Dharamsala, where spiritualism meets reality

Dharamsala or Dharamshala, whatever it is branded as, is known across the globe as the land of Dalai Lama, an amiable little town with graceful bungalow. Even if you visit the land, preferred home of the spiritual and temporal head of the Tibetan people, for a few days only, you will also turn into one of its aficionados. Perhaps you are eager to raise a lot of questions and the first of it is perhaps regarding its uniqueness. Dharamsala is set against the splendid environment of the soaring Dhauladhar ranges, rising up to over 4000 meters and is hanging up on the high slopes in the upper reaches of the Kangra valley. The literal meaning of Dharamsala is The Holy Refuge and had its commencement in the year 1855. There is another history too. It is one of the 80 hill resorts developed in 17 th century under the aegis of the British and the first and foremost intention was to get rid of the heat and debris of the scorching plains.

There are other distinctiveness as well. Dharamsala, unlike several other hill stations, is divided into two halves. Well, the lower Dharamshala at 1250 meters happens to be the main town but more and more people love to go to upper Dharamshala or McLeod Ganj. There is a strong reason to visit lower Dharamshala too and it is to perceive the Kangra Art Museum. The museum does consist of a treasure of the art and crafts of the entire region. Don’t miss it!

If you are an admirer of the British Raj, its elegance and order, this is the right place for you. This has to be said since the remnants of the Raj dot the township still. The most important of those is the church of St. John in the backwoods. There is also a well-maintained, old graveyard and you may find a good similarity between the graveyards of your own city and this.

One of the major tourist attractions of Dharamsala is McLeodGanj, also known as the Little Lhasa, influenced by a strong Tibetan cultural feel all at once. Let me narrate my first experience. I was completely befuddled (better to say astounded) witnessing the completely different world, where the brittle breeze is broken by means of chanting of the hymns with the tinkly of the prayer wheels. McLeodGanj, in short, has lots to offer, ranging from spiritual stuff to the hungry palette.

Nowadays a lot of Tibetan run restaurants dominate the area and enable travelers like us to have some new yet sumptuous and yummy foods. Perhaps you are already familiar with Tibetan foods like momo and thukpa; McLeodGanj is surely the capital then. Never forget to visit Tsongkha Restaurant, , Snowland, Yak Restaurant, famed for serving excellent food.

Dharamshala, as already said, is regarded as Dalai Lama's dwelling and Tibet's Government-in-exile following the Chinese invasion of Lhasa in October 1959. Try to get a glimpse of an assortment of monasteries dotting the hillsides or else the visit will remain incomplete.

Make a visit to the Namgyal Monastery, having the Center of Tibetan Studies at the moment and this may make you realize how reverential can a community remain to its ancient culture in spite of experiencing onslaughts down the ages.

Some of the well known hotels in Dharamsala include Hotel Anupam Resorts, Snow Hermitage Resorts, Hotel Palace Heights.