INTRODUCTION
( DHARAMSALA)
The
great rock wall of Dhaula Dhar where wander those legendary shephardesses,
the Gaddi maidens, immediately above Dharamsala rises one o
f
the main spurs of the Himalayas, the dark, pine-covered mountain-side
reaching out towards the upper peaks that soar into the regions
of eternal snow. Dharamsala's altitude varies between 1,250 metres
(4,400 ft) and 2,000 metres (6,560 ft).
The
snow line, here, is perhaps more easily accessible than at any
other hill resort and it is quite possible to trek upto it after
an early morning's start, the glittering rays of the sun fall
upon the glossy snow and cast their reflections back in the valley
in all the seven colours of the rainbow, beckowning people on.
The scene shifts as one approaches Dharamsala, the plains below
wear a veil of blue, while the Dhaula Dhar, spur on which Dharamsala
stands rises dark and pine covered. Divided into upper and lower
towns with a difference of some metres (1,500 ft) between them
against a background of snow-capped mountains, forests of giant
conifers meet carefully cultivated tea gardens at the beautiful
resort of Dharamsala which stands on the spur of the Dhauladhar
range.
The
mountains enfold three sides of the town and the valley stretches
beyond to the south. Know for its scenic-beauty amidst high pine
trees, tea gardens and other timber-yielding trees vying with
one another for height, calmness and serenity.Now the seat of
His Holiness, the Dalai Lama, after the Chiness conquest of His
country,When the Tibetan exodus began, they first went to Dalhousie
but later shifted their colony to Mcleod Ganj in Upper Dharamsala.
Dalhousie's loss was Dharamsala's gain. Situated amidst beautiful
surroundings, the vast slopes have been developed with flower
beds, shrubs and underground electric lighting; all along are
stone walks, elegant wooden benches and covered decorated shelters.
To add to the beauty, there is an artificial stream flowing through
and tanks filled with gleaming gold fish.
The
Tibetan colony is only 10 km up the hill. Not to be outdone, Hotel
Dhaulahar had been built by the Himachal Tourism Development Corporation
with a special grant from the Centre, providing among other amenities,
a specious glassed dining hall together with a beer bar. Along
with the Hotel Bhagsu, the tourist rush will be conveniently met.
Since 1960, when it become temporary headquarters of the Dalai
Lama, Dharamsala has risen to international repute as "The
Little Lhasa in India". Dharamsala is evocative of imperial
days in places like Mcleod Ganj and Forsy the Ganj.Headquarters
of the Kangra district, it became the capital in 1852 and is 125
years old. Wrecked by an earthquake in 1905, it rose like a phoenix
from the ashes, more resplendent than ever steadily acquiring
a pride of place among tourist attractions in Himachal Pradesh.
The
high altitude, cool and favourable weather have contributed towards
the creation of a Tibetan environment. More than 3,000 Tibetans
have made Dharamsala their temporary home, living mostly in Mcleod
Ganj. After the Indo-Chiness and Indo-Pak wars, the government
erected the War Memorial to the hundreds of jawans and officers
belonging to kangra, who died in battle.
Area :28 Sq km
Altitude :1250 meters
to 1982 meters
Climate : Comfortable
around the year.
Best Season: March
to June & Sept. to Oct.
Clothing Required: Cottan
in summer and heavy woollens in winter.
Rainfall: 290 cm
to 380 cm
