G.B. International ::- Dharamshala
| Dharamshala | Dalhousie | Shimla | Manali | Munnar |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Yercaud | Ooty | Nainital | Darjeeling | Kodaikanal |
| Chamba | Khajjiar | Mussoorie | Other States | Tourist Cities |
Dharamshala came into being in 1849, when it was selected as a site to accommodate a native regiment that was being raised in the town. Dharamshala originally formed a subsidiary cantonment for the troops stationed at Kangra was fully occupied by its garrison and there was insufficient space for the civil station , a search for an alternate location was made. The ideal location for the cantonment was found at the slopes of the Dhauladhar, upon which stood an old Hindu sanctuary or 'Dharamshala' the name adopted for the town. Dharamshala stands at the foot of Dhauladhar and has a magnificent view of snowy peaks, deodar and pine forests, tea gardens and beautiful hills. The snow line is perhaps more easily accessible at Dharamshala than any other hill station in India. Dharamshala now really has become international, with a number of Tibetan settlements and the residence of Noble Laureate the 'Dalai Lama'. Dharamshala is devided into two distinct parts : lower Dharamshala the civil and business area with Courts and Kotwali bazar and upper Dharamshala composed of places like Mcleod Ganj and Forsyth Ganj.
Places of Interest
Mcleod GanjThe arrival of the Tibetan spiritual leader, the Dalai Lama, along with thousands of refugees to Dharamshala in 1959 made the life here more active. A number of tibetan settlements with religious education and other rehabilitation centres mushroomed all over the Mcleadganj. As Dharamshala became the headquarter of the Tibetan Government in exile, headed by Dalai Lama, it gained prominence all over the world and prominent personalities started arriving here. Mcleadganj emerged as a major Buddhist centre.
Bhagsunag Fall
Known for its old temple, a fresh water spring, water falls and slate quarries. Bhagsunag can be approached by road. The Bhagsu fall is one of the main attractions of Mcleodganj. You can take a dip in the chilly water of fall.
St. John's Church
The church lies in the forest between Mcleod Ganj and Forsyth Ganj. It has a monument dedicated to Lord Elgin, one of the viceroys of India, who died at Chauntra ( Mandi district ) and was buried here in 1863 A.D. The Church has lovely spotted glass windows and there is a Christian cemetery around it. It is ideally situated in the majestic 'Deodar' forest.
Dharamkot
It is situated on the crest of a hill, this favourite picnic spot affords a panoramic view of the kangra valley and the Dhauladhar ranges. One can reach Dharamkot by a simple trek from Bhagsu. Various small restaurant type of shops are situated in the path for a quick relaxation and bevarages. The scenery from Dharamkot is simply breathtaking and you also meet the Gaddi folks.
War Memorial
Situated in Dharamshala town. The memorial is situated near the entry point to Dharamshala commemorates the memory of those who fought valiantly for the honour and defence of the mother land. The place is ideally located in the pine forest. There is also a cafe just close to War Memorial serving fast food and baverages.
Triund
17 km. from Dharamshala town, at an altitude of 2,827 metres. The snowline starts just 5 km. from Triund and affords a breathtaking view of the snows above and the valley below. It is a popular picnic and trekking spot. Those who want to do a return trek in one day are advised to start early. Is is the famous trek route for local people as well as for tourists.
Dal Lake
Lies amidst hills and deodar tress and is 11 km. from Lower Dhramshala. It is a starting point for excursion and trekking and is located next to Tibetan children's village.
Kunal Pathari
3 km. from Dharamshala ( Kotwali Bazar ). A level walk from Kotwali Bazar leads upto the rock temple of the local goddess.
Kareri
( 22 km. ) Altitude 2,166 metres. Kareri lake is surrounded by green meadows, Oak and Pine trees, making it an idyllic place to visit.
Excursions
Bhimtal23 km from Nainital, this is the place for a quiet holiday. It has lovely dappled paths, ravines festooned with dog rose and wild raspberry, farm houses set among terraced fields and citrus trees hung with fruits. The lake offers scope for boating and in the middle of the lake, there is an intriguing looking island with a restaurant
Sat Tal
Originally a cluster of seven lakes, now reduced to five (since two have dried up), Sat Tal (21 km from Nainital) has all it takes to veil the place in a kind of mystique—densely wooded hills, roads that glide under a canopy of gossamer green oak trees, pines and dark brooding firs, little creeks along the shores of the lakes and boat rides on the placid waters.
Naukutchia Tal
24 km from Nainital, it is the deepest and by far the most picturesque lake in the Kumaon region and derives its name from the nine corners which came together to form it. It is a tranquil, pleasant expanse of water, reflected green by the low, wooded hills cradling it and surrounded by 70 acres of predominantly oak forests which, after the monsoons, show the innumerable hues of the Himalayan forest.
Ramgarh
25 kms from Nainital, it is a picturesque hamlet in the heart of orchard land in the foothills of the Himalayas. Many writers and thinkers have been drawn to the beauty of Ramgarh and it is an ideal place for long walks, to let your creative juices flow or just unwind or introspect.
Mukteshwar
45 kms from Nainital, at 8000 ft, this is an idyllic sojourn in the lap of the mountains and rolling meadows. Surrounded by fruit orchards and thick coniferous forest it provides a majestic view of the Himalayas. It is popular for the century old Shiva Temple, Chauthijalli rock formations, Angora wool sheep farm, rejuvenating forest walks and enchanting sunsets.
Getting There
By AirThe nearest airport from Nainital is Pantnagar (70kms) with direct flights from Delhi. But Delhi and Lucknow are more convenient airports for reaching Nainital since none of these places are too far from Nainital and are well connected with the rest of India.
By Train
It is quite convenient to reach Nainital by rail. Kathgodam (35kms) is the nearest railhead from Nainital. A well laid network of broad gauge railway links Nainital to Delhi, Kolkata and Dehradun.
By Road
An extensive network of roads connect Nainital with prominent cities in Uttaranchal and other north Indian cities. You can reach Nainital by road from Delhi (310kms), Haldwani (40kms), Dehradun (300kms).