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Dharamsala

If you are looking for total immersion into an intriguing tapestry of culture and spirituality then Dharamsala is perfect for you! This spiritual dwelling offers each and every visitor the opportunity to embrace a new culture and soak up the peaceful tranquillity of the Buddhism religion. As the home of the 14th Dalai Lama and a large population of Buddhist monks, this is one city that might just set you on the path to enlightenment.


If spiritual enlightenment isn’t quite what you are looking for then the natural beauty and lively backpacking intrigue will offer you an element of excitement and awe that will have you coming back for more!

 

The history of Dharamsala

The city of Dharamsala came to be after many people set up pilgrimage rest sites sparsely along the region. These rest houses were known as Dharamshala’s which lent itself to the city’s name. While the region was sparsely populated it was considered as one of the options for India’s summer capital after the British took control. However, this notion never came to be as most of the city was destroyed in 1905 after an earthquake shook the settlement.  Over 10,000 people were killed in this devastating disaster.

The light came at the end of the tunnel for Dharamsala with the Dalai Lama and the Tibetan Government’s arrival in 1959. This certainly put the city on the map and to this day Dharamsala attracts many Buddhist students and backpacking explorers.

Tourist attractions in Dharamsala

Dharamsala’s main attraction is undeniably the chance to meet or see His Holiness, the Dalai Lama. While actually meeting or seeing His Holiness is an extremely rare occurrence the excitement of the possibility certainly is worth a try. If you weren’t fortunate enough to catch a glimpse of the Dalai Lama then a trip to his residence is still a memorable experience.

While the Dalai Lama’s residence is one of the most sought after attractions, there are still a number of other temples and monasteries offering an awe-inspiring spiritual experience of their own. From temples to monasteries, museums to art galleries, the culture of the region is alive with wonder so arrive with an open mind and an open heart.

Spirituality and culture are imbedded in almost every element of Dharamsala, but it would be remiss to forget about the natural beauty that surrounds the city.  Take a walk to the Bhagsu Waterfall, trek through Triund or hike through the magical Indrahar Pass. Comfortable shoes and a camera are essential, so enjoy the fresh air and make sure you capture the sights and soak up the magic of Dharamsala.

Accomodation in Dharamsala

The city all began with spiritual dwellings and comfortable lodges, so you will have no difficulty in finding excellent accommodation in Dharamsala. However the hotels in the region do tend to leap from extreme to extreme. In the city you will find world class luxury hotels with beautiful bathrooms and running hot water while on the other side of the street you will have a comfortable hotel room with a communal bathroom and hot water by the bucket. This is the perfect destination for backpackers and luxury travellers alike so choose your hotel wisely!

Tours to experience this highlight

Group Tour:
Northern India Delight

Highlights worth seeing