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THE RIDGE: The large open space in the heart of town presents excellent view of the mountain ranges. Shimla's landmarks-the Neo-Gothic structure of Christ Church and the new-Tudor library building are worth seeing. THE MALL:
Main shopping centre of shimla with restaurants. the Gaiety KALI BARI TEMPLE: Few yards from scandal Point towards General Post Office. It is believed that the idol of Goddess Shayamla is enshrined there.
STATE MEUSEUM
(3 Km): Ancient Historical
Sculptors and paintings of
JUBBAL
(90 Km) 1892 m: Headquarters of the erstwhile Princely State, Jubbal has a
superbly maintained Palace which was designed by a French architect in the 1930
and is remarkable mix of European and indigenous styles.
MANU TEMPLE: 3 kms. from the main bazar in old Manali lies the temple of MANU RISHI. It is believed that this is the only temple of Manu in India, who was the creator of human race on the earth. CLUB HOUSE: 2 kms. from the town, club house has indoor games facilities which has been located on the left bank of Manalsu Nallah. There are some picnic spots near it. TIBETAN MONASTERIES: There are 3 newly constructed colorful monasteries, where visitors can buy carpets and other Tibetan handicrafts. Two are located in the town and one at Aleo on the left bank of Beas river.
MOUNTAINEERING INSTITUTE:
Located 3 kms. on the left bank of river Beas towards Kulu. This Institute organises basic & advance training courses, in trekking, mountaineering, skiing and water sports. Skiing and trekking equipments can be hired from here by booking in advance. Tourists can visit an interesting showroom here. VASHIST HOT WATER SPRINGS AND TEMPLE (3 kms): Vashist, a small village located on the left bank of river Beas towards Rohtang pass is worth a visit. It is renowned for its hot springs and temples. Nearby is the pyramidal stone temple dedicated to Vashist Muni. There is another Temple of Lord Ram here. Natural hot sulphur springs with two separate bathing tanks for gents and ladies are always full of tourists. Turkish style showers fitted baths have also been built nearby. Hot water from the nearby spring is provided for bathing. NEHRU KUND: 5 kms. on National Highway to Leh,a natural spring of cold clear water named after Pt. Jwahar Lal Nehru, who used to drink water from this spring during his stay in Manali. This spring is believed to originate from the Bhrigu lake situated high-up in the mountains. SOLANG VALLEY: 13 kms. is a splendid valley between Solang village and Beas Kund. Solang valley offers the view of glaciers and snow capped mountains and peaks. It has fine ski slopes. The Mountaineering Institute has installed a ski lift for training purpose. Located here is a hut and guest house of the Mountaineering and Allied sports Institute, Manali. Now a few hotels have also come up. The winter skiing festival is organised here. Training in skiing is imparted at this place. ROHTANG
PASS
(3979 m): Rohtang pass is 51kms. from Manali on highway to Keylong/Leh. It
offers a panorama and spectacular
mountain view.
The pass is open from June to October each year although ARJUN GUFA(CAVE): 4kms. from Manali towards Naggar, the cave is situated near Prini village 1km. above the road where Arjun had meditated. This is good 1/2 a day excursion with charming view of the brilliant mountains.
BIJLI MAHADEV SHRINE (2460 m): 10kms. from Kulu across the Beas river, Bijli Mahadev temple is one of the striking temples in the temples strewn district. It can be reached by a tough but rewarding climb of 10 kms. trek. From the temple a panoramic view of Kulu & Paravati valleys can be seen. A 60 feet high staff of Bijli Mahadev temple glistens like a silver needle in the sun. in this temple of lightening it is said, the tall staff attracts the divine blessings in the form of lightening. The rest of the story can be heard from the priest, which is un-believable but true. NAGGAR
(1760 m): On the left bank of the
Beas, Naggar is delightfully situated on a wooded slope and
commands an extensive view. It was the capital of erstwhile Kulu state for about
1400 years. There are large number of famous temples notably Vishnu, Tripura
Sundari & Lord Krishana. Cars and jeeps easily go upto the Naggar castle.
