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| Dharamsala |
With the snow-clad Dhauladhar range as a dramatic backdrop and the plains sprawled below, the hill resort of Dharamsala has a magnificent setting. Surrounded by dense pine and deodar forests and air that's pure and cool, this is a good place for some quick rest and relaxation. Lying in the shadow of the Himalaya, Dharamsala makes for a super getaway from Delhi, especially at this time of the year, when the frosty touch of winter adds another dimension to these high reaches.
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| Dalai Lama at Dharamsala |
Now known as the base of the Dalai Lama, Dharamsala is also home to huge Tibetan community whose customs and culture colour the landscape as well. Meanwhile, the suburbs of McLeod Ganj and Forsyth Ganj still retain a British colonial air about them. A major draw here is the Tsuglagkhang complex that includes the Tsuglagkhang Tibetan temple, the Namgyal Gompa and the Tibet Museum. See monks go about their prayer routines and listen to their chants resonate in the air.
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| McLeod Ganj Temple |
Spend some hours browsing through the Kangra Art Museum, a treasure trove of Kangra Valley arts, crafts, and history, dating back to the fifth century. There's also a section housing works by contemporary artists, sculptures and contemporary artists, sculptors and photographers. About 8 km from Dharamsala, between Forsyth Ganj and McLeod Ganj, is the lovely church of St. John in Wilderness. Here you will also find the graveyard of the British Viceroy, Lord Elgin, who died in Dharamsala in 1863.
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| British Viceroy Lord Elgin's Graveyard |
Reach: If long drives are your thing, then go by road from Delhi via Chandigarh. Else, fly into Gaggal which is 13 km away.
Stay: There are choices aplenty here. Check in at the Pink House to stay in place with character.
Shopping: McLeod Ganj is the main shopping area here. Buy thangkas as souvenirs and check out the bamboo crafts.
