Dharamshala is the district hqr. of Kangra district. This is a hill station lying on the spur of the Dhauladhar range about 18kms. north east of Kangra town. Hill station is wooded with oak and conifer trees and snow capped mountains enfold three sides of the town while the valley stretches in front. The snow line is perhaps more easily accessible at Dharamshala than at any other hill resort and it is possible to trek to snow point after an early morning's start.
In 1905, tragedy struck Dharamshala when an earthquake levelled it completely. After its reconstruction, Dharamshala flourished as a quiet health resort. It is divided into two distinct parts. Lower Dharamshala has civil offices and business establishments with courts.Kotwali Bazar and Upper Dharamshala compose of places with names which bear witness to its history like McLeod Ganj and Forsythe Ganj. Since 1960, when it became a temporary hqrs. of His Holiness The Dalai Lama, Dharamshala has risen to international fame as "The Little Lhasa in India".
The Variety Dharamshala offers, ranges from temples, churches, monasteries, Museums, ancient towns and places of natural beauty. Every season and every spot has its won special offering, as here under.

Dharamsala is divided into two distinct and widely separated sections - Upper and Lower Dharamsala, each with a flair of its own. Dharamsala overlooks the plains and is surrounded by dense pine trees and Deodar forests. A nearby snowline with numerous streams and cool healthy atmosphere makes the surroundings very attractive.

Known as Little Lhasa in Himachal Pradesh, Dharamshala is a beautiful town nestled in the hills of Western Himalayas. The massive snow capped peaks of Dhauladhars reign in the backdrop of this quaint hilly hamlet. Tour to Dharamshala is not only exciting but also makes you feel the variations that the little town offers, may it be in temperature or climate or the whole character. If you are planning a tour to Dharamshala it is important to know How to reach Dharamshala easily and without much hassle. Situated at a distance of only 15 kilometers from Kangra Airport, Dharamshala can be reached by all possible means of transportation within less than an hour. You can avail the luxury bus and taxis from Kangra Valley to reach Dharamshala.

The manifold tourist attractions in Dharamshala will leave you dumbfounded. You will be spoilt for choices. The colonial erstwhile flavor still lingers around suburban Dharamshala. For instance Mc Leod Gunj and Forsyth Gunj are replete with an old world charm. It houses a Tibetan settlement with buzzling Bazaars that sells Tibetan carpets and handicrafts.

Be sure to bargain to get the better of the deal. Visit the School Of Tibetan Studies where the Dalai Lama resides since he had been thrown into exile from Tibet. If you are thinking about a place to stay in Dharamshala, be assured that there are a number of budget hotels and guest houses that offers you more than comfort. Hotels in Dharamshala come in all prices to suit your convenience and pocket. When on a Tour to Dharamshala it is important that you make prior bookings in the hotels to avoid last minute harassment. If you are done with strolling in and around Dharamshala, plan a quick weekend getaways from Dharamshala. The call of the mountain is insatiable. If you go around Manali, Kulu, Kangra and Pathankot, you will understand the varied character of the Himalayas and each town nestled in the mighty Himalayas bears testimony to the fact. Dharamshala tour packages should be planned in such a way that you are able to cover many places in few days. Tour to Dharamshala is incomplete without shopping in Dharamshala and Eating out in Dharamshala. Try out the many momo joints in Dharamshala where you can have a taste of authentic Tibetan foods.

Tourist Attractions of Dharamsala:

Namgyal Monastery:
The personal monastery of The Dalai Lama, Namgyal is situated in Upper Dharamsala. It houses huge stucco statues of the Buddha, Avalokitesvara and Padmasambhava. The monastery also consists of an institute for learning, where futures Lamas are provided with higher Tibet studies.

Gangchen Kyishong:
The offices of the Tibetan government-in-exile and the Library of Tibetan Works and Archives are located here.

Monastery of Nechung Oracle:
The monastery of Nechung Oracle is situated within the complex of Gangchen Kyishong. The official oracle of The Dalai Lama sits here.

Men-Tse-Khang:
It is the center for Tibetan Medicine, located very near to Nechung.

Norbulingka Monastery:
The beautiful monastery of Norbulingka boasts of a rich collection of art, paintings, handicrafts and thankas.

Rewalsar:
Rewalsar lies very near to Dharamshala. Here, you can visit the cave temple of the great Indian Tantrik Guru Padmasambhava.

How to Reach Dharamsala:

By Air:
The nearest Airport is at Gaggla, approxiamtely 13 km away from the town.

By Rail:
The nearest railway station is that of Pathankot, approxiamtely 85 km away.

By Road:
There are regular bus services from Manali, Delhi and Shimla to Dharamsala.