Roerich art gallery which houses the paintings of Nicholas Roerich as well as
his sculptures , is less than a km. from the Castle. Naggar is also a base for
undertaking treks to
Chanderkhani Pass
and to remote valley of Malana. KASOL (1640 m): Situated on the bank of Paravati river, Kasol makes a good holiday destination. 42kms. from Kulu, charmingly located on an open space which slopes down to the broad expanse of clear white sand at the Parvati river. The place is well known for trout fishing. MANIKARAN (1700 m): Manikaran, 45kms. from Kulu and just 3kms. from Kasol, is famous for its hot springs. Thousands of people take a holy dip in hot waters here. The water is so hot that dal, rice & vegetables etc. can be cooked in it. It is also a well known pilgrimage place for both Hindus & Sikhs. Ramchandra and Shivaji temples besides a Gurudwara are there. According to an old legend, Manikaran is connected with Lord Shiva and his divine consort, Parvati, who lost her ear rings here, which gave birth to hot waters on the bank of Parvati river. Hearing this religious myth from the priests will be more rewarding and interesting. Ample accomodation in the temples and Gurudwara, is available for night stay besides the HPTDC hotel. The town of Chamba, the district headquarter of Chamba district is situated in the western Himalayas between north latitudes 32°10' and 33°13' and east longitudes 75°45' and 77°33'. The town stands on a plateau on the right bank of the Ravi river valley between Dhauladhar and Zanskar ranges south of the inner Himalayas. This town was founded by Raja Sahil Varman when he conquered the lower Rani valley from the petty chiefs called Ranas and Thakurs in the beginning of 10th Century. It seems the original name of the town was Champa as mentioned in Kalhan's Rajtarangani. Chamba has a number of temples, Palaces and stylised buildings. The striking objects of interest are the old temples which exhibit architectural beauty of design and execution. LAXMI NARAYAN TEMPLE: Laxmi Narayana Temple, which is the main temple of Chamba town was built by Sahil Varman in the 10th century AD. The temple has been built in the Shikhara style. The temple consists of Bimana i.e. Shikhara and GarbhGriha with a small antralya. Laxmi Narayana Temple has a mandapa like structure also. The wooden Chhattries, the shell roof, atop the temple were in response to the local climatic conditions as a protection against snowfall. CHAMPAVATI TEMPLE: This temple is located behind the City Police Post and Treasury building. As mentioned earlier the temple was built by Raja Sahil Varman in memory of his daughter Champavati who is believed to have influenced her father to set-up Chamba at its present location. The temple is in the Shikhara style with elaborate stone carving and the wheel roof. The size of this temple is equivalent to the largest of the Laxmi Narayana Temple. VAJRESHWARI TEMPLE: This ancient temple is believed to be 1000 years old and is dedicated to Devi Vajreshwari-Goddess of lightning. The temple is situated on the northern most corner of the town at the end of Jansali Bazar. No historical record of the temple is available. The temple is built in the Shikhara style with wooden Chhattries and stands on the platform. The Shikhara of the temple is elaborately carved. There are two other minor temples on either side of the main shrine. In memory of her devotion a small shrine was erected at that spot and mela called Sui Mata Ka Mela was also appointed to be held annually from 15th of Chait to the first of Baisakh. This fair is attended by women and children who in their best attire sing praises of the Rani and offer homage to the Rani for her singular sacrifice. CHAMUNDA DEVI TEMPLE: This temple is located on the spur of the Shah Madar Hill overlooking the town to its south east. The temple stands on a raised platform. The temple has artistic carvings on its lintel, pillars and the ceiling. Behind the main temple is a small shrine of Lord Shiva in the Shikhara style. There is another platform in front of this temple where two very old peepul trees provide shelter to the visitors. From this platform a bird's eye view of most of the land marks in the town including Chaugan, Circuit House, most of the temples and river Ravi can be had. The temple is being looked after by Archaeological Survey of India. This