Small yet awesome eating places around Dhramsala.

This edition of my blog is more focused on eating joints around Dhramsala which you might not have heard of a lot yet as I spent my childhood there I have a insight on some fabulous eating places one coming outside from easily miss or I should say miss.

Lets Start from entry point from Dhramsala which certainly for most of the tourist is Dhramsala Bus Stand, No matter how you are reaching Dhramsala you have to pass by Dhramsala Bus stand.

Tea Stall Bus Stand

You will a few small shops in Bus stand itself, full of workers from Bus stand, just on starting of the stairs there is a small tea stall amazing place for small snacks, tea, eggs, bread toast really I find it best place to have tea and bread butter toast though it is always cramped in space you will find one of the best tasting tea right here I say the better place to have tea as you have just arrived to Dhramsala, Tea will refresh you.

The stairs by the bus stand in lower Dharamsala:

I am writing about this out of my personal experience, during my collage day’s I use to come here a lot to have small lunch of tea and bread toast sitting on the stairs and looking around you will find a amazing view right out of the tea stall on north you will have think forest covered hills, on south you can have a clear view of Pong Dam and Kangra Valley. Get fresh and move on a good place to start your tour.

Dalhousie Heaven on earth, Established by British Army for Summer Holiday's

In western Himachal Pradesh, the hill station of Dalhousie is full of 'Old world' charm and holds lingering echoes of the 'Raj'. It covers an area of about 14 sq. km and is built on five hills - Kathlog, Potreyn, Tehra, Bakrota and Balun.It is name after the British Governor - General of the l9th century, Lord Dalhousie. The town's height varies between 1,525 m and 2,378m, and it is surrounded by varied vegetation - pines, dodders, oaks and flowering rhododendron. Dalhousie has charming colonial architecture, including some beautiful churches. Its location presents panoramic views of the plains - and like a long silverline, the river Ravi twists and turns below Dalhousie. The spectacular snow-covered Dhauladhar mountains are also visible from this enchanting town.

