Dharamsala enjoys the unique distinction of being the chosen home of the spiritual and temporal head of the Tibetan people.
Set against the magnificent backdrop of the towering Dhauladhar ranges, which rise up to more than 4000 meters, Dharamsala, which literally means the Holy Refuge, lies perched up on the high slopes in the upper reaches of the Kangra valley. Founded in 1855, it is one of the 80 hill resorts developed in the seventeenth century by the British to beat the heat and dust of the sweltering plains.
| Fast Facts |
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| Population |
19,034 |
| Altitude |
1,250-2,000 m |
| STD Code: |
01892 |
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History
The annexation of Tibet by China in 1959 did not leave many options for the 14th Dalai Lama and his Buddhist government. Moreover, not many countries were willing to risk the wrath of the Communist rulers of China, a nation that was beginning to make its presence felt in the international arena. The Indian government came to their rescue, offering them asylum in Dharamsala. Of course, there are those who opine that the Tibetan refugees were of great propaganda value at a time when India and China were not the best of neighbors. Whatever the reasons, a steady stream of Tibetans has relocated here since 1960, as much to escape Chinese oppression as to bask in the presence of the man they regard as their spiritual and political leader.
Best Season, Climate, and Clothing
The colonial origin, the Tibetan influence, and the Kangra air make an invigorating cocktail with a unique blend. Dharamsala stands out amongst the other hill stations of India. It is also an archetypal getaway for the jaded city souls with thatched cottages nestling amidst thick coniferous forests. As one looks up, the green fringes merge with the snow-clad mountains and as your eyes shift downwards, the vast panorama of the Kangra valley embraces you. It is an unrestrained battle of the eye with the scenery, and one wonders how much the eyes can behold this quiet rhapsody of the nature. The winter season is the best time to view to beauty of Dharamsala. In case you are planning your Dharamsala visit in winters then heavy to very heavy woolen clothing is required. The summer months in Dharamsala from mid May to mid October are pleasant. During the summers cotton and light woolens are sufficient owing to the sunshine. You must avoid the monsoon months for traveling to Dharamsala due to the danger of landslides.
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