temple can be approached by road from Chamba (3 kms). It lies on the right hand side of the Chamba-Jhamwar road. School going children and pilgrims prefer to take the flight of steps from Sapri to this temple. There steps were got constructed by Raja Raj Singh (1764-1794 AD). The temple is an ideal picnic spot throughout the year because it has an easy approach and a commanding view. HARI RAI TEMPLE: This temple is dedicated to Lord Vishnu and dates back to 11th century. It was probably built by Salabahana. This temple lies in the north-west corner of the main Chaugan, which had became the official entrance to the town by the end of 19th C. A steep path leads to the old Shitla bridge, which was constructed in the year 1894. The temple is built in Shikhara style and stands on a stone platform. The Shikhara of the temple is finely carved. This is one of the major old temples, which is away from the old township and the only one near the Chaugan. Much of this temple is hidden behind some unimaginative structures of the British period behind the Gandhi Gate and the Fire Station Building. The Gandhi Gate was built in the year 1900 to welcome Lord Curzon, Viceroy. It is the only structure that has been coated with saffron colour and stands out because of its prominent colour. The temple enshrines a marvellous bronze image of Lord Vishnu in the form of Chaturmurti. The temple of Hari Rai is believed to be of great antiquity and legend affirms that the Ravi once flowed in a shallow stream across the Chaugan and the temple had to be approached by stepping stones. CHAUGAN: The Chaugan is the heart and hub centre of all activities in Chamba. Tradition is silent as to its use as a polo ground and the name is etymologically distinct from Chaugan, the Persian name of Polo, being of Sanskrit origin and meaning 'four-sided'. Initially the five Chaugan were a single patch of meadow. In 1890s the leveling of the Chaugan was done. It became a public promenade and Cricket ground for the British. Annual Minjar Mela is held in the Chaugan. Local people can be seen promenading in the Chaugan till late night. Gaddies with their deras can also be seen camping on the outskirts of this beautiful public promenade. Because of great pressure on Chaugan the quality of its turf is fast deteriorating. Chaugan is closed for public after Dusshera till April for maintenance. AKHAND CHANDI PALACE: Construction of this residential building of the Chamba family was started by Raja Umed Singh sometimes between 1748-1764 AD. The place was rebuilt and renovated during the reign of Raja Sham Singh with the help of British engineers. The Darbar Hall (Marshal Hall) was built in 1879 by Capt. Marshal and the Zanana Mehal was added in the reign of Raja Bhuri Singh. The subsequent additions and alterations clearly betray the Mughal and the British influence. In 1958 the Palace building was sold by the descendants of the royal family to the Himachal Government. The latter handed it over to the Education Department for the purpose of starting a Government College and District Library. The beautiful structure of the palace with its painted walls and glass work, ceiling, intricate woodwork are fast deteriorating, since sufficient funds are not available for the maintenance of this monument. The palace has a commanding view of the Chaugan, Laxmi Narayana Temple, Sui Mata, Chamunda Devi Temple, Rang Mehal, Hari Rai Temple and Bansi Gopal Temple. RANG MAHAL: One of the largest monuments, Rang Mahal is located in Surara Mohalla. The foundation of Rang Mahal was laid by Raja Umed Sing (1748-1764). The super structure of RangMahal, which is in brick belongs to a later date with its southern portion built around 1860 by Raj Sri Singh. The architecture of Rang Mahal is an amalgam of Mughal and British styles. This palace was the residence for a branch of the ruling family. Its fort like looks justify its use as royal granary and treasury which is on its western side. Now under the aegis of Handicrafts Department of the State Government, most of the rooms of this palace are being used as work-shops for making shoes, chapples and rumals. A number of decorative and colorful wall painting have been removed and taken to National Museum of Delhi. Some of the wall paintings and richly painted doors of the palace can be seen preserved in the Bhuri Singh Museum of Chamba.
