Quick Guide Dharamsala and McLeodganj, Himachal Pradesh

Fast facts
State Himachal Pradesh
Distance 507 km NW of Delhi
When to go April-October is most pleasant. 
Tourist Offices HPTDC, Kotwali Bazaar, Lower Dharamshala
Tel 01892-224212, 224928
Web www.hptdc.nic.in
STD code 01892

Getting there
Air Nearest airport Gaggal
Rail Nearest railhead PathankotCantt (90 km/3 hrs)
Road NH1 and NH21 link Delhi to Kiratpur then, turn left for Ambala via Anandpur Sahib and Una. At Amb, catch the shortcut to Kangra via Pragpur, NehranPukhar and Ranital. From Kangra, McLeodganj is 31 km via Mataur.

Situated against the majestic backdrop of the snow-capped Dhauladhar range, the picturesque town of Dharamshala spreads across the upper reaches of the Kangra Valley. Dense coniferous forests of pines and deodar cedars surround this hill resort, which serves as the headquarters of the Kangra district. A motley mix of Tibetan and Indian cultures greets visitors to Dharamshala, which has long been identified as the centre for Tibetan Buddhism as well as the seat of the Tibetan government-in-exile.

The town is distinctly divided into Lower Dharamshala (or simply Dharamshala), which forms the commercial heart, and Upper Dharamshala, with the charming Colonial-era suburb of Forsythganj and the vibrant Tibetan settlement of McLeodganj.

Things to see and do
A walk around town is a good way to explore its historic treasures as well as get a feel of routine local life. Much of the town&rsquos commercial activity centres around Kotwali Bazaar where shops sell exquisite handicrafts, shawls and carpets and small eateries dish out tasty Himachali fare. A perfect way to start a day in town is to pop in to one of the local dhabas early in the morning for a steaming cup of Kangra tea while soaking in splendid valley views.

Museum of Kangra Arts
Located near the bus station, this small museum houses a treasure-trove of arts and crafts indigenous to Kangra Valley as well as artefacts dating from the 5th century CE. Of particular interest is the gallery filled with beautiful miniature paintings and a representative collection of sculpture, pottery and other anthropological exhibits. Another section displays dresses worn by the royalty, palanquins of local rajas, jewellery, coins and weapons. The museum also showcases contemporary art, sculpture and photography.   

Kunal Pathri
A 3-km walk southwest of Kotwali Bazaar winds through picturesque tea gardens and forests to this rock temple dedicated to the local deity Kalpeshwari (another form of goddess Durga). The temple&rsquos exterior walls are painted in a medley of bright colours with carvings depicting Hindu deities. The entrance to the shrine is crested by an elaborate statue of goddess Durga on her lion mount, encased in glass. A unique feature of the sanctum is the stone saucer that collects water trickling down from an unknown source through the year &ndash it is believed that if the saucer dries up, the world will come to an end. A walk around the temple complex affords fine views of the mighty Dhauladhar range.

War Memorial
Locally known as Shaheed Smarak, the War Memorial is situated just off the highway on Kachehri Road, at the entrance to the town. Set in a pine grove, it was built in the memory of soldiers who perished in the wars of 1947-8, 1962, 1965 and 1971 as well as other skirmishes. The monument comprises three huge blocks of black marble inscribed with names of the bravehearts one of the marble faces is painted with a mural symbolizing the spirit of national freedom.

The monument is surrounded by lovely gardens crisscrossed by pathways that make for a pleasant walk, especially in the evening. The complex has a small exhibit of prototypes of weapons used in the Indian Defence Services. There is also a small kids&rsquo area with swings and see-saws. A café next to the memorial serves snacks and beverages.

Tsug-lha-Khang Temple Complex
McLeodganj&rsquos Seat of Happiness Temple features 1,173 images of the Buddha along with a 44-ft vaulted temple hall. The Dalai Lama&rsquos Palace (the old Mortimer House, residence of the British Viceroy) is a collusion of office space, an audience chamber and his personal quarters.

At the Namgyal Monastery encounter the continuous chanting and monks who are going about their daily chores. The two-tiered Tibet Museum features exhibits related to the Chinese occupation of Tibet and the community&rsquos projections and hopes of the future.

Tibetan Institute of Performing Arts
Tibet&rsquos traditional performing arts too found an international outlet in their adopted home. Never was there a richer banquet of Tibetan opera (lhamo), music, theatre and dance, for the world community to admire. Book ahead for the spring (Feb/Mar) annual fiesta Shoton Opera Festival, a 10-day affair held in all its exotic pageantry at the Tibetan Institute of Performing Arts (TIPA).

Where to stay
HPTDC (Kotwali Bazaar, 176215 Tel 01892-224212) has several hotels in town, of which The Dhauladhar (Tel 224926/ 27 Tariff INR 1,800-4,500) is a good option. The hotel is centrally located with spacious, albeit dated, rooms. A short distance from the town centre is the luxurious chalet-style Club Mahindra Dharamshala (Tel 229701/ 02 Tariff INR 4,500-7,800 www.clubmahindra.com) offering stylish, well-appointed rooms, a multicuisine restaurant, a games room and a Tibetan arts and crafts shop. Those seeking a peaceful stay can head to Norling House (Tel 246405, Cell 0919816646423 Tariff INR 3,100-4,560 www.norbulingkahotels.com), situated within the Norbulingka complex.

In McLeodganj, the beautiful and always booked Chonor House (Tel 01892-221006/ 77 Tariff INR 4,500-6,600 www.norbulingkahotels.com) is near the Dalai Lama Temple, set in a garden. Its rooms are rich with Tibetan murals. The restaurant is excellent. HPTDC&rsquos Hotel Bhagsu (Tel 221091/ 92 Tariff INR 1,300-2,900 www.hotelbhagsuview.com) is good. In Bhagsu, try Hotel Akashdeep (Tel 221482 Tariff INR 1,500-2,500 www.hotelakashdeep.com) or Spring Valley Resort (Tel 221248 Tariff INR 3,400-4,800 www.springvalleyresorts.com).

The tranquil summer retreat of the Kangra royals, Clouds End Villa (Tel 222109, 224904 Tariff INR 3,000-8,000 www.kangragroup.com) is located amongst the fragrant trees on the KharaDanda Road. Drive further uphill to enjoy the picturesque seven-roomed Kashmir Cottage (Tel 224929 Tariff INR 1,761-4,000), with its gorgeous vistas. White Haven Estate (Cell 09418427531 Tariff INR 5,800-7,800 www.hotelwhitehaven.in) is a Colonial bungalow in an old tea estate.

Where to eat
The restaurant within The Dhauladhar is open to non-guests. The Continental dishes are particularly good. Andey&rsquos Midtown Restaurant that offers tasty Indian, Chinese and Continental fare, and excellent thalis.

&nbspAt McLeodganj try Mcllo, overlooking the Main Chowk. For an excellent Continental breakfast pop into Moon Peak Espresso on Temple Road or Moon-light Café along the Bhagsu stretch. Jimmy&rsquos Italian Kitchen on Jogibara Road is worth it for the food and music. For Korean, try Dokebi nearby. For slow dining, with classy wine and good food, head for Black Magic Restaurant. The small, clean Gakyi Cafe offers well-cooked Tibetan favourites at good prices. For great pizzas, it&rsquos the Namgyal Cafe or The Family Pizzeria in Dharamkot.