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The
high snow clad Dhauladhar ranges of the Himalayas form a
magnificent backdrop to the hill resort of Dharamshala.
This is the principal township of Kangra and overlooks the
wide spread of the plains. With dense pine and deodar forests,
numerous streams, cool healthy air, attractive surroundings
and the nearby snowline, Dharamshala has everything for
a perfect holiday. It is full of life and yet peaceful.
And not surprisingly, the headquarters of His Holiness the
Dalai Lama is here. |
Covering
a wide area in the form of a twin settlement, Lower Dharamshala
(1380 m) is a busy commercial center, while
Upper Dharamshala (1830 m) with the suburbs of McLeodganj and
Forsythganj, retains a British flavour and colonial lifestyle.
The charming church of St. John in the wilderness is situated
here and this is final resting place of Lord Elgin, a British
Viceroy of lndia during the l9th century. There is also a large
Tibetan community who have made this their home. Numerous ancient
temples like Jawalamukhi, Brijeshwari and Chamunda lie on the
plains below Dharamshala.
PLACES
TO VISIT
:
The
variety Dharamshala offers ranges from temples, churches and
monasteries to museums, ancient towns and places of natural
beauty. Every season and every spot has its own offering.
War
Memorial :
At
the very start of town, landscaped lawns fill a pine grove where
a monument has been raised to commemorate the post independence
war heroes of Himachal Pradesh. Kangra Art Museum.
Kangra
Art Museum :
Miniature
Paintings from the 17th century, elaborately embroidered costumes
of tribal people, wood carvings and tribal jewellary are kept
in the museum.
Kotwali
Bazar :
This
treasure love of the Kangra valley's arts, crafts and rich past
displays artifacts that date back to the 5th century. It includes
gallery of Kangra's famous miniature paintings and a representative
collection of sculptures, pottery and anthropological items.
'Shamianas' and dresses used by local royalty, old carved doors,
jails, lintels and pandals are also on display. Coins, jewellery
and manuscripts are included. A section houses the work of contemporary
artists, sculptors and photographers. The library is just below
this.
Dal
Lake :
11km
from Dharamshala and surrounded by deodar trees, the lake fills
a mountain bowl, On the motor - road, this is an enchanting
and serene picnic spot.
Mc
Leod Ganj :
Established
in 1850's as a british garrison and the home to the semi-normadic
gaddi tribe. A number of residential buildings, restaurants,
antique and curio shops, together with famous Tibetan institutions
have lent importance to McLeod Ganj. The Budha temple is situated
opposite to the present abode of His Holiness, the Dalai Lama
and is worth a visit. The Tibetan Institute of performing Arts(TIPA)
is 1km. walk from McLeod Ganj and preserves a number of musical
dance and theatrical traditions of Tibet. It holds an annual
10-day folk opera commencing on the second Saturday of April.
There is also a Tibetan handicraft centre situated at McLeod
Ganj and a Sunday market is organized at about 10 minutes walk
from here.
Norbulinka
Institute :
14
kms from Mc Leod Ganj and 4 kms from Dharamshala set amid gardens
with shady paths, woodenbridges, small streams and tiny waterfalls.
This complex has been established to teach traditional Tibetan
Art such as wood-carving, thangka painting, gold work and embroidery.
Jwalamukhi
Temple :
The
famous temple of Jwalamukhi is 30kms. from Kangra and
56 kms from Dharamshala. Dedicated to the "GODDESS OF LIGHT",
the temple is one of the most popular Hindu temples in northern
India. There is no idol of any kind the flame is considered
as a manifestation of the goddess. An eternally burning and
shining blue flame emanates from the rock sanctum and is fed
by the priests with the offerings of devotees. The golden tower
(dome) of the temple was a gift from the Emperor Akbar. Two
important fairs are held here during the Navratras in earlier
April and mid October.
Masroor
:
Known
for its monolithic rock temples, Masroor is 15kms. south of
Kangra. There are 15 rock cut temples in Indo-Aryan style and
richly carved. The temples partly ruined now are profusely decorated
with sculptural ornamentations , conceived in the same manner
as the great temple of Kailash at Elora in Maharastra with which
they bear a striking resemblance. The main temple is dedicated
to Lord Ram, Lakshman and Sita.
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