In The Lap Of The Himalayas: The Best Of Dharamsala
With the World Cup here, many of you might have already booked your tickets to the matches in Dharamsala. But while you’re there, add these sites to your itinerary
If you are a cricket fan, which often is a matter of fact in India, chances are watching a match in Dharamsala features as a bucket-list experience of great prominence. And why shouldn’t it? The stunning Himachal Pradesh Cricket Association [HPCA] Stadium in this hill town is a worthy competitor to other scenic stadiums like the Adelaide Oval, with picturesque Dhauladhar range making for an enviable white background. With the World Cup here, many of you might have already booked your tickets to the matches in Dharamsala. But while you’re there, add these sites to your itinerary.
HPCA Stadium in Dharamsala. Picture: Unsplash
Tsuglagkhang Complex
Situated in McLeodganj, a prominent suburb in Dharamsala, the Tsuglagkhang Complex is the official home of the 14th Dalai Lama. Hence it is frequented by Tibetans, monks and travellers alike. At 1.30pm (except Sundays), you can watch monks engaged in lively debates, before you head to the Kalachakra ‘Wheel of Life’ Temple that boasts stunning mandalas and statues. The Tibet Museum also lets you gain insight into the history of the region and the struggles faced by Tibetans in exile.
Bhagsu Nag waterfall. Picture: Unsplash
Bhagsu Waterfall
Located about 11 kms from Dharamshala, this waterfall is popular with travellers for its appearance that resembles a single white silk sheet before splitting into two streams as it reaches the base. Near the waterfall is the Bhagsunag Temple, dedicated to Lord Shiva, as well as the Bhagsu hot springs which are ideal for a dip, only in the perfect weather. It is also a popular spot on the Triund trek but is also accessible by road.
St. John in the Wilderness Church
Surrounded by deodar forests, this Protestant church is dedicated to John the Baptist and dates back to the British era. Constructed in 1852, it is built in the neo-Gothic style of architecture and is one of the few buildings in the region that retained its structure in spite of a devastating earthquake that had ravaged the region in 1905. The churchyard houses the final resting place of Lord Elgin, the Viceroy of India and is famed for its Belgian stained-glass windows that were donated by Lady Elgin, wife of Lord Elgin.
Royal jewellery on display at the museum. Picture: Kangra Art Museum
Kangra Art Museum
Situated in Kotwali Bazaar, the Kangra Art Museum is an exhibition hall that showcases antiquities from Tibetan and Buddhist societies. Started in 1990, the centre is home to old relics that talk about the Kangra Valley’s history, social life and culture. Among them are gems of different clans, weaved outfits and wooden carvings. Its collection also includes coins, manuscripts and jewellery.
Artwork from the Tibetan Etching Project at the Norbulingka Institute. Picture: india.norbulingka.org
The Norbulingka Institute
Preserving Tibetan art and tradition, this centre, situated 6 km southeast of Dharamsala, was founded in 1995 by Kelsang and Kim Yeshi at Sidhpur. Here you can see workshops where skilled artisans meticulously create thangka paintings, sculptures, and traditional textiles. The institute, set amidst lush gardens, also features the Norbulingka Monastery, offering serene spaces for meditation and spiritual retreats. Free guided tours of the institute are available to visitors every day except Sunday.
Picture: Unsplash
