A picturesque hill station, Dharamshala is a delight for the tourists. Dharamshala, located in the Kangra valley, is one of the most alluring places of Himachal Pradesh. This hill station is renowned as the residence of the celebrated Tibetan leader Dalai Lama and hence is an ideal place to explore Tibetan culture and Buddhism. The culture of Dharamshala is a perfect blend of serenity and spirituality. There are numerous religious places in Dharamshala from temples to monasteries. A visit to Dharamshala temples amidst the bewitching beauty of nature and mesmerizing views of the Kangra Valley and Dhauladhar Range is a must for a trip worth remembering.
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Dharamshala houses several temples and a trip to this serene destination is sure to immerse you in spirituality. Some of the must-visit temples in Dharamshala are:
Nestled between towering hills and lush greenery, Bhagsunag temple is dedicated to Lord Shiva. It is one of the most ancient temples of Dharamshala and is visited by thousands of devotees all around the year. The best time to visit this divine temple is during the annual fair that is organized in the month of September. There is a freshwater man-made pool beside the temple which makes it a popular spot for tourists. If you are at the Bhagsunag Temple to seek blessings, don’t forget to trek to the glittering Bhagsunag waterfall. The scenic natural beauty of this place will lure your senses.
This temple is an architectural marvel with intricate carvings on the walls and pillars of the temple. The temple is known for the astonishing murals of ‘Wheel of Time’. Kalachakra Temple is located in the Thekchen Choling temple complex and was the major centre of public teachings by Dalai Lama. The beautiful architecture and pious ambience of the temple is a stunning representation of the Tibetan culture. This temple is a popular tourist attraction of Dharamshala.
Another temple that you shouldn’t miss while in Dharamshala is the Aghanjar Mahadev Temple. Situated in the foothills of the Dhauladhar mountain range, Aghanjar Mahadev Temple is devoted to Lord Shiva. The magnificent architecture of this temple built in the 19th century is a delight to the eyes. The main attraction of this temple is the waterfall that adds to the beauty of this place. The calm surroundings and natural beauty will make you fall in love with this place. Located at a distance of just 5 kilometres from Dharamshala, this temple is flocked by tourists from all around the world.
Located at a distance of about 56 kilometres from Dharamshala, Jwala Devi temple is one of the most famous temples of Dharamshala. The thing that separates this temple from the majority of the other temples is the fact that there is no idol or image in this temple. This temple is dedicated to Jwala Devi or the goddess of light and hence there is a constantly burning blue flame. It is believed that this flame has been burning from previous centuries. This temple attracts pilgrims from different countries and is on the top of the must-visit tourist spots of Dharamshala.
An ideal tourist spot for all the history buffs, nature lovers and art admirers, Masroor temple in Dharamshala is an alluring place to visit. Masroor temple is famous for its ancient rock-cut temples. There are 15 monolithic temples which are a representation of the Indo-Aryan style architecture. These temples depict different tales from the great Indian epics like the Ramayana. The detailed carvings on the walls and pillars of the temple are absolutely stunning. This historical site is a great place to witness and explore Indian architecture and its great history all in one place. Your trip to Dharamshala will remain incomplete if you miss a visit to this temple.
This temple dedicated to goddess Bajreshwari is one of the fifty-one Shakti Peethas of the country. Bajreshwari Temple is located in Kangra town which is at a distance of about 20 kilometres from Dharamshala. The temple is built in Shikhara style architecture and houses three tombs. The temple is visited by thousands of devotees daily but during the festival of Lohri, this number increases by two-folds. Pilgrims visit the temple to seek blessings from the goddess of lightning. A visit to this temple is ideal for spiritual seekers and nature lovers. If you are at Bajreshwari Temple, you can visit the Kangra Fort and the Kangra valley.
Situated in the Kangra district, Kaleshwar Mahadev temple is an ancient temple dedicated to Lord Shiva. The Shivalinga of this temple is situated quit below from the ground level. The complex of the temple is covered with numerous small tombs and shrines. The festival of Shivratri is the main attraction of this temple in which locals and pilgrims from across the country participate with great enthusiasm and grandeur. If you are looking for spiritual peace amidst picturesque surroundings, this temple is the place for you. To reach the temple, the devotees have to walk a distance of at least 7 kilometres.
Dharamshala, one of the most traveled destinations of Himachal Pradesh is frequented by thousands of tourists from in and around the world throughout the year. Tourists from different corners of the world can reach this serene city conveniently via rail, air and road transport.
By air: Gaggal Airport located at a distance of about 15 kilometers from the city is the main domestic airport serving Dharamshala. Another convenient airport is the Chandigarh International Airport around 250 kilometers away from the city. You can easily get taxis and buses from outside the airport to reach your destination.
By train: Pathankot railway station is the closest railway head to reach Dharamshala and is well-connected to all the major cities of the country. This station is situated at a distance of 85 kilometres from the city. You can hire a taxi to reach there.
By road: Dharamshala enjoys excellent road connectivity from cities like Delhi, Shimla, Pathankot, Chandigarh, and others. A number of government-owned buses or Volvo buses operated regularly for Dharamshala.
Along with the mesmerizing beauty and sparkling waterfalls, Dharamshala also serves as the home for various temples of historical significance. A visit to these vibrant and magnificent temples is sure to lure you to the core and keep you longing to come back.
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