BHURI SINGH MUSEUM:
Bhuri Singh Museum at Chamba opened formally on 14-09-1908, it is named after
Raja Bhuri Singh who ruled Chamba from 1904 to 1919. Bhuri Singh donated his
family collection of paintings to the museum. The idea to open a public museum
came from J. Ph. Vogel, an eminent Paintings of Bhagwat Purana and Ramayana in peculiar style are inspired by Basohli idiom of painting whereas Krishna, Sudama, Rukmini vivah and Usha-Anirudh and portraits in prime Guler-Kangra style were executed by the artists who were patronized by the Chamba rulers. The embroidered Chamba-Rumals are related in style since their drawings were made by pahari painters though the embroidery was done by the household ladies. Besides these major items of collections, there are coins, hill jewelry and costumes- both traditional and royal, arms and armour, musical instruments and various decorative objects. The old museum building which merged well with the landscape of Chamba was pulled down and the present concrete monolith was inaugurated in 1975. The museum remains open from 10:00 AM to 5:00 PM throughout the year except on Monday and other gazetted holidays. DALHOUSIE (district chamba) All local site seeing can be done on foot in Dalhousie. The main tourist attractions are Panchpula, Kalatop and Khajiar lake. PANCHPULA: Panchpula, a beautiful spot, is barely 3 kms. from G.P.O. On the way to Panchpula is Satdhara springs gurgling with refreshing water, believed to contain some medicinal properties. Panchpula stream is the main source of water supply to Dalhousie and Bahloon. The stream springs from the north side of DayanKund and runs down a picturesque ravine to the waterworks of Panchpula. There is an elegant monument erected at Panchpula where several streams meet at one point. This monument, a samadhi was built in memory of great revolutionary Sardar Ajit Singh who breathed his last in Panchpula. There is a Tourism restaurant and several chai shops in Panchpula, that offer hot and cold beverages and snacks. KYNANCE: Kynance is a private residential building of Dharamvirs. This building was constructed during the year 1933 by Dr. N.R.Dharamvir of Lahore. This building acquired historical significance due to the reason that Neta Ji Subhash Chander Bose, a class fellow of the wife of Dr. Dharamvir, stayed with them for a period of 7 months beginning May, 1937. Before arriving in Dalhousie, Neta Ji was in British Jail where his health had deteriorated. On the request of his younger brother the British High Court released Neta Ji on parole on health grounds. It brought Neta Ji to the climate of Dalhousie. Kynance is barely 50 kms. from G.P.O. It lies hidden from the public eye below the road. An insignificant looking board bearing the name of Kynance hangs from a tree and is discernible to only those tourists who have an eye for details. SUBHASH BAOLI: Just approximatly 1 km from G.P.O. is a charming natural spot called Subhash Baoli. Neta ji Subhash Chander Bose during his 7 months sojourn in Dalhousie in 1937 is believed to have spent most of his days by the side of this water body, meditating amidst dense woods of Cedar and meeting his party workers. This place lies on the G.P.O. - JandriGaht Road. A canopy with seating facilities has been created by the local administration at this place. ST. ANDREW'S CHURCH: St. Andrew's Church commonly known as the Church of Scotland was built in the year 1903 at Baloon by Protestant Christians. The Church is approximately one and half kms. from Dalhousie's bus stand. The Church building is in good condition, recently a brick boundary wall has been erected around it to save the building from mischief mongers. ST. PATRICK'S CHURCH: This Church is situated in Baloon, Dalhousie Cantt., on Military Hospital road approximately 2 kms. from main bus stand. St. Patrick's Church is the largest church in Dalhousie having a seating capacity of 300 persons in its main hall. The Church was built in the year 1909 and the dressed-stone building is still in good condition. This Church was built exclusively from contribution made by officers and ranks of the British Army. At present the Church is managed and maintained by the Catholic Diocese of Jalandhar. ST. FRANCIS' CHURCH: This Catholic Church is a very prominent monument on the Subhash Chowk. This Church was built in the year 1894 from the contributions made by Army and Civil Officers and Civilians. This Church is managed and maintained by the Cathoilic Diocese of Jalandhar. St. Francis' Church on Prtrain hill is believed to have been built on the lines of a certain church in England. Beautiful glass work and intricate stone work can be seen in the Church. Service is conducted every Sunday. By the side of the Church is