Dharamshala Tourism with Gem of Attractions 

Mcleodganj ,Triund Hill, Palampur and Chandigarh 

Dharamshala Tourism of Himachal: Overview

Holiday Travel India presents Himachal’s remarkable destinations tour includes Dharamshala which is hillside city located in the scenic valleys of Kangra at an average altitude of 1,475 meters above sea level.

McLeodGanj is a beautiful town situated near upper Dharamshala which is nestled amidst majestic hills and lush greenery in Kangra district. It is known as "Little Lhasa" or "Dhasa" because of its large population of Tibetans. Triund Situated 2 km ahead of McLeodganj and it is a place perfect for trekking with amazing trails offering scenic views of the entire Kangra valley.

On the other hand Palampur is the tea capital of North India. It is located 30 km from Dharamshala in the northwestern part in the Kangra valley, near the Dhauladhar ranges at an altitude of 1,220 m above sea level. Tourists can take pleasures of the spectacular panorama of rustic beauty with all possible comforts and eases which makes this trip so memorable.

What is unique in “Dharamshala Tourism of Himachal” tour package?

In this tremendous 8 days “Dharamshala Tourism of Himachal” tour package Holiday Travel India take you to the heavenly places of Himalaya that involves Dharamshala, Mcleodganj, Triund & Palampur which make this package so unique for fun and enjoyments. Where we can see Dharamshala which is popular for its Tibetan Buddhism Bhagsunag temple, Mcleodganj and Triund are famous for most adventurous zone like trekking and camping. Scenic Palampur is well known for its exquisite places of Bir-Billing and Andretta.  You can enjoy the most adventurous activities like paragliding and trekking here.

Top Highlights of this Tour

• Enjoy fun trip of Chandigarh includes Rock Garden, Rose Garden, Pinjore garden and Sukhna Lake

• Grab Scenic Views of Andretta, bir-billing and Kangra valley

• Adventure of Triund trekking and camping with breathtaking views of Mcleodganj

• Artistic temples of Bhagsunag temple, Buddhist temple Dalai Lama and Baijnath Shiva temple

• Exquisite Bhagsu Falls, Tea gardens and Saurabh Van Vihar

• Visit amazing Cricket Stadium and Dhauladhar National Park

Package Inclusion

• Daily Breakfast & Dinner

• 1 night stay in Chandigarh

•  2 Nights accommodation in Dharmshala well Furnished rooms

• 1 Night Triund Camping

• 1 night stay in Mcleod ganj

•  1 Nights accommodation in Palampur well furnished rooms

• 1 Nights accommodation in Bir billing well Furnished rooms

• Private Taxi (Indigo/ Dzire) from Chandigarh for 8 days

• Pickup and Drop from Chandigarh

• All Toll taxes, Parking, Driver night hault

• All Taxes

• Also Included Chandigarh sightseeing

Package Exclusion

• Lunch not include in this package.

• Any expenses of a personal nature like laundry, telephone calls, beverages, gratuities etc..

• Entrance Fees and Camera fees at monuments and other places of interest..

• Travel insurance.

Distance from Chandigarh to Dharamshala

Dharmashala is located at a distance of 250.0 km from Chandigarh. The hill station of Dharmashala is well-connected to Chandigarh by road, rail and air. However, the best way to reach Dharmashala is by car, a journey of about 5- 6 hours.

Tourist places near Palampur

Chamunda Devi: Chamunda Devi Temple is one of the prime religious centres, which is located at a distance of 10 km to the west of Palampur. This beautiful shrine in the midst of mountains, rivers and forests’ is believed to be dating back to 700 years. Chamunda Devi Temple complex features a Kund (a pond), which is believed to have sacred water. In addition, there is an ayurvedic dispensary, library and a Sanskrit college located around the temple.

Nevgal Khad: Nevgal Khad is one of the famous attractions of Palampur, located at a distance of approximately 2 km from the main town.  The location is popularly known as Bundla Chasm. There is a stream 300 meters wide flowing through the region that besides being a picnic spot also offers scenic view of the snow covered Dhauladhar ranges.

Al-Hill: Al-Hill is a one of the famous scenic visiting spots, situated at a distance of 12 km from Palampur. The site provides beautiful sight of snow flanked Dhauladhar ranges. This stunning place served as a military bastion to Maharaja Ranjit Singh, one of the famous tourist spots in the region now. There is a guest house and Taragarh Fort located in to this place.

kangra fort : It is also  known as the “Nagar Kot”,which is situated just 42 Kms from Palampur  on the convergence of the Rivers Banganga and Manjhi. The two entrance gates of the Fort have a beautiful courtyard in between them. It is presently preserved by Archaeological department.