Places to Visit Churches There are four beautiful churches in Dalhousie. These are St. Andrew's Church and St. Patrick's Church at Balun, St. Francis' Church at Subash Chowk and St. John's Church at Gandhi Chowk. Panchpula(3 km) This is picturesque spot where a stream feeds a series of pools. A monument has been built here in memory of the freedman fighter, Sardar Ajit Singh Subhash Baoli (1 km) It was at this enchaining spot surrounded by majestic trees, that Subhash Chandra Bose spent a lot of time in 1937, contemplating and mediating. Access Accommodation Climate Excursions Food Shopping Places to Visit Best time to visit BaraPathar (4 km) There is a small temple amidst a thick forest. Kalatop(10 km) This wild life sanctuary is home to the 'ghoral' and Himalayan black bear. Excursions Numerous trek routes lead out of the Dalhousie - Khajjiar - Chamba triangle and there are several within it. Some important ones are - Chamba to Bharmour, Chamba to Palampur (over the Dhauladhar ranges), Chamba to Pangi and Bharmour to Keylong via Kugti Pass. Access Dalhousie could be reached by a combination of air, rail and roadways or just by taking to the roadway. Airways There is no direct flight for Dalhousie. You can end your air travel at Delhi, Shimla or Chandigarh. From there onwards you can avail the bus or the taxi services. Other options are Gaggal (near Dharamsala), Amritsar (Punjab) and Jammu (J & K) lying with 130-200 km. Roadways Lying on the Chamba-Pathankot main road. For those heading from Pathankot should divert at Banikhet, which is just 5-6 km away from Dalhousie. Otherwise also, the places is well connected from a number of centres. Road distances to important places (km about) Chamba via Banikhet : 55 km Chamba via Khajjiar : 50 km Pathankot : 80 km Dharamsala via Banikhet/Chakki/Nurpur : 145 km Dharamsala via Bakloh, Lahru, Sihunta, Shahpur : 130 km Jammu : 190 km Mandi : 275 km Manali : 380 km Chandigarh via Pathankot : 320 km Shimla : 340 km Taxi Taxi stand at Dalhousie provides services to and from Pathankot, Chamba, Khajiar, Brahmaur, Kalatope and Dharamsala. Rates are as follows (Rs approx): Brahmaus : RS 1400 one way Chamba : RS 600 (one way) and RS 850 (return via Khajiar) Dharamsala : 1400 (one way) Kalatope : RS 400 (return) Khajiar : RS 450 Pathankot : RS 850 Bus Bookings can be made at the bus stand at Dharamsala, Pathankot, Chandigarh and Shimla. The booking office at Dalhousie opens at 900 am and works till 500 pm (in the evening). Approximate fares are as : Chamba : RS 40 - 3 hrs Dharamsala : RS 90 - 6 hrs Khajiar : RS 20 - 90 minutes Pathankot : RS 50 - 4 hrs For Pathankot, which is just around 80 km from Dalhousie, there are buses, almost every year. For Dharamsala, the bus is these only in the early morning hour. Alternatively, people opt for the bus heading to Pathankot, and change midway at Chakki. Two or three buses start for Shimla as well as Manali. Private buses are also available for Khajiar. Railways There is no direct rail connection to Dalhousie. One can head for Pathankot in Punjab and therefrom use the bus/taxi services for Dalhousie. Important trains from Delhi, Jodhpur and Moradabad are as follows : Train To and From Duration (about) Jammu Delhi Express Old Delhi 12 hrs Jammu Jodhpur Express Jodhpur 20 hrs Jammu Sealdah Express Moradabad 14 hrs Jhelum Express New Delhi 11 hrs Malwa Express New Delhi 8 hrs Pathankot Jammu Mail New Delhi 12 hrs Shalimar Express Old Delhi 12 hrs Swaraj Express New Delhi 8 hrs Food Bengal Sweet Shop : Famous for its Bengali sweets like Ras Malai, Rasogolla and Gulab Jamun. Located at Gandhi Chow Dhabas : Alishan, Amritsari and Sheki Punjab dhabas are worth check out. Glory Restaurant : A Gujarati thali costs RS 75 (approx). Located near bus stand Kwality Restaurant : Located near Gandhi Chowk. Good services come with reasonable prices. Lovely Restaurant : South Indian and Chinese cuisine are served here. Moti Mahal Restaurant : Near Subhash Chowk. South Indian food is served. A bar is also there. Preet Palace Restaurant : One of the joints where Mughalai cuisine is available. Also served are Kashmiri and Chinese foods. Shopping Located on Thandi Sarak, the Himachal Handloom Industry Emporium has a collection of woolden shawls. Made to order Tibetan carpets can be procured from the Tibetan Handicrafts Centre. Besides carpets, Tibetan handicrafts centre showroom sells bags, purses and other memorabilia. Private shopkeepers, too, sell items of art and craft and woollen shawls including Kashmiri. Accommodation Dalhousie Deluxe Hotels Hotel Grand View, Dalhousie Hotel Mount View, Dalhousie Dalhousie Heights , Dalhousie Alps Resort, Dalhousie Lall Ji Tourist resort , Dalhousie Peace Channels , Dalhousie Dalhousie Standard Hotels Hotel Spring, Dalhousie Chaanakya , Dalhousie Hotel Shangri-La , Dalhousie Dalhousie Budget Hotels Aroma n claires , Dalhousie Hotel Nest , Dalhousie Hotel Silverton , Dalhousie Hotel Ark , Dalhousie Climate Conditions In winter, the temperature can drop below freezing point when heavy woolens are required. During the summer the climate is mild and light woo!lens /cottons are recommended. Best time to visit November to February.

Places around Dhramsala

Dharamsala earns its claim to fame for being the abode of Dalai Lama and the Tibet’s government in exile after the invasion of the Chinese government in October 1959.

Dharamsala is also famous as the retreat of the British. The scenic backdrop of the Dauladhar hills confers an irresistible charm to this place. Every year it is thronged by numerous tourists seeking tranquility and seclusion from the din and rush of the city life. There are many tourist attractions in Dharamsala that are worth catching a glimpse and the Tibetan monasteries occupy an important place. Namgyal Monastery is one such monastery worth visiting. You will also find 'Tsuk-La-Khang', opposite the Dalai Lama's residence reminds one of Lhasa and is the repository of huge gilded bronzes of the Buddha, Avalokiteshwara, and Padmasambhava.

