October 19th, 2015 by Abhijit Chakraborty

If you’ve never had the pleasure of visiting a place that can be both full of life with crowded lanes and lights, and be absolutely serene at the same time with the forests and the smooth breeze kicking in, you’ve probably never visited Dharamshala. A scenic hill station at a very convenient distance from the Kangra valley, Dharamshala is divided into two parts: Upper Dharamshala and Lower Dharamshala. While Lower Dharamshala remains a commercial center with the city feels, Upper Dharamshala is the abode of tranquility and religious heritage of the spiritual Tibetan people. Read on to discover how your next trip to Dharamshala can be your dream vacation.

9 places to visit and things to do in Dharamshala:

1. Kangra Art Museum

Inaugurated as The Kangra Art Gallery in 1990, it possesses a wonderful collection of artifacts, crafts, arts, costumes, and treasures, many of which are essentially related to Tibetan history. Some of the artifacts here date back to the 5th century. Bearers of inquisitive minds, if you wish to know how the beautiful city of Dharamshala came into existence, then KAM is the place for you! Also, kids can enjoy by watching and learning the art of Thangka paintings.

A Kangra painting
A Kangra painting

2. Kangra Fort & Nurpur Fort

Both these forts are at some distance from Dharamshala. Kangra Fort is now in ruins because of the earthquake of 1905, still, the beauty of the place is retained by wonderful sights from the terrace, the Darwazahs, and the delightful carvings in the temples inside the fort. Nurpur Fort, also known as Dhameri is another beautiful antiquity, although practically tarnished by the sands of time. The sculptures and carvings inside the fort are worthy of admiration, and you get a wide range of textiles in Nurpur village.

Kangra Fort
Kangra Fort

3. Dal Lake

This lake near Dharamshala is the epitome of the divinity of nature, named after Kashmir’s Dal Lake. Probably one of the most beautiful creations to have existed in the hills of Himachal Pradesh, it’s a generally quiet and serene place surrounded by Deodar forests, which only adds to its magic. An ideal picnic spot, it also offers activities like boating and is the starting point of most treks. A kilometer ahead of it is Naddi, a scenic spot that gives a clear view of the Kangra Valley and Dhauladhar Peaks.

Dal Lake, Himachal Pradesh
Dal Lake, Himachal Pradesh

4. Chamunda Devi Temple

More than its religious significance, the natural vicinity of Chamunda Devi Temple makes it popular. Located at an altitude of 1000 meters on the bank of Ban Ganga, the backdrop of this temple are the breathtaking Dhauladhar Waterfalls and wonderful sights of a number of shrines, pilgrimages, and forests are the prime attractions of this temple. It is said to be almost 700 years old and attracts devotees from all over the globe. And don’t forget to visit the handicraft center where you can find all kinds of wooden carvings and toys for the kids.

 

Chamunda Devi Temple, Himachal Pradesh
Chamunda Devi Temple, Himachal Pradesh

Image Source

5. Hiking & Trekking

Terrains, jagged mountains, and dense forests: words that can give any adventurous person a rush and Dharamshala gives you all three. From easy and pleasant treks to extremely nerve-testing situations, you can find everything to boost your adrenaline. Treks to Bhagsu Falls, Triund, and Indrahar are famous among trekkers and hikers.

Trekking near Dharamshala
Trekking near Dharamshala

6. Rock Climbing

If you’re a level ahead of the curve, rock climbing is for you! The mountaineering sessions can go from challenging to grueling as you try to conquer the indomitable Himalayas in the unchartered territories of Dharamshala-Nayagroeon. Find other men and women with nerves of steel, probably make new friends along the way and experience the thrill.

 

Rock-climbing in Dharamshala
Rock-climbing in Dharamshala

Image Source

7. Paragliding

‘Sky is the limit,’ they say. Dharamshala gives you an opportunity to breach the limits. Soar above the Himalayas like a carefree bird and see the mystifying beauty of the hills with a panoramic view. Located at a convenient distance from Dharamshala, Billing is a famous & renowned paragliding hub that offers you this service.

Paragliding near Dharamshala
Paragliding near Dharamshala

8. Fishing

Rich in water bodies, Dharamshala has a lot of streams and small rivers where tourists are allowed to indulge in angling & fishing. In the last few years, fishing and angling have become really popular here since you find the unique Mahaseer fish variety in the 20-kilometer stretch between Nadaun and Pong Dam of the River Beas. Hunt your own supper and enjoy a calm day with friends or family.

shutterstock_320741033

9. Heritage Tour

Shout out to all intellectually enlightened people. More than its own history, Dharamshala offers you a chance to know about Tibetan heritage and culture as Upper Dharamshala consists of monks and people of the exiled Tibetan government. The Kangra Art Museum possesses artifacts that date as back as the fifth century. Establishments set up by Tibetan spiritual leaders are worth a visit to know about the Tibetan art & culture.

Buddhist prayer wheels, Dharamshala
Buddhist prayer wheels, Dharamshala

 

Of course, after all of these heavenly experiences, you would want to go back to a nice hotel and unwind. We know just the right option for you to make it possible – OYO Rooms in Dharamshala

P.s. You might like these related resources:

 

Related Blog Posts: Beautiful Waterfalls