshala is divided into several totally separable parts, with each
part lying on a different level. While the lowest end of the town is at a height of 1250 m
the higher part is just below the snowline thus leading to a wide variation in temperature
between the top and the bottom.
Originally a British hill resort Dharamshala today is characterised by a strong Tibetan
influence.
Dharamshala
Nearest airport, Kangra is 12 km. Broad gauge railhead at Pathankot is 90 km which connects it to all the major cities. Dharamshala is well connected by road.
PLACES OF INTEREST
St. John's Church, Macleodganj, School of Tibetan Studies, Tibetan Institute for the Performing Arts, and a handicrafts centre.
EXCURSIONS
Triund (2975 m) -- a popular picnic and trekking spot, Chinmaya Tapovan (10 km) -- an ashram complex built by Swami Chinmayananda, Dal Lake (11 km) -- picnic spot surrounded by pine forests, Dharampot at 2100 m offers breathtaking views of the Kangra Valley and the Dhauladhar Peaks, Bhagsunath and Tatwan & Machhrial -- two beautiful waterfalls; Chamundi Devi Temple (15 km) and Trilokpur (4 km) a cave temple.
ACCOMMODATION
Surya Resorts, McLeodganj. Phone: 21868; Fax: 22768.
Bhagsu (HPTDC). Phone: 21091.
Hotel Dhauladhar (HPTDC), Kotawali Bazar. Phone: 24926, 24928; Fax: 24212.
Yatri Niwas (HPTDC), Near Bus Stand. Phone: 23163.
Yatri Niwas (HPTDC), Chamunda Devi. Phone: 82065.
Hotel Jwalaji (HPTDC), Jwalamukhi. Phone: (01970) 2280-1.
Yatri Niwas (HPTDC), Chintpurni. Phone: (019766) 5234.