Dharamshala is one of the major strongholds for the Tibetan refugees and the seat of the 14th Dalai Lama of the Tibetan sect of Buddhism. The town due to its picturesque surroundings and the presence of the Dalai Lama has become a popular tourist destination. Dharamshala tourist attractions are breathtakingly beautiful and popular among tourists.
Tsuglagkhang Complex is the official home of the 14th Dalai Lama and is the largest Tibetan temple outside Tibet. The place is a major pilgrimage site for exiled Tibetans and is also heavily visited by tourists from all over the world.
Namgyal Monastery is one of the major learning and cultural centers of the Tibetan population in Dharamshala. The monastery houses around 200 Tibetan monks and is one of the most frequented places in Dharamshala.
Masrur is famous for its various rock-cut temples that date back to the 8th century AD. The carvings in the temples are finely detailed and are similar to that of the Ellora caves in Maharashtra.
McLeod Ganj is named after Sir Donald Friell McLeod who was the Lieutenant-Governor of Punjab under whom the area was developed. The place is known for its various attractions including the residence of the 14th Dalai Lama.
Gyuto Monastery was established by the disciple of the first Dalai Lama in 1474 in eastern Tibet. It was re-established near Dharamshala after the Chinese invaded Tibet and forced Tibetans to flee to India.
Kangra Art Museum houses various articles and artifacts that are significant to the Tibetan Buddhists and the Kangra Valley culture. The various manuscripts, handicrafts, and pottery found here date back to the 5th century and it also houses a library.
Kangra Fort was the seat and residence of one of the oldest existing dynasties in the World. The Katoch rulers of Kangra belong to the lineage of the rulers of Trigarta mentioned in the Hindu Epics Ramayana and Mahabharata and also in Alexander the Great’s war records.
The Dal Lake in Dharamshala is spread across 1 square kilometer and resembles the lake at Kashmir. It is a popular picnic spot and is surrounded by thick deodar and juniper forests.
Triund Hill is one of the most beautiful places to visit in Dharamshala and one of the most popular tourist destinations in the area. It is surrounded by the Dhauladhar ranges on one side and rolling valleys on the other side.
Bhagsu Waterfall is one of the best Dharamshala tourist places because of its incredible serenity and scenic beauty. The waterfall together with the surrounding foliage makes for a great trek for hikers and rock climbers.
Aghanjar Mahadev Temple in Khaniara is an important site for the devotees of Lord Shiva. The temple, which is believed to have been built over 500 years ago is perched on the top of a rocky hill and is surrounded by forests, cascading rivers and mountains.
Kalachakra Temple, whose name translates to the "Wheel of Time" has fascinating prayer wheels. The temple is built as a tribute to Buddha and contains murals and paintings of Avalokitesvara, of whom the Dalai Lama is believed to be an incarnation.
Yet another destination in the list of tourist places in Dharamshala Himachal Pradesh is St John in the Wilderness Church, which is tucked amidst the lush green trails of deodar. The church exhibits the age-old architectural style of Gothics and owns a remarkable feature which is the Belgian stain-glassed windows.
The Library of the Tibetan Works and Archives in Dharamshala is home to some of the most important Tibetan literature in existence. Most of the salvaged manuscripts from the great exile of 1959 are preserved in the library.
The Norbulingka Institute in Dharamshala is a true testimony to the great influence of Tibetan life and culture in India. There is also a Tibetan temple located on the premises which is one of the most significant places to visit in Dharamshala.
