.. Dharamsala

Set against the backdrop of the dramatic Dhaula Dhar Mountains, Dharamsala is one of the principle towns of the Kangra valley. With dense pine and deodar forests, numerous streams, cool healthy air, attractive surroundings and the nearby snowline, Dharamsala has everything for a perfect holiday. It is a charming town with elegant bungalows nestling in thick conifer forests. Today Dharamsala has become synonymous to the Tibetan government in exile. It is the home of His Holiness the Dalai Lama, spiritual head of the Buddhists, who is now quartered at McLeodganj (also called Upper Dharamsala).

.. Places to See in Dharamsala ....................

» War Memorial
War Memorial is located at the very start of the town amidst landscaped lawns and a web of narrow paths filling a pine grove, is the memorial raised to commemorate the post independence war heroes of Himachal Pradesh.

» Kangra Art Museum
Kangra Art Museum is a treasure trove of Kangra Valley's arts, crafts and rich past. In addition to the miniature paintings from the famous Kangra School of Art, which flourished in the 17th century, a representative collection of sculptures, pottery and anthropological items are also on display.

» McLeodganj
McLeodganj often called Little Lhasa, is today the headquarters of the Tibetan Government in Exile. It is located in the upper part of Dharamsala and was named after the Lieutenant Governor of Punjab David McLeod when it was established as a British garrison in the 1850's. The main sights here are - Tsuglagkhang or Central Chapel - is the exiled government's equivalent of the Jokhang temple is Lhasa and as such is the most important Buddhist monument in the area. Next to Tsuglagkhang is the Kalachakra Temple, which houses a stunning mural of the Kalachakra (Wheel of Time) mandala. Then there is the Namgyal Gompa, where it is possible to watch the monks debate most afternoons.

» Dall Lake
Dall Lake located 11km from Dharamsala and surrounded by Deodar trees, the lake fills a mountain bowl. It is an enchanting and serene picnic spot.

» Norbulinka Institute
Norbulinka Institute is set amidst Japanese influenced gardens, this complex has been established to teach and preserve traditional Tibetan art like woodcarving, thangka painting, goldsmithing and so.

.. How to Get there ....................

» Air
Dharamsala can be approached by air from Delhi and the nearest Airport is at Gaggla, just 13-km away from the town.

» Rail
Pathankot is 85 km and is the nearest railhead for Dharamsala. Trains from all over the country make a stop over at Pathankot and from here it is a three-hour journey to Dharamsala.

» Road
From Manali too bus services are available to this place. One can drive from Delhi via Chandigarh, Kiratpur, Bilaspur and it's an 8-hours journey. From Delhi and Shimla, luxury buses ply to Dharamsala.

.. Sarahan

Sarahan is the base for numerous treks and is the gateway to Kinnaur. It is a place of pilgrimage, a haven for nature lovers and the temple complex attracts a variety of admirers. Here is a place that offers an out of the ordinary travel experience. Located halfway up a high mountain side, the road to Sarahan winds past flowering jacaranda trees that give way to stately pines. Dozens of small streams rush past with waters of sparkling snow-melt. The fields and orchards that surround the small villages with their slate-roofed houses, compose pictures of pastoral perfection. Above Sarahan, a mane of deodar trees rides the slopes and higher still, encircling the Bashal Peak, are trees of smooth birch and a variety of wild flowers and rare medicinal herbs. This sparsely populated tract is steeped in ancient legends and here is the famous Bhimakali temple - regarded as one of the fifty-one sacred 'Shaktipeeths'. The temple's unusual architecture and wealth of carvings have made it a resplendent example of what is loosely called the 'Indo-Tibetan Style'. Deep down in the valley, flows the river Sutlej and across lies the snowclad Shrikhand peak.

In winter, the temperature can drop below freezing point when heavy woollens are required. The summer temperature can touch 32oC and light woollens/cottons are recommended.

.. Places to See in Sarahan ....................

» Bhimkali Temple Complex
This is Sarahan's main focus and its weathered walls enclose approximately an acre of temples, old residential quarters, courtyards and a small recently created museum. In the classical 'Shikhara style there is a temple of Lord Narasingh. Over a deep well is the shrine of Bhairon and built about a century ago, is the temple of Lord Raghunath. The tall towerlike structure and unusual roof lines of the two Bhimakali temples dominate the complex. The centuries-old original temple is now locked and in the one built in 1943, the goddess Bhimkali is portrayed both as a maiden ansd as a woman. A host of other deities flank her images. Dressed-stone placed in interlocking wooden beams have made the temple an architectural showpiece, which is enhanced by a wealth of wood carving.

» Sangla Valley
2 km from Sangla, is the fort of Kamru (3000 m) Its tower-like architecture. resembles that of the Bhimkali complex and this was the original seat of the rulers of Bushair. Chitkul (3450 m) is the last village of the valley - and beyond lies Tibet. The area is well known for its saffron farms and the Baspa river is an excellent place for angling for trout. The Hotel Shrikhand acts as the perfect base to visit this enchanting valley.

» Adventure and Fishing
Sarahan is the base of several trek routes. Some are - Sarahan to Badahal, Sarahan to Sangla, Sarahan to Shrikhand. The best times are mid-April to mid-June and mid-September to mid-October. An excellent area for trout fishing is along the Baspa rivers as it flows through the Sangla valley.

» Rampur
Before Sarahan on the banks of the river Sutlej, Rampur (1006m) is an important commercial centre where a variety of goods from Tibet are traded - especially during the Lavi fair held every November. These includes livestock, wool, shawls, blankets and dry fruit. Its old Hindi and Buddhist shrines include the Raghunath temple, the Ayodhya temple, the Narasingh temple and Dumgir Budh temple - the last has a large prayer wheel and holds important scriptures. In an interesting mix of colonial and traditional styles, the Padam Palace is one of Rampur's major attractions. 18 km from Rampur is the unique 'Sun temple' at Nirath. Nattnagar, another historical site, is close to Rampur.