If you want a rejuvenating experience then you must pay visit to the meditation centers that are located here. One such meditation centre is Tushita Meditation Center that also offers classes for the beginners. Among the tourist attractions in Dharamsala, the Kangra Art Museum occupies an important place and is situated south of Lower Dharamsala tourist office. There are miniature paintings from the Kangra School of Art, which flourished in the Kangra Valley during the17th century. There are also several skillfully embroidered Kangra costumes, along with woodcarvings and tribal ornaments.

The Dharamsala tourist attractions also cover the various other attractions such as the library of Tibetan works and archives located in the Central Administration compound at the southern part of McLeod Ganj, houses some of the world's most wide-ranging collections of original Tibetan manuscripts. These consist of antique texts and books on every possible aspect of Tibet, a pile of information on the Indian culture, and a repository of old photographs. You will find colorful Tibetan motifs that are decorated outside.

McLeod Ganj is one such place which also demands a visit on a tour to Dharamsala and there is Tibetan Children's Handicraft and Vocational Center that instructs Tibetan refugees in the various creative pursuits such as thanka painting, carpet weaving, and even marketing. The shop freaks can also make their way to some of the finest shopping centers that are dotted all over the place and would make for great leisure pastime. The natural attractions are some of the most interesting things to watch in Dharamsala.

Touristplacesinindia.com offers online information on the Tourist Attractions in Dharamsala and also offers useful inputs about Dharamsala.



Places to Visit in Dharamshala

The variety Dharamshala offers ranges from temples, churches and monasteries to museums, ancient towns and places of natural beauty. Every season and every spot has its own offering.
Places to Visit
Excursions
Other Attractions
Access
Climate
Best time to visit

War Memorial
At the very start of town, landscaped lawns fill a pine grove where a monument has been raised to commemorate the post independence war heroes of Himachal Pradesh. Kangra Art Museum.

Kotwali Bazar
This treasure love of the Kangra valley's arts, crafts and rich past displays artifacts that date back to the 5th century. It includes gallery of Kangra's famous miniature paintings and a representative collection of sculptures, pottery and anthropological items. 'Shamianas' and dresses used by local royalty, old carved doors, jails, lintels and pandals are also on display. Coins, jewellery and manuscripts are included. A section houses the work of contemporary artists, sculptors and photographers. The library is just below this.

Excursions

Dal Lake:
11 km from Dharamshala and surrounded by deodar trees, the lake fills a mountain bowl, On the motor - road, this is an enchanting and serene picnic spot.

St. John's Church
8 km from Dharamshala, between Forsythganj and McLeodganj is the charming dressed- stone church of St. John in the wildness. Under the shade of deodar branches, a memorial has been erected over the body of the British viceroy, Lord Elgin who died at Dharamshala in 1863. There is a wall tended old graveyard on these grassy slopes.

McLeodganj
Often called the' Little Lhasa' at 1770 m, this is the residence of His Holiness the Dalai Lama. The Tibetan government-in-exile has been here for over three decades. The impressive monastery has larger than life images of the Buddha, Padmasambhava and Avalokteshwara. The large Tibetan community and the presence of traditional architectural designs drawn from Tibet have enhanced the area. A host of Tibetan handicrafts, curios and garments are available on sale and every Sunday, a flea-market appears.

Bhagsunath
Close to fresh water springs, this ancient temple is 11 km from Dharamshala. It is a popular picnic spot and the famous slate quarries are close by.

Kunal Pathri
A 3 km level walk from the Kotwali Bazaar leads up to this rock temple.

Dharmkot
On the crest of a hill this attractive picnic spot presents a panoramic view of the Kangra valley and the Dhauladhar ranges. This is 11 km from Dharamshala.

