Places To Visit In Dharamshala

Labelled as the little Lhasa in India, Dharamshala is one of the fascinating places for a wonderful vacation. The pleasant weather, tea plantations, snow-covered mountain peaks and several gorgeous places to explore, make it one of the most happening destinations. So for an impeccable experience have a look at some of the below-mentioned spectacular places in Dharamshala for a top-notch experience:

1. Kareri Dal Lake

One of the popular places to visit, Dal Lake is spread over 1sq km and is located in the Kangra district of Himachal Pradesh. The serene atmosphere and the calm setting make this place one of the most surreal places to visit. Dal Lake is surrounded by lush green deodar vegetation and snow-capped mountains. It is also a site of a base camp for trekkers leading to expeditions on nearby hills. Make sure to enjoy boating here and pay a visit to the Kali-Shiva temple located on its banks of it.

Timings- 7 am to 8 pm

Best time to visit- March to October

2. Bhagsunag Temple

The revered Bhagsunag temple is devoted to lord shiva and is one of the ancient temples in Dharamshala. Every year thousands of pilgrims flocks to this temple to seek blessings. The surrounding of Bhagsunag temple makes it one of the most mesmerizing temples in Dharamshala. Make sure to take a holy dip in the freshwater man-made pool.

Timings- 6 am to 7 pm.

Best time to visit- is the Summer season. Just plan a visit during September month and attend the annual fair held in the Bhagsunag temple.

3. Gyuto Monastery

Gyuto Monastery is the residence of Karmapa- the head of Kagyu Tibetan Buddhism. The monastery was built in memory of soldiers who devoted their lives to the Tibet freedom war. This monastery offers a serene atmosphere and has beautiful décor, style and architecture. Visit this monastery and capture the awe-inspiring views of the Dhauladhar in its background.

Best time to visit - April to May

Timings- 8 am to 11 pm.

4. Jwala Devi Temple

Jwala Devi temple in Kangra attracts travellers from across India. This temple is devoted to Wala Devi and the flames here are lit miraculously from previous centuries. The temple is located at a distance of 56km from Dharamshala and experiences regular connectivity.

Timings- The opening hours in summer are from 5 am to 10 pm and in winter it is from 6 am to 9 pm.

Best time to visit- Throughout the year

5. Namgyal Monastery

Namgyal Monastery is one of the most visited Tibetan temples located in Mcleodganj. There are around 200 monks in this monastery and is one of the largest Tibetan temples. The prayer wheels, the décor, and the Tibetan-style architecture is truly a visual treat for the eyes.

Timings- 5 am to 8:30 pm.

Best time to visit - September to October

6. Tsuglagkhang Complex

The religious centre Tsuglagkhang Complex is located on the temple road and is one of the major places in Dharamshala. This complex was built when Dalai Lama visited India for the first time in the year 1959. This complex comprises of Dalai Lama’s abode and monastery.

Timings- From April to October, the timing is- 5 am to 8 pm, and for November to March the place is open from 6 am to 6 pm.

Best time to visit- April to October and November to March.

7. Kangra Fort

Kangra fort is one of the oldest forts in India and is located in Kangra in the state of Himachal Pradesh. Witness the rich history and marvellous heritage at Kangra fort. The ruins loudly speak of the historical incidents the fort has witnessed. Just unwind the truth of Kangra fort's history by visiting this place and make sure to listen to the stories of the locals. Get amazing views of the Manjhi and Banganga rivers.

Timings- 9 am to 6 pm.

Entry fee- for Indians INR 150 per person with audio and guide, for foreigners INR 300 per person with audio and guide.

Best time to visit -September- June

8. Masroor Rock Cut Temple

Masroor rock-cut temple is one of the historical sites and is renowned for age-old rock-cut temples that date back to the 8th century AD. It is indeed one of the most famous tourist places and is generally frequented by history lovers, art lovers, and nature admirers. The temple carvings are superb and beautifully detailed. The carving depicts the scenes from the Ramayana displaying Ram, Lakshman and Sita. 15 monolithic temples are here, depicting Indo-Aryan style architecture, depicting various tales of great Indian epics.

Timings- 7 am to 7 pm.

Best time to visit- visit during Shiv Ratri to enjoy the festival which is celebrated with great enthusiasm, and avoid visiting during the monsoon season.

9. Dharamshala Cricket Stadium

Located in the mountains in the beautiful Dharamshala, the Dharamshala cricket stadium is one of the highest cricket grounds in the world and is one of the top attractions in the city and is at an altitude of 1457m. The serene and picturesque surroundings add to the beauty of the place.

Timings- 9 am to 6 pm.

Entry fee- INR 20 per person to enter the ground

Best time to visit - December to February

10.  Hanuman Ka Tibba

Your Dharamshala tour itinerary is incomplete without adding this fantastic place. Hanuman Ka Tibba is the highest hill nestled in the Dhauladhar ranges and is located at a height of 19000 feet. Adventure junkies head to this place for thrilling activities & things to do like- mountaineering, trekking and many other activities too. Just capture the jaw-dropping view of the sunset from the ranges.

Best time to visit- September- December

Timings- Monday to Saturday(6 am to 8 pm)

11. Naddi Village

Explore the Naddi village that is renowned for adventure and tranquillity. Naddi village is a serene village that offers fantastic views of the nearby terrain. Usually, it is visited by trekkers going towards Mcleodganj, but now it has become a very popular place among tourists due to its serene atmosphere, favourable climate and fairs that are held between April to June. It attracts numerous visitors who come here to spend a vacation in the lap of nature. Make sure to visit the echo point here and head towards the Dal lake which is nearby.

Best time to visit- April to October

12. Kangra Museum

Kangra Museum is renowned for its history, and miniature paintings. The museum houses numerous articles and artefacts that are significant to the Tibetan Buddhists and the Kangra Valley culture, the manuscripts, handicrafts, and pottery dates back to the fifth century. It also has a library.

Timings- 10 am to 1:30 pm and 2 pm to 5 pm every day except Mondays and public holidays.

Best time to visit- March to July

Entry fee- ticket price for Indians- INR50 and foreigners INR100

13. Mcleodganj

The beautiful Mcleodganj is renowned for its serene nature, Tibetan culture and amazing viewpoints. Mcleodganj is the most frequented tourist spot in Dharamshala. The Hanuman Tibba is the highest peak at a height of 5639m above sea level and can be viewed from Mcleodganj. Some of the amazing places to explore in Mcleodganj are- Triund, Dharamkot, Tibet museum, Bhagsu waterfalls, Tsug La Khang Shrine and Tibetan Children’s Village.

Best time to visit- March to June and September to November