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Places to See in Dharamshala

Dharamshala, a hill station in Himachal Pradesh, is famous as the home of the Dalai Lama and has a large Tibetan community in exile from China. It is a beautiful place with breathtaking views of the snow-laden mountains, exotic culture and quaint old monasteries. One of the main attractions of Dharamshala is Triund hill which is also called the Jewel of Dharamshala. People come from allover the world to enjoy the beauty, meditate or to take part in adventure based activities. Here is a travel guide to Dharamshala.

Bhagsu Waterfall

Bhagsu Waterfall

A walk down Bhagsu Road through the village of the same name, then 1 km up and one reaches the the waterfall. There is a sign advising visitors not to go further, though the path to the waterfall is in good shape, except for the final 50mts which are slightly dodgy. One should be careful if one decides to take a bath in the upper pools of the waterfall, as there may be shards of glass in the water, thrown there by the villagers to prevent 'indecent' behavior by tourists. Here are some of the best places to stay in Dharamshala. 

Pic Credit: Bicrom Das

Dal Lake

Dal Lake

Dal Lake is spread in an area of 1 km and is surrounded by a forest of rhododendrons, deodars and junipers. It is the colour and texture of its yellow lentil namesake.

Pic Credit: Basharat Alam Shah

Triund

Triund

Triund is nestled in the foothills of Dhauladhar. It's a trekking destination from McLeodGanj, and offers magnificent views of the mountains and valleys. Nightstays are possible in the hills.

Pic Credit: Travelling Slacker

McLeod Ganj

McLeod Ganj

McLeod Ganj is known for its markets, where one can shop for handicraft items, eat Tibetan food and see a statue of Lord Buddha.

Pic Credit: Kiran Jonnalagadda

Bir

Bir

It is a popular destination for ecotourism, meditation and paragliding.

Pic Credit: Koshy Koshy

Chamunda Temple

Chamunda Temple

The temple is around 15 km from Dharamshala on the right bank of the river Baner on the Mandi-Pathankot highway. There is a mythological belief that Goddess Kali killed the demons Chand and Mund at this place.

Pic Credit: Varun Shiv Kapur

Shopping

Shopping

Many Tibetan items can be purchased in Dharamsala such as jewellery and trinkets, woollen shawls, prayer flags, prayer wheels,thangka and mandala paintings. The most common buy is the Tibetan Singing Bowl which is very easy to play and used for sound healing, music therapy or just for relaxation. For purchasing these items one should head to Temple road, Mcleodganj.

Pic Credit: Tom Collins

Eating

Eating

Dharamsala is the place to try Tibetan food and beverages. Local delicacies include:
Momos -white flour dumplings filled with meat or vegetables, steamed or fried.

Thukpa - home made noodles in steaming soup with veggies or meat.

Thenthuk - thukpa with handmade flat noodles.

Pocha - salty tea mixed with butter.

Pic Credit: momo

 

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