Andretta : This gorgeous place is located  at 13 km. from town Palampur. It is the home of the famous artist, late Sardar Shobha Singh and late playwriter Norah Richards. This presents an excellent view of the Dhauladhar Range.

Bir: Bir is a village located in the west of Joginder Nagar Valley in the state of Himachal Pradesh in northern India. Bir is a noted centre for ecotourism, spiritual studies and meditation.

Billing: Billing is located 70 km. from Dharamshala and is a Paragliding destination in the heart of Himalaya’s near famous tourist destination Dharamshala in Himachal Pradesh. Billing provides the option of Paragliding, Trekking to Himachali tribal villages, Mountain Biking, Angling and Camping. Basically it is situated north of Bir at the distance of 14 km. on the way to the Thamsar Pass trek.

Chandigarh India points of interest

Capitol Complex: Chandigarh Capitol Complex, located in the sector-1 of Chandigarh city in India. it is a government compound designed by the architect Le Corbusier and is a UNESCO World Heritage Site. It is spread over an area of around 100 acres and is a prime manifestation of Chandigarh's architecture. Chandigarh’s Capitol Complex was in July 2016 declared by UNESCO as World Heritage at the 40th session of World Heritage.

Rose garden: This beautiful garden was set up in 1967 with the support of Chandigarh's first Chief Commissioner, late Dr M S Randhawa. Chandigarh rose garden contains more than 17,000 plants. There are nearly 1,600 varieties of roses over there. It is a spacious garden covering an area of 27 acres. Dr. Zakir rose garden not just consists of the gorgeous roses, but also trees of medicinal value. Some of the medicinal plants that can be spotted here are bel, bahera, harar, camphor and yellow gulmohar. Rose garden serves as the venue for hosting the annual festival of gardens, a major cultural event of the city.

Sukhna Lake: Sukhna Lake is the most popular tourist attraction of Chandigarh with the divine landscape. This beautiful lake is located the foothills of the majestic Shivalik range surrounded by lush greenery. It is Stretching across 3 km; this man-made lake was created in the year 1958 by damming the Sukhna Choe stream flowing from the Shivalik hills. The lake is enclosed by a golf course on the south and the famous Rose Garden on its western end.  The Sukhna Lake has the longest channel for rowing and yachting in Asia.

 The Government Museum and Art Gallery: This wonderful Government Museum and Art Gallery located in a building designed by Le Corbusier and this museum is divided into four wings dedicated to natural history, art, architecture and portraits.

International Dolls Museum: This popular museum was established in 1985 and is managed by the Indian council of Child welfare. The prime attraction of the museum is the Indian section and the toy train. The Dolls museum of Chandigarh contains dolls and puppets from over 25 different countries.

How to reach Palampur from Chandigarh

Distance between Chandigarh to Palampur is 250 km by Road along with an aerial distance of 157 km. A beautiful hill town situated in the valley of Kangra of Himachal Pradesh, Palampur is well connected to Chandigarh by road, rail, and air. However, the best way to reach Palampur from Chandigarh is by road, which takes around 5 – 6 hours.

By Air: There are daily flights are available from Delhi to Kangra Airport. Kingfisher and MDLR airlines provide its daily flight services. Kangra Airport is just 40 km from Palampur. All flights are subject to weather conditions.

By Bus: Palampur is very well connected to major cities like Delhi and Chandigarh by bus. Himachal Roadways provides a daily A/C bus service to reach Palampur from Delhi. It is advisable to travel by HRTC from Delhi to Palampur.

By Train: Pathankot is the nearest broad gauge rail-head from where a narrow gauge toy train runs. It takes around 7 hours from Pathankot to reach Palampur.

Palampur weather

Winter (November-February) : The temperature ranges from 10 degrees Celsius and can fall as low in the extreme winters. As the temperature begins to rise but the town is still draped in the white blanket. The beauty of Palampur is spectacular views in winters.

Summer (April-June): The temperature in summers ranges between 8 to 30 degrees Celsius. The weather remains pleasant throughout the summers. The day receives a bright sunny weather and evening becomes pleasantly cold. It is considered a favorable time to visit Palampur.

