Dharamshala is the district headquarters of Kangra district of Himachal Pradesh, India. Dharamshala has been selected as one of the hundred Indian cities to be developed as a smart city under PM Narendra Modi's flagship Smart Cities Mission. On 19 January 2017, Chief Minister Virbhadra Singh declared Dharamshala as the second capital of Himachal Pradesh state, making Himachal Pradesh the third state of India with two capitals after Jammu and Kashmir and Maharashtra.
Here are the top ten places you should not miss whenever you plan a trip to Dharamshala.
1. Dharamshala Cricket Association Stadium
The stadium served as the home ground for the Himachal Pradesh cricket team for Ranji Trophy matches and other domestic matches. The stadium also hosted some IPL matches as a home stadium for Kings XI Punjab.
The charming venue is unique in India as it is situated at an altitude of 1,457 m above the sea level and has the snow-capped Himalayan mountains in the background. An ideal destination for sports lovers indeed!
2. Namgyal Monastery
It was founded in either 1564 or 1565 as Phende Lekshe Ling by the Third Dalai Lama Gendun Gyatso, Namgyal Monastery was renamed in honour of the female long-life deity Namgyälma in 1571. This monastery's key role is to assist with rituals involving the Dalai Lama of Tibet. A historical interesting place to visit.
3. Dal Lake
The urban lake is integral to tourism and recreation in Kashmir and is named the “Jewel in the crown of Kashmir” or “Srinagar's Jewel”. The lake is also an important source for commercial operations in fishing and water plant harvesting. The lake has numerous sites and places of interest, many of which are important to the cultural heritage of Srinagar like Shalimar Bagh and Nishat Bagh. Pay a visit and let us know how was it!
4. Tsuglagkhang Complex Dalai Lama Temple
An important Buddhist shrine (located opposite to the Namgyal Monastery in the same courtyard) in the town is the Tsuglagkhang or Tsuglag Khang, known as the Dalai Lama's temple. It houses the statues, in sitting postures, of Shakyamuni (gilded)- the central image.
So do visit this religious and peaceful place and all your stress and tensions will go on a vacation.
5. The Tibet Museum
The Tibet Museum's mission is to document, preserve, research, and exhibit and educate the public on all matters related to Tibetan history and culture. The Tibet Museum is the official museum of the Central Tibetan Administration's Department of Information and International Relations and is located near the main temple of the 14th Dalai Lama, Tsuglag Khang, in the Dharamshala suburb of McLeod Ganj.
6. Bhagsunag Falls
This enchanting waterfall is located about 11 km from Dharamshala and is easily approachable by road. It is one of the best tourist attractions in Dharamshala and is known for its old temple, a freshwater spring, and slate quarry a waterfall surrounded by stunning cliffs and trees. You can take a dip in the chilly water of this fall and visit the Bhagsunag temple to seek the blessing of Lord Shiva. The Bhagsunag Fall falls on the way to Triund, so you can continue with your journey to Triund once they visit this elegant fall. Do make sure to visit this spot, which is also an important place for Hindu pilgrims.
7. Kangra Fort
The Kangra Fort is located 20 kilometres from the town of Dharamsala on the outskirts of Kangra town. The fort stands on a steep rock in Purana Kangra dominating the surrounding valley, built strategically at the "Sangam" confluence (places where two rivers meet) of Banganga and Majhi rivers. It is said that Kangra belongs to one who owns the fort.
8. Chintpurni Devi Temple
The Chinnamastika Devi is a divine embodiment of self-sacrifice and thereby the Chintpurni Shri is considered as a Shakti Peetha. The mythology of Daksha Yaga and Sati's self-immolation is the mythology liked to the Shakti Peethas. Shakti Peethas are holy shrines of Shakti associated with a mythology that says about the falling of body parts of the corpse of Sati Devi when Lord Shiva carried it and wandered in sorrow. There are 51 Shakti Peeth associated with the 51 alphabets in Sanskrit. It is believed that Sati Devi's feet fell here in this place.
9. Aghanjar Mahadev Temple
Khaniyara is a suburb of Dharamshala town, situated in the foothills of Dhauladhar mountains, in Kangra district of the state of Himachal Pradesh, India. this temple is located here and is worth watching. It is the temple devoted to Lord Shiva.
10. Indrahar Pass
Indrahar Pass is a mountain pass in the Dhauladhar range of the Himalayas. It is located above the sea level, near the tourist town of Dharamshala in Himachal Pradesh. The trekking trail to Indrahar pass starts from Galu Devi temple above Dharamkot village near Dharamsala and passes through the camping ground of Triund, Ilaqua/Laka Got, and Lahesh Caves. On the other side of the pass, the camping sites include Chhata caves at 3242 metres and Kuarsi village in Chamba at 2,260 metres.
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So, these are the top sights which deserve your visit. How many places have you visited yet?