Rightly called the Scotland of India, Dharamsala has some of the most stunning and fantastic views of the Dhauladhar snowline and age-old monasteries, dotting the wooded landscape. Dharamsala has everything for a perfect holiday with your beloved. A perfect honeymoon gateway, the district capital of the Kangra Valley, Dharamsala lies along the spur of the Dhauladhar Range in northern Himachal Pradesh.In winter, the temperature can drop to freezing point when heavy woolens are required. During summer, the climate is mild and light woolens / cottons are recommended.
Dharamsala is a spiritual paradise and also a sacred place for Tibetans, because His Holiness the Dalai Lama lives here, a place where Buddhism prevails and the Dalai Lama is larger than life. At once earthy and surreal, Lower Dharamsala is a busy commercial center, while Upper Dharamsala with its suburbs of McLeodganj and Forsythganj, retains a British flavor and colonial lifestyle. Numerous ancient temples like Jwalamukhi, Brijeshwari and Chamunda lie on the plains below Dharamsala.
The various tourist attractions in Dharamshala are Triund, Dharamkot, Kareri, Dal Lake, Nurpur, Kunal Pathri, St. John’s Church.
A number of residential buildings, restaurants, antique and curio shops, together with famous Tibetan institutions have lent importance to McLeod Ganj. The Buddha temple is situated opposite to the present abode of His Holiness, the Dalai Lama and is worth a visit. An enchanting hill station, while the scent of pine mingled with that of incense infiltrates ones senses, it is an invigorating experience that cleanses both the mind and the soul. This place is a hot favourite among tourists, for Chinese and Tibetan dishes, sumptuous desserts and steaming cappuccino.
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Church of St John is an 8-km drive out of Dharamsala, located between McLeodganj and Forsythganj. An awesome sight, it is entirely constructed in stone. Just roam around hand in hand with your partner and enjoy the serenity of this place.
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Dal Lake
The picturesque Dal lake is a popular picnic spot situated amidst the hills and deodar trees. This lake is surrounded by the pine forests. The lake lies 11 kms. from Lower Dharamshala and connected by motorable road.It is also a starting point for excursion and trekking.
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War Memorial
Set amidst the pine groves, is a war memorial built to commemorate the post-independence war heroes.
Nurpur
Nurpur is famous for old fort and a temple of Brijraj. Nurpur acquired its name in 1672, when Jahangir, the Mughal Emperor named it after his wife Nurjahan.
Kunal Pathri
A pleasant walk through the Kotwali Bazaar, leads you to a temple made out of rocks set in serene surroundings.
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This is an ideal place for a picnic near Dharamshala. It is situated in the Himalayan mountain range and gives an amazing view of the surroundings. The temple of Jwalamukhi, Chamunda Devi and Brijeshwari Devi are other pilgrim centers close to Dharamsala. The forts of Kangra and Mangarh are a must see.
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Between May and October, the Dhauladhar ranges offer an enormous variety of trekking and rock climbing. If out on a shopping spree you will love to collect typical souvenirs from Dharamsala like wooden carvings, silk and woven woollen scarves and Tibetan handicrafts. You can also pick up prayer bells, carpets and rugs. Ancient Tibetan handicrafts in particular are a favourite with tourists. You could even buy a bakku, a traditional Tibetan dress for your beloved.
A 3-day trip to Dharamshala and other neighbouring places will cost you around INR 20000. Visit the following sites for more information :-