Monsoon (July-October): The monsoon seasons begins with the month of July and continues till October. Although, Palampur does not receive a very high amount of rainfall and considered as the best time to visit Palampur.

Sightseeing in Dharmshala

Bhagsu Waterfall: Bhagsu Falls is a stunning waterfall, situated in the small village of Bhagsu, behind the Bhagsunath Temple located about 2 kilometers away from McLeodganj about 20 meters in height the falls.  During monsoon, this waterfalls turns into a 30 ft cascade, alongside a mountain that features slate graffiti. Bhagsunag Falls and the area serve as an excellent picnic spot for tourists.

Dalai Lama Temple: One of the holy place in Dharmshla is Dalai Lama Temple. The temple complex is kept open from sunrise to sunset for the visitors to explore the peaceful ambiance of the surroundings. During the morning hours visitors can participate in the prayers as the monks chant and meditate. You can join local residents for a meditative walk around the temple/monastery complex.

Visit Cricket Stadium: The famous tourist location in Dharmshal is Cricket Stadium. Cricket Stadium (DCS), an internationally renowned stadium, is the home ground of Himachal Pradesh State cricket team. Few international and Ranji cricket matches are held here on annual basis.

St. John church: The famous place in Dharmshala is st. John Church. It is an Anglican Church which is dedicated to Saint John. This is one of the ancient  and peaceful church in Dharmshala

Delhi to Palampur

The driving distance between New Delhi and Palampur is 495.0 km, while the aerial distance from New Delhi to Palampur is 390.1 km

It couldn't be any simpler to travel from Delhi to Palampur. These are the best options to travel from Delhi to Palampur. You have to travel by road from Delhi to Palampur for 495 kms. Your options to travel from Delhi or Palampur are by roadways. Palampur is best travelled from Delhi by car.

Places to visit in Palampur

Tea Gardens: Palampur is green hill station Palampur, also known as the 'Tea Capital of North India', is a popular hill station because it is not only known for its scenic beauty but also for the beautiful temples and buildings built in the Colonial period. Here, a nature lover can enjoy a quiet stroll while feasting his eyes on the natural beauty and an outdoor lover with a taste for adventure can enjoy hand gliding and trekking during the holidays. It has something for people of all tastes, which makes it an ideal holiday resort for many.

Saurabh Van Vihar: Saurabh Van Vihar is dedicated to Indian Army martyr Capt. Saurabh Kalia, who lost his life during the Kargil War in 1999 Saurabh Van Vihar is at a distance of about 4kms from Palampur. Overlooking the mighty Dhauladhar Range, the beauty of this nature park is enhanced with the different varieties of plant and trees. The park also shelters a sizable population of birds' species, which further adds to its charm.

Baijnath Shiva temple: Baijnath is famous for its 13th-century temple. The temple is a hindu god Shiv's temple which attracts a large number of tourists and pilgrims from all over India and abroad throughout the year. Special prayers are offered in the morning and evening every day besides on special occasions and during festive seasons.

Dhauladhar National Park: Located at a distance of 13 km from Palampur, this national park is one of the major attractions of the destination. It is spread over 12.5 hectares of verdant green land at an elevated height of approximately 1200 meters.  Dhauladhar National Park, also known as Gopalpur Zoo, is one of the main attractions of Dharamshala and Palampur that draw attention of wildlife enthusiasts. Dhauladhar Nature Park lies in the Himalayan biogeography zone and has wet temperate forest cover and the park is the chief attraction amongst wildlife lovers and photographers.  Animals like leopards, black bears, angora rabbits, Asiatic lion, S?mbhar, red fox and wild deer’s can be spotted in the zoo.

Best time to visit palampur

The best time to visit palampur is in the summer from March to June when the temperatures are cool and very pleasant. The daytime temperature can be about 30 degrees Celsius but the nights are very favorable.  

Andretta pottery

Andretta pottery is situated between the old Shuahk hills and the towering range of the Dholadhar Himalaya. It is a production studio of pottery making that is attractively designed earthen slipware in which provides 3 month courses for aspiring potters. Andretta Pottery and Craft Society were started in 1983.

Andretta Pottery is run by Mansimran "Mini" Singh, son of famous potter Gurcharan Singh. These courses include accommodation, food and tuition. The cost is 90,000 Rupees (All Inclusive) (£1160/$1600US at current rate of exchange). And for 2017 it will be 1,20,000 Rupees (All Inclusive and in pound as per current exchange rates). Prices are subject to change - please contact the pottery to confirm final cost.