the residence of the Priest. The building is called Alverna better known to the local people as "Lambe hole Wale Padri Ki Kothi". ST. JONH'S CHURCH:. This Church was the first to be built after the town of Dalhousie was founded. Prior to 1863 a wooden structure stood at this place. The idea to build a stone structure took birth with the arrival of Rev. John H. Pratt who came to Dalhousie on 11-04-1863 and inspired the Christian community to build a permanent church building at this place. Building of this church is a copy of Roman Catholics church of England but this church belongs to Protestants. The church building stands in a good condition but its surroundings demand much better care. Service is conducted on every Sunday. LAXMI NARAYAN TEMPLE: This temple is dedicated to Lord Vishnu and was built more than 150 years ago. The temple enshrines a beautiful image of Lord Vishnu. The temple is frequented by local devotees. The temple is located in Sadar Bazar approximately 200 mtrs. from Subhash Chowk. RADHA SWAMI SATSANG BHAWAN & HOSPITAL: Dalhousie holds great significance for the followers/ disciples of Radha Swami sect of Beas (Punjab). This Satsang Bhawan is situated near Moti Tibba 300 mts. from Gandhi Chowk (G.P.O). In recent times many people from the nearby villages of Dalhousie have embraced the Radha Swami Sect. Every Sunday from 10 AM to 11 AM Satsang is held in the above cited premises. The Present Radha Swami Chief Maharaj Gurinder Singh Ji visits Dalhousie twice a year. Even the Late Maharaj Charan Singh Ji was very fond of Dalhousie. It is believed that Baba Swarn Singh Ji was enlightend in Dalhousie. SHIVKUL: Shivkul is an Ashram of Vimala Thakur, a re-knowned religious philosopher lady from Gujarat. Shivkul is on the Mall Road betwen Gandhi Chowk and Subhash Chowk. From here one can enjoy the beautiful panorama of Pir Panjal Hills, connecting Chamba Distt. with Jammu & Kashmir. During summer when Vimala Hi popularly known as Vimala Bahen comes to Dalhousie many foreigners as well as Indian disciples of Vimala Ji from all parts of the coutry and abroad gather in Dalhousie to attend her lectures on spiritualism. DAKSHINA MURTI: Dakshina Murti is a yoga institution created by Dr. R. P. Kaushik of Sonepat/Delhi during mid seventies. Dr. Kaushik travelled all over the world to teach yoga and spiritualism. He died in July 1987. His followers still come to Dalhousie and stay at Dakshina Murti 200 mts away from Subhash Chowk on the small Mall known as Garam Sarak. NORWOOD PARAMDHAM: Norwood is a beautiful House situated on the east of upper Bakrota Hill of Dalhousie. This house is also known as Kainth Wali Kothi a local name given by people of Dalhousie. Approximately 5 kms from Gandhi Chowk on the Bakrota Mall, the kothi is surrounded by thick forest of deodars. During 1925 a young Yogi Swami Satyanand came to Dalhousie and stayed here. He meditated here and took a silent vow that he will not break his fast till he finds the truth and God. After fasting for a month Swami Ji was enlightened with "Ram Naam". He called this place Tapo Bhoomi. After this enlightenment he wrote some noted books like Ramayana, Geeta Parbachan, Bhagti Parkash, Amritvani. He died on 30th November 1960. After his death a very close follower of Swami ji Bhagat Hans Raj Ji of Gohana is organising Satsang at Norwood presently known as Param Dham also called as Ram Ashram. Thousands of people from all over the country come to Dalhousie twice a year to attend Satsangs. About 250 people can stay at a time here when satsang is conducted. BANIKHET: Seven kms short of Dalhousie is Banikhet - the gateway to Dalhousie. At Banikhet the road bifurcates for Chamba and Dalhousie. This small place has gained importance with the setting-up of residential colony of Chamera Hydro-electric Project. There is a PWD rest house at Banikhet. A Nag temple in Padhar Maidan now called mini stadium is a place of worship for the people of Banikhet and villages around. The temple is approximately 150 years old. KALATOP: Kalatop and Khajiar are best explored if you take a three days walk from Dalhousie to Kalatop, Khajjiar and back Dalhousie.The trek is more or less level and requires good health, a pair of sturdy walking shoes. Kalatop is 10 kms from G.P.O. at an altitude of 8000 feet. Walking along the secluded and forested road through upper Nakorota hills, one reaches Lakkarmandi. Between G.P.O. and Lakkarmandi lies the Dalhousie water system, Tibetan Handicraft Centre and Dalhousie Potato Farm at Ahla. Lakkarmandi is nestled between 8600 feet high DayanKund peak on its right and Kalatop on the left. Dayan Kund has military installations and is closed to civilians except the local people who visit Bhulwani Mata temple near DayanKund. Lakkarmandi is
