Himachal Pradesh is a state known for its large number of mesmerizing locations that have a lot of attractions and offer a view of the scenic beauty. Of all the beautiful hill stations, one is Dharamshala that we will be talking about in this article. Dharamshala is home to Dalai Lama, the great Tibet leader and the place attracts thousands of travellers every year due to the adventure, relaxation, and excitement it offers. This hill station is located in the Dhauladhar Range and captivates the attention of every passerby with its enchanting beauty of snow covered mountains, landscapes, conifer, and oak groves and various trekking routes.
Some of the great attractions of Dharamshala are the Waterfalls, Temples, Jama Masjid, Dal Lake and the amazing McLeodganj. Some of the activities that you will enjoy in Dharamshala are Trekking, Paragliding Sightseeing, Cycling, and Horse Riding. As the area experiences heavy monsoons so the best time to visit is from January to June and from September to December. Here we will give you a quick guide on the best places to visit in Dharamshala.
- McLeod Ganj: The town which is one of the suburbs of Dharamshala is also known by the name "Little Lhasa". The city is named McLeod Ganj because it supports large Tibetian population. The major tourist attractions in this town are Dharamshala International Film Festival (DIFF), fascinating Tibetain sites, all time trekker’s favourite Triund and Dal Lake.
- Gyuto Monastery: Gyuto Monastery is one of the oldest and most significant Buddhist monasteries. The monastery is popular for its research on Tantric rituals and Tantric Meditation. The architecture and serenity of the monastery with the backdrop of Dhauladhar ranges in something to look for. Also attend Karmapa’s speech (Head of the Kagyu Tibetan Buddhism) if you are there on any Wednesday or Saturday.
- Bhagsunath Temple: Located in the village Bhagsu, this temple has become of the tourist’s favourite place. The place has got many restaurants and guesthouses where you can enjoy the local cuisine and culture. Located at a distance of 1 km from McLeod Ganj, the place also has a waterfall (Bhagsunag Waterfalls) nearby. It is a great place to chill around with your friends and family and will give a refreshing experience.
- Masroor Rock Cut Temple: The Masroor Rock Cut Temple has historic importance as it built way back in 8th century AD. The Masroor area has got 15 monolithic temples reflection of the Indo-Aryan architecture, depicting great tales of our epic India. The place will be quite interesting for painters, history lovers and the ones who admire architecture.
- St. John In The Wilderness Church: St. John Church falls on the way when you travel from Dharamshala to McLeodGanj. The church was built in 1852 and is well known for its neo-Gothic architecture. Visit this church to have few moments of peace.
- Dharamshala Cricket Stadium: Are you a real cricket fan? Then you must not miss this. This magnificent stadium is set amidst the Himalayan range and its view allures visitors from all around the world. You can visit the stadium at any time between 9:00 AM - 6:00 PM. You have to pay a minimal of Rs. 20 per person.
Hope all these suggestions make your trip to Dharamshala an incredible experience. Wish you a happy trip to Dharamshala.