Dharamshala Attractions, Himachal Pradesh

Tourist Attractions in Dharamshala
The various tourist attractions in Dharamshala are Triund, Dharamkot, Kareri, Dal Lake, Nurpur, Kunal Pathri, St. John's Church.

from Rawa, Dallake, Dharamkot and Bhagsu meet at a ridge known as Galu Devi (2130m) which has a small temple and a water point. On this track one can spot many types of birds, specially Monals. The black bear, leopards, pigs and wild goats are also found in this region.

Dharamkot
Dharamkot is a popular viewpoint located on the the crest of the Dharamkot hill, about 11 kms. from Dharamshala. This picnic spot offers a panoramic view of the Kangra velley, Pong Dam lake and surrounding Dhauladhar peaks. One can reach Dharamkot by a simple trek from Bhagsu. The scenery from Dharamkot is simply breathtaking and here you can also meet the Gaddi folks.

Kareri
Kareri is a beautiful scenic spot located in the cool depths of a pine grove, about 22 kms. from Kotwali Bazar. The beautiful Kareri Lake is located just 13 km away from the spot. This lake is set amidst green meadows and Oak and pine forests, at an altitude of 3250 m. Durbasa and Kali temples are located in Kareri.

Dal Lake
The picturesque Dal lake is a popular picnic spot situated amidst the hills and deodar trees. This lake is surrounded by the pine forests. The lake lies 11 kms. from Lower Dharamshala and connected by motorable road. It is also a starting point for excursion and trekking. Dal lake is located next to the Tibetan Children's village. A colourful annual fair is also held here in the month of September every year.

Nurpur
Nurpur is situated about 66 kms. from Dharamshala. Nurpur is named after Nurjehan, the wife of the Mughal emperor Jehangir. It has an ancient fort and a carved Krishna temple. Today, Nurpur is known for its fine Pashmina shawls and textiles.

War Memorial
Set amidst beautiful surroundings, this War memorial is built near the entry point to Dharamshala to commemorate the memory of those who fought valiantly for the defence of the motherland.

Kunal Pathri
Kunal Pathri is located not too far from the Kotwali bazaar, in the lap of the Dhauladhar range. A 3 kms. walk from Kotwali Bazar leads upto the rock temple of the local goddess, Kapaleshwari. Kunal Pathri is a little rock temple dedicated to the local goddess, Kapaleshwari. According to the legends, the Daksh Prajapati, the father of Sati had once organized a Yajna. But he doesn't invited Lord Shiva to this Yajna. Sati could not bear the insult to lord Shiva and in retaliation jumped into the fire of the Yajna. Lord Shiva was so shocked that he started roaming in a state of madness with the body of Sati on his back. When Lord Vishnu saw this then he used the Sudarshan Chakra to destroy Sati's body and a part of her skull is believed to have fallen here. Due to this, this place is known as Kunal Pathri.

A number of residential buildings, restaurants, antique and curio shops, together with famous Tibetan institutions have lent importance to McLeod Ganj. The Buddha 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.

Bhagsunag Falls
At a distance of 11 kms. from Lower Dharamshala, Bhagsunag can be approached by road, here an old temple, a fresh water spring and restaurant are located. Further about 2 kms. is beautiful Bhagsunag water falls which soothes one's eyes.

Jwalamukhi Temple
The famous temple of Jwalamukhi is about 35 kms. 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 and 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.

Dehra Gopipur
Dehra Gopipur is situated on the bank of the Beas. It is possible to use Dehra as a base for different fishing areas like Pong Dam, Pattan, Kurn and Nadaun. One can also visit the famous temple of Chintpurni from here.

Trilokpur
Trilokpur is situated about 41 kms. from Dharamshala and can be approached by road. The natural cave temple of Trilokpur contains a stalactite and stalagamite and dedicated to Shiva. High on the ridge of the cave are ruins of a palace and baradari (audience hall) of Lehna Singh Majitha, Governor of Kangra hills during the Sikh rule.

Masroor
Masroor is known for its monolithic rock temples, and about 40 kms. from 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 Ellora in Maharashtra with which they bear a striking resemblance. The main temple is dedicated to Lord Ram, Lakshman and Sita.