home for dhogri families that are engaged in charcoal making. Most of the
dhogris have KHAJIAR: 23 kms from Dalhousie by road and 13 kms from Kalatop is the mini Switzerland of India at a height of 6400 ft. Hutchison writes, "Khajjiar is a forest glade of great beauty, 6400 feet above sea level". Khajjiar is often reffered to as "Gulmarg of Himachal Pradesh". The lush green meadows are surrounded by thick pine and cedar forests. Grazing herds of sheep, goats and other milch cattle present a prefect pastoral scenery. There is a small lake in the center of the saucer shaped meadow which has in it a floating island. Much of the lake has degenerated into slush because of heavy silting during rains. Still the landscape of Khajjiar is picturesque and a photographer's delight. BHARMAUR: 65 kms from Chamba is the land of legendary Gaddies, i.e. Bharmaur. Known as Brahmpur in the 6th century, was the seat of power of Chamba state for some 400 years till AD 920, when a new capital was founded at Chamba by Raja Sahil Varman. Bharmaur is known for some very old archaeological remains, primarily the temples. All these temples stand on a level area which call the Chaurasi after the 84 Siddhas who are believed to have meditated in Bharmaur over 1000 years ago. These Siddhas hailed from Kurukshetra and visited Manimahesh.The oldest temples in the complex are those of Lakshna Devi and Ganesh. Both these temples are made in the hill style with gable roofs and rubble masonry. The outer facade, the inner facade of sanctum, circum ambulatory path and the ceiling are exquisitely carved. The idol of Lakshna Devi in her incarnation as Mahisasurmardini is magnificent. MANI-MAHESH: In the month of August/September the famous JATRA of Mani-Mahesh commences from Laxmi-Narayana Temple in Chamba. The CHHARI is taken to the sacred lake of Mani-Mahesh, which is one of the chief tirthas in the district. Off late people from north India and beyond have started visiting this sacred lake. According to an estimate nearly one lakh people visit this sacred lake every year and take a holy dip. The lake is situated at the height of 13,500 feet above sea level and at the base of Mani-Mahesh Kailsah peak (18,564 feet). Mani-Mahesh kailash is a virgin peak. In 1968 an Indo-Japanese team led by Nandini Patel made an unsuccessful attempt to scale the peak. The devout attribute the failure to the divine prowesses of the holy mountain. On the margin of the lake is a small marble Shivling called CHAUMUKHA(with four faces) . At the confluence of the Bener and Majhi streams , over looking the Ban Ganga torrent, Kangra town is famous for its temples.Notable is the shrine dedicated to goddess Brijeshwari. Kangra is steeped in history and its ruined fort - Nagarkot, stands as testimony to its glorious past. The town was attacked by Mohammed Ghaznavi and subjugated by Emperor Feroz Tuglak and Maharaja Rant Singh. Earlier, Kangra was the capital of the great hill state, its renowned ruler being Maharaja Sansar Chand Katoch, a great patron of arts. The Miniature and Rajpur Schools of hill paintings flourished during his reign. BRAJESHWARI DEVI TEMPLE: Just outside the town is the temple dedicated to Brajeshwari Devi. Known once for its legendary wealth, this temple was subject to successive depredation by invaders from the North. Mohammed of Ghazni is known to have departed with a king's ransom in gold, silver and jewels in 1009. Destroyed completely in 1905 by an earthquake, it was rebuilt in 1920. KANGRA FORT:
The remains of the fort of the rulers of Kangra are located on a strategic
height, MAHARANA PRATAP SAGAR: At an altitude of 450 metres above sea level, 32 degree north and 76 degrees east. In district Kangra 170 k.m. from Chandigarh, 110 k.m. from Amritsar, 55 k.m. from headquarters at Dharamshala. The closest railway stations are at Mukerian 30 k.m., and Pathankot at 32 k.m. The settlements of Nagrota Surian and Jawali-which are located on the sagar's periphery-are connected by the charming narrow gauge Kangra railway line that connects Pathankot to Jogindernagar. The closest airport is Gaggal 40 k.m. The lake is well served by a network of roads. Named in honour of the great patriot Maharana Pratap (1572-97 AD). Maharana Pratap struggled valiantly for freedom of Mewar-as for the principle of independence. In words of chroniclers James Tod and william Crook, "He spurned every overture that had submission for its basis". Over the river Beas, the Pong dam was completed in 1976. Its reservoir covers an area of about 45000 hectares at maximum possible flooding.The level varies every season and averages around 30000 hectares. Over 200 villages with a population of over 85000 people lie along the wetland.
