Places Visit In Dharamshala

Namgyal Monastery,Dharamshala

Namgyal Monastery is currently located in Mcleod Ganj, Dharamsala, India. It is the personal monastery of the 14th Dalai Lama. Another name for this temple-complex is Namgyal Tantric College.

Overview

Namgyal Monastery is currently located in Mcleod Ganj, Dharamsala, India. It is the personal monastery of the 14th Dalai Lama. Another name for this temple-complex is Namgyal Tantric College.This monastery's key role is to assist with rituals involving the Dalai Lama of Tibet. Its main tantric practices reportedly include those of Kalachakra, Yamantaka, Chakrasamvara, Guhyasamaja, and Vajrakilaya.

Namgyal Monastery is also the home of the Tibetan spiritual leader the Dalai Lama and the largest Tibetan temple outside Tibet. This beautiful monastery was founded in the 16th century by the second Dalai Lama and it was established so that Namgyal monks could assist the Dalai Lama in public religious affairs. The monks living here perform rituals for the welfare of Tibet and work as a center of learning and meditation on the profound Buddhist treatises. In 1959, the Red Chinese invaded Tibet, after which, His Holiness the 14th Dalai Lama along with thousands of Tibetans, including hundreds of Namgyal monks, fled into the neighboring countries of Nepal, Bhutan, and India and re-established the Namgyal monastery in India.

The Namgyal Monastery was first established by the 3rd Dalai Lama in 1575 in Tibet and was relocated to Dharamshala following the Tibetan uprising in 1959. The monastery currently houses around 200 Tibetan monks, who help preserve the monastery's ancient rituals, artistic skills and traditions. The study of Buddhism includes modern studies of both Tibetan and English language, study of Sutra and Tantra texts, Buddhist Philosophy, making butter sculptures, torma offerings, sand mandalas, playing various ritual musical instruments, ritual chanting, and dances.

The beauty of this monastery is so evident that even those who are not particularly inclined towards this religion will be fascinated by the serene ambience all around and by the imposing figures of the Buddha.

History

Founded in either 1564 or 1565 as Phende Lekshe Ling (on the foundations of the since defunct monastery called Phende Gon) by the Third Dalai Lama Gyalwa Sonam Gyatso, Namgyal Monastery was renamed in honour of the female long-life deity Namgyälma in 1571.Since the completion of construction on the Potala Palace, Namgyal was traditionally housed in the red section at the top of that building in Lhasa.

Following the Tibetan uprising of 1959, Namgyal Monastery relocated to Dharamshala, India, where it continues, active, to this day. According to Namgyal's website, Namgyal (Dharamshala) has "nearly 200" monks (up from 55 in 1959), representing all four main Tibetan monastic lineages.

In 1992, on the advice of the present Dalai Lama, Namgyal established an American branch in Ithaca, New York, including within it the Namgyal Monastery Institute of Buddhist Studies. On 8 February 1996, the monks of Namgyal Monastery's Institute of Buddhist Studies offered their first "Blessing of Cyberspace" as part of the "Twenty-four Hours in Cyberspace" event.

In 1998, Namgyal incorporated a Tibetan monastery in Bodhgaya, India, called Gendhen Phelgyeling. That monastery is now known as Namgyal (Bodhgaya), and has 45 monks.Namgyal (Dharamsala) also manages a temple in Kushinagar (since 1967), and an elderly home in Simla (since 1992).Whether the People's Republic of China has maintained an institution with the same name inside Tibet is unclear.

Masrur,Dharamsala

Hanumangarhi is a temple of Lord Hanuman in Ayodhya. More than 70 steps lead to the main Hanuman temple which is one of the most popular temples of Lord Hanuman in North India.It is a custom that before visiting lord Ram temple one should first pay visit to shri lord Hanuman temple.

