Tucked in the beautiful Himalayas, Dharamshala is a panoramic and beautiful hill station that takes your breath away. The lush deodar forests and the towering Dhauladhar ranges come together to create such a magnificent blend of beauty that once you come to this place, you would definitely want to revisit it. Besides, there is no dearth of places to visit in Dharamshala, right from temples, monasteries, museums, to lakes. So, here is a brief overview of the five places that you should pay a visit to if you take a trip to Dharamshala.
Tsuglagkhang Complex
The Tsuglagkhang Complex is situated near the Temple Road. This religious center holds importance because it was built in 1959 when the Dalai Lama came to India for the first time. The place holds many Tibetan sermons now, along with music and dance performances by the locals. If you come to this complex, make sure to pay a visit to the Tibetan museum, the Namgyal Monastery, the library, and the bookstore.
Namgyal Monastery
Among one of the most popular places to visit in Dharamshala, Namgyal Monastery also holds a lot of significance because it is a center for learning. More than 200 monks reside and study in this place. This is, in fact, one of the largest Tibetan monasteries that are not even in Tibet. The architecture, the decor, and the intricate elements of design found here end up pulling the crowd all year long.
Kareri Dal Lake
This lake is named after its very famous counterpart that exists at Srinagar in Kashmir. It extends over an area of more than a square kilometer, and its beauty is simply stunning. The pristine waters are surrounded by the towering mountains and tall deodar trees. You can arrange a small picnic on its shores, or enjoy boating in the waters. There is an annual fair organized here on the day of Radhashtami in September.
Bhagsunag Temple
The temple is dedicated to Lord Shiva and is one of the highly frequented places in Dharamshala. The meandering trails and the location among the lofty mountains bring tourists of all religions to this place. There is even a manmade freshwater pool in front of the temple, where you can go ahead and take a dip. The Bhagsunag waterfalls are located closely, so it would be a good idea to pay a visit to that too.
Kangra Art Museum
The objects that are on display at this museum are mainly of Buddhist and Tibetan origin, and they date back hundreds of years. The heritage value of the place makes it a much-visited destination in Dharamshala. It has a wide variety of things on display, right from utensils, temple figurines, paintings, statues, and more. There is also a section for the modern sculptors and painters.
If you are planning to pay a visit to any of these places to visit in Dharamshala, make sure to do so between February and June because that is the best time to visit here.