DHARAMSHALA
(district Kangra) Dharamshala is the district hqr. of Kangra district. This is a hill station lying on the spur of the Dhauladhar range about 18kms. north east of Kangra town. Hill station is wooded with oak and conifer trees and snow capped mountains enfold three sides of the town while the valley stretches in front. The snow line is perhaps more easily accessible at Dharamshala than at any other hill resort and it is possible to trek to snow point after an early morning's start. In 1905, tragedy struck Dharamshala when an earthquake levelled it completely. After its reconstruction, Dharamshala flourished as a quiet health resort. It is divided into two distinct parts. Lower Dharamshala has civil offices and business establishments with courts.Kotwali Bazar and Upper Dharamshala compose of places with names which bear witness to its history like McLeod Ganj and Forsythe Ganj. Since 1960, when it became a temporary hqrs. of His Holiness The Dalai Lama, Dharamshala has risen to international fame as Little Lhasa of India McLEOD GANJ: 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. BHAGSUNAG
FALLS:
At a distance of 11kms. from
Lower Dharamshala, Bhagsunag can be ST.JOHN'S CHURCH: The church of St. John's in the wilderness lies on a motorable road between McLeod Ganj and Forsythe Ganj 8kms. from Lower Dharamshala. It has a monument of Lord Elgin, one of the Viceroys of India, who died in Dharamshala and was buried here in 1863. DAL LAKE: The lake lies amidst hills and stately fir trees 11kms. from Lower Dharamshala connected by motorable road. It is the starting point of excursions and trekking and is located next to the Tibetan Children's village. DHARAMKOT: Situated on the crest of hill 11kms. from Dharamshala. This picnic spot affords a panoramic view of the Kangra valley, Pong Dam lake and Dhauladhar ranges. TRIUND(2975 m): 20 kms. from Dharamshala, Triund lies at the feet of the perpetually snow clad Dhauladhar at the height of 2975 m . The snow line starts at ilaqa, 5kms. from Triund. It is a popular picnic and trekking spot. Accommodation is available in the rest house of Forest Department ,but water has to be fetched from a distance of about 2kms. Ropeway is being installed from Dharamshala to this place. WAR MEMORIAL: Set amidst beautiful surroundings , this 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: A level 3kms. walk from Kotwali Bazar leads upto the rock temple of the local goddess. KARERI: 22kms. from Kotwali Bazar it has a rest house for night halt. On way visit Kareri lake situated at the distance of 13kms. from rest house. Durbasa and Kali temples are located here. JWALAMUKHI
TEMPLE:
The famous temple of Jwalamukhi is 30kms. from Kangra and 56 kms from TRILOKPUR: It is situated 41 kms. from Dharamshala and can be approached by road the natural cave temple of Trilokpur contains a stalactite and stalagamite is 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. NURPUR: 66kms. from Dharamshala , Nurpur is famous for an old fort and a temple of Brij Raj. Nurpur acquired its name in 1672, when Jahangir, the Mughal Emperor named it after his wife Nurjahan. Nurpuri shawls are good. There is a PWD rest house for the convenient stay of tourists. 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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