Overview

The Masroor or Himalayan Pyramid is a complex of temples located in Masroor (or Masrur) in Kangra Valley, which is 40 kilometres (25 mi) from Kangra city in Kangra district of the Indian state of Himachal Pradesh. It is now known as 'Thakurwada', meaning "Vaishnavite temples". It is a complex of monolithic rock cut temples, in shikhara (raising tower) style of classical Indian architectural style, dated by art historians to 6–8th centuries. Such an architectural style is unique to the northern part of India while there are many places in western and southern India where such rock-cut structures exist at number of locations. There is a lake or pond called Masroor lake in front of this edifice which shows partial reflection of the temples. A legend attributes its construction to the Pandavas of Mahabharata fame who resided here during their "incognito" exile (Ajnatavasa) from their kingdom.

The temple complex is on a rocky ridge over which an array of monolithic temples have been carved which resemble the monolithic temples of Mahabalipuram, Ellora and Dhamnar caves. The central temple of this complex, called the Thakurdwara, has extensive well crafted carvings. This shrine facing east has idols of Ram, Lakshman and Sita.

Masrur is 32 km from Kangra on Nagrota Surian link road and is famous for remarkable group of rock cut temples. They form a group of 15 monolithic rock cut temples in the Indo Aryan style and are richly carved. These richly ornamented cave temples are the only rock shrines in the northern part of India.The main shrine contains three stone images of Ram laxman and Sita but the presence of the figure of Shiva in the centre of the lintel affords a strong presumption that the temple was originally dedicated to Mahadeva.

History

The temple complex was first identified in 1875 CE on the basis of antiquities found in the Punjab and its subordinate units. Temple is in the village of Masrur, Tehsil Dehra.However, the next published information about the existence of this temple complex was about nearly four decades later in the Annual Report of the Archaeological Survey of India (ASI) of 1912–13 as travel information of H.L. Shutterleworth, a British explorer, when he was exploring the Himalayas in 1913. Following this there were many other reports on the art and architecture of this temple complex by other historians. The conservation of the temple complex became the responsibility of ASI from 1914.

The exact period of building this complex is not very clear. It is a puzzle as there are no epigraphic records that ascribe any date for its construction.Considering the huge size of the structures it was believed that the temple was built under major rulers of the area and was not the work of any local chieftains. The area around the temple complex was also known to have many caves and relics indicating large settlements.It has been established by reasoning that during the 8th century kings of Jalandhar moved to Masroor from the plains (plains of present-day Punjab) and established their capital here. This is substantiated by the fact that the Gaddis of the lower Kangra district still know this place as Jalandhara or Jalandhars. Further evidence to substantiate this dating is that the Elephant temples (600–800) near Mumbai in Maharashtra depict similar architectural features as the rock-cut temples. The incomplete rock formations seen in the complex indicate that the temples were left unfinished as the capital of Jalandhara was moved to the more secure Kangra fort. The architectural features also suggested the period of "Gupta classicism" thus placing its date to the 8th century.A particular feature of note is the similarity the complex has with the Angkor Wat in Cambodia, a much larger edifice of a later period of the 12th century. This comparison has opened up an issue of further historical research on the aspect of any "regional inter dependencies or cultural exchange as a catalyst in the construction of both the temple complexes".

The opinion of historians is that the temple was built as a dedication to the Shaivite beliefs of Hinduism. But at some stage during the Middle Ages, there was a shift in the religious beliefs of the rulers and people adopted Vaishnavite beliefs of Hinduism as witnessed by the images of Rama, Lakshmana and Sita deified in the main sanctum sanctorum of the temple complex.

During the earthquake of 1905, there was large scale damage to the temple complex. Substantial part of the temples were damaged resulting in many broken parts seen lying scattered around the temple. Further, the heterogeneous structural compactness of the sandstone rock mass, from which the temples have been carved out, has contributed to the damage. A particular structural part of the temple which is not part of the main monolithic temple complex suffered severe damage to most of its circular columns which resulted in collapse of the mandapa and the roof of the structure.

Kareri Lake,Dharamsala

Kareri Lake is a high altitude, shallow, fresh water lake south of the Dhauladhar range approximately 9 km North West of Dharamsala in Kangra district, Himachal Pradesh. Its surface is 2934 metres above the sea level.

