This is a hill station lying on the spur of the Dhauladhar range about 17 kms north- east of Kangra town. This 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 snowline is perhaps more easily accessible at Dharamshala than at any other hill resort and it is possible to make a day's trek to a snow-point after an early morning's start. Dharamshala is also the headquarter of the Kangra district. Sightseeing in Dharamshala -
Chamunda Devi Temple: Just 24 km from Kangra and 15 km from Dharamshala is the famous temple of goddess Chamunda Devi (Chamunda Nandikeshwar Dham). At the back of the temple is a cave-like scoop where a stone "Lingam" under a boulder represents Nandikeshwar (Shiva). The temple complex is an enchanting spot with glorious view of Dhauladhar, the Baner Khad and Dadh. A vast running water pool houses the statues of Lord Shiva and Saraswati. A trek of about 16 km up in the Dhauladhar ranges is the ancient temple of Aadi Himani Chamunda.
Pragpur: Located at an elevation of 2000 feet above sea level, heritage village Pragpur is ideally suited to explore the Kangra valley. The area has several streams that drain into the river Beas. Many places of historic, religious and cultural importance are with in easy reach. Sixty five km from Dharmshala, this small village seems to hold the kernel of much of Kangra’s rural beauty.
War Memorial: Set amidst beautiful surroundings, the war memorial is built near the entry point to Dharamshala to commemorate the memory of those who fought valiantly for the defence of the motherland. Three huge panels of black marble are etched with the names of those martyrs who laid down their lives guarding the motherland in the operations of 1947-48, 1962, 1965, 1971 and in various peacekeeping missions, bearing testimony to their supreme sacrifices.
Sujanpur Tihra: 24 km from Hamirpur town and close to the district border of Kangra is the fort of Sujanpur. This place was the capital of Katoch Dynasty and the old fort is worth visiting. Popularly known alongwith its twin title 'Tira', this fort was built by Raja Abhaya Chand of Kangra in 1758. In the early 19th century this was the home of the famous Raja Sansar Chand - renownded patron of the Kangra school of miniature paintings. The fort has a Barahdari Hall', where Sansar Chand used to hold court, some shrines and excellent wall paintings.
Maharana Pratap Sagar: Named in the honour of the great patriot Maharana Pratap (1572-97 AD) the Maharana Pratap Sagar (Pong Lake) is situated at an altitude of 450 metres above sea level, 32 degree north and 76 degrees east, in district Kangra. It is 170 km from Chandigarh, 110 km from Amritsar and 55 km from Dharamshala.
Kangra Fort: The torrential Banganga river deep in the valley forming a formidable sheer and the Kangra Fort lurking atop the flat mountain range is a scene that one encounters on nearing Kangra town when you drive from Shimla-Mataur national highway. A feeling of awe mixed with joy pervades you as you look back in time. The historical Kangra Fort is 3 km from the Kangra town. One can reach Kangra town by road, rail & air. Kangra is 17 km from Dharamshala.
Nurpur: 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.Built in the late 16th century by Raja Basu the Nurpur Fort is massive and sprawling. It spreads across a long flat plateau forming the western end of the ridge and bears signs of great architectural designs. Nurpur is midway between Dharamshala and Kangra.
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.
Kareri: A 12 km trek from Mcleodganj passing through Dal lake, Satobari and Ghera leads to Kareri village. It overlooks the flat & fertile lands of Himachal and Punjab, seems to stretch on to infinity. Kareri village has a picturesque forst rest house. 13 km further is the Kareri lake (3200 mtr) having beautiful high altitute meadows, extensive pasture lands and undulating slopes carpeted with patch work of green floral patterns. Trekkrs can experience the pleasure of a cold bath in the icy watres of gushing streams en-route Kareri lake. By road Kareri village is 22 km from Dharamshala.
Bhagsunaga Falls: Just 02 km from Mcleodganj is the ancient Bhagsunag temple dedicated to lord Shiva with a fresh water spring. Further, about 1.5 km a path leads to waterfall, which is at its pristine glory during monsoon. The view of unsullied water gushing out of the water fall and the mist emanating from the fall about 20 feet is indeed a delighting experience. Tiny water drops rising in air as a result of fall, taking from the light drizzle sooths one's eyes and mind.
How to reach -
By Air: Gaggal airport (also known as Dharamsala airport) in Kangra valley is the nearest airport. The airport is 15 km away from Dharamsala. This airport connects domestic flights to Delhi. International travelers have to connect through Delhi Airport, which is about 520 km away from Dharamsala. Delhi Airport is connected to all major cities in India and abroad.
By Train: Nearest railway station is Kangra Mandir at a distance of 22 km from Dharamsala. All trains won’t stop here. The major rail junction is Pathankot, which is about 85 km away from Dharamsala. Pathakot is well connected to all major cities in India.
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