Paragliding in Dharamshala

Dharamshala paragliding excursions usually take place in Bir, a small town surrounded by vast mountains on all sides. Due to its rugged topography, this site makes for an ideal location for launching and landing gliders.

Best Time to Go for Paragliding in Dharmashala : The months of July and August, any time is ideal for paragliding in Dharamshala.

Best Locations for Paragliding in Dharmashala:

• Tandem Paragliding at Bir Billing (70.5 km / 2.50 hours from Dharamshala)

• McLeod Ganj (8.0 km / 25 minutes from Dharamshala)

• Triund Hill (9.o km/ 30 minutes from Dharamshala)

Bir billing hotels  

Bir Resort Hotel

TA rating - 4.0 – certified in excellence

Location: Bir-Billing Road, Kangra, Bir, Himachal Pradesh 176077

Colonel's Resort

TA rating – 4.5 – certified in excellence

Location:  VPO Bir, Baijnath, Himachal Pradesh 176077

Hotel Surya Classic

TA rating - 4.0 – certified in excellence

Location: Paragliding Landing Site Rd, Bir Colony, Chaugan, Kangra, Himachal Pradesh 176077

Pauls Manor Hotel

TA rating – 5.0 – certified in excellence

Location:  Chogan Chowk Paragliding Landing Site Rd, Baijnath, Himachal Pradesh 176077

Shivalik Guest House

TA rating – 3.5 – certified in excellence

Location:  Bir-Billing Rd, Chaugan, Himachal Pradesh 175032

Tourist attractions in Mcleodganj

Triund Hill: Triund Hill is located at a height of about 2,842 meters above sea level and with a distance of about 9 kilometers from McLeodganj (located at height of 2,082 meters above sea level) and 17 kilometers from Dharamshala.

Tibetan Museum: Located near the Main Temple of His Holiness the Dalai Lama (Tsuglag Khang), Tibet Museum exhibit Tibetan history and ongoing movement through huge collection of photographs and documentaries.

Naddi View Point: Naddi is a small village in the Kangra district of Himachal Pradesh. The Village is very scenic and is just 3 or 4 kilometers away from Mcleod Ganj, the headquarters of the Tibetan government in Exile. There are several points like Sunset point, Eco point and View Point. The sunset point really does offer beautiful sunset views. From the View point one can see the whole of the Dhauladhar mountain ranges.

Nechung Monastery: Nechung Dorje Drayang Ling Monastery has an important place in Tibetan history as the seat of the State Oracle of Tibet.Nechung monastery in Tibet lies just below Drepungmonastery, four miles west of Lhasa, the country's capital. Nechung originally came to Tibet with a descendant of the Indian sage Dharmapala.

Dharamkot: Dharamkot is a beautiful hill station, situated on the crest of a hill, around 14 kms away from the main town of Dharamshala. This stunning spot provides panoramic views of the Kangra valley and the Dhauladhar ranges.

Kangra Art Museum: Museum is a treasure house of rich heritage of the valleys art and culture, located near Kotwali Bazaar at Dharmshala. Museum is still in infancy but now the collection is incresead to 1500 art object comprising miniature paintings, textiles, sculptures, jewellery, coins and objects of cultural anthropology.

Dharamshala tourism best time visit

Dharamshala can be visited throughout the year, but tourists mainly prefer to explore the beauty of this place in summers during the months of March to June and September to October.

Dalai Lama temple Mcleodganj

The town of McLeod Ganj in Upper Dharamshala is known worldwide as His Holiness the Dalai Lama resides here and is also known as Little Lhasa of Tibet. The main temple is where His Holiness the Dalai Lama gives teachings several times a year. His Holiness’ residence is located near the main temple and the headquarters of the Tibetan Government in Exile is located just below McLeod Ganj.

The Tibetans settled in Dharamshala in 1960, as His Holiness the Dalai Lama had to flee Tibet in 1959 and the Prime Minister of India allowed Him and some of His followers to settle in McLeod Ganj, a colonial British summer picnic spot is the most sacred monument in McLeod Ganj. The temple houses larger than life statues of the Buddha, Padmasambhava and Avaloktwshwara. The temple also houses one of the largest collections of sacred Tibetan texts. It is 10 minutes walk from the guess house. You can meditate or you can take a serene morning or evening walk around the temple