Overview

Kareri Lake is a high altitude, shallow, fresh water lake south of the Dhauladhar range approximately 9 km North West of Dharamsala in Kangra district, Himachal Pradesh. Its surface is 2934 metres above the sea level. Snow melting from the Dhauladhar range serves as the source of the lake and a stream, Nyund is the outflow. Since the source is fresh melting snow and the lake is shallow, water visibility is very high and in most places, the lake bed can be seen.

Kareri lake is best known for being a trekking destination in the Dhauladhars. The lake remains frozen from early December to March–April. There is a temple dedicated to Lord Shiva and Shakti on a hilltop overlooking the lake.. A few gaddi kothis are present on the other side of the lake, an area which is used by the gaddis as a grazing ground for their animals. Kareri Lake serves as a base for trekking further into the Dhauladhar and onward to Chamba and Bharmour via the Minkiani Pass (4250m) and Baleni Pass (3710m).

With the trek altitude of 3,300m above the sea level, the Kareri Lake Dharamshala or the Kumarwah Lake is one of the most stunning lakes in Himachal Pradesh. With the melting snow of the Dhauladhar Range as the source of water, this quaint lake and the terrains that leads to it, entices trekkers from different corners of the world. While the Dhauladhar Range adds to the mesmeric appeal of this lake, the fact that it remains frozen during early December to March/April, serves as the main attraction of this trek. The Kareri Lake trekking originates from the Kangra District of Himachal Pradesh and takes the participants through lush forests, narrow terrains, whirly passes, scenic meadows and much more. Adding more, while on this trek, the trekkers can also participate in local tours and adventure activities like Tyrolean Traversing.

History

Kareri Lake is not connected by a road. The closest roadhead is at Nolli village, which is on the route from Salli village to Kareri Village. One can stay overnight at the Snow Monk Camp in Salli for preparations. From Salli village,there are 2 options of visiting Kareri Lake. If someone has just 1 night, then the route via Nolli village offers that option. One can drive till Nolli Village and start the trek to return the next day after camping.

If there are 2 nights at disposal, then the second relatively lesser know, easy and lovely route is along the Khauli river from Salli Village, which flows from the glaciers under the Baleni Pass. From Salli village, one can trek for 7-8 kms/ 4hours appx and reach the camp at Daled. With a two nights stay at Daled one can climb to Kareri Lake over the ridge on the right flank. The entire route is scenic with dense forest, river, meadows and then the highlands of Daled and Chagroutu.

The other traditional route is accessed through a 9 km dirt road linking Kareri village from Ghera. Ghera is accessed either by shared jeep from Dharamsala or on foot from Naddi . The schedule of jeeps from Dharamsala to Ghera is irregular, and jeeps from Ghera to Kareri even more so. A taxi from Ghera to Dharamsala costs 800 Rupees as of early 2016. The trail is not well marked and a guide may be required. It is a long, near about 6km trek and moderate trail. It is steep and more adventurous in the last portion of about 1km up to the lake from this side of the route wherein you have to climb a mountain via a steep route alongside a stream which flows from the very same mountain.The lake surrounded by mountain tops on all sides is situated just on the other side of the top.

Gyuto Monastery,Dharamsala

The Gyuto Monastery is one of the most famous monasteries and specializes in the study of Tantric meditation, Tantric ritual arts and Buddhist philosophy. It was founded in Tibet in 1474 by the main disciple of the first Dalai Lama, Jetsun Kunga Dhondup. After the communist Chinese invasion of Tibet in 1959, the monastery was re-established in India.

Overview

Dharamshala, as the name suggests, is a religious abode for the needy. These religious abodes have grown up from the origin of different religions of the worlds and have guided the people of this serene hill station since time immemorial. Thus, along with the presence of many age-old Hindu temples and churches, a remarkable co-existence of the Buddhist monasteries is observed. One such place of utmost importance is the Gyuto Monastery in Dharamshala. Known all over the world for the heart-touching history associated with it, this monastery has always depicted how tantrism, a practice of the ancient black magic, can be used for the well-being of the people. Thus, as a pilgrimage site for the followers of Buddhism and as a site igniting many curiosities, the Gyuto Monastery is visited by people from all over the world.