Triund
Based at the root of the Dhauladhar ranges,Triund is at a height of 2827m and is 17 km from Dharamshala. The snowline starts at llaqua 5 km from here. This is a popular picnic spot and trek route, with spectacular views of the mountains and valleys. There is a lovely forest rest house here.

Kareri
22 km from Kotwali Bazzar, amidst sylvan surroundings, there is a rest house here. Surrounded by open meadows and thick woods,the Kareri lake is 13 km ahead.

Chinmaya Tapovan
10 km from Dharamshala on the banks of the rivulet Bindu Saras, is an ashram complex established by the late Swami Chinmayananda, a noted exponent of the Gita. The complex includes a 9m high image of Lord Hanuman, a magnificent Ragunath Temple, a meditation hall, a school, and a health and recreation center.

Masrur
13 km south of Kangra is this large, monolithic temple, similar to the temples of Ellora. With rich ornamentation, this is the only shrine carved out of live rock in north India. Images of Lord Rama, Laxman and Sita are installed here.

Tilokpur
41 km from Dharamshala,on the highway to Pathankot, there is a cave temple with a stalactite and stalagmite dedicated to Lord Shiva.

Sujanpur Tira
80 km from Dharamshala, this historic town is famous for its wall paintings, temples and fort. Here, the festival of holiday a major event.

Andretta
13 km from Palampur, the famous artist S. Sobha Singh lived here for several years. A gallery houses some of his major works. Also, there is a pottery centre at Andretta.

Other Attractions

The temple of Jawalamukhi, Chamunda Devi and Briheshweri Devi are other pilgrim centres close to Dharamshala. The forts of Kangra and Mangarh are other attractions.

Adventure Activities and Sports
Between May and October, the Dhauladhar ranges offer an enormous variety of trekking and rock climbing. Himachal's mountaineering institute has a branch at Dharamshala.

Fishing
The 20 km stretch of the river Beas between Nadaun and the Pong Dam offers ample opportunities in angling for mahseer.

Shopping
For local handicrafts at Kotwali bazar, Tibetan handicrafts and carpets at McLeodganj.

Transport Information

By Air
Dharamsala can be approached by air from Delhi. The nearest airport is at Gaggal,just l3 km away. Pathankot, the nearest railway station is 85 km away.

By Road
Taxis for Dharamsala are available at both places from Pathankot the drive takes about three hours. Or you can drive from Delhi (526 km) via Chandigarh, Kiratpur and Bilaspur - this should take around 8 hours. From Delhi and Shimla, luxury buses ply to Dharamsala.

Climate Conditions

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.

Best time to visit

Well, everyone has preferences. So, check out to see which time of the year you would like to be in Dharamsala.

If you are a heat freak then mid-April to mid-July is the time for you to be in India and in Dharamsala. Well, as compared to the plains of Delhi, Dharamsala is much cooler but still it can get quite hot at this time.

Mid-July to September is the monsoon season. If you like singing in the heavy rain then its time for you to be in Dharamsala. 'Notorious monsoon' as I prefer to call it. It can pour cats and dogs. Dharamsala, according to Indian metrological study receives the second highiest rainfall in India after Chirapunji. Be sure to equip yourself with a good rainsuit and a strong and a big umbrella.

October to December can be rather cool and you need to be careful in the early hours and in the evenings. It can be chilly. Some light warm clothes are an ideal companion. Daytime can be warm with generous amount of sunshine and clear sky. Beautiful scenery and good weather.

Snowtime!!!!! Anyone????? Usually Dharamsala experiences snow anytime in January or February, around the same time as the 'Losar' - Tibetan New Year. Don't bother to bring heavy warm clothes....woolen gloves, socks, sweaters or shawl are all available in shops here for reasonable prices.

Accommodation

Deluxe Hotels

Asia Health Resorts,Dharamshala

Grace Cottage - Dharamshala

Anand Palace [Best Western], Melcondganj

Snow Hermitage Resorts, Dharamsala

Surya Resort Melcodganj

Spring Valley Resort, McLeodganj, Dharamshala


Standard Hotels

Anupam Resort

Nishaad Resorts

White Heaven Estate, Dharamshala