Dharmasala in the upper reaches of the Kangra valley at an altitude between 1250 meters and 2000 meters in Himachal Pradesh, is better known as the home in exile of the Dalai Lama, the Tibetan Buddhist religious head. The Dharamsala region, that became the home of the Tibetan government in exiles since 1960, has become a prolific Buddhist centre. Over the past four decades the Tibetan community in exile has established over 200 monasteries and nunneries with enrollments of over 20,000 monks and nuns. While Indian Buddhism was on its decline in India, this region tried its best to survive and partly succeeded also. Today a home to several Buddhist temples and monasteries, Dharamsala is also known as a place of peace and harmony while spreading the same throughout the world.

General Information

• Country : India
• State/Region : Himachal Pradesh
• Location : In the Kangra Valley.
• Climate : Summer - Mild and Moderate; winter - Cold and chilling.
• Best Time to Visit : April to June, September and October.
• Significance : The home to the Tibetan Buddhist head, the Dalai Lama.
• Language : Hindi, English, Urdu, Punjabi and Pahari(local dialects)
• Eating Out : Tibetan Dishes like thukpa (noodle soup), momo (steamed meat dumplings), sizzlers, sukiyaki, pancakes, pizzas and spaghetti.

Major Buddhist Destination(s)

• McLeodganj : Also known as the Little Lhasa, McLeodganj, which is at an altitude of 1770 meter, is the residence (The Tsuglagkhang Complex) of the Dalai Lama, the Tibetan Buddhist head. There are larger than life images of the Buddha, Padmasambhava and Avalokteshwara in McLeodganj, which at once attracts the onlookers. With prayer wheels off the sidewalk, McLeodganj is also known as Little Lhasa, thereby spreading the message of peace and harmony everywhere.
  
  
• Namgyal Monastery : Namgyal Monastery, which was founded by the third Dalai Lama in the late sixteenth century CE to assist him in carrying out his religious activities, even today helps His Holi Highness, the present Dalai Lama in his religious activities. The uniqueness of the Namgyal monastery lies in its diverse practices - The Namgyal monks perform prayers and rituals of all the major schools of Tibetan Buddhism. Situated next to the Central cathedral, the monastery hosts more than 180 monks, who follow the practices related to the Vajrayana Buddhism.
  
  
• Tsuglag Khang or the Central Cathedral : Situated in front of the residence of His Holiness the Dalai Lama, Tsuglag Khang is known better known as the main temple among the Indian devotees.The central cathedral houses three images - Sakyamuni Buddha, Padmasambhava and Avalokitesvara. The image of Sakyamuni Buddha is considered as the main image, build of gilded bronze with a height of three meters. The central cathedral owns the entire set of the Buddhist canons - Kagyur(Direct teachings of the Buddha) and Tengyur(collection of later commentaries on Kagyur by Indian Buddhist scholars). The Central Cathedral also conducts the public prayers, sermons and certain religious festivities, such as monastic dances.
  
  
• Monasteries : There are several Tibetan monasteries in and around Dharamsala, particularly around McLeodganj such as Dip-Tse-Chokling monastery, Nechung monastery and Gadong monastery, which not only clears the picture of Tibetan culture, but also presents close insight of the Tibetan Buddhism.
  
  
• Namgyalma Stupa : Surrounded by prayer wheels, the Namgyalma Buddhist stupa, has been erected as a memorial to those Tibetans who lost their lives fighting for a free Tibet. Located at the centre of McLeod Gunj, Namgyalma Stupa stands as a monument to the determination of a suppressed people to preserve their distinctive way of life against overwhelming odds. For 24 hours, the devotees turn prayer wheels as they recite mantras.
  
  
• Tushita Retreat Centre : Situated just above McLeodGunj, Tushita retreat centre is an ideal place for meditation and spiritual retreats. A residential centre, Tushita retreat centre provides frequent courses on several aspects of the Tibetan Buddhism.

Other Attractions

• Mountaineering Institute : Located on the road to Dharamkot is a famous mountaineering institute, which organises treks to several picturesque sights and a hot destination with the tourists.

Nearby Attractions

• St.John in the wilderness : A stone church with delicate stained glass windows and a memorial to Lord Elgin lies at a distance of 8 km from Dharamsala, is a frequently visited place by the tourists.
  
  
• Dal Lake : Dal Lake, 11 kilometers from Dharamsala, is a perfect scenic beauty, surrounded by deodar trees and an enchanting picnic spot. An idea of a perfect holiday!
  
  
• Trilokpur : A natural cave temple, dedicated to Lord Shiva, which is a sacred place for the Hindus at Trilokpur, is 41 km away from Dharamsala.
  
  
• Masrur : 40 kilometers from Dharamsala and 15 kilometers from Kangra, Masur presents beautiful temples(8th century CE), carved out of monolithic rocks in the style of the Kailash Temple at Ellora.
  
  
• Dharamkot (2,100m) : Above Upper Dharamsala is the Dharmkot Hill, 11 km away, which provides a panoramic view of the majestic Dhauladhars.
  
  
• Bhagsunath : Close to Dal Lake is the shrine of Bhagsunath, an easy walk from the Macleodganj Bazaar, 11 km from Dharamsala and also includes a pretty waterfall.
  
  
• Chamunda Devi Temple : A sacred place for the Hindus, the Chamunda Devi temple is at a mere distance of 15 kilometers from Dharamsala and provides mesmerising views of the mountains.
  
  
• Chinmaya Tapovan : 10 km from Dharamsala on the banks of the rivulet Bindu Saras, is an ashram complex established by late Swami Chinmayananda, a noted exponent of BhagwatGita. The complex includes a 9m high image of Hindu deity Hanuman, a magnificent Ragunath Temple, a meditation hall, a school, and a health and recreation center.

Shopping
One can buy Tibetan rugs and handicraft products from the shops of the Tibetan Handicraft Centre. The shops at McLeodGunj also displays Tibetan wares such as silver jewelleries, imported goods, prayer wheels, gemstone rosary beads, and big images of the Tibetan Gods.