One of the most famous monasteries in Tibet, the Gyuto Monastery is known for its study of Tantric meditation, Tantric ritual arts and Buddhist philosophy. It was founded in Tibet in 1474 by the main disciple of the first Dalai Lama, Jetsun Kunga Dhondup. After the communist Chinese invasion in 1959, the monastery was re-established in India.

The monks here practice the major Tantric texts including Guhyasamaja, Chakrasamvara and Yamantaka. They have passed these lineages on to the younger generation of monks for more than 500 years.

The main chamber of the monastery has a majestic statue of the Buddha and with the backdrop of the snow-clad mountains, this is an extremely serene and peaceful place to spend an afternoon.

History

Gyuto Monastery is located at Sidbhari, 6 km from Dharamshala on the main road to Palampur. It is the abode of Karmapa (Head of the Kagyu Tibetan Buddhism). Also called TCV School this monastery houses the image of Sakhyamuni Buddha enclosed in a small chamber. The Monastery was built in memory of Tibetan soldiers who lost their lives during Tibetan freedom struggle. The magnificent snow-clad Dauladhar forms the backdrop to the Monastery, thereby giving it an appealing look.

The structure of the stupa inside the Monastery resembles 'Ashoka stupas' of 3rd century BC. Present Karmapa Ogyen Trinley Dorje along with nearly 200 monks stays here. Tourists, spiritual seekers, nature lovers, adventure seekers and families will find a visit to the Gyuto Monastery ideal. Visitors can also take part in the prayers and Karmapa gives audience to public on Wednesdays and Saturdays.

Mid September to June is the ideal time to visit the Monastery. Buses are available from the main bus stand at Dharamsala to the Monastery. Bhagsung waterfall, Namgyal Monastery, Dalai Lama Temple Complex, Jawalamukhi Devi Temple, Tsuglag Khang, Kangra Valley, Dharamshala War Memorial, Aghanjar Mahadev Temple and Library of Tibetan Works and Archives are some other attractions near Gyuto Monastery.

Kangra Museum,Dharamsala

This museum, just off the main street, displays some fine miniature paintings from the Kangra school, and Chamba rumal embroideries, along with traditional costumes from the area and photos from the devastating 1905 Kangra earthquake.

Overview

The riveting Kangra Art Museum is located at the center of Dharamshala in the quaint state of Himachal Pradesh. A must visit place for art lovers and history buffs, this museum has a great collection which embodies various cultures especially that of the Tibetans, due to its close proximity to Tibet. The place is attractive not only for the wealth of information that it can offer on the region’s past, but also for the pleasant location in which it is located. Containing a lot of artifacts which include but are not limited to ancient coins, glinting weapons and stunning sculptures, this place is definitely worth the time spent. The prime attraction of the museum are the miniature paintings which have to be looked into for its intricate and mesmerizing work. The museum also hosts some space where artists can be found painting and displaying their work.

The Archaeological Museum at Kangra Fort, Kangra (H.P.) was opened to the public on 26th January 2002. Located to the east of the fort under its shadow, and overlooking the gorgeous river Banganga, the museum has a moderate collection of stone tools of the prehistoric periods, besides sculptures, architectural members, coins and paintings of the historical periods. All artifacts are classified and arranged in four main Sections in different museum galleries. Over the years, these objects have been acquired from different sources which are all now registered and thoroughly documented. Best among them are put on display.

Section I (Prehistory Section) display s the Lower Paleolithic tools comprising chopper-chopping, unifacial and bifacial stone tools, hand-axes, cleavers, etc. In addition, there are demonstrated translites and charts depicting evolution of man and its various cultural stages. A translite in this Section reveals brief history of Kangra Fort in particular, and that of the Kangra region, in general.Section II (Sculpture Section) shows an array of Hindu and Jain deities, represented by Shiva, Vishnu, Uma-Maheswar, Ganesh, Hanuman, on one hand, and Jain Tirthankaras, on the other Of most noteworthy amongst the Jain sculptures is Lord Adinath, first Jain Tirthankara, which has an inscribed pedestal. The architectural members and fragments displayed in this Section mostly come from Hindu the temples, and include pillar bases, bracket capitals, lintel fragments, etc. Most of these members are the parts of collapsed temples which were destroyed in the massive earthquake occurred in 1905 in entire Kangra region.

History

Tibetan Museum by the Department of Information and International Relations, Central Tibetan Administration, is a major attraction near to Dharamshala. The museum depicts Tibetan history, culture, and art. The museum was as established in 1998 with an objective of documenting and preserving Tibetan cultural aspects and to educate Tibetans and non-Tibetans about this rich heritage and history. The museum is located at the main temple complex of McLeod Ganj, near to Dharamsala. Thousands of natives and foreigners visit the museum now. The building is so beautifully constructed and stands at a very picturesque backdrop.

A large number of Tibetans and tourists visit the museum now. Tibetan Museum also arranges many exhibitions, lectures, and installations here and also offer educational facilities related to Tibetan history. The special articles available here are traveling museum kits, various catalogs, and different books. The museum also takes initiatives to educate the Tibetan community about the values of human rights, democracy, environment preservation, and to strengthen the true Tibetan spirit and pride.

Kangra Fort,Dharamsala

The Kangra Fort is located atop a hill at the confluence of Banganga and Patal Ganga river (also known as the Majhi), in the south western outskirts of the old Kangra town. The fort was built by the founder of Katoch Dynasty, Bhuma Chand and is also known by other names, Nagarkot and Kot Kangra.

Overview

One of the most prominent attractions of Kangra district, Kangra Fort is located at the outskirts of Kangra town and around 22 km from Dharamshala. The fort is spread over an area of around 4 km and is guarded by high walls and ramparts. Kangra fort is located atop a hill on the base of which the river Banganga and Patal Ganga embrace each other. There are plenty of doors in this fort which are made by the rulers of several dynasties. The entrance to the fort is designed with stone carvings and known as Ranjit Singh Gate. The next entrance door to the fort is Jahangiri Darwaza followed by Ahni and Amiri Darwazas. There are three temples inside the fort called Ambika Devi Temple, the Shitlamata Temple and Lakshmi Narayan Temple.

There is a temple dedicated to Jaina Tirthankaras where a stone image of Lord Adinath is installed. A staircase in between the temples of Shitlamata and Ambika Devi leads to the Sheesh Mahal where a small hall-like compartment is designed with a block of stone at the edge of which a polygonal watch tower is installed. While exploring the part of the palace opens towards Andheri Darwaza one can see the remains of a historical mosque. Also stepwell called Kapoorsagar is a significant attraction of Kangra Fort. Kangra Fort is claimed to be the oldest fort in Himachal Pradesh.

The climb inside the fort will lead one through seven huge doors. Along the way, one will encounter a few numbers of idols imprinted on the walls of the fort. The ramparts face the valley below. One can at once see the history of this fort come alive. As one climbs farther through the cobbled path, visitors will be exposed to three temples, richly carved in the environs of the Lakshmi Narayan temple, then the Ambica temple and a Jain of Adi Narayan. One cannot deny the fact that the view one gets to look at the rushing streams of the Banganga and the Manji rivers, seen from the fort, is mind-blowing. It for us to know, that the Kangra Fort was the place of governance of the Katoch Raja, set up by Shusharam Chand Katoch.

History

The Kangra Fort was built by the royal Rajput family of Kangra State (the Katoch dynasty), which traces its origins to the ancient Trigarta Kingdom, mentioned in the Mahabharata epic. It is the largest fort in the Himalayas and probably the oldest dated fort in India. The fort of Kangra resisted Akbar's siege in 1615. However, Akbar's son Jehangir successfully subdued the fort in 1620.Kangra was at the time ruled by Raja Hari Chand Katoch of Kangra Mughal Emperor Jahangir with the help of Suraj Mal garrisoned with his troops.

The Katoch Kings repeatedly looted Mughal controlled regions, weakening the Mughal control, aiding in the decline of Mughal power, Raja Sansar Chand II succeeded in recovering the ancient fort of his ancestors, in 1789. Maharaja Sansar Chand fought multiple battles with Gurkhas on one side and Sikh King Maharaja Ranjit Singh on the other. Sansar Chand used to keep his neighboring Kings jailed, and this led to conspiracies against him. During a battle between the Sikhs and Katochs, the gates of the fort had been kept open for supplies.

The Gurkha army entered the opened scarcely armed gates in 1806. This forced an alliance between Maharaja Sansar Chand and Maharaja Ranjit Singh. Because of the insufficiency of the need within the fort after a long Gurkha-Sikh War and unable to procure any, the Gurkhas left the Fort. The Fort remained with the Katochs until 1828 when Ranjit Singh annexed it after Sansar Chand's death. The fort was finally taken by the British after the Sikh war of 1846.

Dal Lake,Dharamsala

Dal is a lake in Srinagar, the summer capital of Jammu and Kashmir. The urban lake, which is the second largest in the state, is integral to tourism and recreation in Kashmir and is named the "Jewel in the crown of Kashmir" or "Srinagar's Jewel".

Overview

Dal is a lake in Srinagar, the summer capital of Jammu and Kashmir. The urban lake, which is the second largest in the state, is integral to tourism and recreation in Kashmir and is named the "Jewel in the crown of Kashmir"or "Srinagar's Jewel".The lake is also an important source for commercial operations in fishing and water plant harvesting.

The lake covers an area of 18 square kilometres (6.9 sq mi) and is part of a natural wetland which covers 21.1 square kilometres (8.1 sq mi), including its floating gardens. The floating gardens, known as "Rad" in Kashmiri, blossom with lotus flowers during July and August. The wetland is divided by causeways into four basins; Gagribal, Lokut Dal, Bod Dal and Nagin (although Nagin is also considered as an independent lake). Lokut-dal and Bod-dal each have an island in the centre, known as Rup Lank (or Char Chinari) and Sona Lank respectively.

At present, the Dal and its Mughal gardens, Shalimar Bagh and the Nishat Bagh on its periphery are undergoing intensive restoration measures to fully address the serious eutrophication problems experienced by the lake. Massive investments of approximately US$275 million (₹ 11 billion) are being made by the Government of India to restore the lake to its original splendour.

History

Dal is mentioned as Mahasarit in ancient Sanskrit texts. Ancient history records mention that a village named Isabar to the east of Dal was the residence of goddess Durga.[citation needed] This place was known as Sureshwari on the bank of the lake, which was sourced by a spring called the Satadhara.

During the Mughal period, the Mughal rulers of India designated Kashmir, Srinagar in particular, as their summer resort.They developed the precincts of the Dal in Srinagar with sprawling Mughal-type gardens and pavilions as pleasure resorts to enjoy the salubrious cool climate.After the death of Aurangzeb in 1707, which led to the disintegration of the Mughal Empire,Pashtun tribes in the area around the lake and city increased, and the Afghan Durrani Empire ruled the city for several decades.In 1814 a significant part of the Kashmir valley, including Srinagar, was annexed from the Afghans by Raja Ranjit Singh to his kingdom, and the Sikhs grew in influence in the region for 27 years.

During the Dogra Raj, Srinagar became the capital of Dogra dynasty, attracted by the cool climate of the Kashmir valley, amidst the back drop of the majestic snow covered Himalayan ranges. The lake precincts experience temperatures in the range of 1–11 °C (34–52 °F) during winter and 12–30 °C (54–86 °F) during the summer season. The lake freezes when temperatures drop to about −11 °C (12 °F) during severe winter.Although the Dogra Maharaja of Kashmir restricted the building of houses in the valley, the British circumvented this rule by commissioning lavish houseboats to be built on the Dal. The houseboats have been referred to as, "each one a little piece of England afloat on Dal."

After the independence of India, the Kashmiri Hanji people have built, owned and maintained these houseboats, cultivating floating gardens and producing commodities for the market, making them the centre of their livelihoods. The houseboats, closely associated with Dal also provide accommodation in Srinagar. Following the Mughal, Afghan, Sikh and Dogra rule, the place has earned the epithet, "Jewel in the crown of Kashmir".

McLeod Ganj,Dharamsala

McLeod Ganj is a suburb of Dharamshala in Kangra district of Himachal Pradesh, India. It is known as "Little Lhasa" or "Dhasa" (a short form of Dharamshala used mainly by Tibetans) because of its large population of Tibetans.The Tibetan government-in-exile is headquartered in McLeod Ganj.

Overview

McLeod Ganj (also spelt McLeodGanj or Mcleodganj) is a suburb of Dharamshala in Kangra district of Himachal Pradesh, India. It is known as "Little Lhasa" or "Dhasa"because of its large population of Tibetans.The Tibetan government-in-exile is headquartered in McLeod Ganj.

It has an average elevation of 2,082 metres (6,831 feet). It is situated on the Dhauladhar Range, whose highest peak, "Hanuman Ka Tibba", at about 5,639 metres (18,500 feet), lies just behind it.

Also known as Little Lhasa and famous around the world for being home to the Tibetan spiritual leader Dalai Lama, Mcleodganj is a beautiful town situated near upper Dharamsala. Nestled amidst majestic hills and lush greenery, this town is culturally blessed by a prominent Tibetan influence owing to the major settlement of Tibetans here. Mcleodganj has one of the most mesmerising landscapes in the entire state of Himachal Pradesh and attracts a lot of tourists throughout the year. The towns of Dharamsala, Mcleodganj, Bhagsu Nag and Kangra are situated very close to each other and tourists must cover all these destinations while travelling here. Few of the most eminent and religiously significant monasteries in India are located here, including the Namgyal Monastery and Tsuglagkhang, where the spiritual leader Dalai Lama resides. Tourists must also visit the scenic Dal Lake and Triund, which are apt for quiet picnics.

History

In March 1850, the area was annexed by the British after the Second Anglo-Sikh War, and soon a subsidiary cantonment for the troops stationed at Kangra was established on the slopes of Dhauladhar, on empty land, with a Hindu resthouse or dharamshala; hence the name for the new cantonment, Dharamshala. During the British rule in India, the town was a hill station where the British spent hot summers, and around the late 1840s, when the district headquarters in Kangra became overcrowded, the British moved two regiments to Dharamshala. A cantonment was established in 1849, and in 1852 Dharamshala became the administrative capital of Kangra district. By 1855 it had two important places of civilian settlement, McLeod Ganj and Forsyth Ganj, named after a Divisional Commissioner.In 1860, the 66th Gurkha Light Infantry, later renamed the historic 1st Gurkha Rifles, was moved to Dharamshala. Soon 14 Gurkha paltan villages were established nearby and the Gurkhas patronised the ancient Shiva temple of Bhagsunath.

Lord Elgin, the British Viceroy of India (1862–63), liked the area so much that at one point he suggested it be made the summer capital of India. He died at Dharamshala while on a tour there, on 20 November 1863, and lies buried at the St. John in the Wilderness at Forsyth Ganj, just below McLeod Ganj.His summer residence, Mortimer House, became part of the private estate of Lala Basheshar Nath of Lahore and was acquired by the Government of India to house the official residence of the Dalai Lama. The original Tea House built by Lord Elgin and catered to by a local grocery store called Nowrojee & Son continues to prosper to this date as a hangout for visitors to McLeodGanj.

The twin towns of Forsyth Ganj and McLeod Ganj continued to grow steadily in the coming years, and by 1904 had become important centres of trade, commerce and official work of Kangra District. But much of the town was destroyed by the devastating 7.8 magnitude 1905 Kangra earthquake at 6:19 am 4 April 1905; close to 19,800 people were killed and thousands were injured in the Kangra area. The earthquake destroyed most buildings in Kangra, Dharamshala, and McLeod Ganj; even the Bhagsunath Temple was destroyed.Thereafter, district headquarters were shifted to a lower spot, and the town waited another half century before anything significant transpired in its history.

In March 1959, Tenzin Gyatso, the 14th Dalai Lama, fled to India after the failed uprising in 1959 in Tibet against the Communist Party of China. The Indian Government offered him refuge in Dharamshala, where he set up the Government of Tibet in exile in 1960, while McLeod Ganj became his official residence and also home to several Buddhist monasteries and thousands of Tibetan refugees.Over the years, McLeod Ganj evolved into an important tourist and pilgrimage destination, and has since grown substantially in population.